"Formation in the means of social communication is relatively new, lacking at times both suitable experience and well prepared teachers, such that the whole formative work seems in many cases difficult, poorly organized and inadequate. There are at times organizational and technical delays and dearths which contrast with the rapid evolution that is actually going on in communication systems and techniques, involving the entire cultural, social and spiritual universe of the human person (cf. JOHN PAUL II, Message for the XIX World Day for Social Communications, 15th April, 1985). So that the preparation of future priests in this regard may be less inadequate and may better meet their needs in the work that awaits them, the Congregation for Catholic Education, having consulted widely with experts in the matter, and especially with the Pontifical Commission for Social Communications, is pleased to offer to seminaries the present "Guide" in the hope that it will help in some way in carrying out their responsibilities. Whatever possible future developments and local diversity of situation there may be, all institutes of priestly formation must today urgently face a common core of fundamental questions concerning the personal conduct of receivers, the pastoral use of the mass media, and specialized formation for particular works. On the basis of the experience of recent years we here give some general guidelines for all three levels of formation, leaving to Their Excellencies the Bishops and to Reverend Educators their application to concrete circumstances and local necessities." (Presentation)