‘Mater Cleri Boys’ return for a final all-class reunion
As another school year begins this fall, it will be 60 years since Mater Cleri Seminary opened its doors. Mater Cleri—Latin for Mother of the Clergy—was a high school seminary operated by the Diocese of Spokane from 1963-1974 in Colbert, Washington, established by Bishop Bernard Topel.
Last week, nearly 65 former students from various graduating classes descended upon the Spokane area for a class reunion, one that attendees concluded would likely be the last.
Mater Cleri Seminary Postcard, Diocese of Spokane Archives
The weekend began quietly in Spokane as alumni explored the old Huetter Mansion, which housed Bishop White Seminary through 2008. Many went on to study there after graduating from Mater Cleri, including Monsignor Brian Mee, current pastor of St. Augustine Church in Spokane. The men walked around the three floors of this relic, recalling which rooms they occupied during their studies.
Following the tour, the men crossed the street for a reception in the refectory of Bishop White Seminary. Old friendships were rekindled, and the reminiscing began. Several former faculty from Mater Cleri joined. Bishop Emeritus William Skylstad attended, a teacher who later became the rector. Monsignor Mark Pautler, Monsignor John Stiner, Father Thomas Caswell and Joe Danneker were also present.
Reunion organizers Jim McNally and Brian Shinn gave opening remarks, Bishop Skylstad shared a few words and recognitions from the classes, and alumnus Mike Kiefel shared a few memories in the form of poetry. He spoke of his classmates and playfully joked with their teachers. He shared how the morning light illuminated the chapel’s stained glass and graced the surrounding hills of Colbert. Even a story of him and his classmates standing with dew-covered feet, with eyes raised to Heaven as the Northern Lights danced across the sky, was woven into his poem.
On Saturday, the men returned to the old Mater Cleri campus, which today houses Northwest Christian School, their old baseball and basketball rival. Throughout the weekend, any mention of them would often be followed by a few charitable boos and heckles. They began to walk the halls of their old stomping grounds, mentioning how much had changed in 50 to 60 years.
Holy Mass in Mater Cleri Chapel, Diocese of Spokane Archives
The outdoor pool has been filled in, with two yellow school buses parked on top. The dormitories have been converted to offices or classrooms, and the chapel has become “unrecognizable,” according to some in attendance.
Mike Kiefel recalled how the stained glass shone a bright “cobalt blue,” the sun poured in through the various skylights on the walls and ceiling. Today, the chapel has been converted into a theatre for the school’s drama department. The skylights have been filled in, and the stained glass removed. The upper walls of the interior have been painted black, and the white cement exterior of this Mid-Century Modern chapel has been covered with brown metal roofing.
They spent the evening together for dinner and live music at one of the alumni’s homes in Mead, where more stories and laughter continued.
To close out the weekend, everyone gathered back in the Bishop White Seminary chapel for Holy Mass on Sunday morning. Father Armando Guzman (Seattle) and Father Roy Flock (Spokane) celebrated the Holy Mass. Following Mass, there was a light reception in the refectory.
Although this may be the last Mater Cleri reunion, the memories of this great institution will live on through the lives of these men and relics kept in the Diocese of Spokane archives. The stained glass that once shone in the Mater Cleri chapel now shines in the sanctuary of St. Joseph Church in Colbert.
Mater Cleri classmates in the refectory at Northwest Christian School in Colbert, Washington on July 22, 2023 (Courtesy Photo)
