As the first semester of the 2025–2026 scholastic year draws rapidly to a close, we give thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon Mater Dei Seminary. These past months have been filled with study, prayer, community life, and the steady work of priestly formation. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and prayers of the faithful, whose generosity makes this work possible.

The highlight of the approaching weeks will be the sacred ordinations scheduled for Friday, December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On this cherished Marian feast day, several of our seminarians will take significant steps toward the priesthood.

To the Diaconate:
• Rev. Mr. Anthony Alley (South Dakota)
• Rev. Mr. Lucas Oliveira (Brazil)
• Rev. Mr. Kyle St. Aubin (Canada)

To the Subdiaconate:
• Mr. Thomas Netzel (Washington)
• Mr. Richard Lauricella (Washington)
• Mr. Julio Perez (California)
• Mr. Jorge Diaz (California)

To the Minor Orders of Porter and Lector:
• Mr. Massimo Turri (Italy)
• Mr. Mateo Alzate-Salazar (Colombia

Please keep these men in your prayers as they prepare to dedicate themselves more completely to the service of Christ and His Church.

This Sunday marks the beginning of the holy season of Advent, the Church’s time of preparation for the coming of Our Divine Savior. To assist the faithful in sanctifying these weeks through prayer, we have prepared a collection of traditional Advent devotions, sermons, hymns, and meditations, available at:

www.materdeiseminary.org/advent-devotions

It is our hope that this resource will be of spiritual benefit to individuals and families who desire to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Incarnation.

As we enter Advent and draw near to the beautiful feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may she intercede for our seminarians and for all who support the mission of priestly formation at Mater Dei Seminary. God bless you!

— The Priests and Seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary