Office of Vocations at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 US - First, Make the Visit!Seminary is More Like College than You Think

Conception Seminary College is part of Conception Abbey, established in northwest Missouri by Benedictine monks during the late 1800s. Today the college hosts over 100 students from around the country. While the mission of the school is to prepare young men academically, personally, and spiritually for priestly ministry, its program offers a well-rounded education and college experience.

Although academic formation focuses on Philosophy, students at Conception receive a broad education in Humanities and the Sciences. According to Fr. Benedict Neenan, the college’s President and rector, many of the courses taken by men at Conception will transfer to other major colleges and universities. Plus, most schools cannot compete with Conception’s 8 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Fr. Benedict assures that a year or two at the seminary is never a waste, especially since it is common now for a young man to change career goals or majors during college.

UPDATE:

Spring "Encounter" scheduled for

April 16-18

Contact us for more details!

Surrounded by farms, trees, ponds, and a few sparsely populated towns, Conception is seemingly isolated from the rest of the world. A trip to Wal-Mart in nearby Marysville or the Hanger, a small movie theatre close by, are seen by many students as a nice get-away. However, many activities closer to home allow students to take their minds off studies. Even with its small campus feel, one can escape to the Alumni Lounge for a game of pool or foosball. The seminary also has an indoor swimming pool and workout facility with a gym and racquetball courts. Also, gamers are always able to challenge someone to a little XBOX action.

For athletes, the seminary has its own disc golf course, intramural soccer team, and a basketball team that plays other seminary teams at an annual tournament. With a dorm-like atmosphere, guys learn how to live and share with others. Although dreams of co-ed frat parties and homecoming tailgates will not be realized at Conception, students are comforted knowing that despite their different personalities, they share common values and goals.

 While many universities have Campus Ministries that offer opportunities for spiritual enrichment, none can compare with Conception. Every school day is anchored by prayer and the celebration of Mass. Also, each student receives personal spiritual direction and days of recollection. With several chapels and a monastery on campus, one doesn’t have to go too far to find God in prayer, whether it be by chanting with the monks, singing praise and worship tunes with friends, or in quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Unfortunately, Seminary College is not seen by many young, Catholic men as one among several options when looking to the future. Perhaps frightened by the commitment or the unknown, they put off discerning the priesthood. In reality, a seminary like Conception is the perfect place for discernment.

The first step to knowing if the seminary is the place for you is to make a visit. Just walking through the doors for the first time can bring some clarity and direction to the wonderer in discernment. If you and/or your family would like more details about a seminary visit, contact the Office of Vocations or see Vocation Links.