Dear Friends,
The Holy Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, 11). In the sacred liturgy, the Church provides for us the opportunity to offer perfect worship to the Father through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, uniting heaven and earth in the mystery of divine love. It is here that Catholics enter the very heart of our faith, offering fitting praise to God and receiving the grace that strengthens them for mission in the world.
As the Second Vatican Council taught in Sacrosanctum Concilium, “the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time, it is the font from which all her power flows” (10). The right worship of God by all Catholics — priest, deacon and lay — is not merely an external action but a profound interior participation in the Paschal Mystery. Because of this, forming future clergy to celebrate the sacred liturgy with reverence, fidelity and deep interior devotion is one of the most essential tasks of our seminary.
“We take seriously the Church’s mandate to ensure that future priests and deacons are formed to lead the people of God in worship that is beautiful, true and transformative.” — Rector Fr. Joseph Taphorn
At The Saint Paul Seminary, we take seriously the Church’s mandate to ensure that future priests and deacons are formed to lead the people of God in worship that is beautiful, true and transformative. Our seminarians and deacon candidates receive thorough liturgical training, rooted in the Church’s rich tradition and guided by the rubrics and theological depth of the Mass. They learn not only the technical aspects of celebrating the sacraments but, most importantly, how to pray the Mass with the heart of Christ the High Priest. Through instruction in sacred music, homiletics, and the ars celebrandi — the art of celebrating the liturgy with dignity and devotion — they are prepared to lead God’s people into deeper communion with Him.
Your support makes this possible. By partnering with us in forming priests who will offer the Holy Sacrifice with reverence and lead their flocks to authentic encounter with Christ, you are strengthening the future of the Church and helping all of us offer God the worship He deserves. As we continue this essential work, I ask for your prayers and your generosity in helping us form shepherds after the heart of Christ.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph C. Taphorn, JCL
Rector and Vice President