2025 2026
Annual Report
SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY
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It is your prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions that make possible the sacred work entrusted to us - the formation of future leaders for the Church.” - Reverend T. Christopher Redcay Rector
FROM THE RECTOR With sincere gratitude, I write to thank you for your generous support of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. It is your prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions that make possible the sacred work entrusted to us - the formation of future leaders for the Church. Each day, our students deepen their love for Christ and His people through prayer, study, and serving in various apostolates. They are preparing to give their lives so that others may come to know Jesus Christ more profoundly, and your generosity helps form their hearts in the model of the Good Shepherd. Because of your support, we are able to provide them with the spiritual guidance, academic preparation, human formation, and pastoral training necessary to serve with fidelity and compassion. Your partnership strengthens this mission and supports the future of the Church. On behalf of our faculty, staff, and especially our students, thank you for your trust, your support, and your prayers. Sincerely in Christ,
Reverend T. Christopher Redcay Rector
SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY / 2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT
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140
Seminarians enrolled (2025-2026)
72
Seminarians enrolled for Archdiocese of Philadelphia
20
DIOCESES SERVED • Archdiocese of Philadelphia • Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia • Diocese of Allentown, PA • Diocese of Arlington, VA • Archdiocese of Baltimore, MD • Diocese of Bridgeport, CT • Archdiocese of Columbo, Sri Lanka
Ordinations to the priesthood (2026)
• Diocese of Columbus, OH
*8 ordained for Archdiocese of Philadelphia
• Diocese of Greensburg, PA
35
In formation in the School of Diaconal Formation (2025-2026) *3 ordained to the Permanent Diaconate
65
Enrolled in the School of Theological Studies (2026)
• Diocese of Dalat, Vietnam
• Diocese of Harrisburg, PA • Diocese of Lincoln, NE • Diocese of Mymensingh, Bangladesh • Archdiocese of Newark, NJ • Diocese of Portland, ME • Diocese of Trenton, NJ • Congregation of the Mission, The Vincentians • Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri
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“
My time at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary solidified that God is calling me from eternity to be a priest. I always felt at home there.” – Fr. Declan Cole, Saint Charles Borromeo Class of 2026
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT FR. DECLAN COLE When Fr. Declan Cole was a child attending Our Lady of Good Counsel in Southampton, he already imagined himself one day becoming a priest. Yet it wasn’t until years later, during his time as a seminarian at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, that he became certain God was truly calling him to the priesthood. A self-described math and science student, he was surprised by how much he enjoyed the philosophy and theology curriculum at the Seminary, where his professors challenged him to think independently in a way he had never experienced. Just as impactful was the fraternity he found among fellow seminarians and priest faculty. “Whether it was playing sports, sharing meals, or having serious conversations, there was always someone there when you needed them,” he said. Through a variety of apostolic assignments, Fr. Cole encountered people from all walks of life and began to experience the daily life of priestly ministry firsthand. At a Boys & Girls Club in North Philadelphia, he helped lead an after-school program for children. At St. Monica Parish in South Philadelphia, he taught sixth-grade religion classes at the school and was also able to walk with families during times of loss by assisting with funerals. These experiences helped him better understand the joys and responsibilities of the priestly vocation. Ordained in May, Fr. Cole reflects on the Seminary as the place where his childhood desire became a lifelong reality. “I had felt the calling throughout my life, but Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will always hold a place in my heart because my time there solidified that God was calling me from eternity to be a priest,” he said. His first assignment has taken him to St. Agnes Parish in West Chester, where he will serve a vibrant Hispanic community, drawing on the Spanish-language skills and pastoral formation he received during his years at Saint Charles Borromeo.
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Whether your vocation is to the ordained, religious or laity…each one of us is called to a lifetime of growth in holiness and joyful service to His Church.” - Graduation remarks from Laura Connor, Masters of Arts in Theology, Saint Charles Borromeo Class of 2026
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT LAURA CONNOR For Laura Connor and her husband, Deacon Michael Connor, the completion of the Master of Theology program in the School of Theological Studies at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary was more than an academic pursuit. It was a foundation for a lifetime of shared ministry. After graduating together, Michael was ordained to the permanent diaconate, and now serves at Saint Matthew Parish in Conshohocken, bringing the formation he received at Saint Charles Borromeo into his daily ministry and service to his parish. For Laura, the experience ignited a commitment to lifelong learning and discipleship. She credits Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary not only with providing a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation, but also with fostering a vibrant community of students who shared in the journey toward graduation alongside her. Through classroom discussions, prayer, and joyfilled experiences, members of Laura’s cohort formed meaningful friendships and bonds that will endure long after graduation. The sense of community and mutual encouragement enriched the learning experience and reinforced the importance of ongoing formation and fellowship in the life of faith. Together, Deacon Michael and Laura exemplify the transformative impact of a theological education. Through programs like the Masters in Theology, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary equips lay men and women, religious, and clergy with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation needed to serve the Church and live their faith more deeply. Whether preparing for ordained ministry, parish leadership, professional service, or personal enrichment, students are formed to become lifelong disciples committed to continual growth in wisdom and holiness. The Connors encourage others to consider this program or any of the school’s class or certificate offerings, noting that regardless of one’s vocation, theological study can be a powerful way to strengthen one’s ability to serve Christ and His Church.
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STEWARDSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY Revenue Summary (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
SOURCES OF SUPPORT Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s revenue goal is achieved through a combination of student tuition and philanthropic support. The curricula for priests and deacons conform to the particular law for Seminaries in the United States established by the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and recognized by the Holy See. The formation and education provided, therefore, relies heavily on the generosity of forward-thinking faithful who invest in the future of the Church.
2025-2026 ANNUAL APPEAL INFORMATION:
In an average year, 43% of the operating budget comes from Annual Fundraising
Number 14,011 Total of Donors
600 New Donors 13,411
Returning Donors
$196 Average Gift 133
Monthly Recurring Donors
42%
Tuition, Room, and Board
15% Other
43%
Annual Fundraising
Major Gifts
$2,755,220
Gifts of $5,000 or more received through personal solicitation of a donor. Major Gifts can be restricted or unrestricted.
Estate & Planned Giving
$1,239,224
Bequests, trusts, and other deferred gifts that strengthen the Seminary’s long-term financial foundation.
Annual Appeal
$3,524,654
Gifts received through annual fundraising campaigns supporting immediate operational needs.
Events Revenue
$555,440
Net proceeds generated through fundraising events, including bi-annual gala and annual golf outing.
Miscellaneous Contributions
$213,928
Includes restricted or unrestricted gifts up to $5,000, gifts in kind, and otherwise non-categorized contributions.
(1) Of the total funds listed above, $1,243,473 has been designated for the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Endowment, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. (2) The financial figures presented above are based on current financial records and are subject to adjustment upon completion of the independent audit.
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SPEAKER WEEKENDS Each November, students from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary visit parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to invite the faithful to support the mission of the seminary with their prayers and financial gifts. Over $600,000 was given during Speaker Weekends in November of 2025. The seminary is grateful to the following parishes for hosting a speaker:
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The Seminary Appeal weekend here at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish is a blessing for our families. Listening to a parish son make his Appeal creates a more personal connection that grows deeper each year as they observe the seminarian’s growth in his formation. It also gives a great witness to our young men discerning God’s call for them.” - Rev. Andrew C. Brownholtz, Pastor
Annunciation B.V.M. - Philadelphia Annunciation B.V.M. - Havertown Assumption B.V.M. - West Grove Assumption B.V.M. - Feasterville Cathedral Basilica SS. Peter and Paul - Philadelphia Corpus Christi - Lansdale Epiphany of Our Lord - Plymouth Meeting Holy Cross - Springfield Holy Cross - Philadelphia Holy Family - Philadelphia Holy Name of Jesus - Philadelphia Holy Saviour - Norristown Holy Trinity - Morrisville Immaculate Conception - Jenkintown Immaculate Heart of Mary Philadelphia Mary, Mother of the Redeemer - North Wales Maternity B.V.M. - Philadelphia Mother of Divine Providence King of Prussia Nativity B.V.M. - Media Nativity of Our Lord - Warminster Our Lady Help of Christians Abington Our Lady of Calvary - Philadelphia Our Lady of Consolation Philadelphia Our Lady of Good Counsel Southampton Our Lady of Grace - Penndel Our Lady of Guadalupe Doylestown Our Lady of Hope - Philadelphia Our Lady of Lourdes - Philadelphia Our Lady of Mount Carmel Doylestown Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Morton Our Lady of the Assumption Strafford Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Hilltown Our Mother of Consolation Philadelphia Our Mother of Good Counsel Bryn Mawr Presentation B.V.M. - Cheltenham Queen of Peace - Ardsley Queen of the Universe - Levittown Sacred Heart - Oxford Sacred Heart - Clifton Heights Sacred Heart - Royersford Sacred Heart of Jesus - Philadelphia St. Agnes - West Chester St. Agnes - Sellersville St. Albert the Great - Huntingdon Valley St. Aloysius - Pottstown St. Alphonsus - Maple Glen St. Ambrose - Philadelphia St. Andrew - Drexel Hill
St. Andrew - Newtown St. Ann - Phoenixville St. Anselm - Philadelphia St. Anthony of Padua - Ambler St. Augustine - Philadelphia St. Barbara - Philadelphia St. Barnabas - Philadelphia St. Bartholomew - Philadelphia St. Basil the Great - Phoenixville St. Bede the Venerable - Holland St. Bernadette - Drexel Hill St. Bernard - Philadelphia St. Cecilia - Philadelphia St. Charles Borromeo - Drexel Hill St. Charles Borromeo - Bensalem St. Colman - Ardmore St. Cyprian - Philadelphia St. David - Willow Grove St. Denis - Havertown St. Dominic - Philadelphia St. Dorothy - Drexel Hill St. Eleanor - Collegeville St. Elizabeth - Chester Springs St. Ephrem - Bensalem St. Eugene - Primos St. Frances Cabrini - Fairless Hills St. Francis De Sales - Lenni St. Francis of Assisi - Springfield St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother - Avondale St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother - Stowe St. Gabriel - Norwood St. Genevieve - Flourtown St. George - Glenolden St. Helena - Blue Bell St. Hilary of Poitiers - Rydal St. Ignatius of Loyola - Philadelphia St. Ignatius - Yardley St. Isaac Jogues - Wayne St. James - Elkins Park St. Jerome - Philadelphia St. John Baptist Vianney Gladwyne St. John Bosco - Hatboro St. John Cantius - Philadelphia St. John Neumann - Bryn Mawr St. John Paul II - Philadelphia St. John the Baptist - Philadelphia St. John the Evangelist Philadelphia St. John the Evangelist - Morrisville St. Joseph - Cheltenham St. Joseph - Aston St. Joseph - Collingdale St. Joseph - Ambler St. Joseph - Coatesville St. Joseph - Downingtown St. Joseph - Spring City St. Joseph - Warrington
St. Jude - Chalfont St. Katharine Drexel - Chester St. Katharine of Siena - Wayne St. Katherine of Siena - Philadelphia St. Laurence - Upper Darby St. Lawrence - Riegelsville St. Luke the Evangelist - Glenside St. Madeline - Ridley Park St. Malachy - Philadelphia St. Margaret - Narberth St. Maria Goretti - Hatfield St. Martha - Philadelphia St. Martin de Porres - Philadelphia St. Martin of Tours - New Hope St. Mary - Schwenksville St. Mary Magdalen - Media St. Mary of the Assumption Phoenixville St. Matthew - Philadelphia St. Matthew - Conshohocken St. Matthias - Bala Cynwyd St. Maximilian Kolbe - West Chester St. Michael - Philadelphia St. Michael the Archangel Levittown St. Monica - Philadelphia St. Monica - Berwyn St. Nicholas of Tolentine Philadelphia St. Norbert - Paoli St. Patrick - Philadelphia St. Patrick - Malvern St. Patrick - Norristown St. Patrick - Kennett Square St. Paul - Philadelphia St. Paul - East Norriton St. Peter - West Brandywine St. Philip Neri - Pennsburg St. Philip Neri - Lafayette Hill St. Philip Neri - Philadelphia St. Philomena - Lansdowne St. Pius X - Broomall St. Raymond of Penafort Philadelphia St. Richard - Philadelphia St. Robert Bellarmine - Warrington St. Stanislaus - Lansdale St. Teresa of Avila - Norristown St. Teresa of Calcutta Schwenksville St. Thomas Aquinas - Croydon St. Thomas the Apostle - Glen Mills St. Timothy - Philadelphia St. Titus - Norristown St. Vincent De Paul - Richboro St. William - Philadelphia SS. Peter and Paul - West Chester SS. Philip and James - Exton SS. Simon and Jude - West Chester Stella Maris - Philadelphia Visitation B.V.M. - Norristown
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT PAT O’GRADY Pat O’Grady’s support for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is rooted in his belief that priestly formation must adapt to meet the realities of today’s culture.
“The challenges priests face today are very different than they were in the past,” he says. “Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary does an excellent job of developing programs that prepare seminarians to understand the culture they encounter so they are ready to help people navigate today’s challenges and make faith the centerpiece of their lives.” He values the seminary’s ability to keep seminarians connected to the communities they will one day serve. Through parish experiences and a variety of service opportunities, they stay rooted in everyday life, even as their studies and formation call them to be set apart for a time.
“If we want strong parishes, we need to continue supporting the men who are preparing for the priesthood,” Pat says. “The seminary is forming the next generation of priests who will care for the people of our Church, and we all can play a role in ensuring the leaders of tomorrow are being invested in today.” Pat’s involvement with the seminary began through the annual golf outing, where he enjoyed the opportunity to interact with many of the seminarians. Later, at the invitation of Bishop Chylinski, he joined the finance committee and eventually the Board of Trustees, deepening his commitment to the mission of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. His dedication extended beyond service and leadership, as he also made significant contributions to the Seminary’s Endowment Fund, providing lasting support for its mission and future generations of seminarians.
Seminary Gala Award Dinner honoring Monsignor Francis Beach April 21, 2027 Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is honored to announce that Reverend Monsignor Francis Beach will receive the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Award at the annual celebration on Wednesday, April 21, 2027, at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve. This special event recognizes individuals whose lives and ministry reflect an enduring commitment to the Church and to the formation of future priests. For decades, Monsignor Beach has faithfully served the community with generosity, humility, and compassionate pastoral leadership, exemplifying the values and mission of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. The evening will celebrate his many contributions while bringing together friends, benefactors, clergy, and supporters of the Seminary in support of priestly formation. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and its mission to prepare servant-leaders for the Church through comprehensive human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation. Through sponsorships, donations, and participation, supporters help ensure that future generations of priests and Church leaders are equipped to faithfully serve their communities. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit scs.edu/gala.
Seminary Golf Classic September 28, 2026 Join us for dinner or as a sponsor of the Seminary Golf Classic on September 28, 2026. Learn more at scs.edu/golf.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mr. Scott S. Johnson, Chair Mr. Gerald Davis Mrs. Jean A. Godorecci John J. McCreesh, Esq. Mrs. Theresa Murtagh
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Ralph Mazzeo, Esq. Deacon John Mischler Mr. Clark O’Donoghue Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior Mr. S. Paul Sharkey
The generosity of our benefactors is an investment in the Church’s future. It ensures that our seminarians receive the formation they need to become faithful and devoted priests. We remain deeply grateful for all who stand with us in this sacred work.” – Mr. Scott Johnson, Chair, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Development Committee
If you’d like to learn more about the Seminary’s programs and the ways that you can support the mission, visit scs.edu.
SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY 1400 Evans Rd I Ambler, PA 19002 SCS.EDU