Dear seminarians,

Thank you to everyone who helped make last week’s dismissal as seamless as possible. I know you didn’t have much time to prepare. The situation you have been dealing with is unprecedented. I can rest a little easier now, knowing that most of you are back in your home dioceses.

As most of you probably know, in a continued effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the President recently extended federal guidance on social distancing through the end of April. The Seminary campus will remain closed to the public until further notice. With this news, coupled with the potential lack of hospital space in the area, I am now requiring all seminarians to continue their coursework online from their home dioceses through the end of the semester.

There will be no changes to the academic schedule. No classes will be held during the Easter break, April 9-15. Finals for seniors will still take place May 5-7, and finals for the rest of the seminarians will still be held May 18-21. Unfortunately, graduation will be postponed indefinitely.

I realize many of you left personal items in your dorm rooms. I will work with Fr. Jonathan and Fr. Sam to determine a date to permit you to return to campus to gather your items. If there is something you need from your room immediately or if you have any other questions, please email me at rectorsec@sjasc.edu.

Please continue to meet online with your spiritual directors and formation advisors. As always, the seminary administration will remain on campus to continue coordinating your seminary formation and are available to you should you have any questions or concerns.

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

Sincerely yours in Christ,

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