S.S. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan, is performing an invaluable service for Polonia. By training priests from Poland for service in American dioceses, the Seminary is not only filling the gap that has been created by a lack of priestly vocations in general in America, but it is also filling an important need for Polish speaking priests who can serve the needs of the Polish American community.

Currently there are twenty-eight seminarians studying at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary. All of them are from Poland. They are all learning academic English because they will remain in the United States after their ordination and will serve in one of the American dioceses. Which diocese a seminarian will serve is determined by the seminarian’s choice which is made with the help and recommendations of the rector, Monsignor Francis B. Koper,and the formation faculty.–

NEW MISSION STATEMENT !
Recently the Seminary concluded a year-ong–planning and mission study which resulted in the revision of its mission and vision–statements. It also identified goals for strategic planning which coalesced as a ‘ master plan for the future’ specifically aimed at the next five years.

The plan includes taking steps to create a dynamic image that will result in increased recruitment efforts and increased enrollment. It also calls for developing an evaluation plan to assess academic competence and formational components of the curriculum, as well as plans to expand the library facilities and technological resources of the seminary.

The new mission statement is:

SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary is a Roman Catholic graduate school of theology offering academic and formation programs to candidates for ordained and lay ministry. Deeply rooted in its American and Polish heritage, the Seminary shares in the mission of Jesus and the Church to form evangelizers. The Seminary seeks to develop in its students a sensitivity and respect for the multicultural and pluralistic character of God’s people and to prepare them to ‘ go forthand make–disciples of all nations.’

Ten young seminarians from Poland arrived at the seminary this year. They had been studying in other seminaries in Poland. They begin their education here by studying the English language intensively for two years. Then they go on to study theology at the seminary another four years

The cost to educate one seminarian for one year is about $8,000 which includes tuition, room and board and fees. It does not include books nor a daily living stipend.
Donating to an endowment fund for the education of seminarians is the best way that people can help to support this most important program which contributes so much to the welfare of Polonia.–

PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM ‘!
WithinPolonia there are many kind-hearted, generous, single persons with no children to inherit their estate. If any such person wishes to remember SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in their will, they are encouraged to call the Rector’s office at (248) 683-0310. Msgr. Koper will be glad to discuss planned giving options with the benefactor and arrange for the necessary legal services to be provided to make such a donation possible.–

We are most grateful for the generosity of the good people who have the seminary’ welfare at heart and have chosen to support us,’ said Monsignor Koper in a recent telephone interview with Executive Editor Kathryn Rosypal.

PRCUA MATCHING FUNDS PROGRAM
At the present time, the PRCUA is conducting its annual Matching Funds program for the Seminary at Orchard Lake. This doubles every dollar since the PRCUA will donate an equal amount for each donation made to the seminary through the PRCUA Matching Fund Drive. Please use the coupon on page 4 for your donation. Please be generous in your support of this worthwhile program.
(For information about the PRCUA program, call 1-800Ñ772-8632).
NOTE: Narod Polski is the official publication of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America in Chicago.

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