Overseas Training Program (OTP)

“An extended period of supervised apostolic ministry is highly encouraged for seminarians. Where it is feasible and seems suitable, this period can be sent profitably in another country or culture”. (Con. 516.4)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Overseas Training Program in Taiwan introduces young SVDs to our missionary efforts.
1.2 It is expected that students who take part in the Taiwan OTP will be open to work with the Chinese in the future. This could be within the China Province itself or with Chinese communities overseas.
1.3 The usual time is after the first year of theology for clerics and after the second year of temporary vows for brothers. Students applying must have completed all required academic assignments before arriving for OTP.
1.4 The applicant should be firm in his religious and SVD commitment. The OTP should not be used as a test for a doubtful vocation.
1.5 Since language studies are conducted through the medium of English, a sufficient knowledge of this language is required.
1.6 The OTP is a two to three year program (including Regency). Candidates undergo two years of full-time language study. This is followed by six months to a year of full-time pastoral exposure, the duration of which depends on when the school year begins in their own countries.
1.7 During the second year the candidate is encouraged to stay outside of the OTP residence, preferably in a parish, to explore one’s interest in possible ministries.
1.8 Towards the end of their full-time exposure, candidates may apply for permission to complete their theology studies in the China Province; otherwise they are automatically transferred back to their home province.

2. OTP DIRECTOR

2.1 The person responsible for the OTP is the OTP director. The OTP director preferably is a former OTP student. He is responsible to organize, plan, and implement the guidelines, expectations for community members and community life.
2.2 The director will see his priority to animate the program by maintaining openness in communication within the OTP community, and with other SVD communities as well as the superiors. It is hoped that compassion be shown in this process of formation/on-going formation both for students and director, mutual respect and understanding.
2.3 The OTP director is accountable to the provincial and his council, and he cooperates with the Formation Committee.

3. GENERAL GOAL

3.1 The general goal of the OTP in Taiwan is to provide language and communication skills.
3.2 To provide cross-cultural and pastoral experiences leading to a realistic appreciation of what it means to be a missionary to the Chinese people.

4 DOCUMENTATION

To renew the temporary vows:
4.1 An Application Letter for Renewal of Vows, addressed to the Provincial.
4.2 A Copy of Self-evaluation
4.3 Summary of the Community and Peer evaluations compiled by the OTP director.
4.4 Prescribed Relatio Form completed by the OTP director (Ref. Handbook for Superiors, Form C7d, P. 255).
4.5 A secret collegial vote by local and provincial councils.

5 SUMMARY TABLE

• OTP Newsletter