The special mission of All Hallows Seminary is to prepare young men to serve as priests in English-speaking countries throughout the world, e.g. United States, Australia, Britain and South Africa. The programme at All Hallows seminary is designed to explore the initial calling to priesthood and help the student grow in enthusiasm and commitment to the task of sharing his own faith with others.

Throughout his time in All Hallows, the seminarian is given the opportunity to explore his own faith, life and faith experience and is helped to deepen his life of prayer and reflection.  

There is a strong emphasis on academic study to enable him to understand the Christian faith and to learn how best to communicate it. During his time he studies for a B.A. Degree in Theology and Philosophy and Graduate Diploma/Masters in Holistic Development for Pastoral Ministry. There is a strong developmental thrust in the courses and the seminarian, through various reflection processes, is helped to interweave the spiritual, the academic, the pastoral and the human aspects of formation.

Throughout his time in All Hallows, the seminarian follows a programme of community and private prayer and has many opportunities for directed and preached retreats. Each seminarian has a Spiritual Director on a one-to-one basis for guidance and support. Some features of the All Hallows Seminary Course for Priestly Training:

It is a person centred programme.

The thrust of the course is collaborative and seminarians are given an opportunity to study with men and women from different countries.

In the programme there is a creative blending of Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, Spirituality, English Literature.

There is access to Dublin’s rich resources of educational and cultural heritage.

There is a wide variety of supervised field placement.

Each seminarian usually has an opportunity to spend one year abroad on placement in his adopted diocese during his student years.

Requirements for Entry to Seminary

A formal application by the student, when he has come to know All Hallows and has discerned his application with a member of the Seminary staff.
Recommendation by his parish clergy or others who have known him previously, including teachers or employers.
A thorough interview process conducted under the direction of the Seminary Board. Clinical and psychological testing by a qualified psychologist and comprehensive medical examinations are part of the discernment process.
In the case of those transferring from other seminaries or congregations, one year should have elapsed and the recommendation of their previous superiors is required for acceptance.
Either prior to acceptance or during his first year in All Hallows the candidate applies to be a seminarian for an English-speaking diocese abroad.
The normal duration of the seminary programme is seven years:

• Year 1: Introduction to Theology and Spirituality
• Year 2/5 B.A. in Theology and Philosophy
• Year 6 Year’s internship of adopted diocese
• Year 7 Graduate Diploma in Humanities/MA in Holistic Development for Pastoral Ministry.

Applications to:
The Rector,
All Hallows Seminary,
Grace Park Road,
Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.

Tel: 01 837 3745
Fax: 01 837 7642
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