Priestly formation, supported by co-operative laity, is of fundamental importance to the well-being of church communities. Through the Conference the bishops administer several seminaries involved in various stages of priestly formation.
St Francis Xavier Seminary, Crawford, trains diocesan priests for the Archdiocese of Cape Town. St Kizito Orientation College at Oakford, KwaZulu/Natal, introduces students to their preparatory studies.
Established in Pretoria in 1951, St John Vianney is the major national seminary for training diocesan priests. Training is aimed at forming priests to be reflective, prayerful, integrated, serving and community-minded – through a programme that is spiritual, ethical, intellectual, pastoral, human and professional.
The annual budget of R2.87m is an onerous financial responsibility for the Conference. A reduced subsidy from Rome and adverse exchange rate has reduced income. Students do not pay fees. Support from the local church is therefore crucial for the seminary to meet its mission to train future priests.
Potential donors are advised that St John Vianney now has PBO status and donations get a 5% tax exemption.
St Francis Xavier Seminary/ Cape Town
P.O Box 46876, Glosderry 7702.
Tel: 021 697 1420/1
St John Vianney Major Seminary
179 Main Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0181.
Students: Tel: 012 346 3023
St Joseph’s Theological Institute
Private Bag 6004, Hilton 3245
Tel: 033 343 3293