During the middle years of a Marist seminarian’s training, he can expect a significant period away from the seminary.
A range of experiences are available to the Marist and can include working in one of the New Zealand province’s missions, working in a cross-cultural environment in either New Zealand or overseas, or undergoing further secular study at one of New Zealand’s universities while being involved part-time in some pastoral work.
There are no fixed rules regarding where a seminarian may take part in his pastoral placement years, and the decision on the shape of his pastoral placement will be worked out with the seminarian, the Rector of the Marist Seminary, and the New Zealand Provincial of the Society of Mary.