Saint John's Seminary

Quick Facts

Catholic major seminary

Location

Boston, MA (Brighton)

Degrees

Bachelor's Completion, Master's

Popular Majors

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Theological Studies, Pre-Theology

Total Students

Undergrad Students

140

Limited

Tuition (2025-2026)

Room and Board

$28,000

$12,000

Selectivity

Average Net Price *

Open Admission

$20,000

Distance from Boston

School Website

In Boston

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* Average Net Price is the actual average cost to students for attending the college. This is calculated by adding the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and room and board where applicable) and subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid.

St. John's Seminary, founded in 1884, is a Catholic major seminary dedicated to forming priests for diocesan ministry. Located in Boston's Brighton neighborhood, the seminary serves students from multiple dioceses with comprehensive programs integrating spiritual, intellectual, human, and pastoral formation. The institution's historic commitment to priestly preparation combines rigorous theological education with practical ministry experience in a supportive residential community.

St. John's offers pre-theology bachelor's completion, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, and Master of Theological Studies.

The seminary emphasizes spiritual formation, pastoral skills, and community life.

Programs include fieldwork in parishes and institutions.

St. John's maintains partnerships with Boston-area dioceses.

The Brighton campus features chapel and residence halls.

 

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Contents

Academics>

Admission>

Career Outcomes>

Campus>

Student Life>

Graduate Schools>

International Students>

Visiting St. John's Seminary>

 

Academics

St. John's Seminary offers comprehensive formation for Catholic priesthood and lay ministry. Programs include pre-theology bachelor's completion, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, and Master of Theological Studies. Classes emphasize Scripture, theology, pastoral care, and spiritual development. Small classes and faculty mentorship support growth. Extensive fieldwork in parishes builds practical skills. The seminary's integrated approach prepares graduates for ordained and lay ministry.

Admission

Admission to St. John's Seminary is open with diocesan sponsorship for priesthood candidates. Applications require recommendations, interviews, and discernment process. Flexible entry supports vocational calling.

Career Outcomes

St. John's graduates serve as diocesan priests, deacons, and lay ministers, benefiting from formation and pastoral training. Many alumni receive ordination and parish assignments. Graduates often advance in ministry leadership or education, empowered by seminary's spiritual depth and practical preparation. The alumni network provides ongoing support.

Campus

St. John's Brighton campus features chapel, library, classrooms, and residence halls in urban setting. Facilities support daily liturgy and community life. Dining and wellness resources enhance residential experience. Easy transit connects to Boston parishes. The campus fosters spiritual reflection while providing access to ministry opportunities.

Student Life

St. John's fosters residential community with daily Mass, prayer, and formation events. Students engage in spiritual direction, service, and fellowship. Activities include retreats and ministry projects. Wellness resources support balance amid studies. The seminarian population enriches communal life. Boston location offers pastoral enrichment while the campus provides focused formation environment.

Graduate Schools

St. John's Seminary's graduate programs prepare clergy and lay leaders through integrated theological training and spiritual formation. Master's degrees in Divinity, Ministry, and Theological Studies serve candidates for priesthood and professional ministry. Students benefit from daily worship, faculty mentorship, and parish fieldwork, gaining expertise for pastoral service while deepening faith commitment.

St. John's Seminary Graduate Schools Overview

Program Area Key Programs Focus & Strengths
Divinity MDiv Priestly formation.
Ministry MAM Lay leadership.
Theology MTS Academic study.

International Students

St. John's Seminary hosts international students pursuing priestly formation for global dioceses. International students enrich community life while benefiting from comprehensive training. The seminary provides support to help global learners succeed in its spiritual environment in Boston. For more information about studying at Boston colleges click here.

Admissions
International applicants require diocesan sponsorship and evaluations.

Support Services
International office assists with visas, orientation, and integration.

Scholarships and Aid
Diocesan support common.

Student Life and Opportunities
International students engage in formation and ministry.

Visiting St. John's Seminary

St. John's Seminary welcomes prospective students and visitors to explore its Brighton campus through tours and information sessions. Visitors experience chapel, facilities, and community while learning about formation programs. Virtual options available. Register via Admissions website for personalized visits. For more information about visiting Boston colleges click here.

Recommended Hotels Near St. John's Seminary

Hotel Description Price Range Link
The Inn at Longwood Medical Near medical area. $250–$450 innatlongwood.com
Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill Convenient location. $200–$400 ihg.com
Hyatt Regency Cambridge River views. $250–$450 hyatt.com
Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway Extended stay. $250–$450 marriott.com
Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center Modern amenities. $180–$350 hilton.com