- St. John Fisher Seminary Residence
St. John Fisher Seminary Residence is the
seminary residence for theDiocese of Bridgeport ,Connecticut . Men between the ages of 18-40 live at the residence while studying philosophy in preparation for theological studies at a seminary outside of the diocese.The seminary has been in existence for 19 years and has gone though three different rectors under two different bishops. The average time spent at
St. John Fisher depends on the academic status of the seminarian. This can be anywhere from a year to five years.Founding
St. John Fisher Seminary was founded by Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni, H.E.D. at the request of
Edward Cardinal Egan , the bishop of Bridgeport at the time. The new residence would provide men the opportunity to receive instruction in philosophy while building their faith and vocation to the priesthood. Msgr. DiGiovanni served as rector and vocation director and many of the current aspects of the seminary can be credited to him. Bishop Egan was very interested in promoting vocations to the priesthood and with the leadership of Msgr. DiGiovanni, a booming seminary was built.After Msgr. DiGiovanni was called to serve as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Stamford, Msgr. Kevin Royal was appointed rector.
Location
St. John Fisher is located on Newfield Avenue in
Stamford , Connecticut. It is located on the campus ofTrinity Catholic High School .The residence was originally located in
Trumbull , Connecticut until the current larger building became available.Academic Process
The time spent at St. John Fisher varies on the status of the
seminarian . Men who do not hold a college degree stay in the residence until they receive their undergraduate degree in philosophy. Men who have earned their undergraduate deree elsewhere are given a selection of courses in philosphy to prepare them for theology. Pre-theologians usually spend 2-3 years at St. John Fisher.Because it is a seminary, other factors are considered in progression, as well. Spiritual formation is a large part of the time, and seminary formators assist the seminarian in these various aspects of seminary life.
Life at the seminary
Living in a seminary is very demanding. Seminarians are expected to be in chapel by 7:00 a.m. for lectio divina, or spiritual reading. Following this, is Mass and
Lauds . The rest of the day is spent working on academics, or working in their assigned pastoral assignments.Vespers is always said in community and the same goes for dinner.Seminarians are expected to keep up their academic studies and scheduled classes, while maintaining their spiritual life. Seminarians are also expected to recite the
Liturgy of the Hours and spend time in the presence of theBlessed Sacrament .Faculty
His Excellency
William Lori , Bishop of Bridgeport, is the presidingbishop of the seminary.St. John Fisher is staffed by three priests: the rector, vocation director, and spiritual director.
The current
rector is Fr. Samuel Scott.The current vocation director is Fr. Peter Lynch.
The current spiritual director is Fr. Nick Cirillo.
The seminary is also able to use a variety of lay people and priests outside of the residence to provide instruction to the seminarians.
Some other faculty members include:
Dr. R. James Long, Professor of Philosophy,
Fairfield University Dr. Christopher Albrecht, Professor of Philosophy, St. Basil College
Dr. Diane Traflet, Professor of Theology,
Seton Hall University Fr. Paul Check, Instructor of
Moral Theology David Harvey, Instructor of Ecclesiastical
Latin
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