St. John Fisher Seminary Residence

St. John Fisher Seminary Residence is the seminary residence for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Men between the ages of 18-40 live at the residence while studying philosophy in preparation for theological studies at a seminary outside of the diocese.

The seminary has been in existence for 19 years and has gone though three different rectors under two different bishops. The average time spent at St. John Fisher depends on the academic status of the seminarian. This can be anywhere from a year to five years.

Founding

St. John Fisher Seminary was founded by Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni, H.E.D. at the request of Edward Cardinal Egan, the bishop of Bridgeport at the time. The new residence would provide men the opportunity to receive instruction in philosophy while building their faith and vocation to the priesthood. Msgr. DiGiovanni served as rector and vocation director and many of the current aspects of the seminary can be credited to him. Bishop Egan was very interested in promoting vocations to the priesthood and with the leadership of Msgr. DiGiovanni, a booming seminary was built.

After Msgr. DiGiovanni was called to serve as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Stamford, Msgr. Kevin Royal was appointed rector.

Location

St. John Fisher is located on Newfield Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut. It is located on the campus of Trinity Catholic High School.

The residence was originally located in Trumbull, Connecticut until the current larger building became available.

Academic Process

The time spent at St. John Fisher varies on the status of the seminarian. Men who do not hold a college degree stay in the residence until they receive their undergraduate degree in philosophy. Men who have earned their undergraduate deree elsewhere are given a selection of courses in philosphy to prepare them for theology. Pre-theologians usually spend 2-3 years at St. John Fisher.

Because it is a seminary, other factors are considered in progression, as well. Spiritual formation is a large part of the time, and seminary formators assist the seminarian in these various aspects of seminary life.

Life at the seminary

Living in a seminary is very demanding. Seminarians are expected to be in chapel by 7:00 a.m. for lectio divina, or spiritual reading. Following this, is Mass and Lauds. The rest of the day is spent working on academics, or working in their assigned pastoral assignments. Vespers is always said in community and the same goes for dinner.

Seminarians are expected to keep up their academic studies and scheduled classes, while maintaining their spiritual life. Seminarians are also expected to recite the Liturgy of the Hours and spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Faculty

His Excellency William Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, is the presiding bishop of the seminary.

St. John Fisher is staffed by three priests: the rector, vocation director, and spiritual director.

The current rector is Fr. Samuel Scott.

The current vocation director is Fr. Peter Lynch.

The current spiritual director is Fr. Nick Cirillo.

The seminary is also able to use a variety of lay people and priests outside of the residence to provide instruction to the seminarians.

Some other faculty members include:

Dr. R. James Long, Professor of Philosophy, Fairfield University

Dr. Christopher Albrecht, Professor of Philosophy, St. Basil College

Dr. Diane Traflet, Professor of Theology, Seton Hall University

Fr. Paul Check, Instructor of Moral Theology

David Harvey, Instructor of Ecclesiastical Latin