A Seminarian's Reflections: What is Seminary? (Part 2)

Last time, we began to examine the process of seminary formation, beginning with minor seminary. We now turn to the next step (and my current step): theology or major seminary!

If a man feels called to continue formation for the priesthood after his time in minor seminary, and the Church (represented by the seminary faculty, formation and admissions boards, and Bishop Zubik) accepts his request to continue, he then receives an assignment to a theologate or a major seminary. (In April 2021, I received my assignment to Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.)

The Diocese of Pittsburgh currently sends seminarians to three major seminaries: Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Saint Mary’s in Baltimore, and Theological College in Washington, D. C. (pictured above). Bishop Zubik and the formation team may choose to send seminarians to different seminaries at different times, always seeking the best formation for their men (and, in many cases, their future priests). (Ask our priests where they studied!)
In major seminary or theology, many essential elements continue: classes, human formation, spiritual direction, and communal liturgy. However, it is noteworthy to consider some differences:

• ·Major seminary is a step toward priesthood. Classes cover Sacred Scripture, systematic and moral theology, and Church history. Men minister in local parishes and hospitals. (This spring, men preparing for ordination to the priesthood practiced hearing confessions and celebrating the Mass!) Men are instituted in the minor orders (lector and acolyte), and while God could always call them out of formation, they have moved beyond the stage of “preliminary discernment."
• Major seminary is a man’s first assignment from the bishop. It is a man’s first formal opportunity to practice obedience and step in the shoes of priests who receive new assignments, instructions, and orders.
• Major seminaries bring seminarians from many dioceses (and many countries) together to continue their formation. It is a great opportunity to hear about others’ experience of the Church and their vocation stories.