micsem.org / about micsem / what we are


Micronesian Seminar (MicSem) is a research-pastoral institute founded by the Catholic Church in 1972.  Its main mission is community education, although it has engaged in social and historical research.  For 30 years, MicSem has served the people of what was once the Trust Territory of the Pacific--the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

MicSem was officially turned over to the Jesuits of Micronesia in 1992, and is currently registered as a non-profit organization in the Federated States of Micronesia.  MicSem is governed by a Board of Directors that meets yearly.  Fr. Francis X. Hezel, SJ, is the Executive Director.  MicSem currently has a staff of eight.

MicSem's goal is to assist the people of Micronesia in reflecting on life in their islands under the impact of change in recent years.  As it does this, MicSem reflects the church's desire to serve society even as it works to help islanders integrate their faith and culture.