Mission Statement

Sacred Heart Major Seminary primarily forms¹ priests according to the Heart² of Jesus Christ³ the Good Shepherd,⁴ and further, prepares priests, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers, equipping⁵ them for the work of ministry⁶ in the New Evangelization.⁷

¹Form:  This word has unique significance since it appears repeatedly throughout normative ecclesiastical documents, such as Pastores dabo vobis, The Program for Priestly Formation, and documents related to the formation of candidates for the Permanent Diaconate and lay ecclesial ministry.  To form is a distinctive activity that recognizes the comprehensive nature of the subject.  It is not merely developing a skill-set for effective performance, but rather reflects the integral shaping of the candidate in the imitation of Christ, the Good Shepherd, according to the appropriate ministry to which the candidate is called.  (cf. Core Values – “Formation of Heralds for the New Evangelization”).

²Heart is a direct reference to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from whom this seminary takes its name.

³Jesus Christ – At the center of our mission is the person of Jesus Christ.  “Jesus is the center of all that we do.  Our mission is to share in the mission of the Church, founded on the love of God the Father given to us in Christ through the Holy Spirit.” (Taken from our Core Values)

⁴Good Shepherd: The cornerstone at Sacred Heart Major Seminary bears the words of the Prophet Jeremiah (3:15) “I will give you shepherds after my own heart.”  These words are also part of the title of the normative document for priestly formation, Pastores dabo vobis. 

⁵To equip has its roots in two New Testament references. First, 2 Timothy 3:17, and second in Hebrews 13: 21.

⁶For the work of ministry: To be equipped recognizes the active work of grace that forms the mind and heart so that effective ministry is accomplished, not merely by the talents or gifts of the individual, but by cooperation with the work of grace.

⁷Pope John Paul II invited the universal Church to engage in the New Evangelization.  He described this in several documents and talks.  Sacred Heart Major Seminary has energetically engaged this invitation by the Holy Father so that courses, programs, and initiatives emerge from this part of our identity.

Vision Statement

Sacred Heart Major Seminary aspires to be of national stature and the premier seminary in the region, on account of the excellence of the theological and philosophical education it offers and the formation of zealous exemplary priests, permanent deacons and their lay co-workers - all according to the mind of the Church and one in heart with the Holy Father and his brother bishops for the sake of the New Evangelization in the Third Christian Millennium.

Institutional Values

Christ as the Center

Jesus Christ is the center of all that we do. Our mission is a share in the mission of the Church, founded on the love of God the Father given to us in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Nourished by the Eucharist, we are a Catholic community of faith and higher learning on fire for the Word of God.

Formation of Heralds for the New Evangelization

Committed to forming candidates for the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, and lay ecclesial ministry, we aim to provide excellent human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation. We form disciples as leaders who are prepared to bring the truth of the Gospel to a secularized world, who are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and who are equipped to nurture their lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.

Academic Excellence

We are committed to academic excellence through a curriculum reflecting the riches of the Catholic faith and critical assimilation of the cultural and intellectual traditions of our civilization, through a highly qualified faculty who embrace effective pedagogy and research, and through students who value knowledge and integrate it through pastoral ministry.

Service to Others

We promote servant leadership, following the model of Jesus Christ, who tells us, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

Collaboration and Diversity

We respect the dignity of every individual and rejoice in the gifts that diverse groups within the Catholic Church and the local community bring. We encourage genuine collaboration and mutual affirmation among all groups. We fashion an environment that effectively supports all members of the seminary community as they work to build up their gifts.

Integrity and Stewardship

We are steadfast in our commitment to honesty in our business dealings, prudence in our stewardship of assets, and transparency in representing ourselves to our constituents.

Christian Joyfulness

By seeking to share our faith with others as well as to deepen our own faith, we encourage a positive atmosphere in which the joy of Christ may manifest itself.