The seminary – the heart of the Church

The formation of priests is at the heart of the Catholic Church. Established in 1894 under Archbishop John Ireland, The Saint Paul Seminary provides solid and comprehensive formation and education, transforming men who humbly answer God’s call into holy priests after the Lord’s own heart.

Since its beginning, more than 3,000 men have been ordained from the seminary.

The need – more good, holy priests

Just as in Archbishop John Ireland’s time, today’s Catholics express an urgent need for more good and holy priests. Without our priests, we would not have the Eucharist. And in today’s challenging culture, the Church and the world need gifted, holy men to provide guidance and hope. Fortunately, as God calls, men are responding. Throughout our nation, an increased number of men are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

30 seminarians are studying for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

An invitation to participate

The Catholic faithful are instrumental in ensuring that men are able to answer God’s call. As more men say “yes” to priesthood, prayers and financial support must increase.

We must grow the size of our I Will Give You Shepherds Endowment to secure our ability to be a great seminary forming exceptional priests for the future of the Church. Please consider how you might participate in supporting this important mission by making a contribution to The Saint Paul Seminary’s endowment fund.

The annual cost to educate and house a seminarian is $50,000, half of which comes from tuition, room and board paid by the diocese. The seminary must raise the remaining $25,000 per seminarian through charitable gifts.

The answer – a strong, thriving seminary

As men respond to God’s call, they need and deserve the best formation possible. The Saint Paul Seminary is the answer to that need for men from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and beyond. Currently, 66 men from 14 dioceses are in formation at The Saint Paul Seminary, one of the largest major seminaries in the country. The seminary is situated in an area that has a long history of fostering vocations, through supportive archbishops, dedicated clergy and thriving lay movements that cultivate a love for the Lord in the hearts of young people.

The year-round formation program is provided by priest and lay faculty, many with national reputations in their areas of expertise.