College Seminary

In college seminary at St. Gregory’s we start the day by praying the Angelus.  Afterwards we spend a few moments in silence in the chapel before we pray Morning Prayer, and then Mass.  The basic college routine follows: breakfast, classes in the morning and afternoon, and lunch in between.  Each seminarian is given down time throughout the day and the time is either filled by activities of leisure or running errands.  The classes are mainly focused on general credits, such as math, English, and history.  But seminarians will also take Latin and Catechism classes.  As the day draws to a close, the college life dies down and the seminarians life kicks in with holy hours, vespers (Evening Prayers) and to end it all is compline (Night Prayers).

Every morning started with an hour of prayer and Mass. The only way to start the day. Then all the seminarians moved off in large packs to breakfast at the University’s cafeteria. After breakfast started our “work day”. Until late afternoon we were expected to be in class, doing homework, or something formative (reading, sports, exercise, napping!). The daytime was a time for work and the evening was a time for rest and rejuvenation. Three evenings each week we had different fraternity meetings aimed to have fun and grow close to your Diocesan brothers and brothers on your floor. The day was concluded with Night Prayer. The structure of seminary was sometimes hard for men who wanted to go about seminary doing only what they wanted or thought was right for them. When you trust that God’s hand works through the seminary and you give yourself to it, it becomes a place to flourish as a man in Christ, a man for the Church, and a man for others. An alter Christus.

We began every day with Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament and then the celebration of Mass (though I am sure the structure/times have changed since I was up there). Following breakfast, we would have class with non-seminarians at the University. After a day of studies, we would have Evening Prayer followed by community activities.

Over the last year at College Seminary, I have learned that perfection is not something that happens overnight. It is a life long process through which we must constantly resolve to do the will of God, which often calls us to fight against our own natural inclinations for his greater glory, constantly submitting ourselves to the sweet and holy cross of obedience. Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!

For me, it was a bit of a trial by fire. Set right in the middle of what I’m giving up (“fun and a family”) to follow the call of God was difficult and sometimes frustrating, but I guess it’s not much of a sacrifice if you don’t know what you’re sacrificing. Also, my understanding was a little skewed: pursuing the priesthood is definitely not boring, and the type of family is just different. I think I grew in understanding that.

Finally, to put it bluntly: though UST is definitely very nice, being on a college campus – you see why the world needs Jesus.

Being on a typical college campus was a great transition from high school and provided an opportunity of evangelization, as well as, a broader experience in community life. As with all colleges, even great Catholic Universities, there are the rebels, and the party life. Yet being a seminarian with the opportunity to meet friends in class and on campus and bring the light of the Gospel into their lives is an amazing experience that only strengthened my desire for the priesthood and the mission it entails.

My favorite part about college seminary was having the opportunity to go to daily Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass every day with a group of 150+ other men who were discerning the Priesthood with me. It gave me much hope for the future of the Church and for my own vocation. When friendships and fraternities are centered around Christ, it leads to a greater love of Him and more holy lives.

My favorite thing about college seminary is that the crew of guys up here is really solid. Living the seminary life definitely has its challenges but these challenges enhance the depth of brotherhood among the guys. We rejoice with one and other when there is cause for rejoicing and we support one and other when times are tough. The level of brotherhood that is here is unparalleled to any other college experience!