Established in 1968, SJV nurtures the seeds of a priestly vocation, preparing young men for major seminary through integral formation and discipleship in Christian character, a traditional Catholic program of spiritual growth, and a formative liberal arts education.

However, due to declining enrollment after the Second Vatican Council, by 1967 the 4-4-4 plan seemed no longer feasible and there was a stronger desire to create a college seminary at the University of St. Thomas and to close Nazareth Hall.

The ground floor of the seminary has offices for the in-house priests and academic and administration staff, as well as guest rooms.

[10] Last Chance Mass is an outreach offered by the seminary to the students of the University of St. Thomas and the surrounding community.

[12] A subgroup of the seminarians, called "Caruso's Crew", dress up as hard hat workers and paint on faux moustaches.

The crew carry large tools made of cardboard and duct tape (a hammer, saw, wrench, and lunch box).

[13] At times, students of the seminary have played on the University of Saint Thomas football team, including Jordan Roberts, a Division One transfer.

[14][15] Students yearly play in the Rector's Bowl, a flag football game against The Saint Paul Seminary.