LIFE AS A SEMINARIAN
Daily Schedule
The seminarians’ daily schedule is guided by the principle of giving God the first fruits of the day. Seminarians begin each weekday with Mass and morning prayer, followed by breakfast in the dining room. Most classes are held in the morning, with an off-campus pastoral formation assignment occupying one afternoon each week for most seminarians. Time for study and recreation is often found in the late afternoon and evening, before and after evening prayer and dinner. The Sacrament of Penance and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament are offered each day; formation conferences and house meetings are held weekly.
Weekends find both houses coming together for Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the rosary, and Holy Hour.
Student Life
As a human community, the seminary must be “built on deep friendship and charity, so that it can be considered a true family living in joy” (PDV 60). Guidelines for achieving this ideal are given in the formation handbooks. The Josephinum community strives to make this ideal a reality through the many individual and group initiatives of its seminarians. Among the latter is the School of Theology Student Senate, comprised of seminarians elected by their confrères. It meets regularly to discuss matters pertaining to community life, to supervise the work of seminarian committees, and to plan apostolic and recreation activities.
Recreation Facilities
Excellent indoor recreation facilities are available to the seminarians on campus, including a swimming pool, a well-equipped weight room, and a gymnasium equipped with a regulation college basketball court and three practice cross-courts.
For outdoor recreation, there are handball courts and large, well-kept athletic fields for softball, baseball, soccer, and football. Paths for hiking along the Olentangy River and through the woods are found at the west end of the property. The mile-long drive on the property provides a safe place for jogging. Facilities for racquetball, golf, roller-skating, and ice-skating are available in the vicinity. Three ski areas are located within an hour’s drive of the campus.
An active intramural sports program includes football, softball, and basketball. The Josephinum basketball team plays in tournaments, at home and away. The seminary hosts a basketball tournament once each year. Other activities, such as movie nights, pub socials, canoe trips, and picnics are offered periodically.
Health Services
The Health Center is staffed on weekdays by a registered nurse. Health care provides assessment, medical referrals, and immunizations.
An annual health fair focuses on preventive wellness education, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screening. Medical care is scheduled through the school nurse.
Several excellent health care facilities are available in the Columbus area. All seminarians are required to have health insurance. Seminarians who do not have coverage through their diocese or parents are required to purchase the school’s health insurance plan.
Counseling Services
The Josephinum has licensed psychologists who are available to provide confidential help to seminarians. Seminarians are encouraged to use these services when assistance is needed in identifying and resolving personal challenges.
