Full-Time Resident Seminarians

The first step to becoming a full-time resident seminarian is to be admitted into Saint Joseph Seminary College. This is completed when all of the following items are received and/or completed.

1. Diocesan Sponsorship

   Begin by contacting the Vocation Director of the local Catholic diocese. A list of many of the dioceses we serve can be found here. All full-time resident seminarians must be sponsored by a diocese before being admitted into seminary formation. If sponsorship is already secured, candidates may begin with step 2.

2. Online Application

   Once sponsorship is secured, complete the online application for admission.

3. Immunization Records

   By Louisiana law, all new students must provide certification that they have been immunized or provide proof of immunity for mumps, measles, rubella, tetanus, meningitis, and diphtheria. Immunization records or the completed Immunization form can be emailed to registrar@sjasc.edu or mailed to the address listed at the bottom of this page.

4. ACT or SAT Scores

   Although SJSC does not require a minimum ACT or SAT score to be admitted, completion of the ACT or SAT is required. Official score reports should be sent directly to SJSC using ACT code 1604 or SAT code 6689.

5. Official High School Transcripts

   Official high school transcripts which include a graduation date and the signature of the principal or registrar are required for admission. These should be sent directly from the high school to SJSC at the address listed at the bottom of the page. Proof of high school completion may also be from a foreign school if it is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, such as a general education development (GED) certificate; or completion of homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law; or completion of secondary school education in a homeschool setting which qualifies for an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law, if state law does not require a homeschooled student to receive a credential for their education. Students having already earned a college degree (whether 2 year or 4 year) are not required to provide proof of high school completion.

   ***Online (internet) High school, GED and home school diploma mills are not acceptable as proof of appropriate education.

6. Official College/University Transcripts

   Official transcripts from all college and universities attended are required for admission. This includes transcripts for college credits earned through dual enrollment. Students who received Advanced Placement Credit and would like that credit evaluated by SJSC should have their official scores sent directly to SJSC from College Board. All official transcripts and AP scores should be mailed to the address listed at the bottom of the page.

7. Veterans Records, if applicable.

8. Foreign/International Records, if applicable.

Once admitted, the next step to becoming a full-time resident seminarian is to be enrolled as a resident in the seminary formation program. The full-time resident seminarian is a Roman Catholic male who intends to prepare for the celibate priesthood by participation in the seminary program. Candidates will be enrolled in the seminary program once all of the documents listed below are received and the Admissions Committee has approved enrollment in the seminary program.

1. Report of Physical Examination

   Although students may have received a physical from a local physician for other reasons, we ask that the SJSC Physical Form be used for enrollment at SJSC. The completed forms should be emailed to registrar@sjasc.edu or mailed to the address listed at the bottom of the page.

2. Recent Photo

3. Letter from Prior Seminary, if applicable.

   Requirements of Canon Law (see Canon 241) must be observed if the applicant has attended another seminary or been a member of a religious community. The applicant will request a letter be sent from the Rector/Superior of the previous seminary/religious community to the President-Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary College indicating that the applicant left the seminary/religious community in good standing.

In addition to the above items, the following items must also be submitted prior to enrollment as a full-time seminarian:

1. Criminal Background Check

   This may be conducted through one's diocese or the seminary.

2. Valid Psychological Evaluation

3. Letter of sponsorship

   A letter of sponsorship must be received from diocese or religious community. By the statement of sponsorship, the seminary will presuppose that the following have been acquired by the diocese or religious community:

   • Recent (obtained within the last six months) certificate of Baptism and certificate of Confirmation.

   • Assurance that the applicant is suitable for admission to seminary in accord with the norms of Canon Law (see Canon 241).

***A full time resident seminarian who has withdrawn from the seminary program may seek re-enrollment as a full time resident seminarian at a future date, but may not seek enrollment as a non-resident student.

Once enrollment has been approved, the candidate is ready to register for his first semester of courses.

1. Course Registration

   The registrar will automatically register the seminarian for the first semester of courses. The courses are then emailed to the seminarian and they are visible to him in the Student Portal.

2. Textbooks

The textbooks required for each of the courses will be listed in the Student Portal. Seminarians are responsible for ordering their own textbooks unless other accommodations have been made through their diocese. Careful attention should be paid to ensure the correct edition of the book is ordered as many instructors use older editions of certain books. All book information including the ISBN number is listed in the Student Portal.

The final step to becoming a full-time resident seminarian at Saint Joseph Seminary College is to attend Orientation. Orientation takes place a few days before the fall semester begins and is intended to introduce new men to seminary life and connect them with fellow seminarians and upperclassmen. Further information regarding the dates of Orientation and details regarding move-in information, times, and general regulations will be sent out from the President-Rector’s Office during the summer.