Undergrad prep for Eastern Catholic Seminary

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TheDoors

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Glory to God!

I’m finally out of the Army and heading back into the wide, wide world of American Higher Education, may God be kind to me. I plan on entering the Priesthood at the end of this section of my journey, and I’m looking for a school which will help me prepare for seminary, specifically an Eastern Catholic seminary. As a Ruthenian, I believe our options are limited to Cyril and Methodius down in Pittsburgh, but I’d like to have a running start. I’m planning on enrolling in a local community college to get the maths, sciences and gen. ed requirements out of the way to save costs, so my budget really only allows me to go to school here in the US.

Also, are there any Ruthenians out in the Rochester/Buffalo area of New York? I seem to be an island out here.
 
I applaud your determination, but I’m not sure what the issue is. The idea of getting your AAB (or whatever it may be called now) from a CC is fine. For your junior year you could transfer to just about any college or University and pursue your BA.

Have you spoken to the eparchial vocations director? If not, it might be a good idea. I’m sure he might at least be able to offer a few suggestions on getting a “head start” and where that might be feasible.
 
According to my sources at Ss. Cyril and Methodius, some 30 hours of philosophy as well as some theology. I’m certain that if you e-mailed someone at the seminary they might be able to give you a more direct answer.

Or also, your eparchial vocations director.

EDIT: I texted the rector of Ss. Cyril and Methodius asking him and he said, “Did you get kicked out of medical school?”

I don’t get no respect.
http://b1fixedassets.com/wp-content/uploads/No-Respect.jpeg

Anyways, he told me that the requirements for American seminarians to enter their four year theology degree are listed here on the website of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (this includes Eastern and Oriental bishops, remember).

Whether Roman or Byzantine, to enter a four year theology program with ordination as the end goal, these requirements must be met in the pre-theology years:
  1. Pre-theology programs, often organized in conjunction with a
    theologate or college seminary, prepare seminarians who have completed
    college but lack the philosophical and theological background and other
    areas necessary to pursue graduate-level theology. The study of philosophy is central to the academic formation of all pre-theology programs.
    The philosophical and theological preparation of pre-theology seminarians ought to match the requirements, as described above, for seminarians in a college seminary program, in particular, the 30 credit hours of
    philosophy. The temptation to abbreviate or circumvent requirements for
    pre-theology seminarians ought to be strenuously avoided.
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  1. Besides philosophical and theological studies, the pre-theology
    program should strive to provide seminarians with an understanding of
    the historical and cultural context of their faith. Those who begin pretheology without a solid liberal arts education should be provided a curriculum that supplies for lacunae in this area. The Catholic intellectual tradition (e.g., literature and the arts) should be a part of such a curriculum.
    Education in rhetoric and communications as well as language study is
    appropriate for a pre-theology course of studies. Latin and Greek are especially important. The study of Spanish or other languages used where one
    will serve in pastoral ministry should be included in the course of studies
    throughout the period of priestly formation, including pre-theology.
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TheDoors said:
I’m planning on enrolling in a local community college to get the maths, sciences and gen. ed requirements out of the way to save costs, so my budget really only allows me to go to school here in the US.
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Slightly off topic… but…I’m glad to see you’re looking at your budget. Sadly, I have several young friends who would otherwise be pursuing a vocation were it not for crippling student loans they have accumulated. That and the need to be married before ordination, in some cases even before starting seminary, which is something I’ve heard frustrations expressed.
 
5Loaves said:
Slightly off topic… but…I’m glad to see you’re looking at your budget. Sadly, I have several young friends who would otherwise be pursuing a vocation were it not for crippling student loans they have accumulated. That and the need to be married before ordination, in some cases even before starting seminary, which is something I’ve heard frustrations expressed.
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I joined the military to pay off my crippling student loan debt. And you don’t need to be married before ordination. I know plenty of single priests who are doing just fine!
 
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