Dear Friends,
In these challenging times, I write with a heart full of hope. The timing of this Jubilee Year of Hope feels providential given all that’s unfolding in our world, especially here in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Just as the academic year began in August, we were shaken by the tragic shooting and murder of innocent school children at nearby Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Many in our seminary community (faculty, staff, students and alumni) have ties to the parish. Our hearts were broken alongside countless others throughout the world.
When the world feels fractured and weary, the Church calls us to hope; not naive optimism, but rather the theological virtue of hope, which is a confident trust in God’s promises and His unfailing love for His people.
“Each day, I witness these future priests growing in holiness, deepening their understanding of Scripture and theology and cultivating pastoral hearts. They spend hours in prayer, engage in spirited discussions about the Faith, and serve with joy at their teaching parishes. They embody not just hope for the future, but also a present reality of God’s continued providence for His Church.” — Fr.Joseph Taphorn, Saint Paul Seminary rector
There are signs of hope at The Saint Paul Seminary. We began the year with 106 seminarians, matching the highest enrollment since 1979. These men have responded to Christ’s call with hopeful and generous hearts, a beautiful testament to God’s grace at work today. We also welcome outstanding new faculty this fall. Additionally, our faculty speaks to the enduring impact of Catholic social teaching, especially under our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
Each day, I witness these future priests growing in holiness, deepening their understanding of Scripture and theology and cultivating pastoral hearts. They spend hours in prayer, engage in spirited discussions about the Faith, and serve with joy at their teaching parishes. They embody not just hope for the future, but also a present reality of God’s continued providence for His Church.
St. Paul reminds us in Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (15:13). These words ring true as our seminarians prepare to be instruments of God’s mercy and hope, filled with the joy and peace that comes from believing in Christ.
Your friendship, prayers and generous support make this work of hope possible. Every gift you offer contributes to the formation of these future priests. You are true partners in this essential mission of the Church, and your faithfulness is a source of hope for me and all of us who serve at the seminary.
Let us continue to hold in our hearts and pray for those affected by recent violence in our country. May the hope of Christ, mediated by joyful, Catholic leaders, transform our broken world.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph Taphorn, JCL
Rector