Bishop Fenwick Society Newsletter
Welcome to the Bishop Fenwick Society Newsletter
Thank you for your support of Mount St. Mary's Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM). As a member of the Bishop Fenwick Society, your generosity is crucial to MTSM forming men and women to faithfully follow Christ and serve His mission by fulfilling their vocations in the Church.
We are excited to bring you what will be a bi-annual newsletter (arriving to BFS members' email inboxes in February and July each year). This newsletter will focus on events exclusively for members of the Bishop Fenwick Society and updates of happenings at the Seminary which you may have missed.
It is an exciting time to be involved with MTSM. This academic year has seen 87 men enrolled in the priestly formation program with, God-willing, 12 to be ordained to the priesthood in the coming months. In addition, 18 men are scheduled to be ordained as transitional deacons and begin their final steps to priesthood ordination.
We also will see our next cohort of permanent deacons ordained coming up, with the new permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati being ordained on April 26 and the Diocese of Covington on May 3.
We look forward to sharing the impact of your giving on those studying to be leaders in your parishes and communities in the years to come.
If you have thoughts and ideas about how we can improve this newsletter, please contact me at lrassati@athenaeum.edu or call 513.233.6161.
Blessings,
Lori Rassati, Ed.D. Vice President, Development & Relations
Cornerstone Circle
$25,000+
Founder’s Circle
$10,000-$24,999
Chancellor’s Circle
$5,000-$9,999
President’s Circle
$2,500-$4,999
Fenwick Circle
$1,000-$2,499
amounts are per fiscal year (July 1-June 30)
If you have qustions about your BFS Circle or status, please call 513.233.6159 or email advancement@athenaeum.edu
If you have recently moved or want to ensure we have the correct address, phone number or email address for you, please call 513.233.6159 or email advancement@athenaeum.edu
Bishop Fenwick Society Member Events
Mass & Reception - October 27, 2024
MTSM welcomed members of the Bishop Fenwick Society's President's Circle ($2,500 per fiscal year) and above to Mass presided by The Very Rev. Anthony R. Brausch, President and Rector of MTSM, and a reception, where Fr. Brausch gave an update on the Seminary and answered questions. To view more photos, click here.
The Very Rev. Anthony R. Brausch, President & Rector of MTSM, talk to donors at the reception following Mass on Oct. 27, 2024
Alex Parra (III Theology, Archdiocese of Cincinnati) talks to a donor at the reception following Mass on Oct. 27, 2024
Shane Gerrity (II Theology, Diocese of Columbus) meets with donors at the reception following Mass on Oct. 27, 2024
MTSM benefactors gathered in the Westerfield Room for a reception following Mass for members of the BFS President's Circle and above
Bishop Fenwick Society Member Events
Reception Before Vespers - December 8, 2024
MTSM hosted its annual reception prior to Immaculate Conception Vespers on December 8 in the atrium of the Refectory for all members of the Bishop Fenwick Society. More than 150 members attended this year's reception before heading upstairs to the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great for Vespers featuring the Athenaeum Chorale and Mount St. Mary's Latin Schola.
To view more photos, click here.
Robert Bauman (III Theology, Diocese of Charlotte) meets a donor at the reception prior to Vespers on Dec. 8
Rev. Daniel K. Hess, S.T.L., J.D., Director of the Propaedeutic Stage and Instructor of Systematic & Pastoral Theology at MTSM, meets with donors at the reception prior to Vespers on Dec. 8
Daniel Jasek (III Theology, Archdiocese of Cincinnati) speaks with a donor at the reception prior to Vespers on Dec. 8
The Most Rev. Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus and previously Dean of Mount St. Mary's Seminary speaks to donors at the reception prior to Vespers on Dec. 8
Around the Seminary
Fr. Ruiz Named Vice-Rector, Dr. Johnson Dean of School of Theology
Effective January 1, Rev. Ryan T. Ruiz, S.L.D., was appointed Vice Rector and Director of Formation for Mount St. Mary's Seminary. While Samuel B. Johnson, Ph.D., was named the new Dean of the School of Theology. More
Deacon LeMelle Uses Sacrament of Baptism as "life-giving experience"
Rev. Mr. Kevin LeMelle, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati scheduled to be ordained a priest in May, set a goal as part of his transitional diaconate year to conduct 40 Baptisms prior to his ordination, calling it a "life-giving experience." More
Inspired by St. Catherine of Sweden, Ofezu Helps Those Affected by Miscarriages
Kennedy Ofezu, a seminarian from the Diocese of Columbus in II Theology, learned about St. Catherine of Sweden, the patron saint of women who suffer a miscarriage while studying at MTSM and has used that to help those who suffer from the effects of the loss. More
Save The Date
Fenwick Circle Reception May 2, 6:30 p.m.
All members of the Bishop Fenwick Society are invited to our annual celebration of the upcoming priesthood ordination class. This year's event will take place on Friday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Refectory and on the Marian Piazza at MTSM.
Installation of Archbishop Casey April 3, 2 p.m.
The Most Rev. Robert G. Casey will be installed as the Archbishop of Cincinnati on Thursday, April 3 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. Prior to his appoitment, Archbishop-designate Casey served as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Cornerstone & Founder's Circles Mass and Dinner
June 8, 4:30 p.m.
Members of the Cornerstone and Founder's Circles of the Bishop Fenwick Society will be invited to the annual private Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel with dinner served following.