Home –

A Traditional Catholic Seminary

Mater Dei Seminary is dedicated to forming faithful priests and preserving the sacred traditions of the Catholic Church.

Mater Dei Seminary is a traditional Catholic seminary dedicated to the formation of young men for the sacred priesthood, preparing them to serve as faithful and devoted shepherds of souls. Established in 1984, the seminary was originally located at Mt. St. Michael in Spokane, Washington, before being relocated in 1989 to Omaha, Nebraska, to better accommodate its growing mission.

In the fall of 2019, Mater Dei Seminary expanded further with the acquisition of a new property, nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Iowa. Spanning ten acres of peaceful countryside, the seminary offers an ideal retreat-like setting, fostering an environment of prayer, study, and contemplation. Designed to accommodate up to 20 seminarians, the campus provides a structured and disciplined formation program that encompasses rigorous academic studies, deep spiritual development, and extensive liturgical training.

Mater Dei Seminary operates under the auspices of the Most Rev. Mark A. Pivarunas, CMRI, and the Religious Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI). Faithful to the Church’s sacred traditions, the seminary upholds the time-honored teachings of the Catholic faith, ensuring that each seminarian is well-formed in theology, philosophy, and pastoral care. Through a comprehensive curriculum and a strong emphasis on spiritual discipline, Mater Dei Seminary remains committed to preparing priests who will steadfastly uphold and defend the Catholic faith in a world in great need of truth and holiness.

•Mater Dei Seminary: 7745 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 •

• Mater Christi Campus: 3452 270th St. Persia, IA 51563•

(Iowa College Code Compliant Policies)

Discover our mission and our commitment to priestly formation—click here to learn more about us.

Click Here

News & Updates:

Adsum: Seminary monthly newsletter:

April 2025

Letter from the Rector

Ordination Announcement:
- Four seminarians will be ordained to the priesthood on April 29, 2025, the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist.
- The seminarians are:
  - Frater Martin Sentman, CMRI (Michigan)
  - Rev. Noah Ellis (Kentucky)
  - Rev. Franz Trauner (Austria)
  - Rev. Leopold Trauner (Austria)
The Role of the Priesthood:
- Catholic priests are ordained to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, acting as “other Christs.”
- This contrasts with Protestant ministers, who are not sacrificial but merely preachers.
Historical Context – Martin Luther:
- Luther rejected the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice and sought to destroy both the Mass and the Catholic Church.
- Luther’s influence aimed to weaken the Church by eradicating the Mass, calling for it to be replaced by other terms like “Lord’s Supper” but avoiding “sacrifice.”
The Novus Ordo Missae:
- A critique of the Novus Ordo Missae, introduced in 1969, aligning it with Lutheran theology by portraying the priest as merely a “presider” over the congregation, similar to Protestant practices.
- Noted that Lutheran theologians were involved in the commission to revise the Mass.
Ecumenical Concerns:
- Reference to Vatican II’s ecumenical efforts, stating that the liturgical reforms of 1967 brought the Mass closer to Lutheran forms.
- Concern expressed about the theological shift away from the sacrificial nature of the Mass.
Blessings of Priesthood in Apostasy:
- Acknowledgment of the great blessing in having seminarians advancing to the priesthood amidst the current apostasy.
- Gratitude expressed for the support of the seminary’s benefactors.
Mater Dei Academy Achievement:
- Mater Dei Academy’s archery team is congratulated for winning the Nebraska State Championship.
Moral Theology:
- A section from Outlines of Moral Theology by Very Rev. Francis J. Connell on dominion and property rights, focusing on the rights of minors.
- Discussion of parental obligations in relation to children’s property and responsibilities.