Saint Paul Seminary rector: Empowering priests to lead and serve in a changing world

Dear Friends,

As we begin a new year of forming leaders for the Church, we are incredibly blessed to have welcomed 91 seminarians, representing 19 different dioceses and religious orders. The fact that so many are responding to the Lord’s call is a great blessing as we acknowledge the need for many strong and faithful priests in the Church today.

The process of priestly formation helps a man tune his heart to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Over time, he changes and grows closer to Christ Himself. Through the gift of holy orders, he becomes configured to Christ in a new and deeper way — he can now minister in the name of Christ and so make Him present to the faithful under his pastoral care.

After priestly ordination, the journey of formation doesn’t end. In fact, in many ways, it’s just the beginning. Ordination is a sacred gift, but it also marks the start of a lifelong process of growth humanly, spiritually, intellectually and pastorally. The demands on priests today are enormous. They are called to be shepherds, public figures, counselors, teachers, and evangelists, all while maintaining their own interior life of prayer and devotion.

“After priestly ordination, the journey of formation doesn’t end. In fact, in many ways, it’s just the beginning.” — Fr. Joseph Taphorn, Saint Paul Seminary rector

As these priests grow into their roles as pastors and leaders, they need ongoing formation to meet the challenges of their ministry. They will face not only the spiritual needs of their parishioners but also the ever-changing social and cultural realities of our world. The work we do here at the seminary, then, is about more than preparing men for ordination. It’s about forming them to be priests who continue to grow, learn and respond to the needs of the Church long after they leave our campus.

This is why ongoing formation is such an integral part of our mission and vision at The Saint Paul Seminary. We are committed not just to initial priestly formation, but to supporting priests throughout their ministry. Whether through continuing education (pages 3-6) mental health support (pages 7-8), physical wellness coaching (pages 9-10), retreats or spiritual direction, our program for ongoing clergy formation works to ensure that every priest has the tools and support he needs to be an effective and holy leader in his community.

Thank you for being a part of this important work. We are grateful for your prayers, your generosity and your partnership as we continue the vital mission of forming joyful, Catholic leaders to serve Christ and His Church.

Sincerely yours in Christ,