2026-27 cathedral prep SCHEDULE

This 2026-27 academic year, Cathedral Prep is being revamped. The program will consist of four overnight weekend retreats at St. Joseph Seminary, each focusing on one of the four pillars of priestly formation.  

• October 20, 2026 – Application Deadline
  
• November 20-22, 2025 – Human Formation
• January 15-17, 2026 – Academic Formation
• February 5-7 – Spiritual Formation
• April 16-18 – Pastoral Formation

Cathedral Prep is a weekend retreat program for high school aged young men who are looking to learn more about the priesthood, grow in their relationship with Christ, and have a desire to serve the Church.

Our Motto

Our motto is “IN SPEM ECCLESIAE,” which means “hope of the Church.”  Cathedral Prep was founded on the belief that God works through young people and will bring about a revitalization of our Church through the witness and leadership of the young men who are part of this program.

What to Expect

This program seeks to help form young men as disciples of Jesus, through spiritual formation and fraternity.  It helps participants learn about the vocation to the priesthood and God’s particular call for them. Participants should be aware that this is not a general youth ministry program focused on socialization. Rather, Cathedral Prep is intended for young men who want to mature in the spiritual life and prayerfully learn about vocational discernment. Cathedral Prep weekend retreats at St Joseph Seminary will include the following:

• Mass, Confession, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
• Inspiring formational talks
• Fellowship with other young men who love Christ and the Church
• Sports and recreation
• Meaningful conversations with priests and seminarians
• Guidance on how to discern God’s authentic call

Why Apply?

This year, we are asking young men to apply to participate in this program. We are not looking to see that you are “super holy,” have it all together, or that you are 100% certain you want to be a priest. Rather, we simply want to see that you have an authentic desire to grow in your relationship with Christ and learn about vocational discernment . Please apply by October 20th. The Vocation Office will be in touch to let you know if you have been accepted to the program. If accepted, your parent will be asked to fill out permissions forms before you can attend the overnight retreats.