to remind them what a good seminary looks like, then compare the others to it.
What makes STAS different from the other seminaries in America?
St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary draws from the greatest riches of the 2,000 year history of the Church in the formation of her priests. The formation that the seminarians receive is traditional in every aspect: doctrine, liturgy, retreats, daily schedule, etc. The core of the seminarians' study is the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, while moderate proficiency in Latin is required before ordination. A typical day in the life of the seminarian contains three hours of prayer, four hours of study, three hours of classes, and a hour and a half of recreation. Seminarians are expected to attain the holiness required of a priest, through the means provided at the Seminary: daily Mass, meditation, Rosary, and hours of the Divine Office, as well as Benediction, Ignatian retreats, monthly recollections, and weekly confession and spiritual direction.
How long is the formation that the seminarian receives?
It lasts six or seven years, depending on the previous education of the entering seminarian. The first year, the year of Humanities, gives the seminarian a natural foundation for the supernatural formation ahead, through courses in Catholic Doctrine, Latin, Literature, English Composition, and Music. The year of Spirituality follows, wherein seminarians learn about the spiritual life in Ascetical and Mystical Theology, and take introductory courses of Scripture, Liturgy, and Acts of the Magisterium. Next come two years of philosophy, which cover the History of Philosophy, Logic, Cosmology, Psychology, Ethics, and Metaphysics. The seminarian completes his formation with three years of theology, following St. Thomas' Summa Theologica in Dogmatic and Moral Theology. Each of the last five years also contains courses in Scripture and Church History.
St Thomas Aquinas Seminary Daily Schedule
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WEEKDAYS
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SUNDAYS AND MAJOR FEASTS
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The Angelus is recited three times each day, before Mass, after Sext, and before dinner. On Thursday, in place of the Rosary there is Benediction. On First Fridays there is a Holy Hour at 5:00 PM with Rosary and Benediction. It should be noted that the daily Rosary is offered for all friends and benefactors of the Society of St. Pius X.Spiritual conferences are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.