President-Rector’s Welcome

“The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the head pours out on his members, builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church”

– Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 747

Welcome!

St. Patrick’s community of seminarians, faculty, staff, dedicated friends, and generous benefactors continues, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to build on the momentum of our recent growth and success. The celebration of our 125th anniversary in September 2023 inaugurated a year of fruitfulness academically, liturgically, and for ongoing renovation and improvement projects.

Enrollment continues to increase. A significant reason for the appeal of St. Patrick’s for bishops, vocation directors, and prospective seminarians is our rich and balanced formation program directed by a faculty that is second to none. Professor Anthony Lilles calls St. Patrick’s a place where “theology and holiness flow together. The seminary is a safe haven where conversion and fellowship have a space to unfold. This space is the locus of intellectual formation at St. Patrick’s.”

This year, our seminarians, faculty, and staff welcomed hundreds of guests to masses, concerts, conferences and community events. At our biggest-ever Gala in September, over 700 guests and eager auction bidders celebrated with us. In October, the St. Patrick’s Seminary Lecture Series featured Secretary James Mattis who spoke about “Forming Young Men for Service.” In December, the Schola Cantorum of St. Patrick’s hosted over 400 attendees at our Advent and Christmas Concert for a memorable and prayerful evening of sacred and seasonal music.

Our robust plans for improvements to St. Patrick’s buildings and grounds continue with Phase II of renovations to the chapel that include moving the organ to its original space in the loft. And the Kate Johnson Boardroom is undergoing restoration and redesign to accommodate signature events and seminars scheduled for June 2024.

You’re invited to our campus to experience the depth and vitality of the Catholic faith.

Sincerely in Christ,

Very Rev. Mark Doherty

President-Rector
St. Patrick’s Seminary