“Our seminary is not closing!”  This was the opening statement that Bishop Timothy Senior, the rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, made as he addressed the priests of our archdiocese at a recent clergy conference.  I want you to hear this statement because I’m afraid that there are those who think the seminary is, indeed, closing.  There are currently 165 seminarians from 15 (arch)dioceses and five religious communities at our seminary preparing for the priesthood; 75 of them are preparing to become priests for our archdiocese.  So, it’s clear that we need a seminary and I assure you that the seminary is not closing.

However, it is moving – once again.  In fact, St. Charles Seminary has operated in several locations since its founding in 1832.   It was first on 5th Street and then on the corner of 18th and Race Streets in Philadelphia.  Then, in 1859, Bishop John Neumann established a preparatory seminary at Glen Riddle.  As the number of students in both divisions of the seminary grew, however, a new site was needed and, in 1871, 128 students from both the preparatory seminary in Glen Riddle and the theological seminary in Philadelphia moved into what is now known as the “Upper Side,” the older complex that is still to be found on the 75 acre site on the corner of Lancaster Pike and City Avenue.  The main building of the seminary that is prominently seen from both Lancaster Pike and Wynnewood Road, often called the “Lower Side,” was built in 1928.  After reaching its peak of more than 500 students in the late 1950’s, enrollment in the seminary has continued to decline, and as they age, the buildings require millions of dollars in maintenance and repairs.  Besides, they do not meet the needs of a modern seminary.

So, after careful study by a variety of Archdiocesan advisory groups, it was determined that the best plan would be to sell the property and build a new seminary adjacent to one of the 11 Catholic colleges or universities in the Archdiocese.  In the end, Neumann University in Aston, PA, was selected as the most suitable site; plans are now underway to relocate the seminary there within the next five years.  As you may have read recently in the newspapers, Main Line Health Care has purchased the property where the seminary currently stands for $43.5 million.  With these funds, the Archdiocese will build a new seminary, in line with the current needs, on land next to Neumann University.

Having a seminary near a Catholic university will allow the students to attend the liberal arts classes that are part of the preparatory seminary years and have access to many of the university’s facilities (e.g., library, dining halls, sport facilities).  The theological courses and other aspects of priestly formation will continue to take place at the seminary.  In fact, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary will remain a separate institution, retain academic accreditation and confer its own degrees in philosophy and theology.

Partnering with a college or university is a rather common practice, both here in the United States and around the world.  Approximately one-third of the seminaries in the United States follow this model.  In fact, many of these seminaries find that such an arrangement has many benefits, including the ability to expand lay formation programs.  We expect to do this here as we continue our School of Theological Studies at our new location.  In case you’re not familiar with this division of our current seminary, the School of Theological Studies provides an opportunity for laypeople to earn a Master of Arts degree in Theology, as well as other certifications.  This allows teachers, catechists, youth ministers, lectors, Church employees and, in fact, all Catholics to grow in their knowledge of the faith.  It is already an important and vibrant division in our seminary.  Being located next to Neumann University offers new opportunities for this division that are already being explored.  So, you can see, there is a new vibrancy to the seminary, with great plans for the future!

Like every other registered parishioner throughout the archdiocese, you should have already received a packet from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary as it holds its annual direct mail appeal.  Support for our seminary is especially important today.  As part of our annual Seminary Appeal, Mr. James J. White, IV, one of our parishioners who is studying at the seminary in preparation for ordination as a permanent deacon, will speak at all the Masses next weekend to let you know about the seminary and ask for your continued support.  The motto for this year is: For Today.  For Tomorrow.  For All of Us – a very fitting motto as we look to support the seminary today as it prepares the priests, deacons and laity to serve us for years to come!  Please be as generous as you can in supporting our seminary to ensure a continued bright future for this very important institution of our archdiocese.