Seminary rectors speak of trends, challenges

By Renee Webb, Globe editor
Posted January 9, 2003

What does it take to be a priest today? What kind of man is coming forward to answer the call? Two rectors of seminaries used to prepare men for priesthood in the Diocese of Sioux City responded to questions about trends in seminarians and the personal blessings of holding such positions.

Father Mark O'Keefe, president-rector of St. Meinrad School of Theology in Southern Indiana, pointed out that the majority of the seminarians enter in their late 20s or early 30s.

"Many of them have thought about a priestly vocation for many years but kept delaying a decision to try the seminary," he explained. "Often, a word of encouragement from a priest, religious, lay minister or trusted friend finally got them to overcome their reluctance."

Msgr. Kevin McCoy, a native of the Diocese of Sioux City who serves as rector of the Pontifical North American College - the American seminary in Rome, pointed out that the majority of the school's seminarians are of traditional age, recent college graduates in their early to mid-20s.

"However, we have noticed also a trend toward some second-career men - these are not men in their 50s or 60s; many would be in their 30s having pursued education in other fields or having had some work experience," he said.

The rectors spoke of the diverse backgrounds of the seminarians. Some of the former professions of seminarians include a surgeon, farmer, engineer, soldier, restaurant owner, factory worker, funeral director, pharmacist, lawyer, educator and architect.

"I would suspect that we will continue to see men coming to the seminary with previous world experience," said Msgr. McCoy, rector since 2001. "A part of the reason for this may be in that they have not found the satisfaction in their pursuits."

Father O'Keefe pointed out that in the past, before the Second Vatican Council and right after, most men entered the seminary at the high school level. There wasn't the same diversity in age, background, work experience or culture.

In recent years Father O'Keefe has seen an increase in the number of seminarians coming directly out of college. Therefore, many of these men are in their early to mid-20s. The rector of seven years attributed this to the increased enrollment at college seminaries.

As the nation's Hispanic population continues to grow, Father O'Keefe would like to see more Hispanic vocations. However, he added, the seminary has programs to prepare Anglo seminarians to minister to Hispanics as well.

Of St. Meinrad's 80 seminarians, two are from the Diocese of Sioux City. Seventeen of the school's seminarians are foreign born.

With the recent scandal in the church relating to child sexual abuse by priests, the rectors have found it is a concern for the seminarians.

Father O'Keefe pointed out that the seminarians, like other Catholics, share feelings of concern for the victims, concern for the church along with frustration and anger at abusers.

"But, all in all, I would say that the seminarians have responded with continued hope and courage," he said. "In the parishes, they are finding what most priests are finding: that the Catholic people, while concerned about the abuse and about how some of these cases have been handled, are very supportive of their priests in particular and the priesthood in general."

Msgr. McCoy said that last May he would have responded that most seminarians have redoubled their effects to live holy lives and it in fact has strengthened their desire to Jesus, united to him. Today, he noted, that while he would answer similarly, the most recent developments in Boston are "stressing the seminarians just as it is the rest of the church."

"They wonder - when will it end?" He added, "Nevertheless, we have had no seminarian leave formation because of the recent scandals."

While neither rector foresees any major changes in the curriculum as a result of the crisis situation, both said there would be a thorough review of the formation programs.

Father O'Keefe explained that seminary admissions and formation programs have changed a great deal since the Second Vatican Council.

"We already have in place an extensive admission process that begins in the candidate's diocese including applications and interviews in the diocese and at the seminary, letters of recommendation from priests and others, psychological testing, and background checks," he said. "Still, with other seminaries throughout the country, we have been looking closely at our admissions process to insure that it is as thorough as it can be."

Seminarians take part in formation specifically relating to celibacy.

"We try to leave nothing to chance; we speak doctrinally and practically about the charism of celibacy for the ordained priest - it is not sugar coated," said Msgr. McCoy. "Of course there are many things in the world today that combat this pursuit - the ready access of pornography, the infiltration of soft porn into many films, television shows and advertisements."

When one's mind is filled with such images, he said it is much harder to promote mental prayer and meditation.

"So the crisis goes far beyond the church," he stressed, "It touches all of our society and reflects the diminished respect for one's neighbor."

While not without its occasional challenges, both rectors find their work fulfilling.

"The preparation of future priests is personally satisfying - but it is an awesome responsibility," said Msgr. McCoy. "I must say that it gives one a real sense of fatherhood as you look at these young men as your spiritual sons - there is a filial relation."

He acknowledged that because the seminarians look to him as an example, it pushes him to examine his own actions daily to determine if they provide the best model of Christian witness.

Father O'Keefe said, "I tell the seminarians at St. Meinrad that I thank God every day for four things: that I am a Christian with the gift of faith and called to holiness, that I am a Benedictine monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey, that I am a priest, and that I am the president-rector of St. Meinrad School of Theology."

As the rector there, he works with both men and women - priests, religious and laity - who are dedicated to the mission of preparing priests, permanent deacons and lay ministers for service of the church.

As with any vocation, he acknowledged there were good days and bad days. There are also certain aspects of his job that he loves and others that are a struggle.

"I guess that's part of the human condition. But I can honestly say that I feel truly blessed to be the rector of the seminary," said Father O'Keefe.