Fall 2010 - Saint Meinrad Archabbey

On the Hill
For Alumni & Friends of Saint Meinrad
Autumn 2010 • Vol. 48:4
Saint Meinrad seminarians helped new students settle in and get oriented before classes began in late August.
Jeffrey Estacio, far left, helps Kelly Edwards with unloading, while Adam Carrico welcomes Brandon Wolf.
Good News:
Seminary enrollment reaches 25-year high
“Growth” is the new buzz word in the Seminary
and School of Theology. Not only can you hear
it, but you can see it—in the busy hallways, the
packed chapel, the crowded classrooms, the
renovated spaces and the temporary spaces.
The fall semester began with an impressive 136
seminarians, the highest enrollment since 1985,
and the continuation of a trend the seminary has
seen over the past several years. Fall enrollment
includes 48 new seminarians this year. A large
influx is coming from college seminaries, as
well as from a wide range of other backgrounds
and college experiences.
Prior experiences range from medical doctors
and engineers to millwrights, newspaper editors
and maintenance workers. There’s even a
former member of the Swiss Guard.
The seminarians represent 30 dioceses and
archdioceses and five religious houses.
“College seminary enrollment is on the rise,”
says enrollment director Fr. Brendan Moss,
OSB, who has seen several of the college
seminaries he visits at peak enrollment as well.
He sees other reasons for the increase as well.
“Saint Meinrad’s reputation is being well
received by our client dioceses,” he says.
“We’ve had a number of dioceses who have
chosen to make us their home base of
formation. It’s a tremendous commitment from
the dioceses and a commitment we certainly
take very seriously.
“I do think there’s also been a rise in interest in
priesthood as a life vocation and young men are
more open to discern whether God is calling
them to be a priest,” he adds.
The Seminary continues to see cultural diversity
as well. This year, seminarians come from 14
countries, including a large contingent from
Continued on page 2
Two monks profess
solemn
vows
............................................3
Five monks celebrate
jubilees
............................................4
Deacon magazine
purchased
............................................5
New managers
appointed
............................................6
Appeal will fund St. Bede
Hall
work
............................................8
Alumni Reunion
photos
..........................................10
ENROLLMENT
Continued from page 1
Vietnam. Three of the Vietnamese natives are
studying for the Diocese of Mobile, while the
other two are studying for dioceses in Vietnam.
Additionally, two Vietnamese priests are
studying for Master of Theological Studies
degrees and observing formation at Saint
Meinrad to assist with opening a new seminary
in Vietnam.
With growth comes challenge. “The good news
is that we have a record enrollment,” says Fr.
Brendan. “The challenge is that we’re working
to complete renovations in several areas of the
school (see story page 8). “We’ve had to be
Alumni
Eternal
..........................................12
Alumni
News
..........................................14
Snail’s Pace business
launches
..........................................16
LAY DEGREE PROGRAM
Like the seminary program, Saint Meinrad’s
Lay Degree Program has seen steady growth.
The program started the year with 91 part-time
and six fulltime students enrolled in 414 credit
hours—the highest number of students in the
history of the current program, according to
Kyle Kramer, director of the Lay Degree
Program.
This continues a steady pattern of growth over
the last eight years, including serving a wider
geographic area. “We have students from
Atlanta, Birmingham, the Bahamas, Missouri,
Minnesota and Wisconsin,” says Kramer.
“We’re also processing an increasing number
of applications from African students,
particularly Nigeria and Uganda.”
The School is also offering a greater number of
alternative format courses, both online and
weekend-based. “We’re committed to offering
more convenient formats for students, but
equally committed to offering a quality oncampus experience,” adds Kramer.
On the Hill is published four times a
year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey and
Seminary and School of Theology. The
newsletter is also available online at:
www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill
Editor:
Mary Jeanne Schumacher
Copywriters:
Jo Rita Bishop
Fr. Simeon Daly, OSB
John Farless
“Saint Meinrad’s reputation
in ministry formation is
stronger than ever.”
Send changes of address
and comments to:
The Editor
The Development Office
Saint Meinrad Archabbey and
Seminary & School of Theology
200 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759
[email protected]
www.saintmeinrad.edu
© 2010, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB
President-Rector
Ryan McCoy, right, Diocese of Biloxi, gives directions to new seminarian Matt Solyntjes, Diocese of
Sioux City, during orientation on August 27.
creative and imaginative with our current spaces
to deal with that.”
Some of the more noticeable changes include
arranging for classrooms in the library, setting
up a conference room in the Gallery and
reorienting the seminary chapel to add 25 or
more seats. Fr. Brendan notes that fitting all of
the seminarians and faculty into the previous
orientation was impossible. “I think our students
will adapt to these changes very quickly and
very well,” he adds.
2
“The need for qualified, well-formed,
theologically educated lay men and women is
only going to increase, both in terms of
meeting the ministry needs of parishes,
campuses, hospitals and others, but also in
terms of providing well-grounded, faith-filled
people to be active in the public sphere.”
“Saint Meinrad’s reputation in ministry
formation is stronger than ever,” says
President-Rector Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB. “In
addition to the increases in the Seminary and
School of Theology, new dioceses are being
added to the Permanent Deacon Program and
new initiatives are coming for the Institute for
Priests and Presbyterates. It’s a very exciting
time and we’re doing what we have always
done—grown and adapted to serve the needs of
the Church.”
A new colorful
look for ‘On the
Hill’ newsletter
If you’re thinking that this issue of On the
Hill looks different, you’re right. A few
months ago, we decided to make the
switch to printing all of our newsletter
photos in color.
Br. John Glasenapp, OSB, left, and Br. Matthew Mattingly, OSB, kneel during their profession
of solemn vows on August 15.
Monks profess solemn vows
Br. John Glasenapp, OSB, and Br.
Matthew Mattingly, OSB, professed
solemn vows as Benedictine monks of
Saint Meinrad Archabbey, in a ceremony
on August 15 in the Archabbey Church.
Br. John, 32, is a native of Cleveland, OH,
and a graduate of St. Edward High School
in Lakewood, OH. He earned bachelor of
arts and bachelor of music degrees from
DePaul University in 2001 and began
working for the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra in archives and development. He
also attended the University of Chicago.
In June 2005, he entered the postulancy at
Monastery of the Holy Cross in Chicago
and became a novice in September of that
year. He took his first vows on February
2, 2007. After transferring to Saint
Meinrad Archabbey in 2008, he earned a
Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical
Studies from Saint Meinrad Seminary and
School of Theology in May.
Br. Matthew, 35, attended Memorial High
School in Evansville, IN. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in marketing
management from Indiana University in
1997. He was a member of St. Benedict’s
Parish in Evansville.
He then spent 10 years in the home
improvement industry, working most
recently for Do it Best Corp. in Fort Wayne,
IN, as a retail development manager. He
earned a Master of Arts in Catholic Thought
and Life from Saint Meinrad Seminary and
School of Theology in May.
In professing solemn vows of obedience,
fidelity to the monastic way of life and
stability in the community at Saint
Meinrad, they become full and permanent
members of the Benedictine community.
Events
on the Hill
November 19-21
Guest House Retreat: “Spirit
and Passion: An Exploration of
the Powerful Music of Anton
Bruckner” by Fr. Noël Mueller,
OSB.
December 17-19
Guest House Retreat: “Joy to
the World: Christ in Carols” by
Br. Zachary Wilberding, OSB.
February 17
Black History Lecture, speaker
to be announced.
For more information, contact
Mary Jeanne Schumacher at
(812) 357-6501 or visit our
website www.saintmeinrad.edu.
3
As you may know, Saint Meinrad’s Abbey
Press, which prints this newsletter, is just a
short walk down the hill from where the
newsletter is produced. Their equipment
and talented staff have been printing this
publication since its inception.
Because of the quantity of newsletters we
print, Abbey Press uses its six-color
Heidelberg press on this job. We’ve
decided to take full advantage of that press
to incorporate more color into the
newsletter.
At the same time, we updated the
newsletter’s design. The previous design
was introduced seven years ago and—
although we loved it—we wanted a new
look that would make use of color.
The new look also ties in nicely with a
new design that we’ve been gradually
introducing in our printed pieces for Saint
Meinrad Seminary and School of
Theology. The color bar on the right of
the front cover features a photo of
something familiar at Saint Meinrad, such
as a glimpse of the stained glass window
above the Archabbey Church doors.
At the bottom of the front page is a photo
of another recognizable landmark: in this
issue, it’s the Archabbey Church. Both
the image in the color bar and the small
photo are likely to change, from time to
time.
If you’ve been to the Hill, you’ll probably
recognize the red and “sandstone” colors
we’re using as the main hues on campus.
We hope you enjoy the new look. Feel
free to send your comments to the address
on Page 2. Or, e-mail me at
[email protected].
Mary Jeanne Schumacher, Editor
Five monks celebrate
jubilee of profession
He served in Saint Meinrad’s Business
Office from 1960 to 1977. For the next
seven years, Br. Terence was assigned to
handle payroll and insurance at Abbey
Press. He also worked for the Saint
Meinrad Health Service.
Currently, he works as an assistant to
the director at Abbey Caskets and is
assistant custodian for the chapel at
Monte Cassino Shrine. He is also an
assistant monastery guestmaster.
Br. Raban professed his vows as a
Benedictine monk on May 7, 1960. A
native of Owensboro, KY, he came to
Saint Meinrad to attend school at St.
Placid Hall in 1957.
Jubilarians of monastic profession are, from left, Br. Terence Griffin, OSB; Fr. Eric Lies, OSB;
Br. Raban Bivins, OSB; and Fr. Donald Walpole, OSB. Not present for the photo was Fr.
Colman Grabert, OSB.
The Benedictine community of Saint
Meinrad Archabbey celebrated the
jubilees of monastic profession of five
monks on July 25. Celebrating their 70th
jubilees were Fr. Eric Lies, OSB, and Fr.
Donald Walpole, OSB.
Br. Terence Griffin, OSB, Br. Raban
Bivins, OSB, and Fr. Colman Grabert,
OSB, celebrated their 50th jubilees.
Fr. Eric is a native of Aurora, IL. He
professed his vows on August 6, 1940,
and was ordained a priest on February 2,
1945. He received his theological
education at Saint Meinrad Seminary. He
also holds a master’s degree in English
from The Catholic University of America.
Following ordination, Fr. Eric taught
English, geometry, religion, speech and
homiletics at Saint Meinrad Seminary for
13 years. Also during that time, from
1950-58, he served as associate editor/art
director for Grail magazine at Abbey
Press. From 1958-68, he was general
manager of Abbey Press.
For more than 25 years, Fr. Eric served
in Saint Meinrad’s Development Office,
as associate director of development for
12 years, as director of public relations
for nine years and as graphic designer
for five years. For many years, he also
gave retreats and created calligraphy
artwork. He currently resides in the
monastery infirmary.
Fr. Donald is an Indianapolis, IN, native
and he professed his Benedictine vows
on August 6, 1940. He was ordained to
the priesthood on September 21, 1943.
After his theology education at Saint
Meinrad Seminary, Fr. Donald earned
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine
arts from the Chicago Art Institute.
From 1952 to 1998, Fr. Donald was
associate professor of art at Saint
Meinrad College. He also created
artwork for parishes, religious
communities and the Saint Meinrad
campus. His works include mosaics,
murals, ceramics and wall hangings.
Br. Terence, a native of Pittsburgh, PA,
professed his vows on May 7, 1960.
Before joining the monastery, he
graduated at North Catholic High School
in Pittsburgh and studied accounting at
Robert Morris Business School.
4
In the early 1960s, he worked in various
assignments at Saint Meinrad, including
the shoe shop, as a volunteer fireman and
as house prefect for the monastery. In
1965, he was sent to Saint Meinrad’s
mission in Peru, where he served
until 1979.
He then worked in Saint Meinrad’s
Physical Facilities Department, where he
has been a locksmith since 1984. In 1996,
he was appointed as the subprior (third in
leadership) for the monastery. The first
Saint Meinrad brother to be appointed
to the position, he served as subprior
until 2007.
Currently, he assists in the monastery
infirmary, works as a locksmith, and is
the Archabbey almoner and director of
community outreach.
Fr. Colman, a native of Evansville, IN,
professed his monastic vows on August
15, 1960. After attending Saint Meinrad
High School, College and School of
Theology, he was ordained a priest on
September 5, 1965.
He earned a licentiate in sacred theology
from Collegio di Sant’ Anselmo in 1969. He
began teaching at Saint Meinrad School of
Theology in 1967, where he was an assistant
professor in systematic theology until 1994.
Fr. Colman was for many years one of the
Archabbey’s principal organists. He also
served recently as secretary to the archabbot
and as the monastery’s house prefect.
Br. Charles dies
Abbey Press
buys magazine
Abbey Press, a printing and publishing firm
owned by the Benedictine monks of Saint
Meinrad Archabbey, will become the
publisher of Deacon Digest magazine,
beginning with the January-February issue.
Br. Charles DeSutter, OSB, 80, a monk of
Saint Meinrad Archabbey, died August
29, 2010, in the monastery infirmary.
He was a jubilarian of profession and a
participant in the Rush Religious Study
on Aging and Alzheimer’s.
Br. Charles was born in Ghent, MN, on
June 24, 1930, to Charles B. and Bertha
(Van Hee) DeSutter. He received the name
Harold Charles. After his graduation from
Minnesota Public High School, he served
in the Army for several years.
He was invested as a novice at Saint
Meinrad on February 9, 1954, and
professed his simple vows on February
10, 1955. He professed his perpetual
vows in 1959. His first assignments
included growing and preparing food for
the monastery. In 1959, he was sent to
help at the new St. Charles Priory (now
Prince of Peace Abbey), Saint Meinrad’s
daughter house in Oceanside, CA.
When he returned two years later, he
tended a vegetable garden and served as a
cook in the Guest House kitchen. He also
served as the manager of the Abbey Paint
Crew, a clerical worker at the Guest
House, an assistant in the library and
infirmary, and a sacristan.
Since 1984, Deacon Digest has been
published by Alt Publishing Company, of
DePere, WI. The magazine published by
James and Audrey Alt has been a source of
inspiration and instruction for those
involved in Catholic permanent diaconate
ministry in the United States, Canada and
several foreign countries.
With a bi-monthly circulation of over
7,000, it is the only national/ international
periodical devoted to diaconate ministry.
Currently, there are more than 17,000
Catholic permanent deacons and 2,000
permanent deacon candidates in the
United States.
“This is such a wonderful fit for us at
Abbey Press,” says publisher Linus Mundy.
“Our Saint Meinrad Seminary and School
of Theology is one of the nation’s premier
centers for diaconate formation. Abbey
Press has been the printer of Deacon
Digest for over 20 years already.
Additionally, Jim Alt has agreed to work
with us throughout our first year, at least.”
Deacon Digest authors have included such
notable writers as Green Bay Auxiliary
Bishop Robert Morneau, Deacon William
Ditewig and Deacon Greg Kandra. The
magazine offers articles on such themes as
the deacon’s spiritual life, the prophetic
witness of the deacon, and articles of interest
to the wife and family of the deacon.
SNAIL’S PACE Continued from page 16
free sign-up and online
management and marketing tools.
Snail’s Pace products will also
be available this fall at the Archabbey Gift
Shop. And, beginning in 2011, there are
plans to offer products at select retail
stores throughout the country.
With Snail’s Pace, Saint Meinrad is
renewing its roots in the printing industry,
which dates to 1867, and enhancing its
commitment to environmental stewardship
and the local economy. Products are made
from paper certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council and soy-based inks
and are produced on site or in nearby
locations, with no overseas sourcing.
“Over the past 35 years, Abbey Press has
played an important role in helping to
provide the support needed for our
ongoing operations on the Hill,” says
Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB. “In a quiet
way, often unnoticed by the public, Abbey
Press has been a major contributor to the
strong financial situation of today.”
Get Involved
with
Snail’s Pace.
Website:
http://www.snailspacepaper.com
FREE Gift Bag with your first
order—enter code S0D1SMFA in
your cart at checkout.
Fundraisers:
Recommend “All for the Church” to
your school or church
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/
snailspacepaper
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/
snailspacepaper
For 10 years, he managed The Scholar
Shop (the Seminary’s bookstore), and he
spent 15 years as gardener and caretaker
of various grounds around the monastery.
In recent years, he made religious icons.
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/
snailspaper
Blog:
http://snailspacepaper.
wordpress.com
The funeral Mass was held on September
1 in the Archabbey Church, followed by
burial in the Archabbey Cemetery.
5
Three new managers named at Saint Meinrad
Three managers were appointed this
summer at Saint Meinrad. John Wilson,
of St. Meinrad, IN, has been appointed
general manager of Abbey Press, Fr.
Adrian Burke, OSB, succeeded Wilson as
the treasurer/business manager for Saint
Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and
School of Theology, and Jennifer Keller,
of Evanston, IN, has been appointed
director of Abbey Caskets.
Evansville. He lives on a small farm in St.
Meinrad with his wife Sandy; they have
three grown children.
University of St. Thomas Aquinas in
Rome, earning a License in Sacred
Theology in 2003.
FR. ADRIAN BURKE, OSB
From 2004-2009, he served as pastor of the
above three parishes. He continues to serve
as a commuting chaplain for Monastery
Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN,
and gives retreats at the Archabbey Guest
House and Retreat Center.
JOHN WILSON
JENNIFER KELLER
As treasurer/business manager, Fr. Adrian
has general responsibility for stewardship
of the financial and business affairs of the
Archabbey, and for its human and
physical resources. He served as assistant
business manager since 2009.
For the past year, Wilson has overseen the
day-to-day operations of Abbey Press, in
addition to his duties as treasurer/business
manager of Saint Meinrad Archabbey,
which operates Abbey Press. Previous
general manager Gerald Wilhite resigned
in 2009.
Wilson has worked for Saint Meinrad for
32 years. He will manage Abbey Press,
including its newest business venture,
Snail’s Pace.
In 1978, Wilson began his career at Saint
Meinrad as assistant treasurer of the
Archabbey. He then served as treasurer
and business manager from 1989 until
2010. Wilson was instrumental in the
startup of two Saint Meinrad ventures:
Abbey Caskets and, more recently, Snail’s
Pace, a line of eco-friendly and socially
responsible paper products. Snail’s Pace
will be sold through retail and direct-toconsumer channels, as well as through a
fundraiser program for Catholic schools
and churches.
Wilson has BS degrees in accounting and
education from the University of
A monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Fr.
Adrian earned a BS degree in marketing
from Indiana University in 1986. After
graduation, he worked for Block’s
Department Stores in Indianapolis as a
management trainee. He later worked for
three years at Montgomery Ward in store
management, where he was promoted to
group-merchandising manager in the
electronics and appliances division.
He came to Saint Meinrad in 1990 as a
seminarian for the Archdiocese of
Indianapolis. He entered the monastery as
a novice in 1992 and professed his vows
as a Benedictine monk in 1993. He
professed his solemn vows in 1996.
Fr. Adrian earned a Master of Divinity
degree from Saint Meinrad School of
Theology in 1997 and was ordained to the
priesthood on June 8, 1997.
From 1997 to 2000, Fr. Adrian was
associate pastor of three rural parishes in
southern Indiana: St. Meinrad, St.
Boniface in Fulda, and St. Martin in
Siberia. He later completed graduate
studies in spirituality at the Pontifical
6
Keller was promoted to the position of
director of Abbey Caskets, succeeding
Patrick Clark of St. Croix, IN, who is
currently the director of physical facilities
for Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
Keller was hired as a marketing and sales
associate for Abbey Caskets in August
2004. Since January 2005, she has served
as the operations manager. As operations
manager, she managed inventories,
handled quality assurance, and was
responsible for payables and receivables.
For the past three years, she has directed
the development of new marketing
materials for Abbey Caskets. In addition,
she implemented a pre-need trust contract
program for those who wish to make
advance funeral arrangements.
Keller graduated in 2003 from the
University of Southern Indiana with a
bachelor’s degree in advertising.
Abbey Caskets, established in 1999,
offers handcrafted caskets and cremation
urns directly to the public.
Several ways to create a
gift of significance
“I truly want to help Saint Meinrad. I
only wish there were some way I could
make a gift that really made a
difference.” That sentiment may sum up
the feeling of many friends of Saint
Meinrad Archabbey.
The fact is, there is a way—indeed,
several ways—to make gifts of
surprising significance to our future.
Planned giving is the key to making a
gift that may seem beyond reach. Here’s
a brief explanation of some of these
special planned giving techniques.
A bequest is the most traditional way to
provide significant help for Saint
Meinrad. With a gift through your will
or living trust, you retain full use of the
gift property during your life. Some
common forms of charitable bequests
include:
• A general bequest specifies that we
will receive a designated sum (e.g.,
$10,000).
• A percentage bequest states that Saint
Meinrad will receive a certain
predetermined percentage of your estate
(e.g., a percentage bequest of 10%
assures that inflation will not reduce the
value of the bequest you intend for our
benefit).
• A residuary bequest directs that we
receive either everything remaining in
your estate or a designated percentage of
your estate after all bequests and
necessary costs are satisfied.
A special category of gifts known as
“deferred” gifts, “planned” gifts or “life
income” gifts can provide you with an
immediate income tax deduction. They
may also afford other benefits such as life
income, future continued use of the gift
property, avoidance of capital gains tax
and other advantages. An overview of
these types of gifts includes:
A charitable remainder trust is an
arrangement in which you irrevocably
place money or property with a trustee,
with instructions to pay someone
(probably yourself) income, generally
for life.
The income can be a set percentage of the
trust’s value (which may change from
year to year) or a fixed payment equal to
at least 5% of the value of the assets
initially placed in the trust. When the
income beneficiary dies, the property
remaining—the “remainder”—can pass to
Saint Meinrad. You’ll be entitled to an
income tax charitable deduction.
A charitable gift annuity allows you to
make a gift for the future benefit of
Saint Meinrad and retain fixed lifetime
annuity payments for yourself and other
beneficiaries. Your gift can be arranged
to provide you with tax-free payments
(either immediately or at a future date
you select), and capital gains taxes can
be minimized if you use appreciated
assets to fund your gift annuity.
Furthermore, you will be entitled to an
income tax charitable deduction in the
year you make the gift. (Note: Due to
varying state regulations, Saint Meinrad
cannot offer charitable gift annuities to
residents of all states.)
A life insurance policy that is no longer
needed for its original purpose can be
used for charitable purposes. You can
make Saint Meinrad the owner and
beneficiary of the policy and be entitled
to a charitable deduction.
Additional deductions are available for
any premiums you pay in future years.
The full value of the policy, with no
reduction for estate taxes, will come to
Saint Meinrad to benefit our work.
If you have questions about these or any
other planned giving opportunities,
please contact Barbara Balka, director
of planned giving, at (800) 682-0988
or [email protected] for
more information.
7
Archabbey
welcomes Norcia
director of
development
In July, Saint Meinrad’s Development
Office welcomed Bryan Gonzalez, the new
director of development for the Monastery
of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy. Gonzalez
will be interning in the Development
Office for the next 12 months.
He will be learning the basics of
development work—fund raising, alumni
relations and communications—in order
to build a development program at
Norcia.
Along with joining the development team,
Gonzalez will be working on his Norcia
development responsibilities and earning
a degree from The Fund Raising School
in Indianapolis.
The Monastery of St. Benedict is located
in Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict.
Fr. Cassian Folsom, OSB, a monk of
Saint Meinrad, is the monastery’s prior.
Gonzalez, his wife Kilty and their son
Joseph Benedict are residing in St.
Meinrad. Bryan received his master’s
degree in theology from the International
Theological Institute in Vienna. He is a
native of Fishers, IN.
Saint Meinrad appeals to fund St. Bede Hall renovation
Saint Meinrad has announced a $4
million fund-raising appeal, “For the Life
of the Church,” to renovate St. Bede Hall
for programs of the Seminary and School
of Theology.
“Renovating St. Bede Hall will provide
an opportunity for the Seminary and
School of Theology programs to expand
and flourish,” says President-Rector Fr.
Denis Robinson, OSB. “The programs are
already successful. The new space will
create a functional, comfortable learning
environment that will enable more people
to take advantage of them.”
In addition to enrollment increases in the
priesthood and lay degree programs
(reported on Page 1), the Institute for Priests
and Presbyterates as well as the Permanent
Deacon Formation and “One Bread, One
Cup” programs are also thriving.
Although these programs are central to
the School’s mission, another program—
the Office of Group Accommodations
(OGA)—has also expanded its work of
hosting outside groups who visit the
campus or hold programs and retreats
here. During the last fiscal year, the OGA
hosted 111 groups, totaling 3,683 people.
These groups provide a valuable source of
income for the School.
Not surprisingly, programs within the
Seminary and School of Theology are
now seeking to use the same rooms at the
same time. Space has become a premium,
as schedules overlap and programs vie for
a limited number of guest rooms,
classrooms and meeting places.
Renovating St. Bede Hall will make
optimal use of a building that has been
serving the School since 1952. At that time,
the building was a beehive of activity, with
classrooms for natural sciences, music, art
and theater for students in the minor
seminary and, later, Saint Meinrad College.
The building is also home to St. Bede
Theater, which today is the site of annual
plays, musical programs and graduation.
When the College closed in 1998, some
of the student housing on the upper floors
was converted for use by youth retreats
Renovations to St. Bede Hall, on right, will provide needed space for programs of the Seminary
and School of Theology.
and the “One Bread, One Cup”
conferences. However, much of the space
has been waiting for a new use.
Plans call for a new roof and energyefficient windows to be installed, along
with a new heating and air conditioning
system. A flexible floor plan will allow
the building’s 49,000+ square feet of
space to be reconfigured if future
programs move in a new direction.
NEW USE FOR OLD SPACE
On the first floor, which includes the 500seat theater, the current layout will remain
mostly unchanged. The rooms along the
corridor leading to the theater will
become offices and a reception area for
the Office of Group Accommodations.
In the theater, a platform will be added in
front of the stage for less formal
presentations. An air conditioning system
will allow the theater to be used yearround for many more school and
non-school events.
The second floor of St. Bede Hall will
house a chapel that seats 50-60 people; the
chapel will be available for use by groups
or as a practice chapel for students. Office
space for the Institute for Priests and
Presbyterates and other programs would
also be located on this floor.
The IPP Life Skills Center, a
multipurpose lounge, two conference
rooms and 15 guest rooms, with private
baths, would be located on the third floor.
The Life Skills Center and conference
8
rooms will provide needed space for IPP
programs, both current and new.
Another 22 guest rooms would be
included on the fourth floor, along with a
lounge area. The fifth floor, accessible by
elevator after the renovation, would house
a large flexible meeting room that could
be divided into two smaller rooms.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Estimates for the renovation of St. Bede
Hall call for an investment of about $5.8
million. Saint Meinrad believes that
alumni and friends will support the project
and provide at least $4 million of the total.
The remainder will be a long-term
investment of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
“We anticipate there will be broad
support for this appeal,” says Mike
Ziemianski, Saint Meinrad’s vice
president for development. “All gifts, no
matter the size, will make a difference in
our ability to continue to offer these
programs to more people.”
Fr. Denis notes, “The St. Bede Hall
renovation is a hallmark of the Seminary
and School of Theology’s vision for the
future. The Saint Meinrad campus must
continue to evolve into a vibrant,
welcoming environment with programs
that serve the people of God in parishes,
dioceses and communities.”
Construction is expected to begin by the
end of the year. For information about
making a gift or to track the building’s
progress, visit the website at
www.saintmeinrad.edu/bede
Meet
Student:
Aaron Wessman
I was able to cultivate a wonderful
relationship with Fr. Jerry that allowed
me to grow even more in my own selfunderstanding, especially in relationship
to the important questions I was asking.
My relationship with Fr. Jerry was so
significant that I started to think that
perhaps I was possibly attracted to his
lifestyle as a priest, and that maybe God
was calling me to that lifestyle.
Q. What were you doing before you
Third Year of Seminary
Glenmary Home Missioners
Hometown: Cokato, MN
came to the seminary?
Before I entered the seminary, I had just
finished up my undergraduate work in
mathematics and secondary education.
Feeling a call to ministry and not yet sure
I could fulfill that call in the priesthood, I
spent a year working as a youth minister
in my hometown. Several months into my
experience as a youth minister, I realized
that my heart had still not found its home,
so to speak, and that God was continuing
to ask me to take a deeper look at the
priesthood.
Q. Favorite saint and why?
Q. What attracted you to the priesthood?
I have always been seeking to understand
more deeply myself in relationship to
loving others and God, and being loved
by others and God. For me, I found that
the best way to fully pursue this quest,
and to get a glimpse of those things I
seek, was to become a priest.
St. Francis Xavier for his missionary zeal,
St. Paul for his ability to go to where God
was calling him without counting the
cost, St. Ignatius for his invaluable
spirituality, and St. Maximilian Kolbe for
his commitment to loving intensely even
in the midst of suffering and great
sacrifice.
for me, is about drawing closer to Christ
and to His people in love, and always
keeping my eyes set on heaven for the
day when Jesus will truly be all in all.
Q. Hobbies?
I love to read, write poetry, spend time in
nature, spend time with my friends,
travel, watch movies, be with my family,
participate in athletics, listen to and play
music, and experience different cultures,
food and people.
Q. What aspect of seminary has been the
most rewarding?
The friendships that I have made
throughout my time in the seminary have
been the most rewarding thing to me. It
has also been so rewarding to be in an
environment where people are committed
to help me grow as a human being and
deepen my relationship with Christ.
Q. What aspect of seminary life has been
the most challenging?
Finding balance amid the great tensions
of life, faith and love has been terribly
challenging. Also, learning to be peaceful
and live with the grey matter and
ambiguity of life, the complexity of faith
and of humanity, the unfathomable
mysteries of God, and both the strengths
and weaknesses that make up who I am
has been very challenging.
Q. Best advice?
I found that priesthood would provide me
with the greatest chance to deepen my
relationship with God through Christ and
allow me the opportunity to love broadly,
by loving the Body of Christ. As I have
pursued this call, I have always felt that I
was fully alive and growing toward my
fullest potential.
Q. Who influenced you to begin study for
the priesthood?
When I was studying mathematics at St.
John’s University, I cleaned the theology
department to help pay for tuition. While
doing so, I met a Glenmary priest, Fr.
Jerry Dorn, who was on sabbatical at that
time. This was a significant moment in
my faith journey: I was volunteering in
several churches, taking part in Bible
studies, and beginning to ask many
important questions about life, love, faith,
forgiveness and God.
Q. Favorite Scripture verse and why?
Two scripture verses are significant to me
right now. The first is John 10:10. Here,
Jesus is telling all people that He has
come to give life abundantly. The second
is John 6:68. Here, Peter answers Jesus’
question of whether he and the disciples
will also leave because of the difficulty of
Christ’s teaching and the faith required to
accept it. Peter mightily responds, “Lord,
to whom shall we go? You have the words
of eternal life.”
I believe deeply in my heart and have
witnessed, not only in my life but in the
lives of others, that there is a longing in
the heart of all of humanity for
completion, wholeness, love—abundant
life. For me, this abundant life—the
fullness of love—is found in Christ Jesus,
and especially in the Eucharist. Life then,
9
Always let my journey of faith be shaped
like the cross: vertically connected to God
through Jesus Christ and in the Spirit, but
also horizontally connected to humanity
through the fullness of my humanity.
Pray
for
Vocations
Alumni Reunion 2010: A Retrospective
Most Rev. Joseph Siegel (far right), auxiliary bishop of Joliet and alumnus of the College class of
1984, presided at the Reunion Mass. From left are Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB, Fr. Denis
Robinson, OSB, Fr. Gabriel Hodges, OSB, and Deacon George Stonikinis (partially hidden).
Alumni enjoy looking at photos of their
classes, which line the walls in St. Gregory
Hall.
From left, Fr. Tony Ernst joined Saint Meinrad alumni Fr. “Doc” Ackerman O’61, Fr. Jim
Blessinger O’64 and Fr. Ken Graehler O’63 in the golf scramble at Christmas Lake Golf Course.
Fr. J. Ronald Knott O’70, of the Archdiocese of
Louisville, receives the Distinguished Alumnus
Award from Saint Meinrad President-Rector
Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB.
Fr. Oby Zunmas, T’00 talks with Cathy Bannon
T’97 and Pat Sexton SS’93 before dinner.
Alumni join in the singing during the Reunion Mass. About 225 alumni and guests attended the
August 2-4 Alumni Reunion.
10
Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, gives a presentation on “Theology for the 21st Century” during the
Reunion.
A day of recollection on “Making Scripture the
Soul of Theology” was given by Saint
Meinrad’s Fr. Eugene Hensell, OSB.
Despite hot weather, alumni enjoyed touring
the grounds at Saint Meinrad.
Following the Reunion Mass, alumni gather on the Archabbey Church steps for a photo.
Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, welcomes alumni to the Hill during the anniversary class banquet. At
left is master of ceremonies Deacon Steve Durkee O’75.
11
Fred Chandler O’72, of Indianapolis, IN,
offers remarks after being named one of two
recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus
Award.
Alumni
Eternal
Mr. Phillip J. Adams, O’63 (’51-57), died
June 5 in Euclid, OH.
Mr. Fred L. “Fritz” Kuhn O’55 (’51-53), of
Sr. Angela Wethington, SCN, SS’82 (’79-82)
Louisville, KY, died April 30.
died August 11 in Nazareth, KY.
Fr. John B. Lenahan O’49 (’45-49), a
retired priest of the Archdiocese of
Louisville, KY, died June 23.
Sr. Jean Wolf, OSF, SS (’81), of the Sisters
of St. Francis in Oldenburg, IN, died
April 30.
Fr. John Lefler O’57 (’45-53), a retired
priest of the Diocese of Evansville, IN,
died July 17.
Mr. Carl “Jerry” Andres O’68 (’56-57), of
Indianapolis, IN, died June 16.
Fr. Earl Loeffler O’51 (44-47), a retired
Br. Borgia Brigandi, CFX, SS’79 (’76-79),
priest of the Diocese of Toledo, OH, died
August 9.
died December 10, 2005, in Beverly, MA.
Mr. Herman G. Loner SPH (’34-36), of
Mr. John R. Broomall O’58 (’48-50), of
Logansport, IN, died May 31.
Cincinnati, OH, died June 7.
Mr. Joseph Love O’38 (’27-32), of Rio
Mr. Robert A. Burggrabe O’72 (’60), of
Arriba, NM, died August 10, 1999.
Evansville, IN, died January 6, 2009.
New book for
priests offered
Abbey Press has published Sacerdos in
Aeternum, a book of prayers and
blessings for priests, which was edited by
Saint Meinrad’s Rev. Denis Robinson,
OSB, president-rector of the Seminary and
School of Theology.
Fr. Richard J. Mueller O’44 (’32-40), a
Msgr. Clifton Corcoran O’54 (’47-54) died
July 14. At 93, he was the oldest priest in
the Diocese of Amarillo, TX.
Mr. Grant Dale Critney SPH (’41-43) died
retired priest of the Archdiocese of
Indianapolis, IN, died May 1.
Fr. Jeffrey Nordhaus, O’72 (’64-72), of the
Diocese of Toledo, OH, died August 8.
July 23 in Auburn, IN.
Mr. Bart O’Connor O’61 (’49-57), of
Fr. Charles A. DeNardi O’36 (’26-36), a
Evansville, IN, died August 13.
retired priest of the Diocese of
Owensboro, KY, died May 25.
Fr. David Palmatier, OSB, O’59 (’47-53)
Fr. Basil Dilger, OSB, O’61 (’49-55), a
monk of Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, SD,
died August 7 in Guatemala.
died August 13 at Marmion Abbey,
Aurora, IL.
Fr. Ralph J. Reichert O’49 (’42-45), a priest
of the Diocese of Toledo, died July 12.
Mr. Paul A. Dooley O Aug. ’45 (’34-42), of
Plainfield, IN, died June 4.
Mr. Phil K. Ryors O’58 (’46-47), of
Bloomington, IN, died October 10, 2008.
Mr. John J. Galvin O’39 (’28-33), of San
Francisco, CA, died on April 16.
A collection of 450 prayers, the book
includes a variety of prayers and blessings
for every occasion in a priest’s life. Many
of the prayers are new, while some are
drawn from the Catholic tradition.
Sacerdos in Aeternum is an elegant gift
book that can help bring order to the daily
life of a priest by giving him the
opportunity to deepen his life through
prayer and the glorification of God. The
Latin title is from Psalm 110, “You are a
priest forever….”
Sacerdos in Aeternum sells for $29.95. To
order the book, contact Abbey Press
Publications, 1 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN
47577, (800) 325-2511. Or order online:
www.priestbooks.com.
Mr. Phillip “Larry” Smith, O’64 (’58-64),
died July 19 at Broomfield, CO.
Mr. Charles “Chuck” Gedert O’60 (’48-54),
of Tarpon Springs, FL, died July 22,
2009.
Mr. Paul Soergel O’51 (’40-52), of
Msgr. Don Grass O’62 (’56-58), a retired
Fr. Bede Stocker, OSB O’42 (’30-43), a
priest of the Diocese of Gary, IN, died
July 2.
monk of Marmion Abbey, Aurora, IL,
died July 13.
Louisville, KY, died May 27.
Fr. William C. Hartlage O’41 (’35-41), a
Fr. Henry C. Stuecker O’38 (’27-38, ’73), a
retired priest of the Archdiocese of
Louisville, KY, died May 12.
retired priest of the Archdiocese of
Louisville, KY, died April 29.
Mr. Emil L. Hopf O’65 (’53-56), of Dubois,
Fr. Lawrence Voelker O’66 (’54-62), a
IN, died June 24.
priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,
IN, died June 13.
Mr. Larry Hurt O’82 (’78-79), of
Indianapolis, IN, died July 1.
12
Sign up for the
e-newsletter
If you’d like to receive brief updates on
what’s happening at Saint Meinrad, you
can sign up for a free e-newsletter. Every
few weeks, you will receive a newsletter
in your e-mail’s inbox.
To sign up, go to the link on the front
page of the website:
www.saintmeinrad.edu. Or, send an email to [email protected]
Alumni survey indicates most
evaluate school programs highly
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series
about the results of the November 2009
survey of Saint Meinrad alumni.
For the first time in about 10 years, Saint
Meinrad alumni were asked for opinions
about their Saint Meinrad experience and
the programs offered by the Saint
Meinrad Alumni Association.
“The Alumni Board was very pleased
with the survey’s response,” says Alumni
Director Joe Cook, T’94. More than 1,100
alumni completed the online survey,
about a 20% return rate.
“As we look at survey responses across a
number of categories—demographic,
geographic and generational—we see that
the percentages of survey respondents
match pretty closely to the percentages of
our alumni association,” says Cook. “We
feel very good that the responses received
represent, with a high degree of accuracy,
our alumni constituency as a whole.”
SAINT MEINRAD EXPERIENCE
In general, those surveyed reported a
strongly positive assessment of Saint
Meinrad, both when they were students
and now. Overall, the response was 4.4+
on a five-point scale (5 = very positive).
Of those who live in states closer to Saint
Meinrad, a larger percentage (25.5%) had
experienced multiple programs at the
institution, in comparison to those most
distant (18.0%).
The Saint Meinrad experience varies
according to what decades alumni
attended, as programs have ended and
new ones have begun in the intervening
years. For example, substantial segments
of those born between 1920 and 1950
attended high school on the Hill, but none
have done so in the past 42 years.
As a further example, while 5 out of 10
alumni born in the 1970s reported having
attended Saint Meinrad College, none have
done so among those born since 1980.
Among current alumni, born since 1970,
attendance in the School of Theology or
lay degree program constitutes the
experience of almost 6 out of 10.
The effect of decade attended is also
apparent in the number of programs
experienced. Since 1920, the proportion
of alumni who experienced only one
educational program at Saint Meinrad has
increased from 47.1% to 100% in the
most recent decade. While it was
common in earlier decades to attend two
or more programs, that experience is rare
among those born since 1960.
The effect has been to compress the
amount of time alumni have spent on the
Hill. Alumni evaluation of their
experience, their degree of identification
with it, willingness to encourage
vocations, and their degree of hope for the
future of the Church have remained
relatively consistent across the decades
and, if anything, have exhibited modest
gains among those born since 1970.
EVALUATION OF PROGRAMS
When responses are broken down by
alumni status, among those with an
opinion, the majority was quite positive in
its assessment of each of the programs,
with nearly 6 out of 10 indicating they
would recommend them highly.
The strongest assessments were associated
with the program of priestly formation.
The strength of their evaluation was
attributed most to teachers they
encountered, their memories and the sense
of place engendered by their experience.
When the alumni responses are broken
down by geographic region, region does
not appear to affect the average ratings of
most of these programs. The proportion
of alumni who would recommend them
“highly” favors those who live closer to
the institution.
Regardless of birth decade, alumni appear
to be quite positive in their
recommendations of its programs. Only
small fluctuations are noticeable among
those born in the 1960s, who, although
positive in their assessments, are less so
than alumni from other decade groups.
As to factors influencing their evaluations,
the “sense of place,” “memories,” and
“teachers” have consistently characterized
those deemed most important by alumni
across the decades.
Occupat ions of Saint M einrad Alu m n i
Larger percentages of the “locals”
(Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio,
Michigan) also indicated first attending
Saint Meinrad in decades earlier than
more distant alumni, with nearly twothirds (60.3%) having done so between
1950 and 1979.
The assessment of programs attended is
quite positive; however, those who live
nearer to the institution generally identify
more strongly as alumni, encourage
vocations, and express greater hope for
the future of the Church.
13
Alumni
News
Fr. John Appiah C’94 (’90-94), of the
Diocese of Knoxville, TN, is serving as
associate pastor of St. John Neumann
Church in Farragut, TN, and as chaplain
of Knoxville Catholic High School.
Fr. Nickolas Becker, OSB, T’02 (’98-02)
made his solemn vows as a Benedictine
monk at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville,
MN, on July 11.
Very Rev. David Boettner C’90 (’87-90) has
been named a vicar general for the
Diocese of Knoxville, TN.
Fr. Ben Brown O’73 (’67-74), of the
Archdiocese of Louisville, KY, retired
from the U.S. Navy in November 2009
after nearly 20 years of service. He is now
a chaplain and professor at St. Catharine
College near Springfield, KY, and the
sacramental moderator of nearby Holy
Rosary Parish.
Fr. Arthur Carrillo, CP, O’70 (’66-68), of
Chicago, is director of the Office of
Mission Effectiveness and director of the
Passionist Missions of Holy Cross
Province.
Joe Chrisman T’09 (’05-08) and his wife
Katie T’07 (’04-07) are employed by the
Diocese of Pueblo, CO. He is the director
of worship and she is the director of
communications.
Rudolph Cleare O’83 (’78-83), of Orlando,
FL, was interviewed for a story in The
Epoch Times about the Negro Spiritual
Scholarship Foundation, which he
founded in 1997 to help preserve Negro
spirituals as part of American classical
music and provide tuition assistance for
talented young people.
Professor Jon Dilts O’71 (’63-67), of
Bloomington, IN, retired in May from the
Indiana University School of Journalism,
where he served as an administrator and
professor for 28 years.
Sr. Ruth Ellen Doane, SP, T’95 (’91-95), of
Indianapolis, IN, is featured in Dan
Ebener’s Servant Models of Leadership
for Your Parish, for her work in
Bloomfield, IA.
“Serving the Flock,” that appears in the
2010 edition of The Official Catholic
Directory.
Maggie Geene T’08 (’04-07), of
Bloomington, IN, and Kim Huffman T’03
Mr. Gary Marvin O’70 (’58-70), of
Louisville, KY, was honored for five years
of volunteer service with Catholic
Charities’ Migration and Refugee
Services, at an appreciation dinner in
April.
(’97-02), of Indianapolis, IN, completed a
spiritual direction internship at Beech
Grove, IN, in April.
Fr. Jeffrey Godecker O’69 (’57-69) and Fr.
Rick Nagel T’07 (’02-07), priests of the
Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, led
separate groups of young adults on
mission trips to Honduras and Haiti
in May.
Br. Zygmunt Mazanowski, TOR, T’04 (’0203) professed his solemn vows with the
Franciscan Friars in Loretto, PA, on July
16. He was ordained to the diaconate on
September 25.
Wally Glover T’06 (’00-05), of Columbus,
IN, reached the summit of Mount Elbrus
in Russia on June 25, in an effort to
increase awareness of childhood obesity
treatment and prevention programs at
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at
St. Vincent and St. Vincent Jennings in
North Vernon, IN.
Dr. Bernard Haisch O’75 (’67-68), of
Redwood Shores, CA, an astrophysicist,
has published a second book on science
and spirituality, The Purpose-Guided
Universe: Believing in Einstein, Darwin
and God.
Fr. Lewis Hejna O’81 (’78-81) directed the
annual fall musical for his parish in
Springfield, MO: “Robin Hood: The
Courtship of Allan A’Dale.”
Fr. Clemens Hut O’36 (’25-36), a retired
priest of the Diocese of Evansville, IN,
who also served many years in Arizona,
has been honored as the Aging Services
of Arizona 2010 Volunteer of the Year.
The 99-year-old priest volunteers at
Friendship Village in Tempe, AZ, where
he lives.
Mr. Bradden Kluesner C’01 (’97-98) has
been appointed to the newly created
headmaster position at Lumen Christi
Catholic School in Indianapolis, IN.
Fr. John Lankeit T’06 (’01-06) has been
appointed the rector of Ss. Simon and
Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ.
Fr. Aidan Logan, OCSO, C’81 (’79-80), of
Camp LeJeune, NC, who has served
nearly 20 years in the U.S. Naval
Chaplain Corps, was featured in a story,
14
Fr. John Brahill, OSB, O’81 (’76-81) was
elected the fifth abbot of Marmion
Abbey in Aurora, IL, by his fellow
monks on June 25. He will also serve
as president of Marmion Academy.
He had served as prior of the abbey’s
mission Priory of San Jose in
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, for 17
years. Since his return to the monastery
in 2009, he had been the novice and
junior master and the associate director
of development.
Before his work in Guatemala, he was
the academic dean and an instructor in
theology at Marmion Academy.
Abbot John professed his vows as a
Benedictine monk in 1978 and was
ordained to the priesthood in 1982,
following his theological studies at
Saint Meinrad School of Theology and
Sant’ Anselmo University in Rome. He
also has a master’s degree in
educational administration from DePaul
University.
Deacon John McMullen T’91 (’85-90, ’0509) and his wife Mary Grace of
Evansville, IN, held book signings in
August at local bookstores. Both have
published novels.
Fr. Michael L. Papesh O’76 (’70-72, ’75)
has been appointed vicar for
administration for the Diocese of
Pueblo, CO.
Dr. Steve Pendziszewski O’78 (’74-78), of
Augusta, MI, is a member of the graduate
faculty at Spring Arbor University,
Jackson, MI, while continuing his work
as clinical psychologist at the VA
Medical Center in Battle Creek. He
teaches in the Counseling and Family
Studies programs.
Fr. Alan Phillip, CP, O’67 (’65-67), of the
Passionist community in Sierra Madre,
CA, has recently published a book, Our
Hearts at Sunday Mass, 10 Steps to a
Joyful Life. Information is available at
www.alanphillipcp.com.
Mrs. Lucille Pierpont T’98 (’94-98) retired
in May as director of religious education
from Sacred Heart Church in Vincennes,
IN, where she had held the position since
1999.
Fr. Paul Richart O’61 (’49-61), a priest of
the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, was
featured in the archdiocesan newspaper,
The Criterion. He served as a military
chaplain in the Air Force for 29 years. He
currently is pastor of St. Paul Parish in
Sellersburg.
Mr. Steven Shoulta T’07 (’03-07), of
Paducah, KY, completed a Master of
Science degree in organizational
communication from Murray State
University in May. He is a business and
compliance analyst for Computer
Services Inc. in Paducah.
Mr. Gayle Uebelhor O’65 (’53-61), of
Evansville, IN, is serving as interim
director of Catholic Charities for the
Diocese of Evansville.
Mr. Joe Whitehead T’84 (’77-84), of
Naples, FL, is running for a seat on the
Collier School Board. He recently retired
as police detective from the Naples
Police Department.
Fr. James Wilmoth O’65 (’61-65), of the
Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, was
honored in April with the Distinguished
Pastor Award from the National Catholic
Educational Association. The pastor of St.
Roch Parish in Indianapolis, he is one of
10 priests in the United States to receive
the award.
Mr. Stan Zerkowski, SFO, C’84 (’82-83), of
Ormond Beach, FL, graduated in May
from the Villanova University School of
Business’s Center for the Study of
Church Management with a master’s
degree in church management. In
recognition of outstanding achievement,
he was awarded the Bartley Medallion by
the faculty of the School of Business.
Mr. Rex Rund C’83 (’79-81), music
minister at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Parish in Carmel, IN, taught a class in
Haitian Creole at his parish earlier this
year. Twice yearly, a group of
parishioners go on a mission trip to assist
the parish’s “twin parish” in Haiti.
the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend,
IN, was in charge of all liturgical
elements of the National Conference on
Medjugorje, held at the University of
Notre Dame this past May.
pastoral associate and director of religious
education at St. Anthony and Holy Trinity
parishes in Indianapolis, IN.
The final calculations have been tabulated
for the 2009-10 Alumni Annual Giving
Program. “It is very encouraging that
alumni giving is up from last year by both
dollar and participation rate,” says Duane
Schaefer, director of development.
Gifts from Saint Meinrad alumni for the
program year amounted to $514,518. The
top five classes by participation rate were:
O’60
60.00%
O’49
57.14%
O’52
51.28%
O’46
50.00%
O’54
46.15%
Gifts to the Alumni Annual Giving
Program enable Saint Meinrad to keep its
tuition competitive with other seminaries.
Last year, student tuition, room and board
covered approximately 50 percent of the
operational budget for the Seminary.
Schaefer says that annual gifts from
generous alumni and friends help make
up the difference.
“Every gift, no matter the amount, is
important and helps Saint Meinrad
continue its work for the Church,”
comments Schaefer.
This year’s premium is a narrative DVD
on the artwork of the Archabbey Chapter
Room walls, ceiling and windows.
Alumni can qualify for the DVD by
making a gift of $200 or more or by
making a first-time gift of $100 or more.
Please consider a gift to your alma mater—a
sign of your commitment to the institution—
and pray for its continued success.
Fr. Daryl Rybicki O’79 (’75-79), a priest of
Mrs. Mary Schaffner T’10 (’06-09) is the
Alumni giving
increases
Edwin and Martin Rambusch, executives with
Rambusch Decorating Co., Jersey City, NJ,
gave the annual Dolle Lecture on Church Art
and Architecture on September 21.
15
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Snail’s Pace products now available on new website
After a year of planning and preparation,
Abbey Press has launched Snail’s Pace™,
its newest business venture. The new
environmentally friendly paper product
line is now available at
www.snailspacepaper.com.
The Snail’s Pace website offers greeting
and note cards, recipe cards, journals, gift
wrap and gift bags along with many other
stationery items. Included among the
designs are re-creations of flowers from
Switzerland’s Alpine region, inspired by
imagery found in the Archabbey
Library’s Rare Book Room, as well as
illustrations and nature photography.
Enclosed in this issue of On the Hill is a
free sample card, offering a firsthand
look at the beauty and quality of Snail’s
Pace products.
With the launch of the new website,
products are available for direct purchase.
Additionally, products are sold online
through the venture’s fundraising
program, “All for the Church™,” which is
Above is a photo of the front page of the new Snail’s Pace website.
aimed primarily at Catholic groups, but
provides other organizations a profitable
fundraising opportunity.
“All for the Church” is unique in offering
Catholic schools, parishes and other
institutions the chance to sell
environmentally and socially responsible,
U.S.-made products, with 100 percent of
the proceeds supporting the Catholic
Church. Benefits include online ordering
and direct-to-home delivery, along with
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