Dear Friends in Christ,
One year ago, I believe we would have found it a challenge to imagine ourselves still so beholden to the obstacles of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of another academic year. Yet, we find our routines and processes still upended from their “normal” natures.
But surely, we were born for such a time as this.
Throughout eighteen months of various hurdles, Sacred Heart has continued to educate and form the hearts and minds of those ministering within classrooms, out in the community, and upon the altar of God. With the great generosity of our community, the superlative commitment from our staff and faculty, and the boundless grace of God, we have provided uninterrupted virtual, hybrid, and in-person teaching to all our seminarians, priests and lay students, ensuring the utmost spiritual and academic excellence for all who enter our doors, be it physically or virtually.
Thanks to your support, Sacred Heart Major Seminary was pleased to congratulate 71 graduates from the Class of 2021; eight of these esteemed individuals received Holy Orders this past summer and have begun their priestly mission across the United States and Canada. We are also thrilled to welcome 102 seminarians for the 2021-2022 academic year and hundreds of lay students who are and will be serving the Church in parishes, schools, and ministries.
Your partnership with us through your prayers and financial support make it possible for us to continue forming the hearts and minds of the lay and ordained leaders in our community who, in turn, support and form the hearts and minds of the faithful.
If you are able, would you prayerfully consider making a gift in continued support of our mission?
Lastly, I would like to make a personal comment as I begin this new role of ministry. I want to express my gratitude to Archbishop Vigneron for entrusting the care of the seminary to me and the collaborative teams of priests, ministers and staff who share this leadership. I find it a distinct privilege to be a priest, to serve Jesus Christ who I love above all else, and a unique joy to serve the mission of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
Please be assured of my prayers for you, and thank you for the generosity you have shown our beloved seminary.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Stephen Burr
Rector, President