CSC Board of Regents Meet: Focus on Strategic Plan

The Board of Regents of Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo. held their annual spring meeting March 11-12 in St. Maur Hall on the CSC campus.

Charged with the goal of preparing Roman Catholic priests to serve an ever-changing world, the Board of Regents continued their work in preparing a new strategic plan to guide the efforts of priestly formation at Conception Seminary College.

Regent Jan Lewis, former Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and member of the Archdiocese of Kansas, led the board in identifying foundational areas of importance in the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral areas of formation of future priests. Working in small groups, members of the board summarized recommendations in each area of formation that will guide the seminary’s new strategic plan.

To help guide these recommendations, The Board of Regents heard reports from two current seminarians and two alumni of CSC. Rev. Todd Nance of the Diocese of Tulsa and Daniel Chinn, both alumni, reported on how their time at CSC prepared them for life as a diocesan priest and lay man in the wider church. Current seminarians Hayden Charles of the Diocese of Wichita and Brian Cundall of the Diocese of Little Rock spoke about the current formation they are receiving. All four spoke of areas of growth and strength to the formation program at CSC.

Friday evening, Rev. Brendan Moss, OSB, President-Rector of CSC, expressed his gratitude for the three outgoing members, Mrs. Denise Jasinski of Maryville, Mo., Dr. Kathy O’Hara of Kansas City, Mo., and Mr. John Sheehan of Jefferson City, Mo.

Two new members were also inducted to the board, Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo, and Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita. Each bishop brings many years of pastoral leadership experience to the governing body of the seminary.

During the meetings, the board heard updates from the various deans of CSC, and approved a 2% increase in tuition for the 2016-2017 school year.

Friday evening, the Regents gathered for Mass celebrated by Archbishop George Lucas in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception where the seminarians and monastic community gathered. Following Mass, the Regents and seminarians enjoyed a banquet meal prepared by the Abbey Kitchen and served by seminarians.

To close their meetings, the Regents gathered in the basilica once again for Mass celebrated by Bishop Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. The CSC Board of Regents will gather for their annual fall meeting in October where they hope to approve a new strategic plan for implementation.