With any vocation, a person and their families encounter questions. This section hopes to answer many of these questions.
Q: Can students have a car?
A: Yes. Seminarians are permitted to have a car. However, motorcycles and motor bikes are not permitted on the seminary property.
Q: What if a student does not have a car?
A: If a student does not have a car, transportation to John Carroll University will be provided by Borromeo Seminary. Vans are available for students to use for transportation to school and seminary related activities.
Q: Can students have visitors?
A: Yes. Family and friends of seminarians can come to visit. However, in respect to the other seminarians, family and friends cannot enter the dormitory except when permitted.
Q: Can students leave the seminary property?
A: Yes. Seminarians are permitted to leave the seminary property. Seminarians are expected to attend class, participate in community events, fulfill community obligations, and complete apostolic work. A seminarian is permitted to leave the property if he has no prior obligations. All seminarians must return by curfew; curfew is 12:00AM from Sunday to Thursday and 1:00AM on Friday and Saturday.
Q: Is there a curfew?
A: Yes. Seminarians are expected to return to the seminary property before 12:00AM from Sunday to Thursday and by 1:00AM on Friday and Saturday.
Q: Can a seminarian have a girlfriend?
A: No. Seminarians are asked not to be in any dating or exclusive relationships while in the seminary. A man exploring the possibility of the priesthood is being called to live as closely the life of a priest as possible. Obviously, this would mean that he cannot be involved in any exclusive relationships so as to allow him to explore the possibility of a life of celibacy.
Q: Is a seminarian required to attend Borromeo for four years?
A: It is our hope that a student would stay at Borromeo Seminary through his graduation if it is his desire to study for the priesthood. However, at the end of each year, the student discerns his progress in the seminary and makes a commitment for the following year if he decides to continue. If a student decides not to commit to the next year, the student is free to leave the seminary.
Q: Does a student still need to complete FAFSA?
A: Yes. Seminarians need to complete FAFSA in order to receive academic scholarships from John Carroll University.
Q: Can seminarians have a job during the year?
A: Yes and No. The academic and spiritual formation in the seminary is a full-time load (minimum 15-18 credit hours) for a college student. Therefore, the seminary recommends that students do not seek employment. However, if financial need becomes necessary, seminarians would need permission from the rector before seeking employment.
Q: What does a seminarian do after completing Borromeo?
A: Ideally, a seminarian who completes Borromeo Seminary applies to Saint Mary Seminary for graduate studies in theology. Every year, students participate in a self-evaluation process where they discern and reflect with the faculty in the priestly discernment process. In a consultation with the faculty, the student knows each year whether to continue in the formation program. If a student does not continue with the program, the faculty continue to give direction to the seminarian to help him progress. Many students of Borromeo have found their time valuable in helping the Church.
Q: What majors can a seminarian study?
A: The goal of Borromeo Seminary is to lead a student to the priesthood. Therefore, any major found within the liberal arts fulfills Borromeo Seminary's goal.
Q: Why can't seminarians choose religious studies as a major?
A: Seminarians are not permitted to choose religious studies as a major because of their future studies in graduate school. At Saint Mary Seminary, seminarians enter the Theologate where they focus their attention to theology and theological study. Therefore, Borromeo students are asked to choose another major in order to give them a broader academic foundation.
Q: How can I get a copy of my transcripts?
A: For students who attended Borromeo Seminary/Borromeo College of Ohio prior to the fall of 1991, a written request is needed to obtain your transcripts. Click here for complete transcript request information.
