Emergency Aid to Hurricane and Wildfire Victims 

As if the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t already have us in its fearful grip as the daily count of those infected and killed continues to rise, it seems that very day we hear more tragic stories about new hurricanes obliterating towns in Florida and throughout the Gulf Coast and the seemingly endless wildfires throughout the west.  Just as we probably all know someone who has been stricken – and, perhaps, even killed – by COVID-19, we probably have family and friends living in the areas who are being devastated by the hurricanes and wildfires.  My brother, Rob, lives just south of San Francisco with his wife and my sister, Yolanda, lives in San Diego with her husband; her son and his family live nearby.  One of the big topics for discussion during our bi-weekly Zoom get-togethers is the fires that have surrounded them, forcing them indoors due to the unhealthy air quality and sweltering in their homes because of the record high temperatures and periodic planned power outages.  They’re the lucky ones, though, because they haven’t lost their homes and possessions – at least, not yet.

In response to this national disaster unfolding before us, the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has asked all of the (arch)dioceses throughout the country to take up a special collection.  We will be taking up this collection next weekend, 7 – 8 November, and I urge you to be generous; there are thousands of people in desperate need of our support.  Feel free to mail in your contribution or put it in an envelope in the bins at the church entrances; just mark the envelope with Hurricane and Wildfires Relief.  And, please keep them all in your prayers; may God protect them and offer them his strength in these most trying times.

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY ANNUAL APPEAL

            St. Charles Borromeo Seminary opened once again this September for the education and formation of 156 seminarians from 12 (arch)dioceses and six religious congregations; 72 of the seminarians are preparing to priests in our archdiocese!  Founded in 1832, it has provided excellent priestly formation for our archdiocese and (arch)dioceses around the country;  Msgr. Carroll, Fr. Waters and I are all very proud of our seminary and grateful for the preparation it offered us to be your priests.  It’s clear that we need a seminary and, despite the rumors, I assure you that the seminary is not closing.

However, as I’m sure you have heard by now, it is moving – once again.  In fact, St. Charles Seminary has operated in several locations since its founding.   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 eight years ago 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.  At this time, the seminary is in serious conversation with Neumann University in Aston, PA, and Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley to relocate on property adjacent to one of them within the next five years.  Main Line Health Care has purchased the property where the seminary currently stands for $43.5 million.  With these funds, the Archdiocese is currently planning to build a new seminary in line with the current needs on land next to one of these universities.

Having a seminary near a Catholic university will allow the students to attend the liberal arts classes that are part of the college seminary years and have access to many of the university’s facilities (e.g., library, dining halls, sports facilities).  The theological courses and other aspects of priestly formation will continue to take place at the seminary.  But, 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 throughout our country 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 a Catholic 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!

Along with every other registered parishioner throughout the archdiocese, you should have already received a packet from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary as it begins its annual direct mail appeal.  Support for our seminary is especially important today.  As part of our annual Seminary Appeal, Mr. Daniel Monastra, who is studying at the seminary in preparation for priestly ordination, will speak at all the Masses in a few weeks 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.