January 2022

 Dear Friends:

I hope everyone had a good start to the new year and had a good Christmas celebration. The pandemic continues to provide challenge to families, businesses, and the health of people. We pray daily here at the seminary for those affected by the pandemic. The semester resumed with annual retreats that seminarians participated in. The pandemic did not prevent us from starting the semester. We continue to take precautions so that the entire seminary community remains healthy. Father Rodrigue, the new rector who will begin on July 1, 2022, was able to spend a couple of days at NDS in order for me and some staff to provide an orientation. The transition will be smooth and seamless. I remain committed to my responsibilities for the rest of the semester not slowing down nor delaying any decisions. The Vatican and the USCCB made some decisions that will affect every seminary in the United States that will strengthen our formation programs. The Board of Trustees will review recommendations the faculty and I are proposing for implementation. Father Rodrigue will be able to move those plans forward when he begins his ministry. In the meantime, seminarians are preparing for diaconate and priesthood ordinations as well as new applicants are beginning to be accepted for Fall 2022. Thank you for your prayers and support as we move through the Spring semester. Blessings to all those who support us!

 Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Father James A. Wehner
Rector/President