Sabbatical Program

The Byzantine Catholic Seminary’s sabbatical program for priests is structured to offer convenience and support. The convenience of living at the Seminary in a community of formation with a complete schedule of liturgical services, with brother priests who are part of the Seminary staff and faculty, food service, and housing in a private room/bath of the Seminary annex provides adequate comfort for necessary rest and study. The support of the Seminary community along with the library and media services and the opportunity to take desired courses allow for ongoing formation and renewal. The nearness of various parishes and renowned theological libraries provides additional resources and opportunities for some degree of liturgical ministry. A priest may apply to be on sabbatical at the Seminary for the fall semester or an entire academic year.

The following are due by May 1st for admittance in the following academic year:

  • Application form, printed from this link;
  • Letter of good standing from the priest’s bishop or superior and the following safe environment documentation:  Criminal background clearance; Child abuse history certification; Signed Archeparchial Code of Conduct; and attestation to the completion of safe environment training.  All of these documents must be no more than five years old at the time of the priest’s completion of his program at the Seminary.
  • Resume
  • Recent photograph.

Costs and Fees:

  • Housing $3,600 per semester
  • Food $2,500 per semester
  • Courses (optional) 10% of tuition (see academic catalog)
  • An additional fee is required of priests who elect to attend the 4-day Byzantine Catholic Clergy Retreat during the fall semester.

Priests on sabbatical are billed following the beginning of each semester.

  • Introduction to Dogmatics
  • Introduction to Liturgy/Sacraments
  • Foundations of Spirituality
  • Chant I
  • Four Liturgical Practicum courses
  • Comparative Liturgical Calendars and Canon Law – East and West (may be directed independent study)

The following are due by May 1st for admittance in the following academic year:

  • Application form, printed from this link
  • Letter of good standing from the priest’s bishop or superior and the following safe environment documentation:  Criminal background clearance; Child abuse history certification; Signed Archeparchial Code of Conduct; and attestation to the completion of safe environment training.  All of these documents must be no more than five years old at the time of the priest’s completion of his program at the Seminary.
  • Letter of sponsorship to be formed for bi-ritual faculties from bishop or superior
  • Resume
  • Recent photograph
  • For priests wishing to earn academic credit for courses taken, the application process for non-matriculating students must be completed as well.

Costs and Fees:

  • Housing $3,600 per semester
  • Food $2,500 per semester
  • Bi-ritual program required courses $5,244 total tuition (at audit rate)*

*tuition varies according to individualized curriculum

Priests in the bi-ritual program are billed following the beginning of each semester.

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