SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary receives seminarians primarily from Poland but also accepts other international seminarians from Europe, Latin America and Asia. No one seminarian experiences the acculturation process in the same way or at the same rate. There are numerous factors that influence the acculturation process. These include the individual’s openness to change or diversity, ability to learn a new language and culture, and ability to freely migrate or feel obliged to do so.

The formation program recognizes the need to address the stress or culture shock of the acculturation process. The formation program accomplishes this in three ways.

The first way is cultural learning. This refers to social interaction. The student learns etiquette, how to resolve conflict, and nonverbal communication (eye contact, bodily contact, and gestures). This level of adjustment varies among students.

The next way is social support. The seminary identifies clergy and lay people from a student’s culture who can provide friendship.

The final way is providing culture-specific knowledge and skills (The latter includes practical items, such as: social security card, bank account, driver’s license, etc.). An outline of the goals of the acculturation process are found below. For more information on the supporting objectives behind them, please feel free to contact us.

Year One:

• Goal One: The seminarian will demonstrate the ability to function effectively in the U.S. culture.
• Goal Two: The seminarian will maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Goal Three: The seminarian exhibits habits of self-discipline.
• Goal Four: The seminarian will develop appropriate new relationships.
• Goal Five: The seminarian will demonstrate a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Year Two :

• Goal One: The seminarian will take responsibility for his formation.
• Goal Two: The seminarian will demonstrate capacity for growth in affective maturity and chaste celibate living.
• Goal Three: The seminarian will practice the moral virtue of charity and an aptitude for service.

Year One:

Upon completion of the first year of the Seminary formation program, the international student will accomplish the following.

• Goal One: The seminarian will establish an appropriate relationship with the Dean of Spiritual Formation.
• Goal Two: The seminarian will identify his motivation for priesthood in the U.S. (discern a vocation that is culturally motivated and/or faith based response).
• Goal Three: The seminarian will be open to personal spiritual direction.
• Goal Four: The seminarian will actively participate in the praying the Liturgy of the Hours in English and in the prayers and songs of the Mass in English (as observed by the mentors).

Year Two:

• Goal One: The seminarian will effectively read the Scriptures in English at Mass and at the Liturgy of the Hours.​
• Goal Two: The seminarian will engage in personal prayer for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Goal Three: The seminarian will know how to use the Ordo in preparation for praying the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass.
• Goal Four: The seminarian will begin to integrate his spiritual life with the other three pillars of formation.

Upon completion of a first year program the international student will speak on familiar topics, converse intelligibly and be understood by a native speaker of English.

Year One:

• Goal One: The seminarian will recognize the multiculturalism of the United States.
• Goal Two: The seminarian will recognize the religious diversity in the U.S.
• Goal Three: The seminarian will establish contacts with dioceses in the U.S.
• Goal Four : The seminarian will promote the Christian community within the seminary.

Year Two:

• Goal One: The seminarian will demonstrate a level of self-confidence in engaging cultural diversity.

• Goal Three: The seminarian will begin to demonstrate the ability to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds.

• Goal Two: The seminarian will engage in works of justice and charity.