Saint John's Seminary

10/15/2026

The Saint John’s Seminary community looks forward to joining the parishioners of St. Mary of the Assumption in Dedham for Mass this upcoming Sunday!

10/14/2026

Sacred music is an important part of the life of prayer at Saint John’s Seminary. 🎶

Through the Schola, seminarians grow in their appreciation of the Church’s musical tradition and discover how sacred music can serve the liturgy and lead others to prayer.

Mr. Joseph Beale studying for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland shares what drew him to the Schola and how this experience has become part of his formation for the priesthood.

10/13/2026

In September, Fr. Stanislaus Achu, Vice Rector of Saint John’s Seminary, participated in the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD), a week-long gathering that brings together vocation directors, staff, and collaborators from across the United States and around the world.

Through spiritual renewal, practical formation, and shared experience, the conference strengthens those who accompany men discerning a call to the priesthood. Saint John’s Seminary is grateful to be part of this wider collaboration in the Church’s mission of forming healthy and holy priests, fostering the partnership between vocation ministry and seminary formation that helps prepare the next generation of priests to serve the Church in New England and beyond.

Group photo: Retreat & Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception
Other photos: NCDVD

10/09/2026

A priest who listens deeply. A priest who leads with humility. A priest who is kind, present, and rooted in prayer.

At this week’s Spiritual Conference for our seminarians, Fr. Michael J. Najim, Vicar for Priests in the Diocese of Providence, reflected on “The Parish Priest as a Bridge to Christ,” drawing from St. John Paul II’s Pastores Dabo Vobis. He explored how a priest’s commitment to prayer shapes his relationships with others and enables him to reflect Christ’s humanity through the way he listens, serves, and accompanies others.

At Saint John’s Seminary, these lessons are central to forming future priests who can serve their parish communities with the heart of Christ, helping others encounter Him through their ministry and presence.

Diocese of Providence, Diocese of Providence Vocations

10/08/2026

Sacred music gives voice to the prayer of the Church, helping us to enter more deeply into the beauty and mystery of the liturgy.

This is a small glimpse of the Saint John’s Seminary Schola. We look forward to sharing more with you at our annual Adve nt Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Learn more at sjs.edu/events.

“To You” — Sub Tuum Praesidium (4th c.) / Pod Tvoyu Milost’ (17th c. Polish Chant), arranged by Michael O’Connor, O.P.; sung by the Saint John’s Seminary Schola.

10/08/2026

We were grateful to welcome friends, alumni, benefactors, and members of the Saint John’s community to our annual Fall Reception.

The evening was a beautiful opportunity to gather in fellowship and give thanks for the many people who support the mission of priestly formation at Saint John’s Seminary.

At the heart of that mission is prayer. Through the Eucharist, daily prayer, spiritual direction, study, and fraternity, our seminarians are being formed to remain close to Christ and to give their lives in service of His Church.

As Bishop Reed reminded us in his homily, the disciples’ request to Jesus—“Lord, teach us to pray”—remains at the heart of every vocation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who continue to pray for our seminarians. Your prayers and generosity help make their formation possible. Please continue to pray for our seminarians, and consider supporting their formation with a gift to Saint John’s Seminary.

Support the mission of priestly formation:https://www.sjs.edu/fund

10/04/2026

It was a joy to welcome parishioners from St. Columbkille Parish in Brighton to Saint John’s Seminary this Sunday.

In his homily, Bishop Reed reflected on St. Paul’s call to “have no anxiety at all,” reminding us to faithfully do what God asks of us and entrust the rest to Him. He also reflected on Christ, the stone rejected by the builders who has become the cornerstone—the foundation upon which we build our lives and our work.

After Mass, the seminary community and our guests gathered in the courtyard to pray the Rosary before sharing lunch together in the refectory.

Thank you to our friends from St. Columbkille for spending the day with us!

10/04/2026

What fruit is God finding in the vineyard of your life?

This Sunday’s readings lead us from the vineyard to the Cross and the Eucharist, reminding us that Christ gives Himself to us so that His life may bear fruit through us—especially in how we care for and protect the dignity of every human life.

Read this week’s reflection: https://www.sjs.edu/blog/26sunday26

Today’s readings place before us one of Scripture’s most powerful images: the vineyard. It is more than a metaphor. It tells the story of God’s covenant with His people, the mystery of Christ, and the story of our own lives.

10/04/2026

Earlier this weekend a neighbor fell while hiking in the woods near Saint John’s Seminary. Thankfully, he was not injured, and seminarians Paulo, Sean, and Will were able to help him safely make his way home.

We’re grateful our seminarians had the opportunity to be there for someone in a moment of need, a small but meaningful reminder of the spirit of service at the heart of priestly ministry.

10/02/2026

In the latest episode of the Saint John’s Seminary Podcast, Vice Rector Fr. Stanislaus Achu speaks with Rector Bishop Robert Reed about priestly fraternity and the ways priests can continue to live that fraternity throughout their ministry.

Revisiting the June 17 conference for priests at Saint John’s, they discuss the practical realities of life in the rectory, different models of priestly community, and the importance of having brother priests alongside us in the joys and challenges of ministry.

They also reflect on something familiar to every SJS alumnus: the friendships and brotherhood formed during seminary—and how those relationships can continue to sustain a priest long after ordination.

🎧 S3E3: Fraternity for the Priesthood — listen wherever you get your podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YOCtYtx15L7nCUa3jmMcR?si=pTLYCNS4QnKxrSqvlkVOcg