Notre Dame Seminary

A Message from the Rector

Summer 2020

Dear Friends of the Lord:

The Spring semester was completed but certainly with unusual circumstances. Seminarians were given the opportunity to return home and complete their formation with online courses. Forty-five seminarians participated in that effort while the other ninety-five completed formation on campus. Praise God all of our seminarians, faculty, and staff remained healthy.

Since many summer pastoral programs have been cancelled, we decided to offer three different programs at no cost to assist dioceses with the summer formation of seminarians. First, eleven seminarians are participating in a 30 day silent retreat following the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius. Two Jesuit priests are leading these retreats. Secondly, twenty-three seminarians are participating in a three-week seminar-retreat titled “Eucharistic Foundations of Priestly Ministry,” and, finally, forty-five seminarians will participate in a four-week program titled “Pastoral Ministry in Times of Crisis.” We are also preparing for new seminarians this August. We anticipate a robust enrollment of over 150 seminarians. Orientation Week begins on August 9th.

Thank you for your support this past year, and please be assured of our prayers that God bless our world and our Church with an increase of faith, hope, and love.

Peace,

Father Jim Wehner

Rector