Why Missionary Priests Matter Today: A Conversation with the Rector of Redemptoris Mater Seminary

Father William Clemence reflects on the urgency of evangelization and RM’s role in preparing priests who can meet the moment, both locally and around the world.

Seminarians at Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary are formed with a missionary charism, ready to preach the Gospel anywhere in the world. (Photo by Grant Whitty)

Catholics frequently discuss evangelization in conversation, during Mass readings, homilies and theological discussions. But what does it look like in practice?

In the Archdiocese of Denver, it might just look like the mission of Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary (RM), an archdiocesan seminary with a missionary charism.

Denver Catholic sat down with Father William Clemence, rector of RM, to learn more about what exactly makes the seminary’s formation so unique and so necessary.

The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What makes formation at RM unique within traditional formation practices?

A: The Redemptoris Mater seminarians receive and share the same academic and traditional formation as all the archdiocesan seminarians in the Archdiocese of Denver. In addition to that formation, they are provided with an itinerary of Catechumenal formation in parish-based communities.

The word “catechumenate” refers to the period of preparation for Baptism in the early Church, often preceding Baptism itself. Nowadays, Baptism does not have the same development, at least in its practical preparation. Therefore, it is necessary that the sanctifying grace ignited with Baptism may spread and grow into the whole life of the baptized person. 

St. Augustine says, "If we cannot have the catechumenate beforehand, we will carry it out afterward.”  That is the instruction, completion and education, the whole of the Church's educative work after Baptism.

These local catechumenal communities, in which our seminarians are integrated, are composed of approximately 30 brothers and sisters, clerics and laypeople, including both men and women, of various ages. They seek to live the Christian liturgical life more intensely by going through the catechumenal preparation in stages that the catechumens in the early Church went through before receiving the sacrament of Baptism.

They meet twice a week to listen to the Divine Word, engage in spiritual dialogue and participate in the Eucharist. This community will accompany and support the seminarians throughout their formation and then accompany them in their priestly ministry.

The fruits are evident in the number of vocations emerging from these communities. Currently, from our own parish catechumenal communities in Denver, there are 34 men being formed for the priesthood!

The seminary welcomes candidates from all over the world who discover and discern their vocation in these parish catechumenal communities. The fact that the candidates come from different countries makes present the universality of the Church.

Finally, the seminarians also receive missionary training to serve the Church wherever they are needed throughout the world for the New Evangelization, according to the discernment of our Archbishop.

Q: One of the key elements of priestly formation at Redemptoris Mater is the concept of “mission.” What does it mean to be a missionary for the Gospel? And why is being a missionary for Christ such a vital ministry today? Both locally and internationally?

A: The Church is by its very essence missionary. Jesus Christ was sent to us to announce the Gospel and to reveal the love of the Father by giving his life.

Every Christian, and every priest, called to be an alter Christus (another Christ), participates in the same mission of our Lord. There is no greater work than to announce the good news of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness to everyone, especially those who don’t know the love of God and suffer without any meaning in their lives.

The announcement of the Gospel opens Heaven to man and reveals the desire of the Father for everyone to be saved. We have a mission to announce freely what we have received freely from the Lord. How could I keep for myself all the graces I have received?

St. Paul reflects on this in a deeper way: “For if I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not announce the Gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Therefore, our work of evangelization cannot be limited to my own place, but it needs to be open to the whole world. In her missionary zeal, St. Frances Cabrini used to say, “The world is too small for what I intend to do.” 

Q: Redemptoris Mater is responsible for forming priests from across the world. Could you speak to some of the blessings and challenges this unique style of formation brings?

A: Currently, we have seminarians from 12 different nationalities in addition to those who come from different parts of the United States.

This is a blessing for us, for each man brings his culture and traditions, which enrich the local Church. In the beginning, when a seminarian arrives here, the transition is not easy.

There is a need for him to know the culture, the language and traditions, which are different from his country of origin. However, we realize that what truly creates communion among the seminarians is the Holy Spirit, who allows us to overcome all human challenges.

Without him, it would be impossible to live together, each one having his own customs, preferences and background. Yet we see how, despite each one’s personal weaknesses, the Risen Lord manifests himself and creates true communion among them.   

Q: What, to you, is the most rewarding part of guiding young men toward the priesthood?

A: The most rewarding part of my mission as rector is to see the immense love that the Lord has for each of these men whom he has called to himself.

It is great to see how God is truly a Father to them, how he provides everything and how he manifests his faithfulness towards them. I see how the Lord never abandons his children but accompanies them and wants them to be happy.

Q: There may be young men who read this interview who are considering a vocation to the priesthood. Could you offer some advice to young men who are discerning but are unsure if it is what God wants for them?

A: I would invite them to pray to the Lord with an open and meek heart in order that the Lord may reveal his will to them, that they may desire to follow the Lord in whatever capacity, saying, “Lord, give me the grace to do your will, whatever it may be.”

They can also speak with their pastor if they are considering the vocation to the priesthood, and the pastor will help to guide them.

Q: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to support Redemptoris Mater's mission?

A: First of all, we thank you for all the support you already offer us in many different ways.

The best way to support our seminary is prayer. Please pray for our seminarians, and for more information or other ways to support the seminary, please visit our website: redemptorismaterdenver.org.