Archbishop Burke enlists priests’ support for seminary expansion

Archbishop Raymond Burke told priests May 28 that the archdiocese is preparing for a major campaign to raise money to provide for the needs of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and bring its endowment to an effective level.

The archbishop, in his prepared remarks, asked for the priests’ support of the campaign, which will be conducted in the fall of 2009. It will seek $65,280,000.

"The campaign is to be carried out during the next calendar year, but I am announcing it now, so that all of us can have time to prepare well for it," he said.

"Clearly, the success of the campaign is critical."

In his talk, he called the campaign a "happy challenge" for the archdiocese to meet the critical needs of the seminary, now and for the future. He added that "I want to make clear that I am speaking of true needs for an adequate seminary program. I am not speaking for frills or luxuries which would be nice but are not necessary...."