Major seminary, major changes

By Tom Tracy - Florida Catholic

BOYNTON BEACH | For the 26 Miami seminarians currently studying for the priesthood at Florida’s major seminary, the new academic year started with some background noise as construction continues on new student housing.

And many of the first year students — including those who are studying at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary for the six other dioceses of Florida — were taking part in a leadership training pilot program aimed at improving the managerial and people skills of tomorrow’s priests.

In late August, a three-day workshop brought new students together for the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds training program of the Philadelphia-based Catholic Leadership Institute, which aims to help seminarians better understand their strengths, talents and leadership style, and how they can better serve in their future priestly ministry.

Msgr. David Toups, rector-president at St. Vincent de Paul, said he often hears from Catholic lay people who suggest to him that parishes need two things — excellent preaching and priests with good leadership skills and business acumen.

 “So in response to the needs of the time and the (recommendations) of the people, our preaching program is continually being upgraded. It is one of the central focuses integrated into every course,” Msgr. Toups said.

“Likewise, so that priests have a better understanding of business and leadership, we are having the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds workshop,” he added. “We are part of a pilot program to begin to teach this workshop in seminaries, not waiting until they are priests. We are laying the foundation to help them become what they need them to be as pastors and as leaders of our parish communities.”

Good Leaders, Good Shepherds is designed specifically for priests and seminarians. Each learning module includes prayer, liturgy, and building priestly fraternity through interactive, pastoral training relevant to the vocation of priestly life and day-to-day pastoring, according to organizers. The three-day program will be followed by a one-day training review in February at the seminary.

“We are one of three seminaries in the country to offer this as a pilot program,” the rector said, noting that many people may not realize that St. Vincent de Paul Seminary is currently enjoying some of the highest enrollment in the institution’s history.

Last year, the seminary formally celebrated 50 years of service in Florida as a major theologate, and one of only two bilingual, multicultural, major Catholic seminaries in the United States.

Currently, 95 seminarians are enrolled here, with enrollment by 2016 projected to reach approximately 110 students.
Last year, Archbishop Thomas Wenski and the Florida bishops kicked off a capital campaign for the renovation of the seminary community center, and last September they broke ground for construction of two new dormitories to provide 76 new student rooms.

Completion of those projects is expected sometime in December. The modernization of existing dormitories and faculty residences will provide for additional guest rooms for continuing education of both clergy and laity, as well as a master’s degree program for permanent deacon candidates.

“The seminary is really a seedbed of hope for the faithful,” said Msgr. Toups, who credited Archbishop Wenski for his vision and support of the campus improvements. “Many people don’t realize the seminary is as big as it has ever been in 50 years, so that is great news.”

St. John Vianney in Miami is a college seminary that provides undergraduate education for students whose stated objective is to serve as priests. The majority of graduates from St. John Vianney continue their studies at St. Vincent de Paul, which traces its roots to when Archbishop Joseph Hurley, sixth bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, purchased 80 acres of land southwest of West Palm Beach in 1955.

It wasn't until 1963 that the chapel, dorm rooms, classrooms, refectory, auditorium, and faculty offices were built. In 1995, a separate free-standing library and administration building was constructed. St. Vincent de Paul has over 700 alumni, of which more than 300 are actively serving throughout the state of Florida.

In late August, many of the students were still arriving from their summer activities, which included diverse projects. Some first-year seminarians spent the summer in Guatemala improving their Spanish language and pastoral skills in a mission setting. Others worked on clinical-pastoral experiences at hospitals throughout the state of Florida, while still others were serving at parishes in their home dioceses.

St. Vincent de Paul Seminary serves not only the seven dioceses of Florida but some other dioceses in the south such as Atlanta, and in the Caribbean, including Kingston, Jamaica. The students comprise a multicultural fabric reflective of the wider regional community.

As part of the anniversary celebration last year, St. Vincent de Paul hosted some important special visitors, including New York’s Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan; Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem; and Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who currently serves as apostolic nuncio to the United States. 

On Thursday, Oct. 16, the seminary will host an evening with author and speaker George Weigel, official papal biographer of St. John Paul II and a distinguished senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where Weigel holds the William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies.

“This is a great opportunity to offer something to the public,” Msgr. Toups said of the special speakers during the 50th anniversary celebration. “Last year was really about helping us be aware that we are part of the universal Church."

Second-year theology seminarian Kevin Garcia, who grew up in Miami, said the campus improvements at St. Vincent de Paul help to ensure the future of the priesthood, and will be a visible sign of the future.

“I think there is a new movement, zeal, new energy in the Church which is fostering vocations, and there is momentum as men want to be part of something, and as they see that the Church is really making a difference,” Garcia said.

Transitional Deacon Phillip Tran, a fourth-year theology student for Miami, said it is an optimistic time at the seminary. Deacon Tran said moving into new individual dorm rooms is a symbol of the generosity of Florida Catholics who supported the new facilities.

“Once we are responsible for our own space it will be like having our own ‘mini-rectories’ within own rooms. It will help foster stewardship of our own possessions and things that have been given us out of the generosity of God’s people.”

For more information about the Weigel event or other programs at the seminary call 561-732-4424.