My college choice!

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Ed_Montgomery

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Hello everyone, my name is Ed and I would like some help from you today.

I am only a Sophomore in high school, but I have had the calling for years and years. I really would like some insight on good Seminary Colleges. I was thinking about MSM (Mount Saint Marys.) I for one, get B’s and C’s with the occasional A. As you can see, I’m not the best in school (yes mom and dad I know I can do better!) Do you need really good grades to get into a good seminary? Where do you think I should go to college to study to be a priest?
If this even matters: I love working with the poor, I have the youth outlook on the Faith, I’m more of an outgoing kind of guy instead of the quite intellectual type, and I would love a college that also offers some sort of fun sport programs.

Thank you ALL in advance, and God Bless!
Ed
 
Have you considered going to get your Bachelor’s in Theology before major seminary? It might help a lot if you get your Bachelor’s first.

I’d recommend:

Franciscan University of Steubenville
franciscan.edu/home2/Content/main.aspx

But, I do have something to mention. If you are planning to pursue the diocesan priesthood, you don’t choose the seminary. They send you to a regional major seminary chosen by the diocese. If you want to learn which one it is, you can look on your diocese’s website under “Vocations.”

It’s basically the same for a religious order. They choose the seminary for you.

God bless you in your chosen vocation! We need more priests! 😃
 
Have you considered the Franciscan University of Steubenville?

franciscan.edu/

They have quite an extensive athletic department in areas such as soccer, rugby, basketball, baseball, track and cross-country. Their theology program is EXCELLENT!
 
I also want to mention that Franciscan University doesn’t have a seminary, but I was wondering, are you interested in the diocesan priesthood or religious life priesthood?
 
Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut LilFranciscan25!
I have a few friends that go to Steubenville right now. I never thought to ask if they had a seminary there. Do they just teach theology classes, or is there a seminary section there?
 
Hey Ed,

MSM is a great choice! I know the professor who was in charge of the pre-theology program, and he is exceptional. Now he’ll be teaching ethics. There is also a program at Steubenville for guys interested in the priesthood that sounds pretty good. One drawback of Steubenville is its emphasis on Franciscan spirituality if that doesn’t particularly attract you. Immaculate Heart of Mary seminary in Winona MN is also a fine choice…

and of course, I love studying here in Rome, but diocesan seminarians come over only after they’ve finished college seminary! Good luck on your quest. Enjoy the process of searching and sorting out, and remember, he’ll call you to a place where your heart finds peace, even in the midst of struggles, difficulties, and uncertainties. You are in my prayers!

In Christ,

Brother Scott
Seminarian
Apostles of the Interior Life, Rome
 
LilFranciscan25: I am most definitely going to be a diocesan priest.

Brother Scott: Thank you so much for the advice, one of my three parish priest studied in Rome. He is one of the most intellectual priest I have ever met. Also, thanks SO much for your prayers; any extra graces I get are fantastic :).
 
I go to the Mount and can’t recommend the school highly enough. We have a wonderful new chaplain, FOCUS missionaries, and great new revival in Catholic identity. The theology department on the university side is still a little shaky, but not too horrible. Overall, the students are way more orthodox nowadays and are forcing change.

Not too mention, the presence of all the priests, seminarians, and religious on campus is a wonderful influence. If you’re looking for a place to grow in your faith, the Mount is a great option. Mind you, there ARE students who choose to drink and make trouble. But the important thing is that you can and will find a great community to grow in your faith, if you want it.

Now, the Mount does have a seminary, but it is a major seminary, which means that you have to have a bachelors degree before going there. If you’re not yet looking to go straight into seminary, the Mount would be a good place to continue your discernment. There’s also the “college candidacy” program-- there’s a few guys on the college side that are in that as well.
 
Marysdaughter: Thank you so much for the advice! really helped!
 
Franciscan University is a good choice. It does not have a seminary, but it does have a pre-Theologate program. On campus, the emphasis is on a contemporary Catholic Christian style of worship. When I was a student (about two-three years ago) many of the Masses on campus and of course the Festivals of Praise were of the contemporary Christian category. However, in the churches of Steubenville, the spirituality tended to be more conservative or traditional.

I’ve driven past Mount St. Mary’s College and Seminary many, many times (it sits right along route 15). I hear it’s a good school and seminary. It’s certainly not a liberal seminary. The only thing is that the college and seminary seems to be situated miles away from any town of significant size. There’s Frederick maybe 20 miles to the south, and Gettysburg a shorter distance to the north. You’d have to like the rural atmosphere.
 
Madaglan said:
Franciscan University is a good choice. It does not have a seminary, but it does have a pre-Theologate program. On campus, the emphasis is on a contemporary Catholic Christian style of worship. When I was a student (about two-three years ago) many of the Masses on campus and of course the Festivals of Praise were of the contemporary Christian category. However, in the churches of Steubenville, the spirituality tended to be more conservative or traditional.

I’ve driven past Mount St. Mary’s College and Seminary many, many times (it sits right along route 15). I hear it’s a good school and seminary. It’s certainly not a liberal seminary. The only thing is that the college and seminary seems to be situated miles away from any town of significant size. There’s Frederick maybe 20 miles to the south, and Gettysburg a shorter distance to the north. You’d have to like the rural atmosphere.
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Thank you also Madaglan for the advice, and yes Franciscan I heard is a very good college; but I am looking for a seminary. MSM is kind of out in the no where, I’ve been there once. The gold statue of Mary is what made me awe struck.
 
Ed_Montgomery said:
Thank you also Madaglan for the advice, and yes Franciscan I heard is a very good college; but I am looking for a seminary. MSM is kind of out in the no where, I’ve been there once. The gold statue of Mary is what made me awe struck.
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I would suggest that you contact the diocesan vocation director. You can find him at the diocese website or talk to your pastor. The vocation director would be able to tell you if the diocese prefers that their seminarians go to a particular seminary. He would also be able to guide you when it comes to the courses that you need to take.

I would suggest, though, that you buckle down and do well in your high school classes over the next two years. The diocese would really appreciate it if you were able to get some scholarships to help pay for your undergraduate education no matter where it is. Just going to a seminary is not going to relieve you or the diocese of a financial responsibility for your education.

Hope this helps.
Sister Judith Ann
 
Thank you very much Sister! I am doing my best in school. I am actually meeting my Vocation Director Wednesday for a meeting. I hope it goes well. Again; thank you for the response.
God Bless
Ed
 
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