Dear parents,

I hope everyone is safe and healthy during this difficult time.

I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to all of you and provide an update on the campus and measures I have instituted to keep the seminarians safe. I realize that, with the news surrounding the Coronavirus changing several times a day, it can be challenging to know that these young men are not at home with you.

Rest assured, I am taking this situation seriously and adapting our response to the local situation. I have also consulted with the bishops from each diocese, who unanimously agreed that, as long as they are safe and healthy, it would be best for their men to remain on campus for the foreseeable future. We have communicated this with the men, also making it clear to them that if they at any time feel unsafe and want to leave, they may do so.

Many of you may be asking why we are keeping the men here while the majority of other colleges throughout the nation have sent their students home. I have been in touch with a doctor who specializes in infectious disease, and she feels that as long as we continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary measures outlined below, that it is an appropriate response to this situation. Unlike your typical university, formation at seminaries is just more than going to class. The formation here for seminarians also involves the Sacraments, prayer, and regular contact with their formation advisor, all of course, with social distancing taking place. Beyond formation, we realize that morale can become a problem and have been scheduling outdoor activities and events to keep the men busy.

Even though the Seminary campus is very isolated, last week, Abbot Justin and I still agreed that it would be best if the Seminary grounds closed to outside visitors, which includes the Abbey Church and Gift Shop. In addition to sending non-essential staff home until further notice, all classes for the men moved to an online format as well. All public events, including the Come & See Weekend and Abbey Youth Fest, have been postponed. On Sunday, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statewide Stay at Home Order, permitting residents to travel locally for essentials only. Prior to this order, we already had a policy instituted where seminarians could not leave campus without explicit permission from the Dean of Students.

Additionally:

·      We have instructed seminarians to ensure hand washing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

·      Signs around campus clearly indicate that outside guests are not permitted until further notice

·      We ask that the seminarians monitor their temperature regularly; as an institution, we have implemented a procedure to ensure that this being done regularly.

·       Regular mealtimes are being maintained, with SAGE Dining taking appropriate measures, limiting the time each seminarian spends in food areas. Their staff is using gloves, providing packets of condiments and other products rather than large, shared containers. Panini grills, toasters, and waffle irons will be put away for now.

·      We are suspending in-person annual evaluations 

If by chance a seminarian contracts Coronavirus, we have the means to quarantine and care for them.

Please be on the lookout for regular updates from me. Should things change, I will notify you immediately.  You can also visit www.sjasc.edu/coronavirus for updates and further protocols in response to this rapidly evolving situation. You may also visit the Louisiana Department Health’s website at http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/ for up-to-date info. If you have any questions, please contact me at 985-867-2241 or boquet@sjasc.edu.

The prayers of the monks and seminarians are with you all at this time.

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

Fr. Gregory M. Boquet, O.S.B.
President-Rector
Saint Joseph Seminary College

Please consider making a gift to the Seminary College at www.saintjosephabbey.com/donate. Your financial and prayerful support are greatly appreciated.