Seminary life
The seminary forms men to be like Jesus, the good shepherd, to serve the Church and the world as a priest. There are two main steps in seminary formation: College/Pre-Theology for Philosophical Studies, and Major Seminary for Theological Studies.
Seminary is more than just a “priest school”! It is a house of formation, focusing on building up the whole man: his spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human dimensions. The heart of formation is the man’s relationship with God. For this reason, a seminarian assists at Mass every day, and engages in communal prayer (the Liturgy of the Hours) and personal prayer in a daily holy hour. Much of the seminarian’s day is spent in class or studying. He also uses what he has learned in prayer and study to serve others in various works of evangelization and Christian service. Finally, he also learns how to be a virtuous, well-rounded man through leisure time, such as music, sports, art, reading, and fellowship.
College Seminary
College (Minor) Seminary is an undergraduate program in which seminarians obtain a philosophy degree. They may also choose to major or minor in other subjects, and begin studies of Latin and the Catechism of the Catholic Church at this time.
College Seminarians attend St. John Vianney College Seminary (SJV), located on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. They take classes with other students at the university, and have full access to St. Thomas’ facilities. Seminarians have the opportunity to play sports, be involved in music, and other activities. They meet weekly as a floor for fraternal time, and monthly in small groups for sharing and encouragement. The center of SJV is its chapel, and the center of the seminarians’ day is Holy Hour and Mass.
Pre-Theology
Pre-Theology is a two year program for men who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree (or higher) and are beginning seminary formation. Such studies are pursued at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. During this time, men study philosophy, Latin, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, while engaging in various apostolates outside of the Seminary.
Pre-theologians often come from diverse backgrounds and ages. And yet they quickly find unity in their mission and focus on priestly discernment. They have the opportunity to serve others off-campus, such as bringing Holy Communion to the elderly. They are also able to engage in various sports, seminary choir, and opportunities to grown in brotherhood.
Theology
Major Seminary (Theologate) is for men who have completed College Seminary or Pre-Theology. They pursue a Masters of Divinity Degree at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, or a a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. During this time, men study the various disciplines of theology including Sacred Scripture, Dogmatic Theology, Moral Theology, Church History, Canon Law, Patristics, pastoral counseling, parish administration, and Liturgy/Sacraments.
Major Seminarians engage in many of the same activities as those listed above. They also have the opportunity to make a 30 day silent retreat, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, parish internships, and other forms of apostolic service.
