Vision
The Church on fire
with the Holy Spirit,
a world transformed in Jesus Christ.
Mission
To provide integrated, Catholic formation for those called to serve as priests, deacons or lay leaders in their local Church.
Priests
Deacons
Laymen and Women
^A thriving Church requires all three.
From railroad magnate's gift to regional formation hub
Archbishop John Ireland founded what would become The Saint Paul Seminary over 100 years ago -- with the support of Minnesota millionaire James J. Hill, who funded the project in honor of his wife, Mary Mehegan Hill.
Today
Seminarians
Permanent Deacon Candidates
Future priests, deacons and lay leaders in formation
Notable Alumni
Bishops Who Send to Saint Paul
Core values
- Charity: Faithful to Christ’s new commandment, we seek first the good of the other.
- Truth: As the human heart and mind are ordered toward truth, we seek to be honest in both deeds and words.
- Fidelity: We joyfully profess the truths of the Catholic faith and embrace her disciplines as authentically interpreted by the Church’s magisterium.
- Zeal: We are passionate about our mission and eager to form clergy and lay leaders.
- Authentically human: Grateful for creation and our humanity, we desire the fullness of life and joy.
Fr. Joseph Taphorn
Rector and Vice President
From the Rector
Dear Friends,
Since 1894, The Saint Paul Seminary has formed men into priests of Jesus Christ. Today, we continue that legacy through providing a rich culture of formation where we form joyful, Catholic priests, deacons and lay leaders who are prepared to lead and serve God’s people.
I welcome those who feel called to the priesthood, diaconate or lay leadership to discover all that we have to offer here and to respond with generous faith to the Lord’s call. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the vital mission of forming leaders to share in Christ's mission of salvation.