Frequently Asked Questions

Does the seminary accept men older than 35 years of age?

Men older than 35 are accepted on a case by case basis, bearing in mind that the mind tends to memorize less easily as the years go by, and so studies become more difficult. Also, moving on from being young to being middle aged makes it more and more difficult to accept formation, which often involves fundamental changes in behavior.

Does one have to have college experience to become a Fraternity seminarian?

College experience has certain advantages, such as increased academic ability and experience, but it is not required. With some colleges the academic and moral corruption that are encountered make them incompatible with preparing for seminary.

Can you accept men with disabilities?

Some disabilities, such as poor vision, can be easily corrected and do not rule out a priestly vocation. However, any condition that would seriously impair the fulfilling of priestly studies or duties would necessarily eliminate the possibility of a vocation.

Do you have to be an "A" student in the seminary?

The goal of the studies program is not a certain grade point average, but the acquisition of all the knowledge necessary for personal formation, the celebration of mass, preaching, and giving spiritual counsel. On the other hand, persistently poor grades can cause dismissal from the formation program.

What parts of the Divine Office are recited at the seminary?

The community prays Lauds, Sext, Vespers and Compline together each day. The subdeacons, deacons and priests pray the rest of the breviary on their own each day.

What do seminarians wear?

Before tonsure, which occurs in the beginning of the second year, seminarians wear dress clothes throughout the day, while the rest of the community wears a Roman cassock and collar, and a fascia, more commonly called a cincture.

What if I possess some financial debt? Does this exclude me from applying?

Debt does not prevent an application to the seminary, but we cannot ordain someone with a large debt, and so we ask that the issue be resolved in some fashion prior to entry. Some find family members or other benefactors to help them, others work until they can pay the debt off. There are various solutions. Those with a serious debt should consult us on an individual basis.

How much does it cost to educate a seminarian?

The actual cost is about $22,000 per year. Most of this cost is paid through the generosity of our benefactors, who deserve our prayers every day.

Does a seminarian need to get health and dental insurance?

It is important to be insured. If a seminarian comes without insurance we will have him put on the seminary insurance plan, which is inexpensive.

What if I cannot pay for my annual tuition and room/board?

We ask all seminarians to do their best to pay everything they are able to pay. This includes actively seeking benefactors, running an ad in your home parish bulletin, asking priests for financial help, and applying for scholarships with various Catholic support groups. However, if you do not come up with all of the tuition money you will not be required to leave.

How does the Fraternity decide if a candidate goes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary or the other Fraternity seminary in Germany?

To qualify for studies at our motherhouse you should be competent enough in either French or German for academic studies. Doing some studies in Germany is encouraged, but not required.

Are seminarians allowed to go home over the holidays/summer?

The summer break is 12 weeks long, 4 weeks of which will be taken by one of many possible summer assignments. Normally, the assignment is to a parish. The work varies depending on the needs of the parish. It can be anything from simple menial labor to assisting with sick calls, training altar servers, teaching catechism classes and working in the parish office.

I have heard that seminarians spend time at FSSP apostolates over part of the summer. What do they do there?

See question above.

Are seminarians allowed to use email and own cell phones?

Cell phones are not permitted at the seminary. This is done to prevent the world from destroying the atmosphere necessary to a seminary. Email is permitted for seminarians after there first year has been completed.

Are seminarians allowed to own their own car?

Yes.

Can a seminarian have their own laptop?

Yes. Permission to use a computer in class will depend on the policy of individual teachers.

Are seminarians allowed to grow beards/mustaches?

No.

Can I request where I get sent after ordination?

At ordination you make a promise to the bishop to go where you are sent by your legitimate superior. Although you may be consulted when you are assigned, you will be sent to the assignment that is deemed to be for your good and the good of the Church.

Does the seminary observe Grand Silence?

Grand Silence is observed from after Compline, which begins at 7:30, until the end of breakfast the next day, which is 8:25.

Can I become a military chaplain?

This is something that would depend on the openness of the military to the liturgical aspects of our charism. The FSSP has no policy against FSSP priests becoming military chaplains.

If I am a diocesan seminarian, can my bishop send me to OLGS for studies?

Yes, your bishop may choose to send you to OLGS for education and formation.

Can lay people study at the seminary?

The seminary program is only for those in priestly formation. Opening it to others would dilute the seminary atmosphere which is necessary to good formation.

Can I visit the seminary?

Men interested in entering the seminary may contact the seminary and ask to make a visit. This is a good way to come to know our community better and to help discern your vocation.

I live outside the United States. Can I still apply?

Both our motherhouse seminary in Germany and Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in the United States are international houses. To study in Germany you should have a working knowledge of oral and written German or French and to study in the United States you should have a working knowledge of oral and written English. In addition, you will have to assume your travel expenses to come to the seminary each year as neither seminaries pay for travel expenses. A visit to the seminary is often required as part of the application process unless we can arrange for you to visit one or more of our priests in another country.

English is not my primary language. Must I possess a certain competency in English in order to apply?

Although you need not be an expert in the English language, to study successfully you must understand both spoken and written English well. Serious applicants should work on their English skills taking classes in English,if necessary, before applying.

You have approved my visit to the seminary and I plan to fly. What airport should I fly into?

Fly into Lincoln (airport code LNK) if at all possible. Sometimes the Omaha airport is up to $100 dollars cheaper, but from there you will then need to take Omalink, a shuttle service, which is $50, to arrive at the Lincoln airport. The shuttle takes you all over Omaha first, dropping people off, so what could be just over a one hour trip can become 2 1/2 hours. You can also look into coming by train from certain cities, which is cheaper, or, for those needing an absolute bargain, you can come by bus.

You have approved my visit to the seminary and I plan to drive. How do I get to the seminary?

Click HERE to bring up a Google Map for the seminary.

When do you finalize your decisions on who is accepted for the seminary?

Final decisions are made after a completed application has been submitted and the vocations retreat has been made. Decisons are mailed out within a few weeks unless the files are still missing some required documents.

What time of year do men enter the seminary?

The first year men do not enter at the same time as the rest of the seminary. The men studying philosophy and theology come at the end of August, whereas the first year seminarians come about half way through September.