Dear friends of the seminary,

As the end of the academic year quickly approaches, there is much activity at Mater Dei Seminary. Our seminarians who are advancing toward the holy priesthood are currently on retreat, taking time for prayer, recollection, and spiritual preparation before the important steps that lie ahead.

Holy Week also provided a particularly important opportunity for the seminarians to assist with the sacred liturgy. These solemn ceremonies are among the most beautiful and instructive of the liturgical year, and to help serve them is both a privilege and an essential part of priestly formation. By participating so closely in these rites, the seminarians are better prepared for the day when they themselves will perform these sacred functions as priests.

At the same time, many practical preparations are underway as ordinations and First Solemn High Masses take place next week. The seminary is busy with the many details that accompany such joyful occasions: food preparation, lodging arrangements, airport pickups, scheduling for the various Masses and ceremonies, and the preparation of rooms and grounds. Much work goes on behind the scenes to ensure that these special events may take place with the reverence, order, and hospitality that they deserve.

Looking just beyond these celebrations, we also anticipate the bestowal of clerical tonsure on May 11, another important step in the formation of future priests. We ask prayers for those who will receive this grace, that they may respond generously and faithfully to God’s call.

We are also pleased to announce that additional priestly ordinations are scheduled for September 29 at Mt. St. Michael’s in Spokane, Washington. We commend all of those preparing to receive Holy Orders to your continued prayers, and we ask God to bless these coming ceremonies abundantly.