Fargo diocese to close seminary after 2010-11

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FARGO (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo will close its seminary at the end of the 2010-11 school year, citing financial concerns.

The diocese says it costs $115,000 per student per year to run Cardinal Muench Seminary, yet each student pays $15,000 a year for tuition, room and board.

Bishop Samuel Aquila says donations have made up the difference, but that money would be better spent sending students to larger seminaries that have per-student costs around $35,000.

Seven students are enrolled at the Fargo seminary for 2010-11.

Along with Thursday’s announcement, the diocese said it will review its parishes and schools in Fargo, Horace and Kindred to determine the most “effective and efficient use” of the facilities.

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