Orientation Week

On Sunday, August 17, 2014, Notre Dame Seminary welcomed 41 new men to its
ranks for Orientation Week. These men represent 8 different dioceses and 2
religious orders. Along with many of their families, they gathered for Holy
Mass celebrated by our rector Fr. Jim Wehner marking the beginning of their
time of discernment at Notre Dame Seminary.

Throughout the week, Notre Dame’s faculty and formation staff led the new
seminarians in informative conferences, while returning seminarians
on the orientation team helped the newcomers to get to know their
new home and each other. They had the opportunity to experience Mass at
St. Louis Cathedral with Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes, and at the
national Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor with Fr. Joe Palermo. A
visit to the shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, beignets at
Café Du Monde, and a tour of the Ursuline Convent in the French Quarter were
highlights of the week.

The new seminarians also had many opportunities for fellowship. They went
bowling, played volleyball and laser tag, and cheered on
the New Orleans Zephyrs, beginning the semester in a spirit
of camaraderie and enthusiasm.