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A Traditional Catholic Seminary

Mater Dei Seminary is dedicated to forming faithful priests and preserving the sacred traditions of the Catholic Church.

Mater Dei Seminary is a traditional Catholic seminary dedicated to the formation of young men for the sacred priesthood, preparing them to serve as faithful and devoted shepherds of souls. Established in 1984, the seminary was originally located at Mt. St. Michael in Spokane, Washington, before being relocated in 1989 to Omaha, Nebraska, to better accommodate its growing mission.

In the fall of 2019, Mater Dei Seminary expanded further with the acquisition of a new property, nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Iowa. Spanning ten acres of peaceful countryside, the seminary offers an ideal retreat-like setting, fostering an environment of prayer, study, and contemplation. Designed to accommodate up to 20 seminarians, the campus provides a structured and disciplined formation program that encompasses rigorous academic studies, deep spiritual development, and extensive liturgical training.

Mater Dei Seminary operates under the auspices of the Most Rev. Mark A. Pivarunas, CMRI, and the Religious Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI). Faithful to the Church’s sacred traditions, the seminary upholds the time-honored teachings of the Catholic faith, ensuring that each seminarian is well-formed in theology, philosophy, and pastoral care. Through a comprehensive curriculum and a strong emphasis on spiritual discipline, Mater Dei Seminary remains committed to preparing priests who will steadfastly uphold and defend the Catholic faith in a world in great need of truth and holiness.

•Mater Dei Seminary: 7745 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 •

• Mater Christi Campus: 3452 270th St. Persia, IA 51563•

(Iowa College Code Compliant Policies)

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News & Updates:

Adsum: Seminary monthly newsletter:

June 2025

✠ From the Rector
This month’s issue features photographs from the recent priestly ordinations and the First Solemn High Masses of the newly ordained.

Fr. Martin Sentman, CMRI: Assigned to the seminary in Idaho.
Fr. Noah Ellis: Assigned to the Florida missions in Melbourne and Brooksville.
Fr. Franz Trauner: Assigned to Our Lady of the Snow in Denver, CO.
Fr. Leopold Trauner: Assigned to Immaculate Conception in Sartell, Minnesota.
His Excellency exhorts all to heed Our Lady’s Fatima warnings, especially in the practice of modesty and chastity during the summer months.

✠ Sacramental Milestones

First Tonsure: Jacob Hasbrouck, Massimo Turri, Vincent Timmerman, Mateo Salazar.
Minor Orders (Exorcist & Acolyte): Jorge Diaz, Julio Perez.

✠ First Masses

Solemn High Mass photos and details for all four newly ordained priests, assisted by fellow clergy.

✠ Priestly Ideal

“To have a heart of fire for charity, and a heart of bronze for chastity… My God, what a life—and it is yours, O priest of Jesus Christ.” — Lacordaire

✠ Moral Theology — Fr. Connell, C.SS.R.
A doctrinal treatment on Detraction and Calumny: