What is a seminary? A seminary is school for academic education as well as place of spiritual formation for those who are studying for the priesthood. Here are some "resources and links" that connect to some local seminaries. His Holiness, John Paul II, has stated repeatedly that the first seminary is the domestic church (i.e., the home and family). While a special institution is necessary to educate and form men to be priests, education and formation of our vocation happens throughout our lives.