Assumption Seminary Rector Bishop Gary Janak

Welcome to Assumption Seminary.  Be assured of our prayers for you, as you visit our website. 

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Assumption Seminary is not just another seminary. It is purpose-built for Texas and the Southwest. Since 1915, we have formed seminarians to be Christ-centered, spiritually grounded, academically prepared, linguistically and culturally competent priests capable of leading vibrant parishes composed of diverse communities of believers.

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At Assumption Seminary, we accompany seminarians to be bilingual, in English and Spanish, and form them in the practice of cultural humility. With a growing need in Texas, and in many parts of the United States, for priests who are bilingually capable of pastorally leading multi-cultural parishes, Assumption Seminary stands ready to assist dioceses in meeting this challenge.

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With our integrated consortium-based academic model, in collaboration with Oblate School of Theology, the Mexican American Catholic College, and the University of the Incarnate Word, Assumption Seminary provides both rigorous theological formation and a liberal arts curriculum that cultivates leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability in addressing the benchmarks established by the Program for Priestly Formation, 6th edition for the Academic Pillar.

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The benchmarks for the Human, Spiritual, and Pastoral Pillars are reflective of the need for newly ordained priests to be prepared to serve as pastors and parochial administrators much sooner than in previous generations. Therefore, Assumption Seminary forms seminarians to be holy, balanced, competent, and Christ-centered men prepared to serve in rural and urban settings, possessing needed pastoral and administrative skills, an in depth understanding of current mental health issues confronting God’s faithful, and an appreciation of diocesan priesthood and priestly fraternity.  

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At Assumption Seminary, all three stages of formation—Propaedeutic, Discipleship, and Configuration—are available, enabling us to provide a personalized formation experience to the seminarians entrusted to our care. To all our seminarians, we do our best in our formation program to echo the words of Pope Leo XIV who has said, “The seminary is an immense and demanding gift, but you are never alone on this journey. God, the saints and the whole Church walk with you, and in a special way your bishop and your formators, who help you to grow ‘until Christ be formed in you’ (Gal 4:19).  Receive their guidance and correction as gestures of love."

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We continue to entrust this seminary to our Mother Mary, Assumed into Heaven.  May she intercede for us and all who are formed in this seminary to be missionary disciples called to witness to Christ and to serve the faithful entrusted to our care. Please accept my gratitude and prayers to you, in supporting our mission to form joyful, Christ-centered and holy pastoral leaders.

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Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Gary W. Janak, JCL

Auxiliary Bishop/Rector

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You can read and download Bishop Janak's CV here.