WELCOME & Visitors
Welcome
Since the Josephinum was founded in 1888, zealous young men eager to grow in holiness and labor for the salvation of souls have been received as seminarians at the Pontifical College Josephinum. As America’s only pontifical seminary, the Josephinum welcomes your interest in our academic programs, both undergraduate and graduate, where qualified candidates are afforded the opportunity to receive the finest possible education and formation for the Catholic priesthood. Here you will find information about our rich traditions and our unique offerings. We welcome your inquiry about the Josephinum and hope that we might have the opportunity to connect your interest with our ongoing mission.
Visitors
The Josephinum welcomes the general public to many special events held throughout the year, such as our lecture series and annual Tour Day. Please see our calendar of events for dates and times. The library is open to the public; guests are asked to call the library desk at 614-985-2295 prior to visiting.
Tours
Seminarians enjoy sharing our beautiful campus with guests on our annual Tour Day held on a designated Saturday each year. Online reservations may be made approximately 4 weeks prior to the event.
Tours are available for Church or religious school groups of 10 persons or more during regular business hours (8:30 - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) by advanced appointment. Tours are not available on evenings or weekends. All tour appointments made only by emailing tours@pcj.edu.
Please note that the daily schedule of seminary life does not accommodate individual or walk-in tours or chapel visitations, or special Masses in conjunction with group tours.
Photography
Guests who visit for Tour Day or a pre-arranged group tour may take photographs of the buildings and grounds only, for personal use. Photographs of seminarians, faculty and staff are not permitted. Guests at the Jessing Center for wedding receptions are welcome to have photographs taken outdoors. The Josephinum reserves the right to share/request any photos posted to social media. Questions about photography may be directed to the Communications Office.
Drone Policy
Out of safety and privacy concerns, the Pontifical College Josephinum prohibits the operation/use of unmanned aerial systems or drones by the general public – including professional photographers, photojournalists, and recreational users – without prior written authorization from the seminary. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within 100 feet of seminary boundaries. This prohibition on drone operation/use extends to any drone launched or operated from seminary property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the seminary boundaries. Persons seeking permission to operate aerial drones must contact our Communications Office. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by FAA rules and regulations, local law enforcement, as well as those policies separately established by the seminary, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage indemnification requirements and waivers or releases of liability.
