Construction crews have begun the final stages of Saint John Vianney College Seminary’s ongoing renovation project.
The seminary, which serves college-age men discerning the priesthood from 18 different Catholic dioceses, will build a 20,000-square-foot addition, including a completely new chapel.
“The seminary is more than just a building,” SJV rector Fr. Jonathan Kelly said. “It’s a home where seminarians grow in discipleship and learn to make a sincere gift of themselves to others. The environment where they pray, study and build community is a central part of their formation and discernment process.”
SJV has partnered with Zeman Construction, Finn Daniels Architects and Studio io designs to plan and execute the updates.
The seminary’s reimagined facilities will also include new meeting rooms and residences for the priests who live and work at the seminary. Updated residence halls, floor lounges, kitchen and dining areas and restrooms have already been completed.
The rest of the project is scheduled for completion in spring 2023.
During construction, the University of St. Thomas’ Lot A will be closed. Alternate parking is available in Lots C, D, G, I, K, M, N, O, V and the Anderson Parking Facility.
Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Michael Roesch at mroesch@vianney.net.
The project is entirely funded by the generosity of Saint John Vianney College Seminary’s benefactors and sponsoring dioceses. For more information visit, sjvseminary.org/joyful.
Last Chance Mass temporarily relocated
Starting Feb. 20, Saint John Vianney College Seminary’s Last Chance Mass is being temporarily held at the University of St. Thomas Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel.
There will be no Last Chance Mass on March 20 or April 17, and the final Last Chance Mass of the spring 2022 semester is May 15.
Project timeline
Below is an approximate timeline for the expansion. Dates and times are subject to change.
- Demolition: Feb. 21-March 11, 2022
- Utilities: March 7-15, 2022 (during University of St. Thomas spring break)
- Excavation: March 14-22, 2022
- Building shell construction March 21-Aug. 8, 2022
- Existing dorm, waiting and lobby space remodel: May 16 to Aug. 12, 2022 (some lobby spaces not complete until Feb. 15, 2023)
- Building envelope construction: Aug. 8-Dec. 31, 2022
- Interior buildout of new addition: Oct. 1, 2022-March 31, 2023
- Site work: Oct. 1-Nov. 30, 2022
- Estimated completion date: April 23, 2023
About SJV
Saint John Vianney College Seminary is one of the largest college seminaries in the United States, representing dioceses throughout the nation, with approximately 100 undergraduate men in formation annually.
Established in 1968, Saint John Vianney College Seminary nurtures the seeds of a priestly vocation, preparing young men for major seminary through integral formation and discipleship in Christian character, a traditional Catholic program of spiritual growth, and a formative liberal arts education.
SJV seminarians are full-time undergraduate students at the University of St. Thomas and live in community on campus. Seminarians have access to the resources and benefits of the University, which provides them with a full college and seminary experience.
More than 500 SJV alumni serve as ordained priests today. Many more serve as joyful, Catholic lay leaders who build up the Church throughout the world.