Saint John's Seminary

In the latest episode of the SJSPodcast, Fr. Stanislaus Achu sits down with Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Diocese of Providence, to explore the heart of Catholic preaching and its mission to lead people into a deeper friendship with Christ.

Whether someone is encountering the Lord for the first time, returning after time away, or continuing to grow in faith, the preached Word has the power to meet them where they are.

At the same time, this conversation reflects on what authentic preaching looks like in a rapidly changing world. While new tools and technologies can assist, Bishop Lewandowski emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human creativity, charism, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Listen here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/643xCkcpymiOFgsx1EBmXE?si=y7gjg0njSLK4qGSp2pmywA

YouTube: https://youtu.be/cA1W1eM3AEY?si=8_WsN9OFa_H9aq7n

Happy Feast of Pentecost! 🔥🕊️ Let us pray that the love of God will be poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). 🙏

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

On this Solemnity of Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and guide us ever closer to Christ. 🔥🕊️

On Pentecost, we are reminded that the Lord not only gives His disciples a mission, but also the power to fulfill it.

“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were strengthened to go forth and proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The same mission is entrusted to each of us today: to make disciples, to witness to Christ, and to share His love with the world.

We do not carry out this mission alone. God provides the grace, strength, and guidance we need to faithfully follow His call. Come, Holy Spirit!

https://www.sjs.edu/blog/pentecost2026

Pentecost Sunday: Empowered for Mission - Saint John's Seminary The Gospel contains the mission of the apostles. It is a great mission—straightforward, yet not simple: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” This is the call that Jesus gives to the apostles. On the feast of Pentecost, it reminds me of the Ascension, where Jesus gives the Great Commissi...

After seven years in formation, Deacon David Cataline will be ordained a priest by Bishop John S. Bonnici of the Diocese of Rochester on June 27, 2026. The ordination Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at Rochester’s Sacred Heart Cathedral; the Courier will livestream the ordination beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Parishioners from St. Francis & St. Clare Roman Catholic Parish and Our Lady of Peace Parish, Geneva NY will be traveling by bus to Rochester for his ordination.

Learn more: https://catholiccourier.com/articles/deacon-cataline-to-be-ordained-priest-of-rochester-diocese/

Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly.
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From time to time, we invite our alumni to share their voices and reflections with the Saint John’s Seminary community through our blog. Today, we are pleased to feature a thoughtful reflection from Fr. Steven Lewis, ’21, of the Diocese of Rochester.

Drawing from the wisdom of G.K. Chesterton and his own experience of priesthood, Fr. Lewis reflects on the dignity of human work, the value of perseverance, and the importance of embracing even imperfect efforts in the Christian life. His article explores how work, vocation, and sacrifice become meaningful when offered with charity and rooted in the desire to glorify God. It is ultimately a hopeful meditation on vocation, grace, and trusting that God equips those whom He calls.

Read with the link below:
https://www.sjs.edu/blog/steven-lewis-reflection

On Saturday, May 16, the Saint John’s Seminary community rejoices as several of our seminarians prepare to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

We are especially pleased to congratulate Mr. Nicholas Jones as he prepares for Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate for the Diocese of Providence.

We also prayerfully anticipate the Presbyteral Ordination of Rev. Mr. Javier Padilla, Rev. Mr. Diego Alejandro Pena, and Rev. Mr. Johnathan Saniuk, all for the Archdiocese of Boston.

These ordinations are a joyful witness to God’s enduring faithfulness and a powerful reminder of the importance of forming and supporting vocations in the Church today.

Please join us in praying for these men as they prepare to dedicate their lives in service to Christ and His Church.

Ad multos annos!

See all upcoming events at Saint John's Seminary: https://www.sjs.edu/events

As the Church begins the Novena to the Holy Spirit from May 15–23, we invite you to join us in prayer as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost.

In a special way, let us pray for seminarians and for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the coming weeks, as dioceses across the country celebrate ordinations to the transitional diaconate and priesthood. May the Holy Spirit strengthen them with wisdom, courage, holiness, and zeal for the Gospel.

Come, Holy Spirit.

“O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.”