Beyond Conception

Deacon Formation Extends Seminary Mission

Conception Abbey and Seminary College inaugurated the Deacon Formation Program in 1989 to provide the theological training for candidates preparing for the permanent diaconate. This formation consists of 13 courses on a variety of theological subjects. Candidates earn undergraduate credit, and their spouses can audit courses or receive credit as well. The program responds to…

Commit Your Way to the Lord

When I reflect upon my time at Conception Seminary College, I am filled with utmost gratitude for the constant outpourings of God’s grace upon my brothers and me as we prepare to lay down our lives at the service of Christ. Upon entering the seminary, I viewed my own formation as something I had to…

What Role Does Conception Play in Forming a Priest?

Adapting to what holy Mother Church asks of us and what needs our seminarians present in every age has marked over a century of Conception Abbey’s work of preparing men to be parish priests.  Conception Seminary College is a school. We offer a fully accredited college program. However, that is only one-fourth of what we…

Saying Yes to God’s Call

  My name is Nathaniel Boyd, and I am studying for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. I am the oldest of three children. We were all adopted from China, though we are not biologically related. My parents are both converts to the Catholic faith, but my siblings and I are cradle Catholics. I was primarily…

Among the People of God

Educating the Youth As one of the areas of priestly formation, Apostolics is an important focus in my life. This year, I attended the Wednesday evening religious education program at St. Joseph Parish in Parnell, just 10 minutes north of Conception. Our program is small, with many of the grades combined. The other men and…

Conception Seminary College releases Spring 2022 Dean’s List

CONCEPTION, Mo. – The Office of the Registrar at Conception Seminary College, in Conception, Missouri, announced the students named to the Dean’s List for the 2022 spring semester.   To be included on the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student and earn a 3.70 GPA or higher on at least…

Family Men in Formation

Two of Conception Seminary College’s most vibrant – and, dare I say, popular – additions in the last three years are a pair of married Catholic laymen. Dr. Jonathan Fuqua teaches philosophy and Mr. Benjamin Darnell serves as the seminary’s first lay Human Formation advisor, and also teaches theology. Each considers it a privilege to…

Sons of Thunder

Men enter seminary to discern the priesthood, which, more fully, means going through the process of formation to produce an “integrated man.” Integration, in this sense, translates to a well-rounded, healthy man. Each aspect of formation impacts all the other aspects. The ancient philosopher Plato, when discussing education, argues that each child, in addition to…

For the Least of Our Brothers

Each semester, the seminarians of Conception Seminary College are given a wonderful opportunity to donate a significant amount of money to a charity of their choosing. This money comes from the St. Teresa of Calcutta Fund, which was given to the seminary by an anonymous donor, who wanted to give the seminarians firsthand experience in…

Conception Seminary College releases Fall 2021 Dean’s List

CONCEPTION, Mo. – The Office of the Registrar at Conception Seminary College, in Conception, Missouri, announced the students named to the Dean’s List for the 2021 fall semester.   To be included on the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student and earn a 3.70 GPA or higher on at least…