The annual St. Charles Seminary Appeal is conducted through the month of November. The Seminary consists of the College Seminary, a four-year undergraduate program offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy; the Theological Seminary, a four-year graduate-level program, offers both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts degree as well as preparation for ordination to the Roman Catholic priesthood. Other programs in the Seminary include the School of Theological Studies which provides an opportunity for laity to earn a Master of Arts degree in Theology and other certifications; the School of Diaconal Formation provides training for the Permanent Diaconate and its charisms of word, altar, and charity. We are blessed to have our own John Ellis, Jr. currently enrolled in the School of Diaconal Formation. Blessings to him, his family, and his classmates.
Informational pledge forms about the Seminary are located at the church entrances. The Reverend Keith Chylinski, Rector of the Seminary offers the following reflection on the pledge form.
“Through your support of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Appeal, you are participating in a critical mission within the Church. Without the priest, we would not have the Eucharist. Without our Deacons, Catechists and other lay leaders, our missionary outreach would lose its vitality. As the Church we are called to proclaim the beautiful and hopeful message of Christ.”
Father Chylinski reflects further about Seminary formation and the impending relocation of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
As the Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, it is my privilege and joy to accompany our seminarians and students as they follow the call to holiness and service. Daily, I, along with my brother priests, faculty, and staff, witness the joy of the Gospel unfolding as they strive to embody the meaning of servant leadership and missionary discipleship. Formation at St. Charles goes beyond academic study; it is a deliberate and loving process nurturing the whole person, encompassing spiritual, human, pastoral, and intellectual dimensions of growth. Your support of the Seminary Appeal enables us to provide our seminarians and students with the necessary resources for the journey – theological education; spiritual guidance; pastoral experience; a supportive community.
Through your support of the annual Appeal, you participate in the seminary’s mission to prepare future generations of priestly, pastoral leaders of our Catholic faith. Your contributions are not only a gift to the seminary but also a gift to the entire Church. Together, we can continue to spread the message of Christ and make a lasting impact on countless lives.
As St. Charles Borromeo Seminary relocates to a new campus in Lower Gwynedd next fall, we are deeply aware that the seminary is more than a beautiful property and iconic buildings. Our commitment to core mission and values, our strong academic curriculum and pastoral internship programs, and our hope-filled enthusiasm for the work of formation endure. Your generosity has been instrumental in sustaining our operations and ensuring that our mission thrives. We are deeply grateful for your past contributions and ask you to consider supporting our annual Seminary Appeal once again. We invite you to partner with us in keeping the mission alive, providing the resources necessary for the formation and education of future priests, deacons, and pastoral leaders.
On behalf of the entire seminary community, I extend prayerful gratitude for your generosity and support.
Rev. Keith J. Chylinski. Rector
Thank you for your continued generosity to the St. Charles Seminary Appeal, to all the Archdiocesan Initiatives and to the various programs at Our Lady of Peace and Notre Dame de Lourdes School that are made possible through your generosity. The I Give Catholic Campaign is Tuesday; 28 November and the Christmas Initiative for St. John’s Hospice is well underway with the giving trees at both OLP and ND. Blessings to you and yours and I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Prayer of St. Charles Borromeo
Almighty God, you have made known to us the mysteries of your life through Jesus Christ your Son in the Holy Spirit. Enlighten my mind to know these mysteries which your church treasures and teaches. Move my heart to love them and my will to live in accord with them. Give me the ability to teach the faith to others without pride and personal gain. Let me realize that I am simply your instrument for bringing others to the knowledge of the wonderful things you have done for all your creatures. Help me to be faithful to this task that you have entrusted to me. Amen.