It can be easy to forget the rigorous training and education spiritual leaders undergo. It often seems as if they just naturally have the wisdom and compassion necessary to advise, comfort and serve our community, but years of hard work and guidance are needed to prepare them. Kenrick-Glennon Seminary has a rich heritage of philosophical, theological and pastoral service, and the institution is dedicated to preparing students for ministerial priesthood in the Catholic church.
“Our end goal at Kenrick-Glennon is a holy, healthy, joy-filled parish priest,” explains development director Kate Sauerburger. “We are a seminary; that means we’re helping future priests learn how to go out and bring Christ to others.” The seminary has both graduate and undergraduate programs. The curriculum focuses on the spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and human formation of its students to prepare them for all aspects of ministry. “We want each seminarian to become a priest who’s a man of prayer, action, gentleness and fortitude, a man who speaks the truth of Jesus Christ to our current culture and does so with love,” says president-rector Rev. James Mason.
Kenrick-Glennon’s programs are made possible through its annual Convivium Dinner Auction, the seminary’s sole annual fundraising event. “People have the opportunity to directly support the formation and education of our seminarians through this event,” Sauerburger says. “And our guests look forward to it every year because they meet new seminarians and see friends they have made over years of attending.” The money raised supports the seminary’s annual operations budget and initiatives like the Kenrick Student Life Association and Cardinal Glennon College Student Activity Fund.
The event also gives guests the chance to support Kenrick-Glennon’s Spiritual Formation Retreat Program, which prepares seminarians for their role as priests by allowing them to participate in a directed silent retreat each January. “Since our graduates will serve the church, it is essential that they first acquire the listening and learning hearts of disciples,” Sauerburger explains. While most of the retreats are local, students in their final year take a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. “Our seminarians are always amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters, especially at Convivium,” she says. “Our guests remind them that they are not alone, and there are many people who love and support them as they discern God’s call in their lives.”
This year’s event is Nov. 3. “Guests can expect a great evening,” Sauerburger says. “We really capture the spirit of the seminary.” The evening begins with Mass at Kenrick-Glennon, followed by dinner and auctions in the Khorassan Ballroom at The Chase Park Plaza. The silent auction will include more than 150 items, and there also will be a live auction. New this year, the Winner’s Choice Raffle will give guests the chance to win one of five trips, and those not attending can visit Kenrick-Glennon’s website for information about how they can participate. “The best part of the evening is the fact that the seminarians welcome and serve our guests,” Sauerburger notes. “Everyone feels like they’re family. Convivium is more than a fundraiser—it’s a night of friendship and community.”
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary’s Convivium Dinner Auction is Nov. 3 at the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis and supports future priests in their journey toward ordination. Pictured on the cover: Seminarian Charlie Archer, event chair Lynda Middeke, president-rector Rev. James Mason, development committee chair Virginia Klein, seminarian Ryan Truss. For more information, call 314.792.7436 or visit kenrick.edu/convivium.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky
Cover photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured above: Seminarians Charlie Archer and Ryan Truss
