With the help of Seminary rector, Fr. John G. Petro, Fr. Cimbala led a most productive meeting by hearing not only the thoughts of the members on different aspects of the Seminary, but also their personal goals for work that each can accomplish for the good of the Seminary.

Encouraged was the idea that all Advisory Council members, along with others who have an interest in the Seminary, should see themselves as personal ambassadors of this Seminary that continues to develop into a most effective “Center of Learning” for the entire Byzantine Catholic Church.

Reviewing the Seminary’s Mission and Statement of Purpose, it was clear that the Seminary’s primary purpose is the complete formation of men for presbyteral ministry in the Byzantine Catholic Church in America.  With a view of serving the entire Metropolitan Church in other creative ways, the Advisory Council was excited to learn that a hi-tech “Smart Classroom” will soon be part of the Seminary facility through a grant from the Koch Foundation and donations from generous benefactors.  This classroom will make programs available, through digital technology, to others even if they are thousands of miles away from Pittsburgh. It is a first step towards distance learning.

The Seminary’s tight budget was also reviewed at the meeting.  While remaining most prudent with expenditures, Fr. John G. Petro, Seminary rector, was eager to hear from the Advisory Council members on how continuing recruitment efforts, promotion of classes for credit or audit, and distance learning through the “Smart Classroom” could all bring greater stability to the Seminary financially while helping the Seminary fulfill its mission of being a “Center of Learning” for the Byzantine Catholic Church.