Seminary Life
Where Prayer, Study, and Brotherhood Shape a Vocation
The Way of Life at St. Peter’s Seminary ensures that care is given to providing its seminarians and lay students with solid foundations in the Four Key Areas of education emphasized by St. Pope John Paul in his Apostolic Exhortation on Seminary Formation: “Pastores Dabo Vobis. Shepherds after my own heart.” The pontiff writes:
“This present Exhortation seeks to gather the results of work of the Synod, setting out some established points, indicating some essential goals, making available to all the wealth of experiences and training programs which already have been tried and found worthwhile. The Exhortation looks at the different areas of formation – the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral areas – as well as the settings and the persons responsible for the formation of candidates for the priesthood” (no. 42.)
St. Peter’s Seminary therefore seeks to help its students in their spiritual and human growth, together with empowering them with academic education and the development of pastoral attitudes and skills for ministry. Through opportunities for sports, communal recreation and social interaction, St. Peter’s provides activities wherein relationships can be developed, team work accentuated and mutual support can be fostered throughout the various programs of education and formation.
Formation at the Seminary
What's it like? Seminary Overview.
Here is where the “program of formation” comes in, designed to prepare candidates for ordination in four basic areas: spiritual, human, intellectual and pastoral. Each area represents an important element in the life and ministry of priests and gives the candidates insight into how this will be lived out in their future.
Human Formation
Human formation is the foundation of priestly life and ministry, shaping the seminarian into a mature, integrated, and virtuous man capable of authentic relationships and responsible leadership. It focuses on cultivating self-knowledge, emotional health, affective maturity, and personal integrity, so that future priests can be credible witnesses of the Gospel and trustworthy shepherds of God’s people. This dimension is vital because a priest’s effectiveness does not rest solely on his theological knowledge or pastoral skills, but also on the depth of his character, his capacity to listen and empathize, and his ability to live a balanced, disciplined life. At the seminary, the human formation counselor plays a key role by accompanying seminarians in their growth, providing guidance, support, and accountability as they face challenges, develop self-awareness, and learn to integrate their strengths and weaknesses in light of their vocation. This supportive yet challenging presence helps ensure that the seminarian becomes not only a competent minister but also a whole and holy man who can sustain the demands of lifelong priestly service.
Spiritual Formation
If priests are leaders of prayer then they have to be men of prayer. The spiritual formation helps the candidates to deepen their personal relationship with the Lord. Each day then, the seminary community meets at least twice for common prayer, including the Eucharist and either Morning or Evening Prayer, but the seminarians are encouraged to develop their own rhythm and time for personal prayer. Our liturgies are an important part of life here, and so we take great care in how we celebrate them. We begin each year with a three-day retreat and have days of recollection throughout the year. For these retreats and days, we invite bishops and retreat leaders from across Canada to share faith and contemporary spirituality. Students of theology also end the year with an eight-day retreat at a centre on Lake Erie. Each week, we have a time set aside for specific talks on issues related to developing the spirituality of the priesthood, and seminarians see their individual spiritual directors on a regular basis throughout the year.
St. Peter’s Seminary offers a six week Summer Spiritual Formation Program for Seminarians
Intellectual Formation
While preparing for the priesthood, seminarians are engaged in academics as they would for any profession. Priests have to be aware of the world around them and have an intimate knowledge of the Catholic religion in order to teach and preach. A broad range of studies is encouraged in the early years, but with a special focus on philosophy and the other humanities. Then seminarians start their theological studies which is, in the words of an ancient theologian,“faith seeking understanding”. Here specific studies are undertaken to ensure the broadest possible exposure to Catholic theology. Seminarians are students of the local university (in our case, the University of Western Ontario and King’s University College), and so normally acquire two university degrees during their years of study, following course timetables from Mondays to Fridays and assignments throughout the term as any university student would. Depending on what university work he has done, a seminarian can spend from five to seven years in the study here.
Pastoral Formation
The final important aspect is the pastoral formation. Through a variety of experiences, seminarians are introduced to the very practical side of priestly ministry, including a full year of work in a parish in their own diocese. Normally, while in residence throughout the school year, seminarians are required to spend four hours each week in volunteer work in such places as hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, AIDS hospices, and shelters for the homeless. They gather once each month with their classmates to reflect on their experiences.
From all this, you can see that seminarians are busy. Day in and day out, the demands of study and other parts of formation make up our daily routine. While prayer is important, the seminarian is not shut up in a monastery away from the world, but fully engaged in the world of the university and the community. The studies have a particular focus, but at the same time, there is room for personal interests and development. All the while, the seminarians form bonds of friendship that not only carry them throughout the years of formation but lead to lasting friendships in the brotherhood of priests. Through all this, the men who come to the seminary have the best chance to make the proper discernment and decision about God’s call for them.
A Sacred Journey Begins Here
A Day in the Life
Wondering what daily life looks like for a seminarian? From early morning prayer to classroom learning, community meals, and evening reflection, seminary life is a rhythm of prayer, study, service, and growth.
A man thinking about the priesthood would naturally wonder what life is like in a Seminary. Am I going to be stuck in a monastery? Can I get out if I want? What if I come to realize it isn’t for me? Will I be allowed freedom to study what I want? How long does it take? . . . . All are good questions, and quite normal for any enquirer. Below is an outline of the purpose and “program of formation.” Let’s Explore “A Day in the Life.”
Morning Devotion & Brotherhood
Beginning the day rooted in prayer, community, and quiet conversation
We begin each day in the chapel, with either Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours or the Eucharist at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, which follows, many of the men gather informally over coffee in the group lounges, usually with one of the morning news programs on the TV at the same time.
Academic Formation with Purpose
Deepening understanding of theology and the arts through structured study
Class hours will vary from one program to another, but the normal fifteen-to-twenty hours of class time are spread throughout the week. In theology, these are concentrated from Tuesdays to Fridays, with some evening classes. The arts schedule is more varied, depending on the choices of the students.
Space to Reflect and Recharge
Afternoons open for study, prayer, recreation, and personal rhythm
The early afternoons are less structured, leaving time for study, recreation, personal prayer, or exercise. The latter part of the afternoon involves another community event, which will vary from day to day, but always includes either the daily Eucharist or Evening Prayer to complement the morning schedule.
Formation for Ministry
Practical experiences that shape priestly identity and liturgical life
On Thursdays, we have spiritual conferences, which focus on developing the identity and spirituality of a diocesan priest. Wednesdays feature a liturgy practicum, which varies from music practice to presentations on aspects of the liturgy. These are meant to augment the courses taught here and help the seminarians develop a balanced liturgical spirituality.
Nourishment, Prayer, and Shared Life
Evenings centered on fellowship, gratitude, and spiritual grounding
Supper is served at 5:30 each day. St. Peter’s has excellent food services featuring a menu with great variety and balanced nutrition. You never know what’s coming next, and our staff takes pride in their work and creativity. At the evening meal, we take more time to socialize and share stories of the day. Following the evening meal, we gather once more in the chapel to pray for priests, especially our alumni, and to sing a hymn to the Blessed Mother. balanced liturgical spirituality.
Normally throughout the school year, we have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday, from Morning Mass till Evening Prayer.
Evenings of Enrichment and Flexibility
Intentional community time, personal development, and recreation
Like the afternoons, the evenings are open to a variety of things. The entire community keeps Monday evenings free for community events, ranging from a talk by the Rector or a special visitor to the gathering of small groups. These gatherings include a number of possible activities such as discussions on the life and ministry of priests, a visit to a local funeral home, an outreach project, or a social night.
Tuesday is usually an evening dedicated to classes, depending on one’s program. On other evenings, the flexible time allows for study, recreation, exercise, organized intramural sports, and meetings with one’s spiritual director or formation advisor. Students are responsible for their own time and schedule most evenings.
Weekends for Rest and Reflection
A balance of freedom, worship, and personal time
Saturdays are free throughout the day, with the only requirement being that students attend the celebration of the Eucharist, wherever and whenever they like, though one celebration is scheduled at the Seminary. One full weekend each month is considered a “free weekend,” so not only is Saturday free, but students are excused from all regular activities from the last class on Friday until Sunday night.
In the past St. Peter’s Seminary hosted Open Masses on Sundays yet now we are pleased to announce that every available Sunday, the Seminarians at St. Peter’s Seminary are experiencing parish life by visiting parishes in the London area.
A Rhythm That Forms the Whole Person
Structure, freedom, and fraternity that shape a priestly heart
So, while there is much that happens routinely in the Seminary, each day has its own rhythm and the seminarians have a varied schedule. The variety is not only “the spice of life” but helps candidates for the priesthood learn how to organize and manage their time while availing themselves of all the possible moments for formation, discernment, and building friendships that will last a lifetime.
Father Matthew Sawyer
Fr. Matthew Sawyer's Formation Story
From the Front Row of the Altar to the Priesthood
A Childhood Enchanted by the Mystery of the Mass
My name is Father Matthew Sawyer. I was born in Stratford, Ontario, and grew up in Mitchell with my parents and sister. From the very beginning, my parents knew how important the Catholic faith was, and they made sure it was part of our daily life. Prayer, stories about the saints, and Sunday Mass were central to my childhood. Continue reading.
When God plants a seed, He never stops nurturing it.
Unlike some children, going to Mass never felt like a chore-I loved it. The vestments, the music, the liturgy-it all drew me in. I begged to become an altar server as soon as I could, and after my First Communion, I finally got my chance. Being at the altar gave me a front-row seat to the mystery of the Mass and planted the first seeds of a vocation.
Fr. Sawyer's Story Continued
When the Call Became Impossible to Ignore
I still remember being in Grade 3 and telling my teacher that I wanted to be a priest. Of course, firefighter and police officer were also on the list-but the priesthood always held a special place in my heart. As I grew, my interests widened-drama, hospitality, and community service-but my love for the Mass never faded. Throughout High School, I was introduced to faith-based events by a youth minister in a neighbouring parish and attended events like COR (Christ in Others Retreat), Lift Jesus Higher Rallies, and the Steubenville Youth Conference. All these events helped me in digging into my faith, realizing that there was more to Mass and our Faith than just serving the altar.
Interestingly, it was at a youth group in an evangelical church, where my best friend invited me, that the call to priesthood became undeniable. One evening we talked about servant leadership, and it hit me: this is what priesthood is about. The youth minister prayed with me, and from then on, I could no longer ignore the call. I realized priesthood was the perfect way to unite my love for Christ with my desire to serve people.
The Detours, Struggles, and Lessons Along the Way
In 2011, I entered St. Peter’s Seminary after attending a Come and See weekend. From the very start, the community felt like “home.” Still, my journey was not without challenges. The academics were tough, and living in community was a big adjustment. By my second year, I was struggling so much and in different ways that I stepped back from formation and focused on finishing my Philosophy degree at King’s University College.
Yet the call never left me. In 2018, I returned to formation at St. Peter’s to begin earning my Theology degree. I carried some self-doubt with me, but this time I was more mature and better prepared. I also learned humility-especially in asking for support. With the help of a spiritual director and the seminary’s human formation counsellor, I discovered the importance of mental health, self-care, and balance. Long walks, painting, exercise, prayer, and friendship became lifelines. Through these struggles, my prayer life deepened, especially through Eucharistic adoration. Prayer was no longer something I simply did-it became who I was.
From Seminary Halls to Parish Life
On April 27, 2024, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of London. I now serve at the Lucan Northwest London Family of Parishes. Transitioning from seminary to parish life has been exciting, humbling, and full of new learning. One of my first experiences as a priest was walking with families through end-of-life situations-moments that called on compassion, self-knowledge, and presence.
I love the rhythm of parish life: visiting schools, celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and being with parishioners young and old. They give me energy, and I see Christ working in their lives every day. To stand at the altar now, on the other side, and witness people not only coming to Mass but coming to Christ-it makes every challenge and struggle on the journey worthwhile.
God’s Call: A Voice That Never Fades
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that God’s call never really lets go. The road to priesthood isn’t always straight or easy, but every step draws you closer to the One who calls. If you feel even the smallest stirring of God’s call in your heart, don’t be afraid to explore it-you may find, as I did, that He has been preparing you for something greater than you could ever imagine.
How Do I Know If I'm Called?
Who to Contact
If you live within the Diocese of London, please contact:
The Diocese of London Vocations Office
Father Rob Renaud, Director of Vocations
St. Peter’s Seminary
1040 Waterloo Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3Y1
Local Phone: 519-432-1824 x204 or ask for Vocations Office
Toll Free: 1-888-548-9649 x204
Fax: 519-432-0964
Email: r.renaud@dol.ca
COME and SeE St. PETER'S Retreat
March 13th- 15th 2026
St. Peter’s Seminary invites you to a discernment retreat for men 17 years old and older that are considering a call to the priesthood. This weekend offers a firsthand experience of the life of a seminarian, provides spiritual help for discernment and offers the opportunity to meet current seminarians and faculty of St. Peter’s Seminary.
The Spring retreat will be March 13th – 15th, 2026.
Men that are interested should speak to their Vocation Director/Bishop to inquire about attending.
