A Week at Saint Meinrad School of Theology
Daily schedule
A Week at St. Meinrad School of Theology
6:30-7:55 am Wake up, shower and optional breakfast
Some like to get up early to get a jump on the day, while others hit the snooze button till the last possible moment. Either way, it is most important that you are on time and look presentable. For those that like a leisurely morning, this is the time to have breakfast and grab a cup of coffee.
8:00–8:15 am Morning Prayer
During this time we say Morning Prayer together as a student body. Some of the prayer is chanted in the monastic style. Seminarians lead morning prayer and have an opportunity to participate in music as well.
8:15-8:25 am “Last chance” breakfast
The vast majority of students devour breakfast on the go and get to class during this time. Pancakes, eggs and cereal are a regular staple in the cafeteria.
8:30-11:15 am Class
In the morning there are two core classes with a break in between. Classes include Old and New Testament, Church History, Philosophy, and Sacramental Theology. The majority of our classes are taught by priests or religious. There are many opportunities for electives including languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish and French) chant, philosophy, history and much more. Usually the class sizes are small and we get time to know our professors well and ask them questions.
11:30-Noon Mass
We have Mass in community everyday. On Fridays, Mass is celebrated in Spanish.
12:30-1:00 pm Lunch
1-4:30 pm Electives and free time
You may have one hour long class in the afternoon. There is usually time in the afternoon to get in a basketball game, make a Wal-Mart run, or do some homework.
5-5:15 pm Evening prayer
On most days, this is the last time when the seminary community prays together. After this, guys will on occasion go out to see a movie or to get dinner. Dinner is also provided at St. Meinrad in community.
5:30-6 pm Dinner
Free time
When outside of classes and prayer time, the atmosphere is laid back and there is plenty of time for sports and recreation. There are teams formed for basketball and volleyball that play weekly, with tournaments at the end of the school year. Students and those that work at St. Meinrad are part of these teams. There are also soccer and basketball tournaments where St. Meinrad competes with other seminaries throughout the Midwest. The campus has basketball and tennis courts along with space to play soccer and football. There is a student run pub on campus called the “Unstable” that is open every evening but Sunday. The “Unstable” is known for its pizza and also has beer and burgers. There are many students who like biking, fishing, hiking and hunting. There is an art studio in which projects such as stained-glass and wood-carving are worked on.
Adoration, Rosary and Confession
We have adoration offered every Sunday and Thursday afternoon, and the Eucharistic chapel is open at all times for prayer. Rosary is offered every Sunday before Mass. Confessions are made available three times a week.
Formation
Wednesdays are set aside as formation days in which talks are given which focus on human and pastoral topics. These topics are geared to preparing us to work in a parish someday and become a better priest. The president-rector and vice-rector give addresses on a regular basis. There is also a program developed at St. Meinrad in which we discuss issues concerning celibacy on a monthly basis.
(Written by David Proctor)