The Seminary Rector - Forming Priests in Nazareth

This book addresses the specific needs of a rector as he pastors his seminary flock. The book is divided into chapters which address the rector’s role as it relates to the five identities of the priest, discussed in Blessed John Paul II’s Pastores Dabo Vobis and the writings of St. Paul: Beloved Son, Loyal Brother, Chaste Spouse, Loving Father, and Good Shepherd. Each chapter contains Scriptural text, discussion of the chapter’s theme, and reflection questions. The basic premise of the book is that Nazareth, the place where Jesus spent His seminal years with Joseph and Mary, was the first seminary, for it was there that Jesus’ formation took place.

"This book goes to the heart of being a rector and to the rector’s vocation to form priests. The author invites rectors to prayerfully experience their own priestly identity in such a way that it defines and empowers their leadership of the seminarians under their care."
Monsignor Michael Glenn
Rector, St. John Vianney Seminary
Denver, Colorado

"This book is a unique contribution to priestly formation. In it, the author returns to what is most fundamental to a seminary community—the heart of the rector. All rectors will benefit from Monsignor Schlesselmann’s invitation to allow them to be formed as shepherds by the Good Shepherd Himself."
Father Andrew Jasinski
Director of the Office of Catholic Education and Formation for the Diocese of Fargo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Monsignor Gregory J. Schlesselmann is a priest of the Diocese of Fargo, ND. He was ordained in 1993 and served as rector of Cardinal Muench Seminary in North Dakota for nine years. He presently serves as director of the permanent diaconate in Fargo and as an associate member of The Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE. In addition to teaching theology at the seminary, he has taught numerous courses in theology in different venues.