Our minor seminary began in recognition of the importance of giving a sound Catholic, intellectual, and moral formation to young men who are called to the priesthood, while simultaneously fostering their Divine vocation. Life at the seminary is rich in the formation of the individual as well as in the development of deep roots in the beautiful communal aspects of religious life: prayer, self-denial, fraternal charity, as well as social interaction and good-natured fun.

Work

Work is an absolute must in the formation of the young man. The Book of Thessalonians states it perfectly: “If any man will not work, neither let him eat. For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly, working not at all, but curiously meddling. Now we charge them that are such, and beseech them by the Lord Jesus Christ, that, working with silence, they would eat their own bread. But you, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.”

Sports

As part of the human formation, sports play a very important role in the life of a young man and in the development of sportsmanship, fairness, and patience. The city of Mankato has several beautiful parks where our seminarians spend time enjoying outdoor sports such as Soccer and other activities. We also provide a year-round YMCA membership for each young man, which permits our minor seminarians to use their sports facilities several times a week for Basketball, Racquetball, Judo, and Swimming.

Eutrapelia

Eutrapelia is the virtue of playfulness or wit in conversation, defined by Aristotle as being halfway between buffoonery and boorishness.  This is the sense in which the IVE uses it.  As Aristotle points out, eutrapelia doesn't mean that happiness is found in amusements, but rather that time taken for eutrapelia is a form of rest, used as a means to regain strength for further activity.  Eutrapelia, taken in a Christian context, is further elevated by the fact that the life of a follower of Christ should be characterized by joy, and that joy is externalized in part through the virtue of eutrapelia. Let it be noted that this is different than "free time." Although eutrapelia is a form of recreation,  it has taken further and is used to help to build the community as a whole. And so, it may be better termed as "community free time."