Questions / Answers

For over 100 years, the Church has invested in a religious education program for adolescents, with the idea of supporting parents' efforts and balancing this education with the various subjects taught at school.

"In the history of the Church there is no better illustration of the prophetic preparation of this people than the beginnings of the seminary and institute program. These programs were started when they were nice but were not critically needed. They were granted a season to flourish and to grow into a bulwark for the Church. They now become a godsend for the salvation of modern Israel in a most challenging hour."
(Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Scriptures" - Excerpt from an address to religious educators, 14 Oct. 1977)

The purpose of seminary instruction is to help youth deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, qualify for temple blessings, and prepare themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Heavenly Father.

The seminary program generally involves daily instruction five days a week (excluding Sundays).

Ideally, seminary students participate in a 50-minute in-person class taught by a trained teacher. When circumstances do not allow for such physical gatherings, the system is adapted—particularly through videoconferencing (Zoom). The methods for teaching these classes are decided by your stake presidency.

The seminary courses follow the same schedule as the family and individual program “Come, Follow Me.”

Although seminary is free and not mandatory, we would like your children to participate because, as President Nelson said, the seminary course will be a great asset to your family.

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Yes.

The different options are in-person, videoconference, or solo seminar. Your stake presidency may decide to mix and match these options depending on the circumstances.

However, it should be noted that seminary is most effective when students and the teacher can meet every day of the week.

In-person seminary: 

• Advantages: teaching and supervision by a dedicated teacher, interaction with other young people, no written homework assignments.

• Requirements: travel to the course location, be punctual, bring your Scriptures, pay attention, and participate intentionally in the course.

Seminary via videoconference (Zoom): 

• Advantages: teaching and supervision by a dedicated teacher, interaction with other young people, no written homework assignments.

• Requirements: be connected with your camera, be in a quiet environment, be punctual, bring your Scriptures, be attentive, and participate intentionally in the class.

Solo seminary:

• Advantages: study at a convenient time during the day using the student manual (available online).

• Requirements: a high level of self-discipline, exercises studied in the online student manual and submitted to the teacher electronically (or on paper), access to the internet from a computer, completion of all tasks requested in the student manual (at least 45 minutes per day).
  
  

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Are you already doing the “Come, Follow Me” program as a family? Congratulations! We are certain that blessings will follow your faith.

Although the seminary courses follow the same schedule as the family and individual “Come, Follow Me” program, there are at least three aspects that make it a unique experience: the teacher, the content, and the other participants.

1. Seminary teachers receive ongoing training throughout their service, particularly in Doctrinal Mastery and life preparation courses. In addition, they give special attention to each of their students, meeting with them four to five times a week to guide them in their learning. Can you see the support you could receive to help your children better understand and live the gospel?

2. Seminary course content incorporates Doctrinal Mastery, which has two main objectives:

   • Learn and practice divine principles to gain spiritual knowledge.

   • Master the scriptures related to doctrinal mastery and the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ that they teach.

3. Seminary course content also incorporates life preparation lessons: These scripturally based, Christ-centered lessons are now integrated into the seminary curriculum worldwide. Designed to help youth develop essential skills rooted in gospel teachings, these lessons cover important topics such as self-reliance, physical and emotional health, mission and temple preparation, and planning for education and future employment. Each week, students will have one or two life preparation lessons in addition to their traditional seminary lessons, making seminary a comprehensive resource for spiritual and practical growth.

4. Almost all of the other participants in the class are members of the Church and have made the same covenants. Our youth need to share experiences that strengthen their faith and the faith of others. When they have opportunities to testify to each other of gospel truths, they prepare themselves for their future lives, including missionary service and family life.

“I hope you are all going to seminary. I am glad you are going. It is good for you. Go and learn the gospel. Someday you will all have to defend this Church and explain it to others. Now is the time to prepare.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, « Messages of Inspiration from President Hinckley », Church News, 3 août 1996, p. 2).

For all these reasons, we know that seminary courses can be a real bonus in the lives of your children and your family.

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In the opening address of the October 2018 general conference, President Nelson stated:

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of “church” as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."

The seminary program does not exempt you from your parental responsibility nor does it replace it.

The seminary program is free and not mandatory. You are free to choose not to have your children participate in the seminary program. However, we sincerely hope that you will join this fantastic program.

By choosing to enroll your child in this program, you understand the benefits that may result and agree to adhere to the terms and conditions of participation, which are based on extensive experience.

• Materials: All seminary materials are available online. Families are responsible for providing the Scriptures (in paper or digital format on a computer or mobile device). Families are also responsible for providing the necessary computer equipment.

• Registration: Only parents or legal guardians may register their children for a seminary program. See the registration page on this website. Minors cannot participate in classes without prior registration.

• Schedules: Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children arrive on time for classes, whether in the morning or evening. Teachers are required to end classes on time.

• Follow-up: Parents are responsible for monitoring participation and reading reports—see the diploma page on this website—as well as learning the scripture passages from Doctrinal Mastery. There are 24 key passages per book studied. Participants must learn the location of the Doctrinal Mastery scripture passages and memorize the key phrases at home.

• Zoom: If your child participates in a videoconference class via Zoom, parents are responsible for providing the appropriate equipment (connection, device, camera, and microphone). Participants are expected to turn on their cameras as if the class were taking place in person. In a classroom, no one would think of hiding their face during class, and eye contact is so important for both the student and the teacher.

Finally, your role as a parent is to love and support your child. Attending seminary is demanding. Praise your child as often as possible for his or her attendance and participation in seminary classes. Take an interest in what he or she is learning and listen carefully, offering lots of praise.

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Seminary classes are held daily, usually five days a week, except Sundays. The schedule is not formally imposed. Classes may be held in the morning before school, during the day, or in the evening. The general format is decided by the stake presidency. If it is truly impossible to participate in the schedule agreed upon by the group assigned to your child (whether in the morning or evening), you should consult with the teacher.

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Only if the teacher provides them.

You can access the study calendar on the Study Calendars page. The calendar indicates the pace of study.

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If your child has a disability, it is important to discuss this with their seminary teacher. Together, you can work out how to adapt the seminary program and semester assessment criteria to suit your child's abilities.

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All seminary materials are online. Manuals and Scriptures.

The family provides the Scriptures (in paper or digital format on a computer or mobile device). The family also provides the necessary computer equipment.

Course calendar: on the "Study Calendars" page

Zoom: If your child participates in a videoconference class via Zoom, parents are responsible for providing the appropriate equipment (connection, device, camera, and microphone). Participants are expected to turn on their cameras as if the class were taking place in person. In a classroom, no one would think of hiding their face during class, and eye contact is so important for both the student and the teacher.

If your child's situation requires special adjustments, please contact your teacher.

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All information concerning the seminary diploma can be found on the Diploma page.

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First, contact the seminary teacher for your child's class. If you do not know who the teacher is, contact your coordinator.

Find our contact details on the Contacts page.

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