Saint John’s Seminary Celebrates the Close of the 2025–26 Academic Year

As the 2025–26 academic year came to a close, the Saint John’s Seminary community gathered for the annual Closing Mass and the “Eschatological BBQ,” a longstanding seminary tradition celebrating the completion of another year of priestly formation, fraternity, and prayer.

This year’s Closing Mass held special significance as it marked the final closing liturgy celebrated by Msgr. Stephen Salocks as Rector of Saint John’s Seminary. In his homily, Msgr. Salocks reflected on Christ’s Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit, reminding the community that God’s presence is encountered among believers wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, mercy is extended, and charity is lived out in daily life.

Commemorating the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, Msgr. Salocks also encouraged the community to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the world, for families, and for the grace to recognize God’s presence in the days ahead.

Saint John’s Seminary gives thanks for the many blessings of the academic year and expresses heartfelt gratitude to Msgr. Salocks for his faithful leadership and service as Rector.