“The seminary chapel is truly the heart of priestly formation, where men are configured to the person of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd and Humble Servant. For nearly 75 years, it has nourished the souls of men who have been formed at Mount Angel Seminary and sent back to their home dioceses as priests of Jesus Christ. That same vision continues to guide us today as we prepare 21st-century priests to meet the opportunities and challenges of serving the Church in the modern world.”
Saint Joseph Chapel Renovation
A Seminary Liturgical Space
Renovation beginning in Fall 2026
A beautiful space for sacred liturgy and communal and personal prayer.
Saint Joseph Chapel, Mount Angel Seminary’s main chapel, is located beneath the Abbey church. Here, seminarians encounter the Lord daily through the celebration of Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration, spiritual conferences and personal prayer. When the chapel was envisioned, it was to be a place where “prayer would be as natural as breathing” (St. Joseph Magazine, 1953). Seventy-five years later, Saint Joseph Chapel remains the spiritual heart of the seminary, continuing its mission of forming new generations of priests to faithfully serve a world in need of the richness of Catholic tradition.
About William Heyer, Architect
“We have worked on many small chapel renovations and seminary chapel renovations around the country. What makes this project unique is the depth of meaning instilled in the architectural renovation and new artwork for the benefit of the seminarians. No space we have worked on has taken on such high level development and unification in iconography, materials, identity and spirituality. And all in a crypt chapel!”
Saint Joseph Chapel FAQs
1. When will renovation begin? When is it estimated for completion?
The renovation begins in the fall of 2026 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
2. What is the estimated cost of the renovation?
The budget is $5.5 million
3. Will certain elements be kept in the chapel or is everything being replaced?
There are no structural changes but there will be new pews, flooring, lighting, art, windows, etc. The items currently in the chapel will be carefully stored until they can be repurposed in other areas of the Hilltop. There will be more details to share as plans are finalized.
4. Will details be shared beyond the renderings?
Yes, as more details are finalized by the Renovation Committee, they will be shared.
Saint Joseph Chapel Renovation Committee
Fr. Jeff Eirvin, President-Rector, Mount Angel Seminary
Prior Teresio Caldwell, OSB
Fr. Pius X Harding, OSB
Fr. Anselm Flores, OSB
Br. Matthew Sislow, OSB
Dr. Myrna Keough
Mrs. Jenna Trammel
Questions?
Contact Victor Mitre, Executive Director of Development
503.845.3030 or victor.mitre@mtangel.edu.
For media inquiries, contact
Dr. Amanda Staggenborg, Director of Communications
amanda.staggenborg@mtangel.edu.