Saint John’s Seminary Welcomes Priest Alumni for an Evening of Prayer and Fraternity

On November 19, 2025, Saint John’s Seminary welcomed priest alumni back to campus for an evening rooted in prayer, fraternity, and shared memory. Priests from across many generations and dioceses returned to Saint John's, creating a warm atmosphere filled with familiar faces, grateful reunions, and stories that stretched across decades of ministry.

As guests entered the Great Hall, they were met with a display of vocation posters lining the walls, representing the dioceses and religious communities connected to the seminary. At the far end of the hall, near the chapel entrance, a table held class photos and albums from years past. Seminarians and alumni alike found themselves drawn to this small “treasure trove” of history—pages full of faces, stories, and the living legacy of the men who came before them.

The evening began with Vespers prayed with the seminary community. Vespers was presided over by Msgr. Salocks, assisted by Deacon Johnathan Saniuk, with Msgr. Salocks offering a warm welcome to all who had returned.

Following prayer, alumni made their way back to the Great Hall for a reception and dinner. Archbishop Henning greeted priests as they arrived. The reception quickly became a lively space of fellowship.

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was the chance for current seminarians to speak with alumni. These conversations bridged the space between formation and priestly life, offering seminarians valuable insights into parish ministry, the joys and challenges of service, and the enduring lessons learned at Saint John’s. Many seminarians expressed how encouraging it was to see the long arc of priestly life lived out in such a tangible way.

The priesthood is rooted in service, prayer, and community—and this gathering embodied all three. The night carried a shared hope that events like this will continue annually, giving the priests of Saint John’s Seminary a place to reconnect, recharge, and support one another.

We are deeply grateful to all the alumni who joined us. Their presence, witness, and fraternity continue to strengthen and inspire the next generation of priests being formed at Saint John’s Seminary.