Student Life

The primary role of Packer College is to prepare ordinands for effective Christian ministry, whether as pastor, missionary, church planter, or other ministry.  It should be noted that Packer College is not an ordaining body, but seeks to serve diocesan (or denominational) requirements in a supporting role, to provide workers for the Lord’s harvest.  To best meet this goal, study at Packer follows an immersive model, where what goes on outside the classroom--worshipping together, eating together, and sharing seminary life together as a community--plays as important a role for students as what goes on in the classroom.

It is the responsibility of each student to consult his or her bishop in order to determine which program of study they are required to complete in order to prepare for ordination. For non-Anglicans, standards for ordination vary, and it is the responsibility of the student to verify with their presbytery/board their course of study.  

Packer College is located on the grounds of Good Samaritan Anglican Church in midtown St. John’s, Newfoundland.  All courses are delivered in classrooms located in the administrative annex of the church. In addition to classrooms, the Packer campus has space for a student commons area, offices for professors and staff, and a small College Library (which is under development).  Chapel and Refectory space are provided by Good Samaritan.  Currently, the College has one student residence that is under development.

Morning Prayer (Matins) and Evening Prayer (Evensong) services are conducted throughout the semester, along with regular services of Holy Communion.  Services are held in the chapel and choir of Good Samaritan Church.  Services follow ANiC approved liturgies, and are taken by the chaplain, faculty, and students.  Attendance is open to the Packer community and visitors alike.  All ordinands are expected to attend chapel services regularly.

In addition to classroom learning, opportunities for formation are provided by regularly scheduled special lectures (e.g Theological Thursdays), and other academic and social events held throughout the year.  These extracurricular events, though non-credit, foster community and form an important part of our College’s model.  Events are typically held on campus.  Ordinands are expected to participate.

Courses during the Fall and Spring semesters are typically scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays).  This allows students time for concurrent field work and study.  Class days follow this schedule:

• 09:30 - 09:55:  Morning Prayer
• 10:00 - 01:00:  First Class 
• 01:00 - 01:30:  Lunch
• 01:30 - 04:30:  Second Class
• 04:35 - 05:00:  Evening Prayer

Certain classes will be scheduled to meet in the evening, 6:30 - 9:30.  On days with only one scheduled class, the time of Evening Prayer may be adjusted accordingly.  Scheduled services of Holy Communion will take the place of one of the daily offices. Specific class and service schedules will be provided before the start of each semester.

Schedules during January/Summer terms will vary, depending on courses being offered and their duration.  Specific class and service schedules will be provided before the start of each of these terms.