News

On February 10, 2021, Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary was blessed to have His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, preside over the institution of two pre-theology seminarians, eight first year seminarians and one second year seminarian to the Ministry of Acolyte. Though the installation Mass was different from past years, because of COVID-19 safety protocols, the important role it plays in the formation of these men in their journey towards becoming priests remains equally important.

On February 3, 2021, eight seminarians attending Pope John XXIII National Seminary were instituted into the Ministry of Lector by the Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan of the Diocese of Columbus. These men are Joseph Danzi, Diocese of Brooklyn; James DiVasto, Diocese of Bridgeport; Gustavo Correa Garcia, Diocese of Worcester; Jason Fox, Diocese of Columbus; Peterclaver Kiviiri, Diocese of Columbus; Luis Marquez, Diocese of Brooklyn; Edgar Serrano, Diocese of Orlando; and Aaron Yohe, Diocese of Columbus.

We offer our congratulations to these men and pray that their new roles as lectors will enable them to further pursue their preparation to become priests and serve the faithful.

 “VIRTUAL First Friday Visits”  - We will host interested men once a month by inviting them to join the Seminary community for prayer and a zoom information session.  These brief and informal evenings will begin at 5:00 PM and conclude by 7:00 PM.  During their virtual visit here, the men will join the community for Holy Hour and Evening Prayer https://www.psjs.edu/chapel-live-stream, followed by an informational zoom session with seminarians.  If a candidate wishes to speak with a priest faculty member during his virtual visit, we will arrange for that as well.

Father Figures

"Father Rick was married with three children, a successful veterinarian and horse expert. In 2005, his wife, Marilyn, tragically died of a heart attack. Slowly Father Lesser turned to his new vocation, the priesthood, and, in 2015, was ordained for the Diocese of Albany at the age of 60."

Monsignor Dennis F. Sheehan, who was the Fourth Rector of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, died unexpectedly on November 20, 2020. Monsignor Sheehan was a great priest of the Archdiocese of Boston whose pastoral ministry touched the lives of countless men and women. He was a wonderful friend to many of us, and his wonderful wit, keen intellect, and gracious ways will be deeply missed. Please join the community in praying that the Lord will embrace Msgr. Sheehan with His merciful love and grant Msgr. Sheehan the rewards of a faithful life lived in service of His people.