18 begin service training at St. John's Seminary

Bell tower at seminary

St. John's Seminary welcomed 18 new seminarians to its hilltop campus in Camarillo this week.

They will join 75 returning seminarians.

The students are preparing for service in 11 dioceses and four religious communities.

The Catholic seminary has been educating priests since its founding in 1939 on land donated by the Camarillo family.

In addition to the 93 seminarians, 19 lay ministry students will begin classes this coming week.

"We are very pleased to be celebrating the beginning of another seminary year as we continue our mission to educate and train future priests for dioceses and religious orders not only here in Southern California but throughout the world," said Monsignor Craig Cox.

Cox is the new rector at St. John's and an alumni of both the former St. John's College and the seminary.

Several improvements are underway or planned at St. John's, including modifications of the 65yearold dormitories and improvements to classrooms, the philosophy library and landscaping around the campus.

An updated website with news and photos on the campus improvements and a listing of special events is available at www.stjohnsem.edu.

St. John's Seminary is a multicultural community pursuing advanced professional degrees leading to ordination and pastoral ministry and teaching Catholic theology.

Seminarians come from diverse backgrounds, ages and professions.

For information, call the office of advancement at (805) 482-2755, ext. 2037, or e-mail advancement@stjohnsem.edu.