The Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio Minor Seminary is a junior high and high school seminary (grades 8-12) for young men who feel called to the Catholic priesthood. Our minor seminary began in 2008 in response to the expressed desires of young men in our parishes in the United States who wanted to become priests. After much prayer and deliberation, and with the consent of the then Bishop of Winona, MN, Most Rev. Bernard Harrington, the superiors of the IVE decided to open the minor seminary.

Minor seminaries are established in order to cultivate the seeds of a vocation in young men. The purpose, therefore, of the High School Seminary is to help young men who seem to have the beginnings of a priestly vocation to more readily discern and respond to the call of God. While living communally, the boys mature in an environment that prioritizes the practice of virtues, a rich sacramental life, and spiritual growth. In keeping with Pope John Paul II’s vision, “the aim of the program is to protect and develop the seeds of a priestly vocation so that the students may more easily recognize it and be in a better position to respond to it.

The educational goal of such seminaries … will lead the young person to embark on the path of the major seminary with an adequate and solid foundation.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 63) Finally, our minor seminary wants to ensure that our students are formed not only academically and spiritually, but also effectively; that is, that they are given the opportunity to develop into happy and healthy—as well as holy—men.