Regardless of religious affiliation, we all can benefit from the spiritual counselors who serve our community. Thanks to years of hard work and training, they have the wisdom and compassion necessary to advise and comfort during challenging times. Kenrick-Glennon Seminary has been helping form the religious leaders of tomorrow since the 19th century. With a rich heritage of philosophical, theological and pastoral service, the institution is dedicated to preparing students for ministerial priesthood in the Catholic church.
The seminary has both graduate and undergraduate programs with a curriculum that focuses on the spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and human formation of its students to prepare them for all aspects of ministry. Along with courses in philosophy and theology, there are leadership classes and training in counseling and grief management. Seminarians also are assigned to parishes where they volunteer with youth ministries and teach classes. “Kenrick-Glennon’s mission is to create a holy, healthy, joy-filled parish priest,” says president-rector Rev. James Mason. “We want our students to become men who can speak the truth of Jesus Christ to the people in their parishes and all over.”
Kenrick-Glennon supports its programs through its annual Convivium Dinner Auction, the seminary’s sole annual fundraising event. “Financial support is essential to our operations,” Mason notes. “The money raised at the event allows us to support future priests intellectually, psychologically and spiritually.” Funds go toward the annual operations budget and initiatives like the Kenrick Student Life Association and Cardinal Glennon College Student Activity Fund. It also supports the Spiritual Formation retreat program, which allows seminarians to prepare for their role as priests by participating in directed silent retreats.
Convivium also allows Kenrick-Glennon to connect with the community, according to Mason. It brings together around 500 people, some of whom have attended since the event’s inception 27 years ago. Seminarians volunteer during the fundraiser, giving those in attendance an opportunity to meet and connect with them. “Guests get to talk with our students and learn about their generosity in offering up their lives and service to the Church,” Mason notes. In turn, the seminarians are part of a welcoming, supportive environment.
This year’s event is Nov. 2, and the evening includes dinner and silent and live auctions. Also returning this year is the Winner’s Choice Raffle, which is sponsored by the seminarians’ parents. The winner gets to choose from five vacation packages. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance from Kenrick-Glennon’s website. To close the night, seminarians and priests will sing “Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)” as they do every year. It is a highlight of the event, according to development director Kate Sauerburger. “It’s always one of the guests’ favorite moments,” she says. “Past attendees have told us that you can’t help but feel the presence of God when they perform.”
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary’s Convivium Dinner Auction Nov. 2 supports future priests in their journey toward ordination. Pictured on the cover: Development director Kate Sauerburger, seminarian Joe Detwiler, The Most Rev. Robert Carlson, Drs. Ann and Jeffrey Martin. For more information, call 314.792.7436 or visit kenrick.edu/convivium.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Deacon Dominic Vahling, Charlie Archer, Deacon Travis Crotty
Photo courtesy of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
