Dear friends of the seminary,

The summer has quickly come to an end, and our seminarians have now returned for the beginning of the academic year. By God’s grace, we were blessed to open our 36th year of classes at Mater Dei Seminary on September 8th, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is always a joyful tradition to begin the scholastic year under Our Lady’s protection, asking her powerful intercession for the success of our studies and formation. This year we are especially grateful to have 20 seminarians who, with generosity of heart, are dedicating themselves to discern the holy priesthood. Their presence is both a sign of hope for the future of the Church and a reminder of the responsibility we bear in helping to form them as faithful and zealous priests of Jesus Christ.

During the summer months, a number of improvements were made to the seminary grounds and facilities. Some of our seminarians willingly gave of their time and labor in various landscaping projects, beautifying the property and ensuring that the house of God reflects the reverence due to it. The chapel received new flooring, greatly enhancing the dignity of the sacred space where daily Mass, the Divine Office, and private prayer sustain our community. In addition, our new classroom building—a much-needed addition for our growing numbers—was outfitted with a bathroom, making the building more complete and functional for the seminarians and faculty alike. These developments, though simple, are visible signs of the continued growth of the seminary and of God’s providential care shown through the generosity of our benefactors.

Amid these joys, we were also called to share in the sorrows of the Cross. This past week, we mourned the passing of Theresa Gauvin, whose funeral was held at Mary Immaculate Church in Omaha. Our priests and seminarians joined together in singing and serving at the solemn ceremonies, commending her soul to the mercy of God. We also learned of the death of Mr. Gerald Crochet, a devoted benefactor of the seminary who passed away in Arkansas. His generosity through the years has been a blessing to our community, and we pray that God may reward him abundantly. We ask all of our friends to unite with us in praying for the eternal repose of these souls: Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.

As we set out on this new academic year, we are mindful of the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead, both in the formation of seminarians and in the continued care of our facilities. Yet we are confident that God will provide, as He always has, through the prayers and sacrifices of those who support us. The work of training priests for the service of Holy Mother Church is not possible without your assistance. Every prayer, every sacrifice, every gift made in charity contributes directly to the sanctification of future priests who will one day bring the sacraments and the truths of the Faith to countless souls.

Please continue to keep our seminarians and faculty in your prayers as they persevere in study, prayer, and the daily discipline of seminary life. We, in turn, assure you of our remembrance in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and in our daily prayers.

With heartfelt gratitude for your faithful support, we commend you all to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast we honor this month.

God bless you!