The Minor Seminary

[chicago]

I was tempted to title this therad in French, but then that would apply, more specially, to one unique place associated with that moniker rather than them all.

Here is an article I came across while searching for something which I think is of some value. It is on the topic of minor seminaries in the United States. Though slightly dated, it is still thoroughly pertinent. Below are a couple brief excepts followed by a link to the entire piece.

Catholic high school seminaries were once a vibrant part of the U.S. church’s life. Often referred to as minor seminaries, such as Milwaukee’s former Saint Francis Minor Seminary, these institutions introduced young men to subjects, particularly Latin, that were essential for advanced seminary studies.

The cultural revolution that began in the 1960s, coupled with church renewal following Vatican II and its call for the laity’s expanded role in the church, ushered in a change.

In their heyday, high school seminaries were akin to a rookie league in professional baseball’s farm system – the first step in a journey that ends in a call-up to the “big show;” in this case, ordination.

Today, seminary rectors say their role is to prepare young men for ministry opportunities in the church, with priesthood as one option.

“I don’t expect a boy walking into Quigley wanting to be a priest,” said Snieg. “They have a long road ahead of them. But a program with formation and prayer is really essential.”

“I really believe that it’s something we need to go back to because with vocations you can plant the seed early,” said Quigley’s Snieg. “I think some of society has given up on the spirituality of our young people, and even some Catholics. I’ve found … that these (students) are very spiritual when led properly and taught.”

“Our job is not to produce priests,” Calise stated. “Our job is to plant a seed. If the young men who are with us serve the church as dedicated Catholic lay men, then we’ve done something good.”

chnonline.org/2002/2002-10-03/newsstory3.html

 

[brotherhrolf]

We had them in both New Orleans where I grew up and up here in Baton Rouge.There is none in either city today. I don’t think that either survived the 70s…although both were viable back in the 60s.There are conclusions to be drawn.