September, 2026

You Help Us Sustain Our Mission

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

September means back to school for many, and our Redemptorist seminarians join the crowd heading back to academic study. For some it’s a new experience in the Bronx where they take up philosophy studies at St. John University. They also begin a religious life experience that is exciting and challenging. For men returning to Oblate School of Theology the focus includes blending theology with pastoral experience which readies them for full-time ministry. At the heart of all this preparation is the value of community life, a place where, like the apostles, members live together. For many of us, although this aspect can be challenging, it is also central to the way we live and proclaim the gospel.

Community is not only our thing, it is essential to the Church. We speak of the conversion of a person and realize that their conversion and growth take place in the community of the Church. Redemptorists strive “to rise up and develop communities that will walk worthily in the vocation to which they are called, and exercise the priestly, prophetic and royal offices with which God has endowed them.” Redemptorists live together and carry out their mission through community, whether it is study, explicit preaching of the gospel, sacramental outreach, or presence and accompaniment. When we are together, we support each other and test our theories and ideas so we can offer good pastoral care.

You are part of our community which helps us do the mission entrusted to us. Your prayers and financial gifts help us fulfill the mandate to preach the good news of salvation. This relationship is essential and we are happy to have it.

On a final note, keep in prayer Bro. Scott Partin, C.Ss.R., who will be ordained deacon later this month.  He asks our prayers to guide him in this important ministry. Thank you for being a part of the Redemptorist family.

God Bless,

Fr. John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Fr. Thomas Pham, C.Ss.R., Office of Financial Services, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 312-248-8894.