About Us - Mission Statement and Accreditation
Mission Statement
Saint Joseph Seminary College is a community of faith rooted in the Benedictine tradition which promotes learning in the liberal arts and prepares seminarians for the Roman Catholic ministerial priesthood as missionary disciples in love with Jesus Christ.
- Revised and adopted by the Board of Trustees, March 14, 2024
Saint Joseph Seminary College traces its beginnings to January 1890, when Father Luke Gruwe, at the urgent request of Archbishop Francis Janssens, founded the Saint Joseph Preparatory Seminary for the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans. At its origin, the institution hosted classical and business programs. Later, it acted as a high school and junior college for students preparing for the priesthood. Fully accredited in 1967, Saint Joseph Seminary College offers baccalaureate and pre-theology programs for seminarians planning to enter the theologate and pursue a vocation to the Roman Catholic priesthood. Its reputation for excellent formation and academic programs is known throughout the Gulf South region and across the United States.
The presence of the resident Benedictine community, with its rich liturgical and cultural tradition, and its commitment to the common life and ministry, provide the basis for student formation. The close community of the Seminary College and the rapport between students and faculty enhance its educational setting.
At Saint Joseph Seminary College, you’ll find a range of attributes designed to enhance your formation and academic experience, including:
A Pastoral Setting located one hour from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge on 1,200 acres of beautiful pine forests and savannahs bordered by the Bogue Falaya River;
The Abbey Church, which was designated on the National Register of Historic Places and features thee internationally acclaimed murals of Dom Gregory de Wit;
Roquette Library, completed in Spring 2018, which is equipped with wireless technology, laptop computers, and copiers/printers; a large conference room with whiteboards, flat-screen video monitor, and smart podium; and access to more than 40,000 print books, 200,000 digital books, 110 current print serials, 5,400 bound print serials, 98,000,000 digital articles and 2,000 audios and videos;
Meinrad Hospitality Center, which was renovated in 2024 with guest suites, a kitchenette, and conference room;
Benet Hall Welcome Center and Auditorium renovated in 2024 with a spacious lobby area, state-of-the-art audio/ visual equipment, and seating for 475;
Borromeo, Savio, and Vianney Residence Halls with 22, 44, and 40 individual dorm rooms, respectively, Dean’s suites on each floor, and each with a community room, and kitchenette;
Athletic facilities with 20 miles of hiking and running trails, a football/soccer field, lighted basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, a sand volleyball court, and a 1,200+-square-foot gymnasium with a weight room and cardio room;
A Dining Hall furnished to seat 200+ and fully staffed to provide three meals per day; and
The Wharf (a student-run lounge) and St. Lawrence Grill, which are available for student recreational activities.
The formation program of Saint Joseph Seminary College fosters the commitment of seminarians to the Roman Catholic priesthood in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Program of Priestly Formation. The Seminary College also makes available its educational and other resources to the local community.
Saint Joseph Seminary College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the baccalaureate degree. Questions about the accreditation of Saint Joseph Seminary College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). The Seminary College course of training also fulfills the requirements of ecclesiastical norms and offers a major in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts or in Philosophy and Theological Studies.