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Due to the specific nature of the seminary community, the presence of the seminarian on campus is a value in itself. The interaction, which arises from living together in a full-time situation, is needed to generate development in the awareness and growth of Christian community. Seminarians are encouraged to be involved in activities at the seminary, programs offered throughout the Archdiocese and at St. Louis University, and the activities of their home parishes. However, participation in activities outside the seminary may be limited to safeguard the commitment to the Cardinal Glennon College community. At the heart of the spiritual life is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Daily participation and attendance are expected of each seminarian. Other important aspects of formation which require attendance include the Liturgy of the Hours when prayed in common, weekly formation conferences, Days of Recollection, all academic classes, and cultural and community-oriented events which occur throughout the year. Because of the time commitment Cardinal Glennon College asks of each man, the seminary does not permit seminarians to hold outside employment during the school year. The formation of one who is called to the priesthood requires that the seminarian knows, appreciates, loves and lives celibacy according to its true nature and purpose. To be lived fruitfully, the value of celibacy must be interiorized. Each seminarian at Cardinal Glennon College makes a commitment in his discernment of the priesthood to live a life which is devoid of exclusive relationships. Because of this, the seminary rule forbids dating or any similar relationship. Formation in celibacy requires the candidate for the priesthood to have the ability to set appropriate boundaries by choosing not to act on romantic feelings and by developing self-discipline in the face of temptation. Healthy relationships with both men and women are important, and the seminarian should be able to relate to others without fear or embarrassment. However, a lifestyle appropriate for the priesthood cannot be developed if the seminarian engages in an exclusive relationship or in social activities which do not witness to celibacy. Formation in celibacy demands that a seminarian not become physically or emotionally involved with another person, for to do otherwise is to live a lie. With the assistance of his spiritual director and those charged with his formation, each seminarian must judge if he has the gift of celibacy and before ordination give assurance to the Church that he can live the permanent commitment to celibacy with authenticity and integrity. If, after prayerful consideration and thorough discussion with one’s spiritual director, a man sincerely believes that he is not called or is not willing to live the life of celibacy, he should withdraw from the seminary program with honesty and integrity. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the seminary dining room from Monday through Saturday. Brunch and dinner are served on Sundays. The evening meal is a significant time in the seminary schedule. The conversation and interaction which occurs at table encourages community building among the seminarians. For this reason presence at this meal is expected and highly emphasized. The seminarian needs to appreciate the value of silence and recollection appropriate for prayer, study, and thoughtful personal growth. In silence, both external and internal, the seminarian can hear God’s call and respond fully and completely in all areas of formation. An atmosphere of quiet should be present in the residential areas of the seminary after Night Prayer until breakfast, outside the chapel, and in the library. Living in community, each seminarian should recognize and respect those times when silence, even if not personally desired, should be kept out of charity and consideration of others. Each seminarian's room is furnished with one bed, desk, chair, bookshelf and mini-blinds. All rooms are equipped with an internet and telephone line which features voice-mail. A seminarian’s room is one of the areas where privacy and a home environment can be maintained. Developing an atmosphere where study, sleep, quiet prayer, and serious thought can take place is an important consideration on the residential floors. While individual televisions are not allowed in rooms, the College Lounge holds a large screen television for seminarians’ use. Gathering together in the lounge helps to foster community, becomes a lesson in sharing, and speaks of the simplicity of lifestyle to which a priest is called to witness. Although computers are allowed in seminarians' rooms, this permission is given primarily for academic and enrichment purposes. Caution must be given so that the computer does not become an addictive distraction. The priest is a leader in the Church and local community. As a leader, he should be professional and appropriate in his appearance and lifestyle, adhering to social customs, manners and standards of etiquette. Personal appearance should be a concern to the seminarian in the way that he presents himself to others. While an overemphasis upon appearance is undesirable, a seminarian should consider it an important aspect of his human formation to be clean and neat at all times. The College Seminary Dress Code encourages each seminarian to witness the value of simplicity in his life and to show respect for himself and others in his attire. Clothes should be neat and clean, shirts should be tucked into pants, and shoes polished or wiped. As a sign of respect to our Lord’s Presence, long pants should always be worn in the chapel.
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Seminary Living