Academics

A classical education, paired with priestly formation.

At Borromeo, you study an integrated liberal arts curriculum, built in partnership with John Carroll University, that prepares men for graduate study in theology. You are registered as a full-time student at the university and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from John Carroll upon graduation.
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Your degree and your major

Formation for the priesthood calls for a depth of philosophy in preparation for the study of theology, so philosophy is the ordinary major at Borromeo. You can choose from a wide range of academic minors in the John Carroll liberal arts curriculum, and some men pursue a double major.
Borromeo keeps its own academic faculty, who are adjunct faculty of John Carroll University. They teach the philosophy and religious studies courses required by the Program of Priestly Formation at the seminary.
Faculty

Meet the faculty

The men and women who teach and form seminarians at Borromeo. Swipe through to meet them.
Rev. Andrew TurnerPresident-RectorB.S.C., Ohio University
M.Div., M.A. & D.Min., St. Mary Seminary
S.T.L., Angelicum, RomeAt Borromeo since 2013
Rev. Patrick AndersonDirector of Human FormationB.A. & M.Ed., John Carroll University
M.A. & M.Div., St. Mary SeminaryAt Borromeo since 2017
Rev. Bill BouhallDirector of Spiritual FormationB.A., Borromeo College of Ohio
M.Div., St. Mary SeminaryAt Borromeo since 2020
Rev. Michael Joyce, OFM Cap.Director of Pastoral FormationB.A., St. Fidelis College Seminary
M.Div. & M.A., Washington Theological Union / St. Mary SeminaryAt Borromeo since 2004
Dr. Beth A. RathPhilosophy Department ChairB.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville
Ph.D., Saint Louis UniversityAt Borromeo since 2014
Dr. Joel JohnsonProfessor of PhilosophyB.A., SUNY Binghamton
Ph.D., Purdue UniversityAt Borromeo since 2018
Agnieszka Duda-BieniekDirector of Liturgical MusicB.A., Warsaw
M.A. Mus., BialystokAt Borromeo since 2021
Rev. Damian FerenceProfessor of PhilosophyB.A., John Carroll University
M.Div. & M.A., St. Mary Seminary
Ph.D., Angelicum, RomeAt Borromeo since 2009
Rev. John Paul Kuzma, OFM Cap.Capuchin Formation ProgramAt Borromeo since 2020

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For students who attended Borromeo Seminary or Borromeo College of Ohio prior to the fall of 1991, a written request is needed to obtain transcripts.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

No. Borromeo is a place of growth in holiness and awareness of God's will. Its first goal is to help young men discern clearly whether they are called to the priesthood or to another Christian vocation.

Most men who complete Borromeo apply to Saint Mary Seminary for graduate studies in theology. Each year, every seminarian goes through a self-evaluation with the faculty and decides whether to continue. Men who step away still leave with formation that serves them and the Church.

We hope a man stays through graduation if he is studying for the priesthood. At the end of each year, he discerns his progress and makes a commitment for the next year. If he decides not to continue, he is free to leave.

Philosophy is the ordinary major, because it prepares a man for theology. You can add a minor from the John Carroll liberal arts curriculum, and a double major is possible.

Usually not. The academic and spiritual formation at the seminary is a full-time load of 15 to 18 credit hours, so the seminary recommends against outside employment. If a real financial need arises, a seminarian needs the rector's permission before seeking work.

Yes. Seminarians complete the FAFSA in order to receive academic scholarships from John Carroll University.

Your week moves between class at John Carroll and at the seminary, daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer and Adoration, study and shared meals. You'll also have time for fraternity with the men you live beside including, athletics, music, games, movies, and anything you might normally do with a friend..

Yes. Family and friends are welcome to visit. Out of respect for the other men, visitors do not enter the dormitory except when permitted.

No. A man exploring the priesthood is called to live as closely to the life of a priest as he can, which means setting aside dating and exclusive relationships so he can honestly discern a life of celibacy.

Since 1979, Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of Saint Augustine have discerned religious life alongside diocesan seminarians at Borromeo, and Franciscan friars teach some of the formation courses.

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Wondering if God is calling you to the priesthood?

You don't have to figure it out alone.
Contact Vocations Director