Sulpicians: Integration Process

I found that I needed to be proactive and discern what I had
to offer the Church and what I needed from the Church.
The journey has been richer than I imagined.
–Rev. Anthony Pogorelc, candidate

Zambian Sulpician in first assignment. Release and first assignment
After you have become a candidate, the Sulpicians reach an agreement with your bishop to transfer you to the Society on a certain date. This transfer is also called a release. Your first assignment as a Sulpician candidate will depend on where you are in your studies and ministry.

Parish assignment: If you’re still a seminarian when you become a Sulpician candidate, you will not be released, or transferred, to the Sulpicians until you have worked for at least two years as a priest in a parish in your diocese, being involved in all parish and diocesan activities along with your fellow priests. In addition, you’ll participate, when possible, in significant Sulpician events. During your time as a parish priest, you’ll remain under the authority of your bishop and receive your salary and benefits from your parish.

First Sulpician assignment: When you are released, or transferred, to the Sulpicians, you will begin your first Sulpician assignment. This assignment usually consists of two to three years on the faculty of one of our seminaries. Depending upon your background, you may be teaching, doing administrative work, offering spiritual direction, and/or supervising the progress of seminarians. During this time, you will receive your salary and medical, educational, and retirement benefits from the Province. During summer vacations, you’ll complete the Sulpician Formation Program.

Membership
The Sulpician Formation Program takes place during the summer breaks of your first Sulpician assignment. The program involves study of history and mission of the Sulpicians, training in formation and teaching, and support in spiritual development. It includes a one-month program in Paris with other Sulpician candidates from around the world.

Candidates at St. Sulpice After completing the Formation Program, you can ask for temporary membership in the Society of St. Sulpice. If you need further education, you’ll begin graduate studies as a temporary member.

During the course of your ongoing assignment or graduate studies, you can request full membership in the Society.