MOSAIC Fall 2018 | Page 2

SACRED HEART MAJOR SEMINARY Chairman, Board of Trustees The Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron Archbishop of Detroit FAMILIES: A FIRST SEMINARY Rector/President Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness Vice Rector/Dean of Seminarian Formation I n the normative document for priestly formation, The Program of Priestly Formation, the bishops of the United States affirm “the whole Church receives the gift of vocations from God and is responsible for promoting and discerning vocations. It is integral to the mission of the Church ‘to care for the birth, discernment, and fostering of vocations, particularly those to the priesthood.’” (28) Rev. Stephen Burr Dean of Studies Rev. Timothy Laboe Dean, Institute for Lay Ministry Dr. Matthew Gerlach Director of Finance, Treasurer Ann Marie Connolly Director of Facilities Management This is further developed by Pope St. nesses to the truth. But it is also clear that John Paul II in Pastores dabo vobis when he young people face an increasing number writes: “A very special responsibility falls of challenges from a highly secularized, de- upon the Christian family, which by virtue humanizing, and confused culture. This is of the Sacrament of Matrimony shares in where discernment is so essential for those its own unique way in the educational mis- who seek to follow the Lord, especially in sion of the Church, Teacher and Mother.” the priesthood. And further, families become “a first semi- The Lord continues to call, continues nary in which children can acquire from to invite young people to respond gener- the beginning an awareness of piety and ously to the call. And the work of Sacred prayer and of love for the Church” (41). Heart Major Seminary, building off the These principles are woven into the foundation of the ‘first seminary’ of the core documents for priestly formation family, accompanies those who desire today. The family is indeed a ‘first semi- to give their lives totally for Christ. This nary,’ or that place in which young people work requires sustained discernment, can encounter God in good mentors along the a profound way for the way, and the generous “Today more than ever, first time. It is the place support of God’s holy the Church has the where young people people. call and opportunity to begin to see, hear, and Please pray for us as accompany young people understand they are be- we continue to fulfill the to encounter the Lord.” loved sons and daugh- mission entrusted to us ters of God. And the in forming priests, dea- family is a privileged place where young cons, and lay leaders for saintly ministry. people are formed as disciples of Christ, Thank you for your support and I hope as true friends of Christ. It is from this that you are encouraged by the articles in friendship that one often hears the invita- this issue of Mosaic and see the work of tion, “Come and follow me.” God’s grace alive at Sacred Heart! Today more than ever, the Church has the call and opportunity to accompany Sincerely In Christ, young people to encounter the Lord in new and profound ways—to allow the voice of the Lord to resonate in their minds and hearts so they can freely and joyfully say, Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness ‘Yes,’ to be his disciples, to be his wit- Rector/President Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Spring 2018 John Duncan Director of Development and Stewardship David Kelley MOSAIC Executive Editor Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness Managing Editor Jonathan Francis Contributing Writers Gordy DeMarais Richard Dorsch Jr. Maggie Fischer Dr. Patricia Cooney Hathaway Mary Henige Fr. Joseph Horn Dr. Daniel Keating Lisa Martinez Dr. Michael McCallion Dcn. Peter Teresa McConnell Msgr. Mark J. Merdian Fr. Peter F. Ryan Darci Swisher Msgr. Daniel Trapp Mosaic is published two times per year by Sacred Heart Major Seminary 2701 Chicago Boulevard Detroit, Michigan 48206 313-883-8500 [email protected] Read the online Mosaic or sign up for the monthly Mosaic e-newsletter mosaic.shms.edu © 2018, Sacred Heart Major Seminary Designed by FAITH Catholic faithcatholic.com