FAQs :: The Step & The Seminary :: Vocations

This depends on which level of Seminary formation you enter. For those that enter as college seminarians, the cost will be the responsibility of the seminarian. As would be typical for any other college student, you will fill out FAFSA forms for student loans. The college seminary programs we use typically have reduced tuition for seminarians as well as scholarships that are available. One college seminary program gives a scholarship that covers your full tuition. Regardless, you can expect significant expenses for college, which will remain your responsibility regardless of whether you are ordained for the diocese. The rationale behind this policy is that college is a pre-requisite for professional life in any capacity in our culture, and whether or not you become a priest your degree will serve you well into the future. The Diocese does provide college seminarians with re-imbursement for books and certain travel required by the diocese, as well as a monthly stipend. You are encouraged to work during the summer for extra spending money.

The policy is different for men that enter seminary for Pre-Theology (those with a college degree but in need of required philosophy before studying Theology) or Theology. The Diocese will cover the entire amount of your tuition, room and board, as well reimburse you for books, certain travel required by the diocese, and will provide a monthly stipend. These expenses do not have to be re-paid in the event you discern out of seminary formation.

What do I do if I have previous student loans that are not fully paid off yet?

The diocese, while it provides for much of your training as a seminarian, cannot offer assistance in paying off previous college loans. However, many loans can be deferred, some without accruing extra interest, until the time you finish seminary training and are ordained a priest, at which time you receive a salary and can pay off your loans.

You do not need a certain amount of money in savings to be eligible to attend seminary. It never hurts to have a little extra cash of your own from prior savings, but it is not necessary. However, we do look at personal debt and in most cases require outstanding debt (not including school loans) to be paid off before entering seminary formation. In college seminary you will be allowed to work during the summer, which will provide you an opportunity to build up some savings. During your second summer of Pre-Theology and throughout summers as a Theology student, you will not have the opportunity to work due to additional formation programs. Throughout the academic year you also will be asked to focus solely on formation and education, and not to work. However, you may have small jobs on campus that provide some income as well as work in the summertime.

If you are considering college seminary, the diocese wants you to get whatever loans necessary to cover the costs of college seminary, minus the grants and scholarships for which you may be qualified.

For most of seminary training, you live at the seminary. It is where you have your classes, where you study and where you eat and sleep. During the summer, depending on the formation program, you might live at a rectory, a college dorm room, or even at home.

College seminary will provide you the opportunity to major in Philosophy as well as a variety of other fields, if you so choose. Once you enter Theology, you will complete roughly (slight variations depending on the school) 45 academic courses (141 quarter credit hours) in Scripture, Dogmatic Theology, Moral/Spiritual Theology, Church History, Liturgy, Music, Sacramental Theology, Canon Law, Religious Education, Evangelization, Pastoral Counseling & Leadership and Homiletics. You will also complete an additional 9 courses as part of the USCCB Program of Priestly Formation (27 quarter hours) with 3 classes in Biblical Studies, 2 courses in Moral/Spiritual Theology, 3 courses in Dogmatic-Liturgical Theology and 1 open elective.

Entering Seminarians will vary in their academic background. Some may have studied at a seminary college like St. Pius X at Loras College, Conception Abbey or St. John Vianney, while some may have a degree from a secular institution. Others may not have completed a degree. Some may have been theology or philosophy majors while others may have never taken any courses in those disciplines (e.g. engineers, scientists, etc.). Most of the Seminary schools we use for Theology also have a Pre-Theology Program that fills in the gaps for those seminarians who enter without the necessary philosophy coursework. The Seminary evaluates the needs of such students case-by-case. Fulfilling these pre-requisites can take from 1 to 2 years. Once the pre-requisites are done, the seminarian begins the formal ‘I Theology’ year.

Beginning with ‘I Theology’, the program lasts 4 academic years. Pre-Theology can take 1-2 years prior to entering Theology. This assumes a bachelors degree.

The process typically begins with some conversations with the Vocations Director. Some feel the pull to enter the seminary right away, while others spend more time in this part of discernment. When you make the decision that you would like to enter the seminary, the formal process begins. Naturally, you would then let the Vocations Director of the diocese know you desire to enter the seminary. You will then have a series of meetings with the Vocations Director and will visit the seminary to meet people out there as well. You will go through several in-depth interviews and will write your life history. You will be asked to get recommendation letters from priests, pastors, friends, co-workers, teachers and guidance counselors. You will complete a series of psychological tests. You will fill out application forms and supply the vocations office with high school and college transcripts, as well as baptismal and confirmation certificates, college board tests (ACT or SAT) and a medical/physical form. The diocese performs a background check and the seminary admissions committee reviews your application and determines if you will be accepted or not.

Yes. You may require some “Pre-Theology” courses to fill in any gaps in your college background, but many of our seminarians have come from a variety of previous occupations and directions.

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