Have you ever wondered where the seminarians for the Diocese of Camden are undertaking their journey to the priesthood? The places where they study, pray, and discern their calling? Father Joshua Nevitt, our Associate Director of Vocations, on the latest episode of the Talking Catholic Podcast, talks about the two primary institutions entrusted with forming our men for the priesthood: Saint Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, NY, and Saint Andrew’s College Seminary at Seton Hall University.
Saint Joseph Seminary, Yonkers
Many of our seminarians attend the historic Saint Joseph Seminary, also known affectionately as Dunwoodie, located in Yonkers, New York. Father Nevitt describes it as a “really beautiful building” with a rich history. Notably for us in South Jersey, our own Bishop Dennis Sullivan is perhaps its most famous local alumnus. This institution primarily serves as a theologate, meaning it’s where seminarians focus on advanced theological studies as they draw closer to priestly ordination.
Saint Joseph also hosts seminarians in a relatively new stage called the “propaedeutic year.” Implemented by Pope Francis and now mandatory in the United States (as of approximately 2023-2024), this year happens before academic study. As Father Nevitt explains, propaedeutic suggests “before study.” It’s a dedicated time, almost a year off from heavy academics, focused on human and spiritual formation. Seminarians use this time “to pray and discern,” reflecting on how God has led them and how He continues to speak in their lives. Learn more about Saint Joseph Seminary.
Saint Andrew’s Hall college seminary, Seton Hall University
For men discerning the priesthood while still pursuing their undergraduate degrees, the Diocese of Camden utilizes the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at St. Andrew’s Hall, located a half mile off campus of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Father Nevitt, himself an alumnus of Saint Andrew’s, talked about its unique structure. “It’s a great program where they’re living with other seminarians, but their classes are on are on Seton Hall’s campus.” There, seminarians benefit from a structured environment of prayer and community.
However, their academic life integrates directly with the broader university. They pursue undergraduate degrees, typically majoring in philosophy and theology, but take these classes alongside all of the other Seton Hall University students. Their coursework includes standard subjects like math and science, offering a well-rounded education. Father Nevitt notes that this provides a “nice balance of being in the seminary … but also having the freedom of college.” Bishop Sullivan even appreciates the real-world discernment opportunity this presents, as interacting with everyday college students is part of understanding one’s vocation. Learn more about Saint Andrew’s Hall college seminary.
Conclusion
The Diocese of Camden entrusts its seminarians to these great schools tailored to different stages of discernment and formation. Saint Joseph Seminary (Dunwoodie) provides the grounding of the propaedeutic year and the advanced theological studies needed before ordination. The College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at St. Andrew’s Hall offers a blend of structured seminary life and university academics for those in college. Both environments aim to develop a life of prayer and education, preparing these men for service to God and our South Jersey community.
