The campuses of St. John Vianney Theological and Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminaries are buzzing with energy as our seminarians return to classes this week.
Our future priests are returning to a new climate of safety restrictions because of COVID-19, but there are no restrictions on their enthusiasm for their faith-filled pursuits.
“They are ones who take their spiritual life seriously, are filled with enthusiasm for the Gospel, and have a real desire to invite others to encounter Christ,” said Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila.
The Archdiocese of Denver is blessed to have 110 seminarians studying the intellectual, human, spiritual and pastoral elements of the priestly formation this year.
Priest formation is costly to cover tuition, books, and laptops, but it is an investment in the future of our Church. In the 45 to 50 years of priesthood, a priest will touch so many lives we need to invest in that future, said Father Daniel Leonard, rector of St. John Vianney.
“They are ordained, not for themselves, but for their flock,” Leonard said. “It is the heart of a good shepherd who loves his flock.”
Without the funds from the generous benefactors of the Seminaries’ Appeal and the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal, priest formation would be put in danger, said Father Emilio Franchomme, professor at Redemptoris Mater.
The Archdiocese of Denver is specially blessed to have these seminaries because each priest who is ordained in the Archdiocese is always a priest of the Church of Northern Colorado, no matter what part of the world God sends us, said Emilio said.
LEARN MORE — St. John Vianney SeminaryLEARN MORE — Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary“I’m extremely grateful to be at St. John Vianney Seminary and for all the support, because so much of our formation is spot on. It’s really good for exactly what men need in this culture, and what we need going into the parish, going back out to serve the people of God.”
Trevor Lontine, SeminarianSt. John Vianney Theological Seminary
Priest formation is one of the many ministries the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal supports. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they start another year.
