Spring 2024 Athenaeum Magazine

ATHENAEUM

The Magazine of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology

Spring 2024

Publisher | The Very Rev. Anthony R. Brausch, Ph.D., President and Rector

Editor | Patrick Tarbox Marketing and Communications

Graphic Designer | Stephen Sullivan www.stevecointernational.com

Production | Arnold Printing

ATHENAEUM is published twice a year for alumni, patrons and friends of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Heidi Walsh at 513-233-6159 or hwalsh@ athenaeum.edu.

Photo credits: Miguel Patag, Jason Ritter, Danny Schneible, Nick Staresinic, Margaret Swensen, Patrick Tarbox, Diocese of Charlotte, Diocese of Columbus, Diocese of Toledo

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Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology, the center for ecclesial formation sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, forms men and women to faithfully follow Christ and serve His mission by fulfilling their vocations in the Church.

Letter from t he Rector

The focus for this edition of the Athenaeum Magazine, digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), came about from a series of discussions, institutional experiences and the conversation taking place across society as to what these technologies might deliver in terms of benefits and challenges.

In these past months we’ve had some first-hand experiences in the area of technology. We’ve had to deal with challenges to our network, phishing scams, denial of service attacks and other things. We designed and implemented a new program of formation, the Propaedeutic Stage, a key component of which is to de-couple a newly arrived seminarian from addictive technology. And, academically, we see the possibility of AI being used within the classroom. But, while AI is already proving to be an asset in generating draft texts and all kinds of documents, there is the ever-growing realization that human intelligence, emotional equilibrium and overall creativity might pay a high price for letting machines do our thinking for us or to being continually wired to them.

Research is being done, and the results are beginning to show, that outsourcing a child’s growing sense of self as well as their developmental interactional structures through a smart phone may not be all that good for them. Social psychologists are already pointing to the widespread availability of smartphones, beginning somewhere around 2013, as having real and serious consequences for the those who are just now becoming young adults.

For us, AI will present its own specific challenges to an institution such as ours; certainly academically but more importantly, formationally. But it may not be as transformative for us as it will be for other academic institutions and certainly industries. For it does not seem that AI will be answering anytime soon the deep questions of the human heart, or its desire for meaning and truth. These questions can only be answered in faith and in an encounter with the one who is both the source of our being and our life.

So, while the content of these articles reflect on AI and technology, the cover of this edition presents the image from the Book of Revelation of the Lamb triumphant standing on the book with the seven seals, which only the Lamb can open. The image reminds us that whatever benefits and capabilities technology might deliver, there is only one who delivers us from this world and shapes our vision of who we are and where our true “progress” leads.

In Christ,

Rev. Anthony R. Brausch Ph.D.

Navigating the Digital Frontier

Embracing the Risks and Advantages of a Digital Campus in Theological Formation

IN OUR EVER-EVOLVING WORLD, the integration of d igital technologies has become u navoidable, presenting both r isks a nd advantages to t heological institutions striving to form individuals for faith in a d igital age. As we embark on this journey, it is imperative to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that a digital campus entails, particularly in the context of a rtificial intelligence (AI).

One of t he foremost advantages of a d igital campus is its capacity to transcend geographical limitations, a llowing for broader access to t heological education. T hrough online platforms a nd v irtual classrooms, students can engage in coursework a nd spiritual formation from a nywhere in t he world. T his accessibility fosters a d iverse community of learners, enriching t heological d iscourse w ith varied perspectives a nd experiences. Moreover, d igital tools offer innovative methods for t heological exploration, such a s immersive v irtual reality experiences t hat bring biblical narratives to life a nd A I-driven chatbots t hat provide personalized guidance for a wide range of topics.

Alongside t hese advantages come inherent r isks t hat demand careful consideration. T he d igitization of t heological education may inadvertently pr ioritize convenience over authentic human connection, leading to a sense of detachment and isolation among students a nd faculty. Furthermore, t he reliance on d igital platforms raises concerns about d ata privacy a nd cybersecurity, particularly when sensitive t heological d iscussions a re involved. A s custodians of sacred k nowledge, t heological institutions bear a profound responsibility to safeguard t he integrity a nd confidentiality of their digital infrastructure.

The i ntegration of A I i ntroduces u nique challenges a nd opportunities to t heological formation. W hile A I-driven a nalytics can enhance pedagogical strategies by identifying i ndividual learning needs a nd t racking student progress, t here is a r isk of re-

ducing t heological education to mere d ata points, neglecting t he t ransformative power of spiritual d iscernment a nd communal d ialogue. Additionally, t he et hical i mplications of A I i n t heological d iscourse must be carefully navigated, ensuring t hat human d ignity a nd moral a gency a re upheld i n t he face of technological advancement.

Amidst t hese challenges l ie opportunities for t heological institutions to reaffirm their commitment to forming i ndividuals for faith i n a d igital world. By cultivating a holistic approach to d igital campus management t hat pr ioritizes both technological i nnovation a nd human flourishing, i nstitutions can foster a v ibrant community of faith t hat t ranscends t he v irtual realm. T hrough i ntentional i ntegration of A I technologies, t heological education can be enriched w ith new i nsights a nd perspectives, i nviting students to g rapple w ith a ge-old questions i n l ight of contemporary challenges.

The journey towards a d igital campus in t heological formation is fraught with risks and rewards, but it is a journey that we must undertake with courage and d iscernment. By embracing t he advantages of d igital technologies while remaining v igilant to t heir pitfalls, we can forge a path forward t hat honors t he sacred mission of t heological education in a n ever-changing world. A s stewards of faith, let us tread t his path w ith humility and grace, guided by the timeless wisdom of d ivine truth.

Tom Kennedy is Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chris Schulkens is Director of Technology at MTSM.

Author’s Note: This article was written in its entirety using AI. The details provided to generate this article were a theme, a target audience, a suggested length, and a few key words.

Avoiding Negative Influences in the Digital Age

IN JESUS’ HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER, He prays to the Father concerning his d isciples, saying, “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one” ( Jn 17:14). A s Christians, we are called not to be of the world, but we are certainly sent into the world.

Occasionally, it seems that some believe priests and seminarians somehow fall from heaven and are free from the struggles that plague “ everyone else.” The reality is that every priest and seminarian emerges from the same cultural milieu that we all inhabit with its blessings and benefits but also with the same struggles and obstacles to overcome. We live in a world saturated by technology, and today’s seminarians, mostly born in proximity to the year 2000, have lived their entire lives with readily accessible internet, cell phones, video games, and social media. This easy access to technology provides many benefits. In his message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis affirmed that technology can be used to “cooperate with [God’s] will to perfect creation and bring about peace among peoples.” Many of us can recall podcasts or YouTube videos that have helped bring about conversions or have spurred us to grow in our faith and understanding. However, Pope Francis also cautioned that positive outcomes “will only be achieved if we show ourselves capable of acting responsibly” when using technology.

There is an ever-mounting body of evidence revealing that the misuse of technology negatively impacts our ability to flourish as human beings; men who are pursuing a call to the priesthood are not immune to these negative consequences. Studies show that the misuse of technology has led to reductions in sleep quality and quantity; decreased attention spans and ability to focus; an inability to maintain eye contact and anxiety when having face-to-face conversations; increased depression, loneliness, and anxiety; and increased emotional dysregulation while lacking the inability to self-regulate. These negative effects are daunting. However, there is cause for great hope. The men at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary have shown themselves to be resilient, adapt-

able, and eager to be formed into men who are fully human and ready to lead others to Christ who “ fully reveals man to himself and makes his supreme calling clear” (GS 22).

At every stage of formation, there are many opportunities for seminarians to grow as fully human men free from the potentially negative effects of technology. The seminarians have more than two hours daily in prayer; three daily communal meals; weekly “community nights” when everyone is together for fraternal activities (trivia nights, athletics, lectures, etc.); monthly “work hours” when the men physically work on the grounds (maintaining walking trails, removing honeysuckle, etc.); monthly one-on-one face-to-face meetings with both spiritual directors and formation advisors; frequent spiritual and formation conferences; weekly apostolic works (assisting at soup kitchens, pregnancy centers, grade schools, etc.); and this doesn’t even account for all of the additional services that the seminarians provide in their “ free-time” (assisting with local youth groups, giving talks at parish functions, playing basketball games at grade schools to promote vocations, and much more). A ll of this is done in the absence of technology. Today’s seminarians already know how to use technology, but the formation program at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary gives them the opportunity to flourish, free from the negative effects of technology.

Those who work in seminary formation are privileged to witness the transformative journey of these men as they dedicate themselves to the Lord’s service. T he formation program equips them to navigate the d igital world, understanding its benefits while remaining detached from its negative influences. T his preparation instills in them a deep sense of purpose a nd eagerness to lead others to Christ, the source of our freedom, joy, and peace.

Rev. Christopher Geiger, J.C.L., is Vice Rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and Director of Formation, Rev. Daniel K. Hess, S.T.L., J.D., is Director of the Propaedeutic Stage and a member of the Formation Team.

Inside the Propaedeutic Stage Technology Fast

FOR SOME SEMINARIANS, the call to serve Christ and the Church arose within the din of a buzz of connected voices. The inspiring figures who feature at a SEEK conference may, for example, also be prominent on a social media feed, and the online Catholic community can be a spiritual support. However, the negative effects of omnipresent technology are well-documented. The struggles of online “connection” leading people to experience a sense of disconnect from real relationships and community, as well as the challenge of hearing God’s voice through the noise of the world, are familiar to the men seeking to respond to the initial call to live with greater purpose and self-offering.

In designing Mount St. Mary’s Seminary’s new propaedeutic stage formation program, which is described by the Program for Priestly Formation (6th Edition) and yet requires a great deal of practical development, the seminary saw an opportunity to help new seminarians experience the gift of time and space away from the cacophony of our noisy culture. The propaedeutic stage is an initial one-year program of human and spiritual formation where new seminarians are guided in the development of new habits of personal prayer, reading Scripture and spiritual classics, continuing their discernment towards the priesthood—all happening prior to the intensive study of philosophy. A “technology fast” is suggested in the PPF, yet the parameters of the limits on technology are open-ended.

At MTSM, the propaedeutic men do not have any screens or connected devices in their rooms. They gave up their cell phones in August and received them back for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. For the entire year, the men forego social media and commit to fostering communication with family and friends by other means. Formation conferences focus on exercising personal mas-

tery over technology, which fits into an overall approach of human formation where each man reflects upon the good possibilities at hand and how a particular course may foster or detract from the attainment of that good.

The eighteen men in the program have fostered a close fraternity dedicated to growing in the spiritual life and helping one another to follow the Lord’s will in their lives. They share in the common experience of leaving behind their former lives in order to experience a challenging new undertaking. Without constant technology to compete for their attention, they have shared in a rich experience of Christian brotherhood.

Having experienced months of a technology fast deep into the spring semester, the propaedeutic men

created a “personal use of technology plan” in collaboration with priest-formators. Able to use their phones and certain technologies again, they have done so with a new appreciation for how they will exercise mastery over their devices, lest the inverse be a danger!

Rev. Daniel K. Hess is Director of the Propaedeutic Stage and a member of the Formation Team at MTSM.

REFLECTIONS from propaedeutic seminarians on the benefits of the technology fast: 1) My productivity has increased; I’ve learned to be more social and engage in conversation; the quality and quantity of my sleep has increased. 2) I have enjoyed increased detachment, surrender, peace, quiet; I think I can go deeper into prayer with the Lord. Boundaries have been set and I can hear the Lord in prayer more clearly 3) I initially found it irritating not to be able to simply check my emails and notifications. I got to the point where I enjoyed not having a device in my room. I noticed that I had a clear mind; reading also became easier when I could only fill my time with writing letters, exercising, and prayer.

This room, accessible through the Refectory at MTSM, is where men in the Propaedeutic Stage are allowed to use laptops and computers on campus.

Technological Innovation and Mission-Centered Education

IN 2005, POPE JOHN PAUL II issued a reflection on the Church’s response to the rapid advance of technology. As the internet surged in its functionality and availability, it became clear that technology had acquired an ever-accelerating momentum, ushering in an age that demanded a responsive and prudent understanding of constantly evolving technological resources.

Twenty years later, we still find ourselves adjusting to the d igital age. A s new advancements are made with increasing rapidity, “agile” individuals a nd organizations are esteemed for their adept responsiveness to changing information, resources a nd situations. A gility has become a n industry buzzword a nd a necessary skill in everyday life. In a n age of seemingly constant change, a fruitful response to change can be found through an agile approach.

Far from being a fluid inconsistency that adapts easily to the next new thing, agility has a backbone. It is not simply the ability to incorporate change but the ability to utilize potential new pathways toward an established goal. A gility enables the productive pursuit of a consistent mission even amid apparent upheaval.

The advent of generative AI is challenging the agility of educational institutions. Students now have access to resources that can produce work for them. Papers can be written with a single prompt; art can be generated with a few keystrokes; presentations can be created with the click of a button. Meanwhile, educators are wrestling with the implications of these new tools on student learning.

At MTSM, we remember that an effective, agile response to these new tools must rest firmly on our mission — to form men and women to faithfully follow Christ and serve His mission by fulfilling their vocations in the Church. The resources at our disposal may change; the pathway to our goal may take a new route, but our mission continues. A s John Paul I I notes, “It was for God’s faithful people to make creative use of the new d iscoveries a nd technologies for the benefit of humanity and the fulfillment of God’s plan for the world.”

To this end, we consider how the tasks supported by A I can enhance our engagement with students and

prepare them for their vocation of bringing Christ to others. A I can facilitate instructors’ monitoring of student progress. Assignment content and grading rubrics can be generated. Research and scholarship can be aided through translation tools, fact-checking and writing assistance. Administrative tasks can be streamlined, leaving more time for interactions with students. The list goes on. Through A I tools, we can better form students in their vocations and be of service to the Church. Students, of course, will easily find uses for generative AI tools, leading to concerns in the education community regarding student learning and academic integrity. Certainly, new measures will ensure students are equipped with fundamental skills to discern the uses of this new technology and will assist them in avoiding shortcuts provided through AI. Nevertheless, we still find in these tools an opportunity to truly support student learning in unique and meaningful ways. Through an intentional use of AI tools to help with research, brainstorming, and editing, the instructor can take the time to focus on a process-oriented approach a shift away from just collecting a polished final product toward collaborating with students in their inquiry and product creation. Additionally, this can create more time to build in soft skills a nd executive reasoning into student assignments, such as leadership, teamwork a nd problem-solving. Such skills are not easily replicated through A I a nd may become the new norm of student assessments. Thus, while navigating instruction in a n age of A I, we can find ourselves reinforcing critical pastoral and analytical skills. Through a proactive, responsive approach to AI integration, we see a new opportunity to continue the work of forming the faithful in their vocations. Our tools may change; our mission has not. We are committed to implementing these technologies for the benefit of our students and the “fulfillment of God’s plan for the world.”

Rev. David J. Endres, Ph.D., is Dean of The Athenaeum of Ohio and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and a member of the Formation Team. Jeffery S. Royer, M.Ed., is the Registrar and Director of Assessment at MTSM.

The Future of the Small Theological Library

LIBRARIANS EMBRACE technological tools that improve access to library materials, simplify management of the collection, a nd enhance patron service. Ma ly Library first automated over 25 years ago. Its card catalog drawers were replaced with a n online catalog; book cards were never used again to track checkouts.

Borrowing a nd lending a mong academic libraries in Ohio became logistically streamlined. It was a significant change made possible by automation software.

We are on the cusp of a nother major development. In 2025, Ma ly Library a nd other OhioLINK members will begin using a next generation library system: Ex Libris A lma, a cloud-based platform that uses A I a nd Linked Data solutions to “enhance library user experiences a nd services, improve efficiencies for day-to-day

that reflect local interests a nd needs. E-resources will play their part by offering a breadth of information at low cost while occupying no shelf space.

We will continue to see libraries share resources through interlibrary loan or via digitization projects in order to make their respective specialized collections accessible to others.

Even with the proliferation of e-resources, print will still be essential for residential seminary libraries. Unlike many academic libraries that have spent more a nd more of their acquisitions budget on electronic instead of print resources, we continue to acquire print books a nd journals for our collection, especially since many Catholic publishers do not have online versions of nor platforms for their publications. A lso, as a nyone

operations, a nd streamline collaboration a nd consortial functionality.” T he variety a nd number of tech tools in our d igital world is overwhelming, a nd the librarian at a small theology library cannot possibly keep up without collaborating with colleagues. Ma ly Library’s membership in the OPAL a nd OhioLINK consortia has been a nd will continue to be essential, especially when engaging new tech like Alma.

Consortial purchasing power has helped Ma ly Library a ffordably subscribe to over 4 00,000 e-books a nd over 4 4,000 e-journals, a ll d iscoverable through our online catalog and database platforms. These numbers have been on the rise year a fter year. Our students use a small portion of such large collections since they hold titles across many subject areas. A s time marches on, library space constraints are felt, and books on peripheral topics are weeded, the print collection of small theological libraries like ours deepen in subject areas

whose computer has crashed k nows, d igital objects can be lost in an instant.

Recently, t he Ma ly L ibrary engaged a local conservator to repair our oldest book, Peter L ombard’s Book of Sentences, a manuscript on vellum from 1250, so t hat it may survive several more centuries for f uture scholars. T he same can’t be said of our cassettes a nd VHS tapes, tech formats that became obsolete in decades, nor 20th century paperbacks bound w ith cheap glue.

So, while the small theological library is ready to use new digital tools, it will not be at the expense of our print depository of k nowledge, which has been preserved and cultivated over generations for generations.

Connie Song, M.S.L.S., is Director of the Eugene H. Maly Library at MTSM.

TE DEUM

Join our celebration for the Class of 2024

Rev. Mr. Brice Berger

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

St. Nicholas Osgood, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

Rev. Mr. John Grusenmeyer

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Sacred Heart

New Carlisle, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

Rev. Mr. Adam Berning

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Sacred Heart of Jesus McCartyville, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

Rev. Mr. Matthew Harrison

Diocese of Charlotte

Sacred Heart

Salisbury, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Matthew Dimock Jr.

Diocese of Charlotte

St. Thomas Aquinas Charlotte, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Kevin Martinez

Diocese of Charlotte

St. Joseph Asheboro, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Christian Goduti

Diocese of Charlotte

St. Mark Huntersville, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Benjamin Mersch

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Our Lady of Good Hope Miamisburg, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

“He made them, the vicars of his love.” – St. Ambrose of Milan

Rev. Mr. Matthew Montag

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

St. Louis

Owensville, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

Rev. Mr. Elliott Suttle

Diocese of Charlotte

St. Mary Help of Christians

Shelby, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Jose Palma Torres

Diocese of Charlotte

St. Joseph Asheboro, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Kevin Tran

Diocese of Charlotte

St. John Neumann

Charlotte, N.C.

Ordination Date: June 15

Rev. Mr. Anthony Sanitato

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

St. Rose of Lima

Cincinnati, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

Rev. Mr. Van Tran

Archdiocese of Louisville

St. John Vianney

Louisville, Ky.

Ordination Date: June 1

Rev. Mr. Jeremy Stubbs

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

St. Cecilia

Cincinnati, Ohio

Ordination Date: May 18

Rev. Mr. Christopher Turner

Diocese of Toledo

St. John XXIII

Perrysburg, Ohio

Ordination Date: June 22

Journey to the Priesthood

ON NOVEMBER 8, 2023, The Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati, installed 17 seminarians in the Ministry of Acolyte. “You should seek to understand the deep spiritual meaning of what you will be doing,” Archbishop Schnurr said during his homily.

Received by Seminarians in II Theology, The Ministry of Acolyte is the final ministry received prior to ordination as a transitional deacon.

Those installed in the Ministry of Acolyte include:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati: Adam Boehnlein, Anthony Brandt, Luke Danis, Bao Duong, Zachary Jarrell, David Morand

Diocese of Charlotte: Clement Akerblom, Robert Bauman, Michael Camilleri, John Cuppett, Maximilian Frei, Bryan Ilagor, Bradley Loftin, Michael Lugo, Peter Townsend

Diocese of Toledo: Frederick del Guidice, Evan Sekerak

ON DECEMBER 8, 2023, MTSM did its annual combined celebration of the Feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (patroness of the Seminary) and Admission of Candidacy for the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati, admitted eight candidates.

Within the Rite, a seminarian publicly states his intention to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Following the Mass, MTSM welcomed gathered families of seminarians down to the Refectory for lunch and a celebration of the completion of the Fall semester.

Those admitted to candidacy include:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati: Joseph Allaire, Joseph Graff, Evan Sharp, Thomas Wheeler, Charles Wiedenmann

Archdiocese of Louisville: David Vest

Diocese of Columbus: Shane Gerrity, Kennedy Ofezu

ON MARCH 16, 2024,The Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati, installed 11 MTSM seminarians into the Ministry of Lector during Mass in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great. At the end of their first year of Theology, seminarians petition the bishop to be installed into the Ministry.

After the proclamation of the Gospel, the candidates approach the presiding bishop one-by-one. The bishop hands them the Bible and says to them “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people.”

Those installed in the Ministry of Lector include:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati: Joseph Allaire, Joseph Graff, Evan Sharp, Thomas Wheeler, Charlies Widenmann

Archdiocese of Louisville: David Vest

Diocese of Charlotte: James Johnson IV, Patrick Martin, Bailey Van Nosdall, Connor White

Diocese of Columbus: Shane Gerrity

Following the Ministry of Lector Mass, the Mount St. Mary’s Seminary community celebrated its annual dinner for Seminarian parents and guests in the Refectory. The dinner allowed the chance to bring the families of Seminarians together to be with each other and to thank them for their prayers and support for their sons during their discernment at MTSM.

Acolytes Lectors Candidates

2024 March for Life

Over 60 MTSM Seminarians and multiple members of the priest faculty traveled to Washington, D.C. in January for the 51st annual National March for Life.

LEFT: MTSM seminarian Rev. Mr. Kevin Martinez reads from the Scriptures while waiting for his flight to Washington, D.C. ABOVE RIGHT: MTSM seminarians with Diocese of Toledo Bishop and MTSM Board of Trustees member The Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas (third from left). THIS

ABOVE

PHOTO: MTSM seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte at the march.

THIS PHOTO: MTSM seminarians carry the banner for the seminary. BELOW LEFT: MTSM seminarians Rev. Mr. Christian Goduti (left) and Rev. Mr. Kevin Tran (right) served as deacons for the North Carolina Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

THIS PHOTO: The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus and an MTSM alumnus, with MTSM Propaedeutic Stage seminarians (from left): Keith Bray, Raymond Duffy, Nicholas Arnold, Gabriel Shroyer and Andrew Nouanesengsy at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. BOTTOM LEFT: MTSM seminarian Rev. Mr. Christopher Turner reads the Gospel, with MTSM Seminarians Kevin McGraw (left) and Evan Sekerak (right) serving as acolytes for Mass in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

School of Theology Graduates

Congratulations to the following individuals who are graduating from the School of Theology later this month:

Rev. Anthony Ackerson (Master of Arts, Catholic Studies)

Mr. Paul Bachmeyer (Master of Arts, Theology)

Rev. Mr. Adam Berning (Master of Arts, Theology)

Mr. Nathan Cinefro (Master of Arts, Theology)

Ms. Melissa Fent (Certificate in Pastoral Ministry)

Rev. Mr. Matthew Harrison (Master of Arts, Theology)

Mr. David Kissell (Master of Arts, Pastoral Ministry)

Rev. Mr. Kevin Martinez (Master of Arts, Theology)

Rev. Mr. Matthew Montag (Master of Arts, Theology)

Mr. Michael Pfeifer (Grad. Certificate in Pastoral Ministry)

Mr. Gregory Simpson (Grad. Certificate in Pastoral Ministry)

Rev. Mr. Jeremy Stubbs (Master of Arts, Theology)

School of Theology to offer endorsements starting in the Fall

The School of Theology at MTSM will begin offering endorsements within the Lay Ecclesial Formation program, beginning this Fall. These reduced-credit options are designed for students interested in aspects of pastoral ministry who do not wish to pursue a full Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.

Three endorsements will be available, each corresponding to the current needs reported by pastors and parishes within the Archdiocese: Liturgy & Worship, Pastoral Accompaniment and Religious Education & Evangelization. Each endorsement consists of 11 credit hours (12-13 credit hours for a graduate-level endorsement) taken from the course curriculum of the certificate or graduate certificate program. Courses have been selected to complement a specific role within parishes, providing students with foundational knowledge and experience to enhance their ability to serve in these roles.

Pastoral ministry courses are scheduled for weekday evenings or Saturday mornings and afternoons in order to accommodate working adults. Some courses will have online options available as well.

Applications for Fall 2024 are now being accepted. Financial aid and tuition discounts are available for students who qualify. To learn more, please visit the School of Theology website at www. athenaeum.edu/sot, contact the Registrar at registrar@athenaeum.edu or call (513) 233-6118.

School of Theology Endorsement Tracks

Liturgy & Worship: Focuses on an understanding of Catholic worship for those who assist with liturgical celebrations within their parish.

Pastoral Accompaniment: Focuses on an understanding of applied Catholic theology for those who wish to assist fellow parishioners on their spiritual journey.

Religious Education & Evangelization: Focuses on an understanding of the Gospel message for those assisting in parish youth groups, prayer groups and catechesis.

New staff members

Recently, MTSM has welcomed a pair of new staff members to the Administrative Office to help continue to advance the mission of the organization. In November, Tom Kennedy joined as VP of Finance and Administration, while MTSM welcomed Chris Schulkens as Director of Technology in February.

Kennedy joined MTSM after serving as Director of Finance at Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, Kentucky. However, he has a versatile background that is valuable to his new position.

“I was a computer science major with a math minor from Thomas More,” Kennedy noted. “So I started my career in technology and programming before I got the ‘entrepreneurial bug’, got my real estate license and sold real estate for awhile.”

A background in starting his own business helped give Kennedy experience that is important to a position that oversees many areas of MTSM, including technology, human resources, accounting, maintenance and food services.

“When you own your own business, you wear a lot of hats,” Kennedy noted. “That includes finance, human resources and sales. Combine that with my background in technology, and I believe that is what has helped make me a good fit for the Seminary.”

Also based in the Cincinnati area for many years, Schulkens can trace his background in technology to his family.

“I got into IT (information technology) through my dad,” Schulkens recalled. “He is a network engineer and I would travel with him from site-to-site and I picked up a lot. That was probably not what I always wanted to do, but it made a lot of sense.”

After graduating from Northern Kentucky with a degree in computer information technology and a minor in business, Schulkens began a career at the Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati, moving up to an IT Operations Manager position across 11 years there.

“I was a the point in my career where I was ready for a change and something that was more aligned with my values as a Catholic,” Schulkens noted. “When I saw this opening and I got to meet the people here, it made sense to me.”

In remembrance

Michael E. Sweeney, a quadruple-degree holder from Mount St. Mary’s who would go on to serve as the Registrar of The Athenaeum of Ohio for nearly 30 years, passed away on January 16, 2024. He was 77 years old.

Sweeney’s association with the organization dates back to 1960 when he enrolled at St. Gregory Preparatory High School. Upon graduation, he continued to St. Gregory College Seminary, from which he received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He then received a pair of master’s degrees in philosophy and theology from the Athenaeum of Ohio.

After over a decade of teaching and administration across McNicholas High School in Cincinnati and Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in Delhi, Sweeney returned to Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary and The Athenaeum of Ohio as the Registrar, a position he manned until his retirement in Summer 2015.

Other departed friends...

1 Mr. David J. Arling 1/1/2024

1 Mr. Lawrence B. Austing 11/9/2023

1 Mrs. June Brady 1/15/2024

1 Rev. Raymond E. Ensman 11/25/2023

1 Mr. James J. Hansbauer 11/14/2023

1 Mrs. Geraldine L. Jergens 11/14/2023

1 Rev. Robert W. Kaylor 11/10/2023

1 Mr. Eugene E. Kramer 1/20/2024

1 Mr. Ronald L. Martini 11/6/2023

1

Rev. Harry J. Meyer 10/5/2023 1 Mr. Donald L. Neyer 11/18/2023 1

Mrs. Frances Petkus 2/11/2024 1 Mr. William B. Rice 12/27/2023 1 Mr. Earl Staddon 1/12/2024

Dr. Joseph F. Wicker 1/11/2024

Mr. William E. Williams 12/22/2023

Mrs. Jaye A. Yorio 11/23/2023

Kennedy

Schulkens

6616 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45230

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k Technology

in Formation Throughout the Years

Many of the articles in this edition of ATHENAEUM are about the challenges and opportunities related to advancements in technology. However, the use of “new” technologies in formation is not a recent phenomenon. Check out some photos from the MTSM Archives of technology in use around the Seminary over the years.