Seminary: FAQs
Q. Can I afford to go to the Seminary?
A. Once a man is accepted as a candidate for priesthood (seminarian), the room, board and tuition costs associated with the seminary are paid for by the diocese. Additionally, the diocese covers the seminarian’s health insurance and assists with the cost of books. The seminarian is responsible for his personal expenditures (e.g. the cost of operating and maintaining an automobile, clothes, gifts, etc.) A modest stipend is given to seminarians on a monthly basis to defer some of their expenses.
The candidate is responsible for the cost of his undergraduate education. Assistance with educational debt can be discussed on an individual basis.
Q. Where would I go to complete “pre-theology?”
A. Priesthood candidates complete the two-year pre-theology program at the St. Isaac Jogues House of Discernment, located within the Albany Diocese. Academic studies are completed at Siena College in Loudonville. In addition to their academic responsibilities, residents of St. Isaac Jogues House have a communal prayer life, parish assignment and are encouraged to participate in various programs throughout the diocese. To learn more about St. Isaac Jogues House, click here.
Q. What types of courses would a seminarian take during pre-theology?
A. The program for Priestly Formation requires 30 credit hours of philosophy come from the areas of logic, epistemology, metaphysics, anthropology, ethics and history. The 12 credit hours of theology come from the areas of scripture, liturgy, sacraments and moral theology.
Q. What types of courses would a seminarian study during his four years in a seminary?
A. A typical course summary would include: biblical studies (17 credits), systematic theology (20 credits), moral theology (8 credits), spiritual theology (5 credits), historical studies (8 credits), pastoral studies (22 credits), word and worship (19 credits) and various electives (11 credits).
Q. If I decide to enter a seminary, am I committed for life?
A. No! The decision to enter a seminary is a decision to further discern a possible call to the priesthood. In fact, the only way to really know that you have a vocation to the priesthood is to go to the seminary and try. It will become more and more clear once you are in an environment where every man is trying to discern the same question. Should a man decide he is not called by God to be a priest while in the seminary, he is free to leave without financial obligation to the diocese.
Q. Why is the preparation period to become a priest so long?
A. There are two reasons for this. First, the people of our diocese deserve to have well-trained, healthy and knowledgeable priests. Second, it takes time to discern God’s call to the priesthood. The seminary environment is conducive to listening to the stirrings deep within the heart. A man called by God to the priesthood will experience a growing sense of peace, contentment and confidence as he progresses through the seminary.
Q. What is a typical day in the seminary like?
A. Click here to read about a typical day. |
