In December 2012, the renovations on the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary campus were completed. The support of many friends through the Faith for the Future Campaign has furthered the seminary’s mission of helping young men discern their call to the holy priesthood.
After all, the seminary is more than a building. It is a living symbol of hope where young men prepare to serve the Church with faith, fidelity, and love.
Thank You
Your gift to the Faith for the Future Campaign has been an investment in the future of our seminarians and our Church. Each and every dollar is needed to help meet our goals for the building project and the endowment.
To express gratitude on behalf of all who will one day be influenced by the ministry of our future priests, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson and friends of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary recorded messages of thanks in a video released by the seminary and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
News
- “Faith for the Future Renovations Complete” – St. Louis Review, 3/17/2016
- “Restored Prairie at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary Offers a Glimpse at the Past” – St. Louis Review, 7/29/2015
Highlights from the Renovations
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The library was expanded into an underutilized gymnasium. Improvements to the layout, technology, and lighting have made the library more conducive to private and group study.
Significant needs have been addressed regarding the seminary building’s infrastructure. These improvements include new plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and improved kitchen facilities.
- The renovated building can accommodate 141 seminarians in private rooms – an increase of over 30% from current enrollment (as of Spring 2013).
- The former power plant was converted into a new recreation facility, The Father Emil Kapaun Student Center, for the seminarians. It includes lounges for the college and theology seminarians and a workout facility to encourage physical well-being and healthy habits.
- The library was expanded into an underutilized gymnasium. Improvements to the layout, technology, and lighting have made the library more conducive to private and group study.
- New windows and climate control systems will decrease the energy usage in the building and reduce ongoing utility expenses.
- New elevators, wheelchair ramps, and lifts have increased accessibility for disabled seminarians and visitors.
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Archbishop Carlson celebrated Mass with the seminary community in January 2013 to celebrate the reopening of the campus. Mass was followed by a blessing of the buildings.
A new wing on the eastern side of the building provides offices and meeting space for the faculty. The rooftop of this wing holds an indoor/outdoor dining area for community use.
- Security measures, including a card access system and new fencing, were incorporated to ensure a safe environment for our seminarians to live.
- Gathering spaces were incorporated throughout the residential areas of the building to promote greater fraternity.
See “Campaign FAQs and Accomplishments” for more information
Words of the Archbishop
Together with the priests of this archdiocese, we want to make sure that we shape, form and mold the very best seminarians in the United States. I don’t want a seminary that’s number two. I want a seminary that’s number one. And with the priests working with me, and all the different (deaneries) of the archdiocese, I know that we’ll be able to have that kind of seminary that trains people for what they’re going to find when they go out to serve the people of our parishes.
What better way to transform the world through a civilization of love than by taking an active role in fostering vocations and assisting in providing the financial resources required to preserve one of our archdiocese’s most important assets — Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
Archbishop Robert J. Carlson
Archbishop of St. Louis
