Here - Saint Vincent Seminary

Volume 8, Number 1, Fall 1998
Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 15650-2690, 724-537-4592
Cardinal Tomko
Receives Honorary
Doctor of Sacred
Theology Degree
Presenting Jozef Cardinal Tomko, second from left, with the honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology Degree were Saint Vincent Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., left; Father Thomas
P. Acklin, O.S.B., Seminary Rector; and Sister Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M., Academic Dean.
His Eminence, Jozef Cardinal Tomko, received an honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology Degree from Saint Vincent Seminary on
September 29. Cardinal Tomko is the Prefect
of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and also the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urban University.
Prior to his appointment as Cardinal, he was
titular Archbishop of Doclea and Secretary
General of the Bishops Synod, and before that
he was a Chaplain of His Holiness, with the
title of Monsignor.
Cardinal Tomko, who served as a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, has
authored several books and articles on theo(Continued on Page 6)
Seminary Plans
For The Future
By Father Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B.
Growth – That’s a word which is getting a
lot of use around Saint Vincent Seminary these
days. Our enrollment is still growing. The number of constituent dioceses and abbeys continues to increase. The ethnic and cultural diversity of our students is expanding, and we
are working at building our endowment to help
accommodate this growth. For the past ten
years, Saint Vincent Seminary faculty members, administrators and the Board of Regents
have been working to maintain a long-range
plan for the Seminary, including the spiritual,
academic and pastoral dimensions.
In 1995, a team representing the Bishop’s
Committee on Priestly Formation visited the
Seminary, assessing how well we have been
fulfilling the directives in the Program of Priestly
Formation, approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican Congregation for Seminaries. We did extremely
well in this evaluation, and we have taken the
committee’s recommendations and incorporated them into our planning.
Almost immediately after this visit our selfstudy began in preparation for the reaccreditation visit of the Middle States Association
and the Association of Theological Schools,
which occurred this past spring. A very important part of the self-study was an assessment
of the success of the programs by our priestalumni as well as by pastors, bishops and religious superiors and laity. We have received a
ten-year reaccreditation of our academic pro-
(Continued on Page 2)
In This Issue....
Rector’s Message ................... 2
Faculty Project ....................... 2
New Board Member ............ 3
Faculty Appointment ............ 3
Fr. Demetrius Tribute ............ 4
On Board...3
Saint Vincent Archabbot and Seminary Chancellor Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., welcomes
Jozef Cardinal Tomko to Saint Vincent.
Endowments ........................... 5
Author to Speak .................... 5
News and Notes ................... 8
Tribute Gifts ........................... 9
Earning Experience ............... 11
Enrollment Increases .............. 12
Appointed...3
New Chairman ...................... 12
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
Rector’s Message
(Continued From Page 1)
grated well in our community life and is one of
our strengths. This ethnic diversity recommits
us to maintaining our strong hispanic ministry
program as many more dioceses are recognizing the need for priests
who can exercise hispanic
ministry.
• Staffing: The planning
process will allow us to be
sensitive to staffing needs.
As the student body has
grown we have filled a
need for a full-time vice
rector and a full-time dean
of students. Both of these
positions were filled by one
part-time person not too
many years ago.
• Facilities: The Seminary is part of a campusOur summer school continues
wide effort to develop a
to grow, and we are reasmaster plan for the entire
sessing it in an ongoing way
Saint Vincent Community.
to further avail our resources
Very Rev. Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B. We will study facility
to lay students and seminarneeds, including student housing, office, dinians.
• Enrollment: We have been exceptionally ing and classroom space, and make sure we
successful at recruitment. Enrollment is at a 35- have adequate facilities for the Seminary. This
year high. For the first time we have a student plan should be completed in 1999. With refrom the Diocese of Savannah, and from three gard to facilities and programs, we are very
new abbeys, St. Martin in Lacey, Washing- fortunate that we share facilities, as well as
ton; St. Bede’s in Peru, Illinois and Ealing Ab- programs, with the College.
• Spiritual: Our spiritual life program and
bey in London. We will persist in our recruitment efforts, but we will be sure not to lose other parts of our programs were rated highly
our personal approach and strong Seminary by the Bishop’s Committee, and we plan to
reinforce this strength.
community.
• Faculty: Saint Vincent Seminary was inAs a result of increasing enrollment and the
growing number of dioceses sending to Saint vited to be a part of the Keystone Project, supVincent Seminary, we continue to be more di- ported by the Lilly Foundation and other chariversified, culturally and ethnically, and we are table groups. This will fund a faculty project
deeply enriched by that. This richness is inte- to enhance not only the teaching process, but
also to focus on the learning process and allow us to explore ways to enhance what takes
place in the classroom, using different pedaFaculty Project Planned
gogy as well as the latest developments in comFather Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B., Seminary munications technology.
• Endowment: We recently completed conRector, and Sister Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.,
recently attended a meeting in Indianapolis in struction of a new chapel and the expansion
preparation for the Keystone Project, to en- and renovation of the Elizabeth J. Roderick
hance seminary teaching and learning. Saint Center, comprised of Seminary offices, student
Vincent is among 20 seminaries invited to take housing and guest accommodations. Additionpart. During the project the faculty will deter- ally, as part of this capital campaign, we inmine an issue involving teaching/learning on creased scholarship endowment. We need to
which it wishes to work for the next three expand our endowment to raise additional
years. Additional meetings are planned for funds for scholarships, for faculty enrichment
February 4 and April 15, followed by a and to support our library’s excellent theologiweeklong session in Colorado June 27-July 1. cal collection. In the future we will provide
Grants of $2,500 for initial planning efforts more information about our plans to endow
and $15,000 to implement the proposal were the Seminary more adequately.
awarded to the Seminary.
grams, and have garnered many insights into
how to improve our programs further.
Our strategic planning continues, and here
is a brief synopsis of our plans
for the future:
• Mission: The Seminary’s
primary mission is the preparation of candidates for the
priesthood. At the same time
we have recommitted ourselves to preparation of lay
persons for ministry and of
men for the permanent
diaconate. We have also renewed our commitment to
continuing education for
clergy at Saint Vincent Seminary and in local dioceses.
Page 2
Published By
Saint Vincent Seminary
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
15650-2690
Publisher
Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
Rector
Very Rev. Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B.
Vice Rector
Rev. William J. Fay
Academic Dean
Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.
Dean of Students
Rev. Alan E. Thomas
Director of Spiritual Life
Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B.
Director of Development
Edward P. Hager
Director of Public Relations
Donald A. Orlando
Writer/Editor
Kimberley A. Metzgar
Alumni Director
Rev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B.
Consulting Editor
Theresa Schwab
Contributors to this Issue:
Douglas Dorula
Rev. William J. Fay
Emil Kuhar
Seminary Board of Regents
Very Rev. Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B.
Rev. Julio Alvarez-Garcia
Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco
Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. Brandt
Mr. David L. Brennan
Rev. Mr. John J. Concannon
Ms. Rosemary L. Corsetti
Rev. Msgr. George R. Coyne
Most Rev. Nicholas C. Dattilo
Archbishop John P. Donoghue
Rev. Msgr. Raymond G. East
Rev. Paul C. Helwig
Mrs. Marsha Kable
Sr. M. Gabriel Kane, I.H.M.
Rev. Thomas J. Kram
Mr. John C. Marous, Jr.
Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
Dr. Rizal V. Pangilinan
Mr. Thomas G. Wagner
Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
New Board Member for Seminary
Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Chancellor of Saint Vincent Seminary, announces
the appointment of David L. Brennan to the Seminary Board of Regents. Mr. Brennan is
Chairman of Brennan Industrial Group, Inc., and The Brenlin Group, Inc., both of which are
private holding companies of industrial/manufacturing entities. He is the founder of Amer
Cunningham Brennan law firm and is a senior partner in the Akron- based BMR Development
Corporation.
Mr. Brennan is a 1953 graduate of Ohio State University and recipient of a Juris Doctor
Degree from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1957. In 1985 he received an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Akron.
He serves as Trustee at both his alma maters, Case Western Reserve University and
Ohio State University. He is a member of the Ohio Business Roundtable, and is immediate
past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Western Reserve Economic Development
Council. His community awards include Ohio Ballet’s prestigious BRAVO award presented
in 1991 for outstanding commitments to the arts, and Outstanding Executive of the Year.
A leader in state and national Republican activities, Mr. Brennan is Chairman of the
Ohio Republican Party Major Gift Committee and is a member of the National Republican
Party’s Team 100. He was an Ohio delegate to the 1988 and 1992 Republican National
Conventions.
Committed to the superior training of individuals entering the law field, he has established
law chairs at both Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron. He also
serves as a trustee on the Akron Bar Scholarship Foundation Board.
David L. Brennan
Mr. Brennan’s involvement in education began when he established Learning Centers
at his manufacturing sites for the benefit of the employees and their families. He has been a leading advocate for educational choice and
was named by Governor George Voinovich to head the Governor’s Commission on Educational Choice. He is the founder of HOPE
Academies in Cleveland, Ohio, formed primarily to accept students who hold state scholarships.
On February 13, 1997, Mr. Brennan received the Governor’s Award for his work in the area of education, specifically the Cleveland
Scholarship and Tutoring Program.
The parents of four children and grandparents of nine, David and Ann Brennan reside in West Akron.
Benedictine Named To Seminary Faculty
Saint Vincent Archabbot Douglas R.
Nowicki, O.S.B., has announced the
appointment of Father Ralph M. Tajak, O.S.B.,
to the adjunct faculty of Saint Vincent
Seminary. He is now directing the MA
Seminar: Grace in the Western Tradition, and
Father Ralph M. Tajak, O.S.B.
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
will be teaching in the spring semester.
He is a 1981 graduate of Highlands Senior
High School in Natrona Heights, and received
a bachelor of science degree in mechanical
engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
He has also received a master of science
degree in business administration from East
Texas State University, a master of divinity
degree and a master of arts degree at Saint
Vincent Seminary. He also earned a Sacred
Theology Licentiate in Systematic Theology
from Regis College, Toronto, Canada, in
1997.
He entered the Saint Vincent Benedictine
Community in 1988, and made simple
profession of monastic vows on July 10, 1989
and solemn profession of vows on July 11,
1992. He was ordained a deacon on July 17,
1993, and served his deacon internship at
Saint Peter Parish, North Side, Pittsburgh. He
was ordained a priest on May 28, 1994, in
the Archabbey Basilica by Bishop Anthony G.
Bosco of Greensburg.
Father Ralph has served the monastic
community as assistant to the director of
Archabbey Public Relations (1989-90),
assistant in the Vocations Office (1989-91),
assistant to the prior (1989-90), assistant to
the administrative computing department of
Saint Vincent College (1990-1992), assistant
to the director of personnel of Saint Vincent
Archabbey, College and Seminary (19911993), and as a staff member of the retreat
program (1992-93). He has also served as
socius of novices (1992-94) and taught math
for the Opportunity Program at Saint Vincent
College (1990). From 1997 to 1998 he served
as an assistant director, Admission and
Financial Aid Office, Saint Vincent College.
Before entering the monastery, Father
Ralph was a civilian employee of the U.S.
Army in logistics management. He also worked
at the Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey.
He is the son of Ralph and Dorothy (Cisek)
Tajak of Natrona Heights. His sister is Tina
Brown of Butler, Pennsylvania.
Let us know....
If you are an alumnus of Saint Vincent
Seminary, you can keep us abreast of your
activities by sending a note to Leaven, Saint
Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase
Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650, or e-mailing
us at [email protected].
Page 3
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
A Tribute To Father Demetrius
By Father William J. Fay
(Editor’s Note: Father William J. Fay, Vice Rector of Saint
Vincent Seminary, was among those speakers paying tribute to Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., during the annual alumni day banquet held Oct. 20 at Saint Vincent
Seminary. )
Archabbot Douglas, members of the Board of Regents,
Family and friends of Father Demetrius,
Beloved Guest of Honor.
In the twenty-fourth and final chapter of his masterpiece,
the evangelist Luke gives a story
which we call simply, “The road to Emmaus.”
Two disciples — unfortunately going in the wrong direction —
are joined by the stranger
who “opens their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
Looking back on that incident,
they later say to one another,
“Did not our hearts burn within us
while he talked with us on the way,
and opened up the Scriptures?”
How many of us here this evening
have made similar comments
after leaving one of your classes, Father Demetrius!
Oh yes,
there were those countless pieces of stimulating information.
Heroes: like Lagrange and de Vaux,
Benoit and Bea,
Moses and especially David;
Breakthroughs: like Divino Afflante Spiritu
and Vatican Council Two;
Methods: like Text or Form or Redaction Criticism.
But, there was so much more than simply information.
There were those wonderful insights,
those clever asides
deftly delivered with that shy smile,
which were such an inspiration,
and which set our hearts on fire. . . .
Yes, you have long been recognized as an exceptional exegete.
More than thirty years ago,
you were already asked to contribute to the Jerome Biblical
Commentary
which was composed by
“the best of English-speaking Catholic exegetes.”
That alone should tell you
how esteemed you are among your peers.
But to us,
who had the privilege of knowing you as
teacher,
it’s been the Vision,
the Perspective,
the Outlook-on-life,
which has been so valuable to us over the years.
Forty years later,
as I — as so many of us —
recall your Scripture lessons,
I dare say they have so often sustained us
in our challenging moments of ministry
because they were always positive, always
hopeful.
You have always encouraged us —
and by “us” I mean not only your fellow Benedictines,
but countless parish priests like myself,
and numerous religious sisters and laity across this country —
to be motivated by that Positive Perspective
which you drew in large part
from the very nature of the Scriptures, but also
from the spirit of the Vatican Council,
from being raised in a large, loving, trusting family,
and, I suspect, from your natural disposition.
“Are you doing any writing now?” someone may ask.
“Oh, presently I’m working on two books,” you would answer.
. . . not one . . . but two!
That’s Father Demetrius Dumm . . .
There was little time in your lectures for the negative.
We were not a Church under siege, you would remind us.
We were a Church on the march!
To the tired, the timid, the discouraged,
you would simply say,
“Get out of yourselves.
Stop talking about the heat,
and the dust,
and the dryness.
Open your eyes and look at those Flowers in this Desert!”
That’s not information, Father Demetrius.
That’s a whole biblical approach to life. . . .
I think it has sustained
many a grey-haired — dare I say — old person
in our gathering here this evening.
I think I can speak for all of them,
when I say,
we are, and will forever be, grateful.
Thank you.
Page 4
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
Endowment
Announced
At the annual Alumni Day dinner held on
October 20, Saint Vincent Seminary Board
of Regents Chairman John C. Marous, Jr.,
made the following announcement:
“Reflecting on the traditions of Saint
Vincent, we need to acknowledge the important role of faculty members in shaping future
priests. Today, we celebrate Father Demetrius
and his nearly 50 years of dedicated service
to the Seminary. At the Board of Regents
meeting we decided to establish an endowment
in biblical studies in his honor. The monies from
this endowment will advance the academic and
spiritual preparation of students for the priesthood through student scholarships and faculty
enrichment in biblical studies as well as enhancing the Sacred Scripture collection at the library. We will be inviting the financial participation of Seminary alumni and friends in this
endeavor.“
Cardinal Tomko Visits
(Continued From Page 1)
logical and historical topics. His works have
been published in Slovak, English, Italian and
German.
He was born in Udavske, in the Diocese of
Kosice, Slovakia, and has enjoyed a close association with the American Slovak community over the past nearly four decades.
The Cardinal commended Saint Vincent
Archabbey for its work in preserving and promoting Slovak culture in the United States, and
the Seminary for training young Slovak men
for the priesthood.
In his homily he discussed the mission of the
Church, which had its origins in Christ, a mission grounded in God’s love for all humanity
and intended for all. The Church’s mission,
Cardinal Tomko said, is a continuation of that
of Christ. The mandate of that mission, he said,
is to “go out to all nations, preaching and
teaching them, baptizing them, and forming
them into a church.”
The Church then, must show its apostolic nature and preach the Good News, living out
the command of Christ as an action of God
working in and through the Church, its bishops, priests, religious and laity.
He spoke of recent violence against missionaries, recalling the dictum “From the blood of
martyrs grows the seed of faith.” The violence,
however, is only one face of mission, and
“there are many happy stories of hundreds of
men and women joyfully serving the Church in
far-flung areas of the world,” Cardinal Tomko
said.
“But today,” he said, “I would offer another
vision of this heavenly apotheosis, the vision
of the Blessed Trinity,’ surrounded by those
same myriads of angels and saints, but here
accompanied also by so many hundreds of
thousands of missionary priests, religious and
laity, whose preaching and example have led
so many to faith and salvation in Jesus Christ.
It is a vision of heaven filled with people of
every nation and tongue and ethnic background, all united in and by the love of God
which is at the very heart of mission. This is our
origin, this is our purpose; this is the mandate
we have received and which we are daily
called to fulfill. . . . This is mission today. Let us
strive to proclaim this salvation and power of
the reign of our God and the authority of his
Anointed One.”
President Announces Endowment for Seminary:
Sväté Písmo i Katolícka Viera Education Fund
Kathleen Norris
Cloister Walk
Author to Speak
Kathleen Norris, author of the critically acclaimed The Cloister Walk and Dakota: A
Spiritual Geography, will address the Saint
Vincent College and Seminary Honors Convocation during Founders’ Day activities on
December 1. Her talk will be at 4 p.m. in the
Archabbey Basilica. Her most recent release,
Amazing Grace, tells the story of her gradual
return to the Christian religion after a twentyyear period where she never willingly attended church. It’s the third part of her trilogy
on religious rediscovery. Cloister Walk,
framed by the liturgical year of a Benedictine
community, and Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, were best sellers.
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Mrs. Mary Ann Johanek, National President of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, explained in announcing the fund, “The Benedictine monks from Saint Vincent established churches and schools, founded new religious communities, helped newly arrived Slovak immigrants with their physical and spiritual needs, taught the Slovak language and
educated generations of priests to pass on the Catholic faith.” In recognition of this significant role that the Saint Vincent Benedictine community has played in Slovak-American
culture, the First Catholic Slovak Ladies established this fund to support the educational
works of Saint Vincent Seminary. Father Rene Kollar, O.S.B., professor of history in the
College and Seminary, in his work, Saint Vincent Archabbey and Its Role in the Development of Slovak-American Culture and History, noted “Through its educational programs in
the College and Seminary, Saint Vincent provided opportunities for Slovak-Americans
everywhere to enter the mainstream of American Society.”
The Sväté Písmo i Katolícka Viera Education Fund (Sacred Scripture and the Catholic
Faith) at Saint Vincent Seminary will provide financial assistance for student scholarships
and for faculty development as well as for maintaining the Sacred Sciences collection at
the library. The essence of what seminarians study at Saint Vincent is Sacred Scripture
(Sväté Písmo) and the spreading of the Catholic faith (Katolícka Viera) is the mission to
which they will commit themselves as priests.
This endowment fund is both a timeless gift of thanksgiving and a commitment to future
generations. “We invite you to be a part of the future with Saint Vincent Seminary and its
mission of educating future priests who are men of prayer and pastoral sensitivity,” Mrs.
Johanek said.
If you wish to accept this invitation and make a gift to the Sväté Písmo i Katolícka Viera
Education Fund, please use the enclosed envelope and note the purpose.
For more information regarding making a gift to Saint Vincent Seminary, please write or
call: Edward P. Hager, Saint Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa.,
15650, 724-532-6740.
Page 5
Leaven
John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman of the Saint
Vincent Seminary Board of Regents, during the
presentation of the Doctor of Sacred Theology Degree to Jozef Cardinal Tomko. Mr.
Marous, a long-time board member, is just beginning his first term as Chairman of the Board
of Regents.
Saint Vincent Seminary
Among those present for the Mass and dinner honoring Jozef Cardinal Tomko were bishops
from three dioceses and members of a number of regional Slovak organizations. Seated are,
from left, John C. Marous, Jr., Chairman, Seminary Board of Regents; Archabbot Douglas R.
Nowicki, O.S.B., Seminary Chancellor; Bishop Joseph V. Adamec, Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown; Cardinal Tomko; Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, Diocese of Greensburg; Bishop Gilbert I. Sheldon, Diocese of Steubenville; Father Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B., Seminary Rector;
back, from left, Father Edward Lajcak; Mary Ann S. Johanek; Cecilia Sarocky; John Janovec;
Dolores Ragan; Dolores Soska; Margaret Bock; Agnes Vojtko; Stephen Ungvarsky; Geraldine
Hricik; Thomas Hricik; Sister M. Paracleta Amrick, SS. C. M.; Kenneth Arendt and Sister Cecilia
Murphy, R.S.M., Seminary Academic Dean.
The Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco, Bishop of
Greensburg, center, and Most Rev. Joseph V.
Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, left,
process into the Archabbey Basilica during the
Mass honoring Jozef Cardinal Tomko.
The Archabbey Basilica during the Celebratory
Mass.
Page 6
Members of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association present the offertory gifts to Jozef
Cardinal Tomko.
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Leaven
Saint Vincent Seminary
Jozef Cardinal Tomko, center, celebrating Mass at the Archabbey Basilica flanked by, from
left, Saint Vincent Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; Brother Anthony Grossi, O.S.B.,
Deacon; Most Rev. Gilbert I. Sheldon, Bishop of Steubenville, Ohio and Most Rev. Joseph V.
Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown.
Jozef Cardinal Tomko was the principal celebrant for the Mass, attended by members of
the Saint Vincent Community and members of
the regional Slovak community. Cardinal
Tomko, who is Prefect of the Congregation for
the Evangelization of Peoples, is the first Cardinal of Slovak origin in this century.
Over 440 guests filled Kennedy Hall for the dinner following Mass.
Saint Vincent Seminary alumni, from left, Father Jozef Kovacik; Father Frantisek Halka and
Father Lubomir Strecok with Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., conclude the dinner program for Jozef Cardinal Tomko by leading the Benedictine Ultima.
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Mrs. Mary Ann S. Johanek, National President of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, which established the Sväté Písmo i
Katolícka Viera Education Fund (Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Catholic Faith)
makes remarks at the dinner honoring Jozef
Cardinal Tomko following Mass on September 29. She noted the role the Saint Vincent
Benedictines have played in helping Slovak
immigrants in the region.
Page 7
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
This summer Brother Elliott Maloney,
O.S.B., received a grant from the Brooks Foundation and Saint Vincent Seminary for research in Mexico and Brazil during the
month of June.
“The trip was more successful than I
ever dreamed it would be, so cooperative were the scholars and seminary professors I met. They gave me
freely of their time and opened their
libraries, both institutional and personal, to me to make my research so easy,”
Brother Elliott said.
In Mexico he visited five theological libraries and three seminaries along with the Pontifical University of Mexico City. In Brazil he
spent about a day each with scholars Carlos
Mesters, O. Carm.; Gilberto Gorgulho, O.P.;
Dr. Ana Flora Andeerson and Johan Konings,
S.J., visiting theological institutes in the cities
of São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and teaching at the Dominican Seminary in São Paulo.
Upon returning from the research study,
Brother Elliott spent the month of July writing
a paper, Como ler a/la Biblia? How to Read
Mark 13 with a Lot of Help from Our LatinAmerican Friends, which he presented at the
national meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association at the University of Scranton, August
8-11. He has received release time from the
Seminary to prepare the manuscript for publication.
*****
For the last few years, Saint Vincent Seminary and Latrobe Area Hospital have worked
together in a course entitled Hospital Visitation of the Sick. This is a required course for
all seminarians. Students meet weekly at the
hospital, where they do rounds visiting patients,
and meet for a presentation by a member of
the hospital staff. The day concludes with a
debriefing/theological reflection session.
Students participating in the course this year
are: Brother Benedict Alva, O.S.B., of St.
Procopius Abbey, Lisle, Illinois; Brother Kevin
Bachmann, O.S.B., of Holy Cross Abbey,
Cañon City, Colorado; Brother Nicholas Ast,
O.S.B., of St. Gregory Abbey, Shawnee,
Oklahoma; and Brother William Benthall,
O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey. Diocesan
participants are: David Perry and James
Reardon, Erie; William Berkey, Greensburg;
Wayne Morris, Steubenville, Ohio; Stuart
Crevcoure, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Terry Crone,
Archdiocese of Atlanta; Robert Miller, Youngstown, Ohio and Anthony Gargotta, Robert
Vular and Clinton Zadroga, Pittsburgh.
Father Richard B. Michel, O.S.B., who coordinates the program from the Seminary’s
side, notes that “we are grateful to Latrobe
Area Hospital for their friendship and the continued interest in the development of the Semi-
Page 8
nary students.”
*****
Once again Father James F. Podlesny,
O.S.B., served as the convener for the Forum
on Ecumenical Relations held in Harrisburg on
Sept. 30. The forum topic was “Ecumenical
Progress on the Eve of the Millennium.” The
speaker was Rev. Msgr. John A. Radano, of
the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of
Christian Unity, the Vatican.
*****
The Kittanning Leader-Times carried a
front-page article this past summer which included a photograph and interview with Seminarian Douglas Dorula of the Diocese of
Greensburg and Rev. William J. Kiel, pastor
of St. Marys Church, Kittanning, and a 1993
Saint Vincent Seminary graduate. Father Kiel
and Dorula both left traditional careers to pursue a vocation to the priesthood.
*****
In other news of alumni:
Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Confroy, O.S.B., C’54
C’54,
was elected ninth Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey,
Morristown, New Jersey on June 25, 1998.
Rev. Peter P. Murphy, C’64, S’68, was
named pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish,
Wexford, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Paul E. Turnbull, C’68
C’68, observed his
25th Anniversary of ordination to the priesthood for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown,
Pennsylvania. At a reception in his honor,
hosted by the parishioners of St. John the
Evangelist Church, he was presented with an
Endowment in his name. The Endowment is
with the Foundation for the Diocese of
Altoona-Johnstown and was put in place to
provide funding for the fostering of Sacred
Music in the Diocese. The funds generated by
the endowment will be distributed annually for
that purpose to worthy applicants.
Rev. Joseph P. Traynor, S’82, of the Church
of the Resurrection in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, gave the commencement speech at
Geibel Catholic High School, his alma mater,
on May 27, 1998.
Rev. Mr. Michael P. Ferrick, S’97, was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Donald W.
Trautman on May 17, 1998, in St. Gregory
Thaumaturgus Church, North East, Pennsylvania.
Brother Anthony J. Grossi, C’93, S’98, was
ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Anthony
G. Bosco on August 1, 1998, in Saint Vincent
Basilica.
*****
The obituary columns have noted the passing of:
Msgr. Francis A. Glenn, S’38, on July 5,
1998.
Archabbot Egbert H. Donovan, O.S.B.,
P’31, C’36, S’40 on September 17, 1998.
Rev. Paul A. Holzer, S’41, on June
19, 1998.
Rev. Francis D. Pirulli, S’45, on June
18, 1998.
Rev. George P. Stuparitz, S’46, on August
11, 1998.
Rev. Walter J. Benz, C’47, S’50, on September 4, 1998.
Rev. William H. Schroeder, C’52, S’55
S’55, on
July 6, 1998.
*****
Sympathies are offered to:
Rev. Emmeran A. Rettger, O.S.B., P’29,
C’34, S’38, on the death of his brother Charles
Rettger on May 23, 1998.
Rev. Michael T. Gubanich, S’47, on the
death of his brother Joseph J. Gubanich on
July 31, 1998.
Rev. Nicholas M. Mastrangelo, C60, on the
death of his mother, Concetta Mastrangelo on
September 7, 1998.
Rev. James G. Graham, C’62, S’66, on the
death of his mother Mary Graham on September 28, 1998.
Rev. James G. Young, S’69
S’69, on the death
of his father Louis H. Young, Sr., on July 20,
1998.
Rev. Regis J. Ryan, C’62, S66 on the death
of his father Patrick J. Ryan on June 4, 1998.
Rev. Philip N. Farrell, S’93, on the death of
his mother Josephine Farrell on May 8, 1998.
*****
There are 30 new students studying for the
priesthood this year at Saint Vincent Seminary.
This year’s group of seminarians comes from
16 dioceses and 10 Benedictine monasteries.
This list includes the archdioceses of Atlanta,
Georgia and Campinas, Brazil; the dioceses
of Altoona-Johnstown, Erie, Greensburg,
Harrisburg and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania;
Beijing, China; Charleston, South Carolina;
Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus,
Steubenville and Youngstown in Ohio;
Savannah, Georgia; Tulsa, Oklahoma and
Wheeling- Charleston, West Virginia. Abbeys
with students at the seminary include Ealing
Abbey, England; Holy Cross Abbey, Cañon
City, Colorado; Saint Andrew Abbey,
Cleveland, Ohio; Saint Bede Abbey, Peru,
Illinois; Saint Benedict Abbey, Atchison,
Kansas; Saint Gregory Abbey, Shawnee,
Oklahoma; Saint Martin Abbey, Lacey,
Washington; Saint Mary’s Abbey, Morristown, New Jersey; Saint Procopius Abbey,
Lisle, Illinois; and Saint Vincent Archabbey.
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
Brother Brian D. Boosel, O.S.B., of Saint
Vincent Archabbey, is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Ralph L. Boosel of Butler, Pennsylvania. He is
a 1992 graduate of Butler Area Senior High
School. In 1996 he earned a bachelor of arts
degree in history from Saint Vincent College.
He also has done graduate studies in history
at Slippery Rock University.
Michael E. Burchill of the Diocese of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the son of
Katherine Burchill of Pittsburgh and the late
Howard Burchill. He is a 1989 graduate of
Mount Lebanon High School. He earned a
bachelor of science degree in mechanical
engineering from the University of Maryland
in 1994, and completed a pre-theology
program at Duquesne University.
Michael J. Butts of the Diocese of
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is the son of Diane
P. Butts of New Kensington and the late
Walter M. Butts. He is a 1993 graduate of
Valley High School, New Kensington. He
earned a bachelor of science degree in
business administration from Robert Morris
College, Pittsburgh, in 1998.
Brother Michael M. Calhoun, O.S.B., is a
Benedictine of Saint Bede Abbey, Peru, Illinois.
He is the son of Michael and Linda Calhoun of
Utica, Illinois. He graduated from Saint Bede
Academy, Peru, in 1989. He earned a
bachelor of arts degree in religious education
from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary on
the campus of Saint Mary’s University,
Winona, Minnesota, in 1993.
Paul M. Clark of the Diocese of Harrisburg
is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Clark of
Hanover, Pennsylvania. He is a 1993 graduate
of New Oxford Senior High School. In 1997
he earned a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish
and religious studies from Western Maryland
College, Westminster, Maryland.
William P. Clark II of the Diocese of
Charlotte, North Carolina, is the son of
Jacqueline Shiffer Wiggins of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, Ethel Clark of Lancaster and the
late William P. Clark. He is a 1980 graduate
of Manheim Township High School, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor of science
degree in biochemistry in 1985 and a master
of science degree in biochemistry in 1990 from
the University of Maryland.
Ricardo J. De Silva of the Diocese of
Charlotte, North Carolina, is the son of Leticia
De Silva of Panama and the late Adolfo De
Silva. He is a 1983 graduate of Colegio La
Salle, Panama City. He earned a bachelor of
arts degree in journalism from Radford
University, Virginia, in 1991.
Peter Do of the Diocese of Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, is the son of Nhiem T. Pham and
Hoang H. Do of Arlington, Virginia. He is a
1974 graduate of St. Thomas High School,
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Tribute, Memorial Gifts
The Saint Vincent Seminary has a Memorial Gift and Tribute Gift Program, which allows donors to honor individuals via a Tribute Gift for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, retirements
or holidays, or with a Memorial Gift in
memory of a friend or loved one.
The Seminary Tribute and Memorial Gift
Roster for the period from May 20, to September 30, 1998, includes the following
gifts:
IN HONOR OF:
JOANNE AND JIM BRAHOSKY
AND FAMILY
Mr. and Mrs. James Sackett
MR. LARRY CUNEO
Ms. Leah D. Rudolph
REV. DEMETRIUS R. DUMM, O.S.B.
Jean Jacques D'Aoust , Ph.D.
JOEL R. LIEB, O.S.B.
Ms. Josephine A. Bell
JIM AND STELLA SACKETT
AND FAMILY
Mr. and Mrs. James Sackett
IN MEMORY OF:
+REV. GERARD BRIDGE, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Ransel
+REV. RAPHAEL BRIDGE, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Ransel
+REV. BONIFACE BUERKLE, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Seiler
+FLORENCE S. DIPPOLD
Mr. James A. Dippold
+MARGARET C. DIPPOLD
Mr. James A. Dippold
+REV. JOHN A. DOMPKA
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Cirelli
+JOHN AND SUSAN E. FATORA
Rev. Joachim R. Fatora, O.S.B.
+MR. AND MRS. ADAM FROST
Mr. Leonard D. Frost
Saigon, Vietnam. He earned a degree in social
work in 1995 from George Mason University,
Fairfax, Virginia.
John C. Engler, Jr., of the Diocese of
Charlotte, North Carolina, is the son of Peggy
and John Engler of Charlotte, North Carolina.
He is a 1980 graduate of Charlotte Catholic
High School. He earned a bachelor of arts
degree in philosophy in 1985 from the
University of Notre Dame, South Bend,
Indiana.
Steven W. Fauser of the Diocese of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is the son of
Geraldine and William D. Fauser of
Turbotville, Pennsylvania. He is a 1994
graduate of Warrior Run High School,
Turbotville. He earned a bachelor of arts
degree in French and German from Millersville
+REV. THOMAS M. GORNICK
Mrs. Mary Gornick
+ETHEL KNEIP
Mr. John F. Kneip, Jr.
+JOHN F. KNEIP, SR.
Mr. John F. Kneip, Jr.
+MR. AND MRS. STEVE J. KOSMO
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kosmo
+ FRANK L. KUSS
Mr. Thomas J. Kuss
+DORIS ACKLIN MILLER
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kosmo
Ms. Margaret A. McMahon
+REV. IAN T. MRAVINTZ, O.S.B.
Ms. Jean Hammer
+MR. AND MRS. STEVE POVIRK
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kosmo
+MILDRED RIORDAN
Mrs. Mary E. Broad and Son
+VERNA RIPOLI
Mr. Bruno M. Ripoli
+JUDGE BERNARD F. SCHERER
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Adams
Ms. Rose Marie Albini
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Bell II
Ms. Ora Ann Bennett
Mrs. Patrica M. Coghlan
Mr. John L. Delcoco
Mr. Walter J. McGann, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sakal
Mr. William Stubbs
+MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH SZCZYGIEL
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kosmo
+ANN TRAINER
Mr. Charles Trainer
+ROBERT WATKINS, SR.
Mr. Robert M. Watkins, Jr.
For details on the gift program, contact
the Seminary Development Office at
724-532-6740.
University in 1998.
Eric R. Filmer of the Diocese of Savannah,
Georgia, is the son of Charles H. Filmer of
Savannah, Georgia, and the late Robin L.
Harrison. He is a 1984 graduate of Hershel V.
Jenkins High School, Savannah, Georgia. He
earned a bachelor of arts degree in
psychology in 1997 from Armstrong Atlantic
State University. He also attended Savannah
College of Art and Design.
Richard A. Holdorf of the Diocese of
Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, is the son
of Anita Holdorf of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
and the late Donald F. Holdorf, Sr. He is a
1969 graduate of W.G. Enloe High School,
Raleigh, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor
of science degree in pharmacy from the
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in
Page 9
Leaven
Saint Vincent Seminary
There are now 108 students enrolled at Saint Vincent Seminary, including diocesan 74 diocesan and 16 Benedictine ordination students, and 14
non-ordination students. Ordination students are pictured above with (front row, starting ninth from left), Father William J. Fay, Vice Rector;
Father Alan E. Thomas, Dean of Students; Father Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B., Rector; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Chancellor; Sister
Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M., Academic Dean; Father Kurt J. Belsole, Acting Director of Spiritual Life; Father Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Director of
Spiritual Life.
Edward Nunn and Margaret Joyce Nunn of
Duquesne University in 1998.
1975.
John M. Matejek, Jr., of Acworth, Georgia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He is a 1978
Timothy J. Kozak of the Diocese of
Steubenville, Ohio, is the son of Mike and Rose Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia, is the son graduate of The Peninsula School, Mount
Marie Kozak of Barberton, Ohio. He is a 1975 of Helena V. Matejek of Chicago Heights, Eliza, Victoria, Australia. He earned a
graduate of Barberton High School, Illinois and the late John M. Matejek. He is a bachelor of music degree in performance and
Barberton, Ohio. He earned a bachelor of 1966 graduate of Marian Catholic High composition in 1984 and a master of music
science degree in chemical engineering from School, Chicago Heights. He earned a degree in composition in 1987 from the
bachelor of arts degree in history in 1971 from University of Melbourne, Australia. He earned
the University of Akron, Ohio, in 1980.
a bachelor of arts degree and a master’s
Gary W. Krummert of the Diocese of the University of Tampa, Florida.
degree from Oxford University in 1997.
Matthew
R.
McClain
of
the
Diocese
of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the son of Helen
Michael K. Pecosh of the Diocese of
Krummert of Coraopolis and the late Herman Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the son of Dr.
J. Krummert. He is a 1983 graduate of Edward J. McClain, Jr., and Nancy M. Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is the son of Dr.
Montour High School, McKees Rocks. He McClain of Pittsburgh. He is a 1989 graduate Joseph E. and Patricia A. Pecosh of
earned a bachelor of science degree in of Mount Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh. He Brownsville. He is a 1993 graduate of
information systems from Carnegie Mellon earned a bachelor of arts degree in political Brownsville Area High School. He earned a
University, Pittsburgh, in 1987, and completed science from Colgate University, Hamilton, bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from
a pre-theology program at Duquesne New York, in 1993 and completed a pre- California University of Pennsylvania in 1997.
Matthew A. Reese of the Diocese of
theology program at Duquesne University.
University.
David Medina of the Diocese of Tulsa, Altoona-Johnstown is the son of Dennis and
John F. Kurutz, Jr., of the Diocese of
Altoona-Johnstown is the son of John F. Oklahoma, is the son of Candelario Medina Betty Reese of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He
Kurutz, Sr., and Judy M. Kurutz of Westport, and Gregoria Medina of Guadalajara, Jalisco, is a 1994 graduate of Central Cambria High
Pennsylvania. He is a 1992 graduate of Mexico. He is a 1989 graduate of Preparatory School, Ebensburg. He earned a bachelor of
Bucktail Area High School, Renovo, School Number 5, Guadalajara. He arts degree in Latin American studies from
Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor of arts graduated from Intercontinental University, Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus,
Ohio, in 1998.
degree in business administration, and a Mexico, in 1995.
Brother Abel Rodarte, O.S.B., of Saint
John K. Nesbella of the Diocese of Altoonabachelor of arts degree in economics from
Lycoming College, Williamsport, Penn- Johnstown is the son of Stephen and Mary Vincent Archabbey, is the son of Maria
Nesbella of Lilly, Pennsylvania. He is a 1980 Dolores and Gonzalo Rodarte of Los Angeles,
sylvania, in 1996.
Shawn O. Malarkey of the Diocese of graduate of Bishop Carroll High School, California. He is a 1987 graduate of Belmont
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the son of Thomas Ebensburg. He attended Saint Vincent College High School and studied business at Los
J. and Lesley E. Malarkey of West Sunbury, from 1980 to 1982 and 1986 to 1988, earning Angeles Community College. He is also
Pennsylvania. He is a 1992 graduate of a bachelor of science degree in physics. He majoring in psychology at Saint Vincent
Moniteau High School, West Sunbury. He earned a master of science degree in physics College, where he is a counselor in the
earned a bachelor of science degree in from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Admissions and Financial Aid Office.
David A. Shaffer of the Diocese of Erie,
elementary and kindergarten education from 1995.
Pennsylvania,
is the son of David D. and Jean
Brother
Alban
P.
Nunn,
O.S.B.,
of
Ealing
Pennsylvania State University in 1996 and a
bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Abbey, London, England, is the son of Alan
(Continued on Page 12)
Page 10
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Leaven
Seminarians Earn
Pastoral Experience
Classroom work is only a part of the program of study for Saint Vincent Seminary students. They also undertake a variety of
practica and internships designed to help them
obtain pastoral experience. Fourth year theology students participate in two-week, on-site
internships, one in the fall and one in the spring
to intensify their involvement each weekend
in their assigned parishes. “A two-week, onsite internship allows the students to be actively
involved in their respective parishes,” said Father Richard B. Michel, O.S.B., the Seminary’s
Director of Field Education. Additionally, students take part in pastoral internships, serving
at parishes, hospitals, prisons, schools, nursing
homes and other sites.
Fourth year students participating in the
parish practicums from September 19 through
October 4 were: William Calabrese, Diocese
of Erie, Church of the Good Shepherd, at
West Middlesex; Brother Justin Dyrwal,
O.S.B., Saint Andrew Abbey, at St. Edward
Parish, Herminie; Brother Anthony Grossi,
O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, at St. Benedict Parish, Carrolltown. From the Archdiocese
of Atlanta, Kevin Hargaden, was at St.
Sebastian Parish, Belle Vernon; Fernando
Molina Restrepo at St. Bernard, Indiana; and
Adrian Pleus at Holy Trinity, Ligonier. Brother
Paul Weckert, O.S.B., Saint Martin Abbey,
was at St. John Parish, Latrobe; Brother Alban
Nunn, O.S.B., Ealing Abbey, at St. Vincent
Parish; Benedict Kapa, Diocese of WheelingCharleston, at St. Michael Parish, Wheeling;
and Richard Tomkosky, Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,
Altoona. Participating in pastoral internships
this semester are Brother William Benthall,
O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, serving at
Saint Benedict the Moor Parish, Pittsburgh;
Thomas Burke, Diocese of Pittsburgh, serving
at the Greensburg Correctional Facility;
Donald Cramer, Diocese of Harrisburg, who
is at the Newman Center at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Eric Hill, Archdiocese of
Atlanta, Georgia, interning at St. Anne Nursing Home, Greensburg; Roberto Orellana,
Archdiocese of Atlanta, serving at Green
Meadows Nursing Home, Latrobe; Robert
Burns, Diocese of Harrisburg, who is at Christ
the Divine Teacher School, Latrobe; Terry
O’Connor, Diocese of Pittsburgh, interning at
Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, Greensburg; Douglas Dorula, Diocese
of Greensburg, serving at Holy Family Parish,
Latrobe; John Nesbella, Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown, serving at Catholic Charities of the
Diocese of Greensburg; and Anthony
Gargotta, Diocese of Pittsburgh, interning at
St. Catherine Parish, Pittsburgh.
Fall 1998, Volume 8, Number 1
Saint Vincent Seminary
Remember Saint Vincent
Seminary in Your Will:
Creating a Living Legacy
Your will represents your legacy and final witness to your
family, friends and community. It is a testimony to your faith,
your stewardship, and your gratitude to God for all His gifts.
Through your will you determine the distribution of your assets. No matter how large or how small, simple or complex
your estate, your will is one of the most important documents
that you create. After satisfying the needs of your family, you
can use your will to support those charities whose missions
you believe are important.
Since the founding of Saint Vincent Seminary in 1846, bequests have helped us to prepare priests to serve the Church.
You may wish that your bequest to Saint Vincent Seminary
be restricted for
seminarian
scholarships,
faculty enrichment or the
theological library.
Through a bequest you can
also establish a
perpetual fund
in your and your
spouse’s name or loved one’s name. For information in regard
to any of these options, please call Saint Vincent Seminary at
724-532-6740.
By including the Seminary in your will, you can be assured
that you have provided a legacy of hope - helping to continue
our tradition of preparing priests for many years to come.
An Attorney Answers Questions About Your WilL
You are invited to send for a free copy of
An Attorney Answers Questions About Your Will. This booklet
answers some commonly asked questions about wills.
Please complete and mail this coupon to Development
Office, Saint Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Road,
Latrobe, Pa., 15650.
Name _____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
City _______________________ State _____ Zip __________
Page 11
Saint Vincent Seminary
Leaven
Saint Vincent Seminary
Enrollment Still Growing
Saint Vincent Seminary’s enrollment continues to grow, with a total of 108 students enrolled for the fall semester. That figure includes
95 students in the ordination program, of
which ten are pre-theology I students, seven
are pre-theology II students, 22 are in first theology, 28 in second theology, 18 in third theology and 10 in fourth theology. There are
eight non-ordination students in the master of
arts degree program, one in the master of divinity degree program, four in the master of
religious education degree program and one
continuing education student.
To put things in perspective, Father Thomas
P. Acklin, Seminary Rector, noted that in 1990
there were just 38 ordination students at the
Seminary, including 22 diocesan students. This
year there are 78 diocesan students and 16
Benedictines.
A CARA study on Seminary enrollment,
using figures for 1997-98, put Saint Vincent
on the verge of breaking into the top ten largest seminaries nationwide. That figure also includes formation programs abroad sponsored
by the hierarchy of the United States, such as
the North American College in Rome and the
American College in Louvain, Belgium. Based
on last year’s figures Saint Vincent was tied
for 11th place with Oregon’s Mount Angel
Seminary, with 84 ordination students. The
largest seminary by enrollment last year was
Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, with 187 ordination students.
The study still showed a decrease in seminary enrollment over the past 30 years, some
of which can be attributed to a decrease in
formation programs at the high school and
college levels. The CARA report noted that
the Church has developed other models, including pre-theology programs, to form priesthood candidates.
New Chairman
At the October meeting of the Saint Vincent
Seminary Board of Regents, John C. Marous, Jr.,
took over the reins as Chairman.
He succeeds the Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco,
Bishop of Greensburg, who remains on the
board. Mr. Marous is a former chairman and
chief executive officer of Westinghouse Electric
Corp., is a member of the board of directors of
Mellon Bank, Conrail and numerous other organizations, and chairman of the board of the Extra Mile Foundation.
The new board Vice Chairman is the Most
Rev. Nicholas C. Dattilo, Bishop of Harrisburg.
John C. Marous, Jr.
News and Notes
(Continued from Page 10)
M. Shaffer of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. He
is a 1994 graduate of Harbor Senior High
School, Erie. He earned a degree in arts and
humanities from Gannon University in 1998.
Bryan D. Small of Atlanta, and the
Archdiocese of Atlanta, is the son of Ken Small
and the late Bobbie Small. He is a 1992
graduate of St. Pius X High School. He earned
a degree in psychology from St. Meinrad
College in 1997, and also attended West
Georgia College.
William B. Tolleson of the Diocese of
Charlotte, North Carolina, is the son of
William N. Tolleson III and Lynda M. Tolleson
of Dallas, Texas. He is a 1985 graduate of
Trinity Christian Academy, Addison, Texas.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree in
communication from Wheaton College,
Wheaton, Illinois in 1989. He earned a master
of arts and is working on a doctorate in
communication from Regent University.
Joseph M. Tran of the Diocese of Charlotte,
North Carolina, is the son of Canh Van Tran
and Hoa Thi Phan of Bária Vung Tau, Vietnam.
Saint Vincent Seminary
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650-2690
Address Service Requested
He is a 1992 graduate of West Catholic High
School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned
a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, in 1992. He earned a
master of arts degree from St. Meinrad
Seminary, St. Meinrad, Indiana, in 1998.
Brother Paul M. Weckert, O.S.B. of Saint
Martin’s Abbey, Lacey, Washington, is the son
of John Weckert of Mount Vernon,
Washington and the late Eunice Weckert. He
is a 1965 graduate of Mount Vernon High
School, Washington. He earned a bachelor of
arts degree in religious studies in 1993 from
Saint Martin’s College, Lacey, and master of
arts and master of divinity degrees in theology
from Mount Angel Seminary in 1997.
G. David Weikart of the Diocese of
Youngstown, Ohio, is the son of Gene B.
Weikart of Leetonia, Ohio and the late Lena
A. Weikart. He is a 1981 graduate of Leetonia
High School, Leetonia. He earned a bachelor
of arts degree in biology and secondary
education in 1986 from Kent State University.
He earned a master of religious education
degree from Loyola University in 1996.
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Permit No. 110