NAC Magazine: Fall 2011

Fall

2011

M A G A Z I N E

I Appointed You

A Prophet To The NationsJ

eremiah

1:5

EDITORIAL STAFF

The Pontifical North American College

Editor Charles Samson ‘13 Archdiocese of Saint Louis

Rector’s Corner

M agazine

Contents

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio

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John Mitchell ‘13

4

Sheldon Momaney ‘14

5

New Nuncio Welcomed

5

Fall Formation Workshops

Sheldon Momaney ‘14

6

Welcome New Faculty

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Annual Class Retreats Layout and Design Manager John Mitchell ‘13 Archdiocese of Milwaukee Assistant Layout and Design Manager Christopher Kerzich ‘14 Archdiocese of Chicago Assistant Editors Justin Blanc ‘14 Diocese of WheelingCharleston & Sheldon Momaney ‘14 Diocese of Burlington Photographers Brian Buettner ‘13 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Christopher Brashears ‘14 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City & Michael Conway ‘14 Diocese of Pittsburg

Opening Banquet

Diaconate Ordination

Justin Blanc ‘14

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Home in Rome: New Men Orientation

Jeffrey Dole ‘14

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Gregory Gerhart ‘15

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Daniel McCaughan ‘13

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Noah Carter ‘14

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Rev. Thomas Zinkula, ICTE F‘11

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A New Man’s Perspective World Youth Day 2011 Summer Apostolate in India “A New-Found Love for the Priesthood”

Life at the College 20 22

Val J. Peter Scholars Circle of Friends: Karen and Ken Kenworthy, Jr.

Michael Prescott II

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Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95

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Economo’s Corner Save the Date: 2012 Rector’s Dinner

Back Cover

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

The orange trees and fountain of the central courtyard at the North American College.

FRONT COVER Photo Credit: Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

A dalmatic, the traditional vestment of the deacon, worn by one of the newly-ordained deacons of the Class of 2012 during the Ordination Mass at the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter.

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Inside

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New Man Orientation

17

L’Osservatore Romano

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New Faculty Members

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Charlotte)

Summer Apostolate in India

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

10

Diaconate Ordination

16

World Youth Day Pilgrimage Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

José Gil Nogués Villén/El Tipo

of the

Board of Governors

Pontifical North American College Chairman Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67 Archbishop of Newark

Vice Chairman Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C‘84 Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Treasurer Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane ‘88, C‘89 Bishop of Venice

Secretary Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ‘75 Bishop of Amarillo

Michael Conway ’14 (Pittsburgh)

Bernini’s baldacchino above the High Altar in the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter.

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington

Rector Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97

Vice Rector for Administration Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95

Vice Rector of Seminary Life

Most Rev. Frank Caggiano C‘96 Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn

Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C‘89 Bishop of Oakland

Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran ‘62, C‘78 Bishop of Rockford

Rev. Msgr. Timothy McKeown ‘97

Most Rev. Walter J. Edyvean ‘65, C‘71

Superior, Casa Santa Maria

Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda ‘89

Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02

Auxiliary Bishop of Boston Bishop of Gaylord

Most Rev. John M. Kudrick Bishop of the Eparchy of Parma

Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69 Bishop of Des Moines

Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75 Bishop of Lake Charles

Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71 Archbishop of Santa Fe

Most Rev. John Vlazny ‘62 Archbishop of Portland

RECTOR’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97 Diocese of Camden Rector

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ecently at a fundraising dinner for the College that one of our generous benefactors organized for us, an American Cardinal who was in attendance stated to those gathered: “If the North American College did not exist, we would have to build one, so important is its work for the Church.”

Those words came back to my mind on Sunday, October 16, as Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Sunday Mass for the New Evangelization in St. Peter’s Basilica. Many of our students were present: two received Holy Communion from the Holy Father while some student priests concelebrated the Mass and other deacons and priests distributed Holy Communion. Certainly, our priesthoods are being shaped and molded by living in Rome so close to our Holy Father, an ardent promoter of the new evangelization. Pope ­Benedict, gathered with seminarians in St. Peter’s Square speaking on this topic, encouraged them saying: “To respond to the expectations of modern society, to cooperate in the great evangelizing action which involves all Christians, prepared and courageous priests are needed who, without ambitions and fears, but convinced of the Gospel truth, are concerned above all with proclaiming Christ.”

Everything we do at the North American College, be it at the seminary, our graduate house, the Casa Santa Maria, or our sabbatical program the Institute for Continuing Theological Education, is directed toward helping us be those prepared and courageous priests the Holy Father calls us to be. Our seminarians must be prepared to freely, sincerely, honestly, maturely, reflectively and joyfully respond “I am” to the questions asked of them by the Church and their bishop on their ordination day as they lay down their lives in service of the Church.

In order to share some of this preparation with you, the seminarians plan, write, edit, design and lay-out each edition of this magazine. You will share in their adventurous summer apostolates, the joyful welcome of the seventy-six new seminarians, their annual pastoral ministry workshops in pastoral counseling, preaching, family ministry as well as celibacy formation and priestly identity, and a week-long silent retreat for each class. The highlight of the year, our diaconate ordination at St. Peter’s, is also included in this edition.

I thank you, our bishops, parents, family, priests, deacons, religious, friends and benefactors for helping our seminarians and priests to be prepared to give themselves entirely to the formation they enjoy here. With 250 students, our seminary is completely full; our ICTE is also full with 33 priests on sabbatical, and the Casa Santa Maria has 57 priests engaged in further studies for advanced degrees. Our resident priest faculty is the largest it has ever been in the history of the College, and we have had to construct new apartments to accommodate them. The North American College could not continue without your prayers and financial assistance! Thank you, and be assured of our prayers as we ask for your continued support.

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The Sharing of Graces: Annual Class Retreats

by John Mitchell ‘13, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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ike “spring training” in the baseball season, the annual class retreats at the North American College provide a kind of “fall training” for the seminarians as they embark on a new year of priestly formation. This year’s retreats brought many graces to the men at the College. “[The retreats] are such an important part of the beginning of our year of formation here,” Monsignor ­Hanefeldt ‘84 (Omaha), Director of Spiritual Formation, said. “By the time we get to them, the men are generally eager for retreat and really open to what can happen in the Lord’s grace and mysteries.”

Each class spends a week together in silent prayer and meditation, creating the interior space needed for each man to encounter God anew and hear how the Lord is speaking to him at that point in his life. Depending on their year of formation, the seminarians meet every day for either a spiritual conference or individual spiritual direction.

Under this guidance, they set aside several formal hours of prayer with the Scriptures each day, and are encouraged to rest, exercise, and enjoy some spiritual reading. They also come together daily as a class for Mass, recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, and Eucharistic adoration.

“A number of the men come not having had an experience of a silent retreat or any directed, one-on-one type of retreat,” Monsignor Hanefeldt noted. For this reason, the retreats progress from a more structured format with daily conferences in the first year, to individually directed retreats in the later years, which give the seminarians more personal attention with regard to both what Scripture passages they pray with and how the Lord may be working in their life.

Peter Heasley ‘13 (New York)

Martin Rodriguez ‘13 (Indianapolis) looks out over the Tyrrhenian Sea during the Third Year Retreat at Casa Mater Gratiae.

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This year, the New Men went to the Oasi Gesù ­Bambino near the Franciscan Sanctuary of Greccio in the Rieti Valley, where St. Francis created the first Nativity crèche in 1223. Monsignor William Lyons presented the retreat conferences, which explored the Christian response in the face of difficulty of several 20th century heroes. The second and fourth year seminarians went to the International Center for Spirituality, run by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at Rocca di Papa, where they explored the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The third year seminarians had a chance to soak in the refreshment and inspiring views of the Tyrrhenian Sea at the Casa Mater Gratiae, near the coastal town of Santa Marinella.

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The Opening Banquet: A New Year Begins

by Sheldon Momaney ‘14, Diocese of Burlington

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n October 14, the entire North American College community gathered in the O’Toole Refectory for the annual Opening Banquet. Traditionally held in early October, the festivities officially mark the end of the autumn workshops, the completion of Orientation for the New Men, and the beginning of the academic year.

The evening began with the solemn celebration of Mass marking the anniversary of the consecration of the Immaculate Conception Chapel. During the Mass, the new faculty members formally renewed their Professions of Faith and made their Oaths of Fidelity, as required by Canon Law. Immediately following the liturgy, the community assembled in the refectory for further celebrations. Rev. Mr. ­Michael Gallacher ‘12 (Melbourne), the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, opened the meal with remarks both humorous and sincere, after which Rev. Timothy ­McKeown ‘97 (Savannah), Vice Rector of Seminary Life and Director of Human Formation, offered grace by thanking God for the gifts of food, friendship and community.

Upon the completion of the main course of the meal came the customary toasts by a member of both the New Man class and the diaconate class. Speaking on behalf of the first year students, Mark Paver ‘15 (New York), originally from the United Kingdom, joked about some commonly experienced cultural misunderstandings between Americans and Britons. After reflecting upon the delights of both a life dedicated to following our Lord and of studying in Rome, Mark expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome his class had received as they arrived at the College.

Rev. Mr. Mark Miller ‘12 (Madison) then offered the toast on behalf of the diaconate class. He expressed particular gratitude for all that his class had experienced these past years, a highlight of which was the joy they shared in their recent ordinations to the diaconate. After his toast, the whole community joined in singing Ad Multo Annos, the traditional hymn of the North American College, and in chanting the Salve Regina to thank the Blessed Mother for the beginning of another year of priestly formation.

Missionary to America: Visit of New Apostolic Nuncio D

uring pranzo on Monday, October 26th, the North American College was graced by a visit of the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò. Formerly the Secretary-General of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, Archbishop Viganò also served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria from 1992-1998.

After his introduction by Rector Monsignor James ­Checchio ’92, C’97, Archbishop Viganò greeted the com-

munity and expressed his happiness to serve the vibrant Church in America. “I face a demanding task,” he admitted, “but yet I do so willingly…as a missionary.”

On behalf of the Church in the United States, the College welcomes this our new missionary, and assures him of our prayers. May the North American Martyrs fill him with missionary zeal in the apostolate to which he has been called!

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The Skills for Ministry: Fall Formation Workshops

by Sheldon Momaney ‘14 (Diocese of Burlington)

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he second, third, and fourth year seminarians returned to the College on September second, joining the New Men to begin a month of studies and pastoral formation workshops. Each year, before the academic term commences in October, the seminarians have the opportunity to attend class retreats and participate in intensive formation workshops. These workshops are designed to address the specific level of formation of each class, and draw upon the expertise of the College faculty as well as that of distinguished presenters from the United States.

While the returning seminarians were engaged in these workshops, the New Men participated in several weeks of intense classroom study of the Italian language and culture. Nine different study groups, each with its own teacher, were formed so that all of the New Men were able to benefit from individualized instruction in a small class setting. These classes, conducted at the beginning of their time in Rome, provide the students with a strong base that will allow them to experience the richness of Rome well past their first year.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Mark Murphy ’14 (Dubuque) and Juan Luxama ‘14 (Brooklyn) discuss homiletic strategies during the Second Theology preaching practicum in September.

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Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Jeffrey Burrill ‘98 (LaCrosse), the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics, shares his parish experience with the men of Second Theology during their preaching practicum.

The members of the second year class engaged in a weeklong spirituality workshop, presented by Monsignor ­Joseph Hanefeldt ‘84 (Omaha), as well as week of training in the art of preaching given by Father Jeffrey Burrill ‘98 (LaCrosse). Additionally, Father David Songy, OFM Cap. PhD., the former faculty psychologist, returned to Rome to offer the second year students a series of conferences on priestly celibacy. These conferences were coupled with presentations on priestly identity given by Father Kurt Belsole O.S.B. and Father Joseph Betschart ‘99 (Portland).

Deacon Phil Hengen of the Archdiocese of St. Louis came to the College to present a week of pastoral counseling workshops to help prepare the third year men for this important area of priestly ministry. The third year class then enjoyed a preaching workshop directed by Fr. Bill Byrne ‘94 of the Archdiocese of Washington. The workshop aimed at helping to form the seminarians into

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Mr. Samuel Spiering ‘12 (Billings) reflected: “I found our treatment of Ratzinger’s [Pope Benedict XVI’s] liturgical theology to be very inspiring and helpful in understanding the mind of the Roman Pontiff. I look forward to drawing upon these insights during my ministry in the parish back in Montana.” The following week, Dr. Joann Heaney-Hunter, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John’s University in New York, presented a counseling workshop focused on family counseling and marriage preparation.

These fall workshops provided both essential skills for future priestly ministry and a key opportunity for the development of a fraternal spirit among all the members of the community. The returning students had the opportunity to reconnect with friends and welcome the New Men, all the while being commonly focused on prayer and learning the skills necessary to become good and effective priests.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Timothy Daniel ‘13 (Washington) and Krzysztof Kuczynski ‘13 (Bridgeport) listen during the Third Theology fall workshop.

effective preaches of Jesus Christ. Mr. James Grau ‘13 (Detroit) commented: “I particularly enjoyed the preaching workshops. The perspectives we gained from Father Bill Byrne about giving wedding and funeral homilies were very helpful as we work to develop our own preaching styles and pastoral approaches.”

The members of the fourth year class, just weeks away from their deaconate ordination, spent their last series of fall formation conferences studying the liturgy and working on further development of their counseling skills. In the mornings, Father Kurt Belsole O.S.B. presented a series of conferences on liturgical theology and theory, while the afternoons were dedicated to practical, hands-on training in administering the sacraments of the Church. The conferences invigorated students’ enthusiasm for beginning their sacramental ministry, as Rev.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Bill Byrne ‘94 (Washington) presents the advanced preaching workshop to the Third Theology class.

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Welcome New Faculty Monsignor Michael Farmer ‘95 of the Archdiocese of Mobile joins the faculty at the College as Vice Rector for Administration, while also serving as a Formation Advisor for seminarians. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Monsignor Farmer holds a B.A. in both History and Philosophy from Auburn University-Montgomery. As a seminarian at the North American College, he earned an S.T.L. in Fundamental Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Monsignor Farmer was ordained to the priesthood in 1995 in Mobile, Alabama, and brings to the college a wealth of priestly experience. In the Archdiocese of Mobile, he has served as parochial vicar, Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Vicar General, and Moderator of the Curia.

Monsignor Farmer is happy to be back in Rome where, in addition to sharing his broad riestly experience with seminarians, he will be able to deepen his great love of history and architecture.

Father Timothy McKeown ‘97 of the diocese of Savannah begins his service as Vice Rector of Seminary Life and Director of Human Formation. Father McKeown was ordained to the priesthood in 1997. He joins the faculty of the College after serving his diocese as a parochial vicar for six years, as Vocations Director for six years, and most ­recently as pastor and campus minister for the past five years.

In his spare time, Father McKeown enjoys running, fishing, and kayaking. He looks forward to working with the next generation of priests and being renewed in his own

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priesthood by the spiritual life and enthusiasm of the seminarians. In addition to serving the students by keeping order and maintaining the schedule, he hopes to be a living witness of a joyful, holistic priestly life and, with his fourteen years of pastoral experience, to help bridge the gap between seminary and parish life.

Father Luke Ballman ‘00 of the archdiocese of Atlanta serves as the Director of Apostolic Formation. He joins the College faculty after a four-year period as Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

An Ohio native, Father Ballman earned a degree in Business from the University of Dayton. He eventually moved to Georgia, and there discovered his vocation to the priesthood. Father Ballman was ordained in 2000 and, since then, has ministered as a parochial vicar, pastor, and Vocations Director. Father Ballman looks forward to working with seminarians at the College and learning from their passion and faith. Integrating a love of cooking, exercise, and reading, he in turn hopes to be a model of priestly zeal and joy for the men in formation.

Father Robert Blyman of the diocese of Rockville Center joins the College as Director of Counseling Services.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1970, and later earned an M.D. from Michigan State University Medical School. After completing a two-year family practice residency, he continued his studies, specializing in psychiatry.

In Rockville Center, he worked as Staff Psychiatrist and Vicar for Senior Priests, all the while maintaining a private practice. Father Blyman served as pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish on Long Island, N.Y. for eleven years, and

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also presented an annual pastoral counseling seminar at the North American College for nine years. He is happy now to have the experience of living in Europe within easy reach of pontifical liturgies, though he most of all looks forward to being of service to the College by sharing his counseling expertise and various priestly experiences.

Monsignor Cornelius McRae of the Archdiocese of Boston joins the College as a spiritual director. An alumnus of St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, Monsignor McRae was ordained in 1961. After serving ten years in parish ministry, he joined the seminary faculty in Brighton as a spiritual director and was later named Rector of Pope John XXIII Seminary in Boston. From 1995-2000, Monsignor McRae served as a spiritual director at the North American College, and is now delighted to see on the faculty of the College some former students from that time. For the last eleven years,

he has been pastor of a parish near Boston. Returning to the College, Monsignor McRae hopes to use his last 50 years of priestly experience to help the men in formation to look forward to their next 50 years.

Father Edward Lohse (C’02) of the Diocese of Erie will also serve as an adjunct spiritual director. After completing major seminary at St. Vincent’s in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Father Lohse was ordained in 1989. He has experienced a variety of priestly ministry, and earned a J.C.L. while living at the Casa Santa Maria from 2000-2002. His work includes high school and university ministry, serving as Vocations Director for thirteen years, and as Vice Chancellor and Chancellor of the Diocese of Erie. He now works as a canonist for the Congregation for Clergy.

Father Lohse considers his time at the College to be a continuation of his work in formation, and looks forward to helping men on their path towards the priesthood.

Continued from page 4

The annual retreat affords a special grace to many of the fourth year seminarians because it falls immediately before their ordination to the diaconate. Adam Haake ‘12 (Kansas City-St. Joseph), said he was blessed to be able to prepare for Holy Orders in this way: “I felt like the Lord was being even more generous with me [this year] in wanting to encourage me not to be afraid, and really show me His presence.” He continued: “It set the tone that you can’t enter into this vocation without the Lord—you can’t take one step without him.”

These retreats can only take place thanks to the generosity of both the priests who come from near and far to offer their time and wisdom to the budding priests of the next generation, and to the many generous benefactors of the College. “So much gets referred back to these retreats throughout the year of formation,” Monsignor Hanefeldt said, “that benefactors who make them possible are doing us a great, great favor, and are a great blessing.” To all who helped make these retreats a reality, the seminarians and the entire College offer their deepest thanks.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Encountering Christ anew is the aim of the annual retreats. This crucifix hangs in the Baptistery of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

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2011

Diaconate Ordination

by Justin Blanc ‘14 (Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston)

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n October 6, 2011, the North American College celebrated the ordination of thirty-five men to the diaconate by His Eminence William Cardinal Levada (‘62, C‘69) at the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.

Cardinal Levada, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was joined on the altar by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Also present were American Bishops Aquila (C‘90), Boland (C‘59), Callahan, Gruss (‘94), Morlino, Sirba, Swain, Ciscernos, and Rassas, as well as Monsignor ­Peter Wells (‘91), Assessor of the Secretariat of State. The Honorable Miguel Diaz, Ambassador of the United States to the Holy See, the Honorable Mercedes-Arrastia Tuason, Ambassador of the Philippines, and the Honorable Timothy Fisher, Ambassador of Australia, also attended the ordination Mass.

nandi that “ordained ministry in the Church…is the privileged way for the man who is conformed to Christ by the laying-on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit to encounter the fire of divine love…to be transformed by it, and so to be impelled to share that same transforming love with the Church and the world.”

In his homily, Cardinal Levada reflected upon the Gospel and its relation to the diaconate. He instructed the ordiChristopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

The thirty-five ordinandi take their places before the Altar of the Chair at the beginning of the Mass of Ordination at the Basilica of Saint Peter.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Victor Ingalls ’12 (Mobile) and Adam Johnson ‘12 (Kansas City-St. Joseph) lead the procession of newly ordained deacons at the Basilica of Saint Peter.

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Ordained life as a deacon, a word that means literally “one who serves,” will be expressed in the three-fold ministry of the Sacred Liturgy, of the Word, and of charity, Cardinal Levada continued. Through their service at the altar, their preaching and “proposing anew the breadth and beauty of the Church’s faith,” and their concrete and spiritual love of neighbor, the deacons are called to be conformed to Christ “in our midst as the One who serves.”

As the thirty-five North American College students lie prostrate before the altar and promised themselves to lives of prayer, obedience, and celibacy, a chorus of prayers ris-

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

2011 Diaconate Ordination

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

A row of chalices awaits its turn to be carried to the altar by the newly ordained deacons during the offering of the gifts.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Mr. Andrew Young ‘12 (Sioux Falls) shares a smile with his sister and -family after the Ordination Mass.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

During the Rite of Ordination, the ordinandi lie prostrate before the altar, surrendering themselves to the will of God, while the assembly invokes the prayers of the saints.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Mr. Dan Weiske ‘12 (Duluth) shows that the Ordination Mass is a joyful celebration for the entire Church: bishops, priests, deacons, and laity.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

Rev. Mr. Ryan Connors ‘12 (Providence) is vested with the deacon’s dalmatic for the first time during the Rite of Ordination.

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ing from friends and family invoked upon them the intercession of the saints and the grace of God. Relying on that grace, His Eminence said, these future priests will “show forth the face of Christ, the face of God’s own love, to a waiting world.”

The North American College community congratulates the Class of 2012 and looks forward to the ways in which these men, having encountered the fire of divine love in their ordination, will go forward sharing that love of God with the world through their lives of service.

D iaconate O r dination —C lass Jason Patrick Adams Patrick John Arensberg Jay Tungcab Bananal Joseph David Bergida Corey Christian Close Ryan Wilson Connors Alan John Dietzenbach Anthony Robert Dill Sean Thomas Donovan Michael Peter Gallacher Matthew Joseph Grady Frederick William Gruber Adam Michael Haake Andrew Paul Hart Victor Paul Ingalls Adam James Johnson Daniel Ernst Kirk Matthew John Kraemer

of the Diocese of Savannah of the Archdiocese of Mobile of the Diocese of San Diego of the Diocese of Arlington of the Diocese of Davenport of the Diocese of Providence of the Archdiocese of Dubuque of the Diocese of Harrisburg of the Diocese of Tulsa of the Archdiocese of Melbourne of the Diocese of Venice of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph of the Diocese of Little Rock of the Archdiocese of Mobile of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph of the Diocese of Trenton of the Diocese of Fargo

of

Patrick Steven Lewis Mario Arnoldo Majano James Victor Mangan Mark William Miller Richard Lucien Millette Jadyn Eric Nelson Derrick Kea Oliveira Giancarlo Tomas Pattugalan Alex James Roche David Caixeiro Santos Michael Stanley Sedor Samuel Ross Spiering Jacob Alexander Strand James Frederick Wallace Daniel John Weiske Andrew Wayne Young Joseph Michael Zwosta

2012 of the Archdiocese of Washington of the Archdiocese of Washington of the Diocese of Lansing of the Diocese of Madison of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston of the Diocese of Bismarck of the Diocese of Oakland of the Diocese of Brooklyn of the Diocese of Scranton of the Archdiocese of Newark of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee of the Archdiocese of Chicago of the Diocese of Duluth of the Diocese of Sioux Falls of the Diocese of Brooklyn

Previously Ordained Deacons of the Class of 2011

Donald Anstoetter Eric Bennett Thomas Gallagher Francis Marotti Benjamin Ross Paul Hoa Duy Vu

of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis of the Archdiocese of Boston of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston of the Diocese of Kalamazoo of the Diocese of Gary of the Diocese of Orange in California

May 11, 2011 July 16, 2011 June 25, 2011 April 30, 2011 June 4, 2011 July 16, 2011

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

The North American College’s thirty-five newly ordained deacons pose for a picture along with His Eminence William Cardinal Levada ’62, C‘69, a group of concelebrating American bishops, and Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C’97, Rector.

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The Pontifical North American College M agazine

Home in Rome: New Men Orientation

by Jeffrey Dole ‘14, Archdiocese of Dubuque

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t was about a year, it is a great joy week into Oriento welcome and oritation. The faculty ent a new class of and some of us secseminarians to such ond-year men were a remarkable place, returning from leadto so many amazing ing the New Men treasures, to such a on a spiritually rich wonderful “home.” and relaxing weekThis summer, 76 end trip to Assisi.

New Men (the largAs we re-entered the est in many years) city of Rome and arrived to the Eterour bus neared the nal City and to the walls of the Vatican, College for the first I noticed one of the time. Their arrival New Men looking was announced by in awe through the the ringing of the window at the dome Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings) College’s bells, and of St. Peter’s BasiliThe Class of 2015 poses with Most Rev. James Harvey ‘75, Prefect of the Papal ca. I commented to Household, and Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, in the papal gardens at their formation together began in him: “Don’t worry, Castel Gandolfo. prayer in the Immacyou’ll get used to it.” ulate Conception He asked: “Used to what?” With a smile, I responded: Chapel, the heart of their new “home.”

In the days that “Looking up at St. Peter’s and knowing that you’re back followed, they received just a taste of the incredible blessat home.” ings that now surround them: Mass in the crypt of St. And in truth, one of the most surreal opportunities af- Peter’s Basilica, a guided Scavi tour of St. Peter’s tomb forded us here at the Pontifical North American College below the Vatican, a peek into the barracks of the Swiss is to be “at home” so near to the heart of Roman CaGuard, tours of various churches and basilicas scattered tholicism. We live, study, and pray a mere walk from the throughout the city, and an audience with Pope Benedict bones of the saint whom Christ called “rock” and upon XVI himself at his summer residence in Castelgandolfo. whom Christ built His Church. Here, we are immersed in that Church’s living Tradition, to which the saints, Yet, the New Men’s Orientation was more than those martyrs, churches, and people who surround us, includ- sites that they saw and those experiences that they ing St. Peter’s own successor, bear witness. And each shared. They spent at least four weeks in intensive ItalFall 2 0 1 1

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ian studies, attended afternoon conferences that adjusted them to the life of the College, and had free time to take to the field and court, competing with their new brothers in friendly games of basketball, flag football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and softball. There was even a day to enjoy the sand, sun, and waves at a nearby beach.

Orientation was a time full of rich experiences and new discoveries for these New Men. And it has been such a joy and an honor for me, and for my classmates on the Orientation Team, to witness this group of men from all across the United States, Canada, and Australia join together to form a rich fraternity founded on prayer and their love for Christ and his Church—a love that, in

truth, is and has always been the foundation of the life of the College, our “home” here in Rome.

During his address, Pope Benedict encouraged the New Men of the College to give their lives com­pletely to Christ, as he prayed: “May all of us be generous in our commitment to Him, carrying our own cross in faith and courage.” Indeed, for these 76 New Men, we pray that these next four years “at home” in Rome be a time of much prayer and increased generosity. In giving themselves to Christ, may they continue to make a new “home” in Him, and so be able to return to their diocese to preach and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in whom we shall all one day find our truest “home.”

N ew M en – C lass Ammanniti, Austin Angelino, David Baldwin, Matthew Barakat, Lewi Barbosa, Jhonatan Barrow, Joshua Bechter, Paul Bentz, Mark Bischoff, Tyler Boelscher, Eric Boyle, Ryan Bronsema, Gregg Brooke, Geoffrey Bulso, Andrew Cahill, Benjamin Camacho, Lemmuel Camou, Fernando Caruso, Patrick Chapa, Eric Colalella, Nicholas Cypher, Andrew Delka, Joseph Denton, Francis DeWitt, Sean Do, Peter Elliott, G.T. Emerson, Scott Farrell, Joseph Fish, Matthew Fleming, Nicholas Furlow, Timothy Garnett, Andrew Gerhart, Greg Gilstrap, Austin Gratton, Scott Gregerson, Royce Grimditch, Kevin Gunther, Jonathan

Toledo, OH Galveston-Houston, TX Melbourne, AUSTRALIA Sydney, AUSTRALIA Bridgeport, CT Providence, RI Dallas, TX Portland, OR Gaylord, MI Covington, KY St. Petersburg, FL Portland, OR Jefferson City, MO Nashville, TN Pittsburgh, PA Paterson, NJ Phoenix, AR Pittsburgh, PA Corpus Christi, TX Brooklyn, NY Pittsburgh, PA Salt Lake City, UT Melbourne, AUSTRALIA Austin, TX Pembroke, CANADA Tyler, TX Madison, WI Arlington, VA Washington, DC Providence, RI Portland, OR Rockville Center, NY Austin, TX Nashville, TN Burlington, VT Ft. Wayne - S. Bend, IN Phoenix, AR Cincinnati, OH

of

2015

Hall, Emmett Hansen, James Horn, Mark Infante, Donato Keating, Joseph Kerzich, Chris Kidd, David Kilgore, Kevin Klimko, Anthony Kreidler, Alex Lebsock, Chris Lopez, Gabriel Mabee, Zachary Mariani, Santiago Mattingly, Andrew McCanless, David Miserendino, Rich Murphy, Conrad Neu (Nye), Joshua Niggemeyer, Matthew Paver, Mark Prisk, Stephen Richmond, Charlie Rubeling, Michael Schmidt, Darin Schrader, Jack Scott, Alec Slattery, William Solomon, Paul Steadman, Conor Tatyrek, Matthew Thai, Nicolaus Thelen. Dan Van Reesch. Trenton Vasko. Nick Villarreal. Ruben Youn. Nyeo Jae

Dallas, TX Rockville Center, NY Rapid City, SD Worcester, MA Fort Worth, TX Chicago, IL Toledo, OH Newark, NJ Greensburg, PA Kansas City - St. Joseph, MO Helena, MT Madison, WI Lansing, MI Charlotte, NC Kansas City - St. Joseph, MO Charlotte, NC Arlington, VA Washington, DC Tyler, TX Omaha, NE New York, NY Paterson, NJ Lacrosse, WI Baltimore, MD Sioux Falls, SD Fall River, MA Washington, DC Fargo, ND Joliet, IL Perth, AUSTRALIA Fort Worth, TX Orange, CA Lacrosse, WI Canberra, AUSTRALIA Minneapolis, MN Lake Charles, LA Orange, CA Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

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The Pontifical North American College M agazine

Community Welcome: A New Man’s Perspective

by Gregory Gerhart ‘15, Diocese of Austin

W

ith all the necessary, tedious, and at times sad preparations that preceded my trip across the pond to Rome, it was very easy for me to question whether or not I had made the right decision in choosing to come to the NAC. Of course, I was also excited for the incredible experiences and opportunities that seminary formation on the Janiculum would bring. With my heart tugged in opposite directions, I needed the reassuring peace and calm that my decision was a response to the Lord’s call, and He has used the opportunity to pray and commune with the large class of New Men, as well as the upper classmen and faculty, over the past three months to confirm my hope that I am exactly where He wants me to be.

One source of the fears that preceded my arrival was constantly receiving warnings and cautions regarding the stereotypical and caricatured flaws of seminarians who study in Rome. However, my first impression of the community – which is reinforced daily – allowed me to leave those fears behind. I found the men in prayer and in fellowship to be regular guys responding to God’s love with sincere desires to grow in holiness through our common vocation. I believe that our time together in the

Joseph Koczur ‘14 (St. Cloud)

Eric Boelscher ‘15 (Covington) and Gregory Gerhart ‘15 (Austin) enjoy the views of Rome from the 5th floor patio.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

The New Men en route to a special Mass celebrated at the Tomb of Saint Peter during Orientation Week.

chapel, at table, and on the Kardos Family Campo Sportivo has provided a foundation of trust, accountability, and camaraderie without which I could not receive nor benefit from the formational opportunities of living in Rome.

As for the excitement I experienced when anticipating the incredible opportunities that seminary life in Rome would offer, I found that looking out from the sixth floor roof over the vast Eternal City for the first time, while breathtaking, was intimidating, and though I wouldn’t say that the city feels any smaller after three months, it does feel more inviting. I attribute this change in my perception of the city to the spirit of community here at the NAC, into which I have been lavishly welcomed, several times.

I could not be grateful enough! After weeks of class and months of orientation and preparation, I’ve come to recognize and appreciate in a deeper way the treasure we’ve been given as seminarians in Rome, and left to myself, I would not be open to receive that treasure. The courage, humility, and zeal of the men in the house is contagious, and my heart, no longer tugged in opposite directions, rejoices at the treasure that the spirit of community here at the NAC has empowered me to receive.

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Encountering the Catholic Faith

by Daniel McCaughan ‘13, Archdiocese of Sydney

D

uring the summer break of 2011, I had the privilege of attending World Youth Day in Madrid as part of the Archdiocese of Sydney’s “Exodus Encounters” pilgrimage. Our group of 108 young adults was just one of many pilgrimages made by the nearly 1,100 Sydney faithful who went to Madrid. Led by His Eminence Cardinal George Pell, we followed the path of the Israelites through the Sinai desert in Egypt before spending ten days in Israel as preparation for the extraordinary encounter between the Catholic youth of the world and the Holy Father. My role on the trip was to act as secretary to the Cardinal and to be an assistant “chaplain” to one of the buses. Both duties gave me a beautiful and practical insight into priestly ministry.

Our immersion into the Old Testament was replaced by a profound encounter with the New Testament when we arrived in Israel. We spent four days by the Sea of Galilee, visiting the sites beloved by Our Lord and the apostles. There I was given my first taste of pastoral counselling and spiritual direction, as many of the pilgrims wanted to talk to seminarians. I was humbled by their openness and by their faith. Despite feeling unworthy and incapable, I discovered I was a necessary pawn in the Holy Spirit’s plan to draw each individual to the Father.

Walking in the footsteps of Moses through Egypt brought salvation history alive. From the teeming streets of Cairo to the burning heat of the Sinai desert, the drama of God’s revelation became so tangible. We visited the famous monastery of St Catherine at Mt. Sinai, where we were able to pray at the burning bush, the very place in which God revealed himself to Moses. Many then ascended the holy mountain during the night to be able to pray at the summit at dawn.

From Israel we joined 4,000 other Aussies, and the rest of the world, in Madrid. Here my role as secretary became busier, handling the logistics of the Sydney bishops, being MC at all the pilgrim Masses, and escorting Cardinal Pell to all of his catecheses. Many of the Sydney pilgrims experienced the universality of the Church for the first time. Watching their horizons of faith broaden expanded my own.

Our visit to Jerusalem was moving beyond words. I cannot describe the power of praying in the Holy Sepulchre or Gethsemane. I witnessed so many extraordinary conversions amongst the pilgrims!

The vigil and final Mass with two million young people was a visual consummation of the wonder of God’s plan of salvation. In three weeks, we had followed the wanderings of one people in the desert, and finished by praying and worshipping as one universal people united under the Vicar of Christ, Pope Benedict XVI. I have never felt so priestly or so proud to be Catholic!

Rev. Simon Ckuj

Daniel McCaughan ‘13 (Sydney) and his pilgrimage group, led by His Emminence George Cardinal Pell, take a breather during World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

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Adrian Bosnjak

Daniel McCaughan ‘13 (Sydney) relaxing on the Sea of Galilee with two of his ‘mates.

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

“Love in Poverty”: Summer Apostolate

in

India

by Noah Carter ‘14, Diocese of Charlotte

O

ne year ago, as I was eagerly anticipating my move to Rome to begin my theological studies, the thought of serving the needy in the poorest neighborhoods of India was the farthest thing from my mind. I could have scarcely imagined that a year later, in mid-July 2011, I would find myself with Robert Rodgers ’14 (Cheyenne) standing in the midst of metal shacks, with children running around piles of trash. It was clear that we had arrived in an environment very different from anything we had ever experienced before.

With the checklists we had received from the brothers in India in hand, I thought we were prepared for everything. Nothing could have prepared me, though, for the way these Indian neighborhoods overpower the senses.

There was no way to get used to the pervasive stench, much less the din, of the overpopulated streets. I could hardly believe what I saw: families living in one-room homes built from scrap metal and old road signs.

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne)

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne) teaches the alphabet to students in India.

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne)

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne) and Noah Carter ‘14 (Charlotte) with students of the REDS Program in Deepahalli, India.

I returned each day, though, because my will was motivated by the innocent smiles and joyful laughs of these little kids with whom we worked. They wanted to learn and play and just “be kids” despite the difficult conditions of their lives.

We worked for four weeks in the REDS Program (Ragpickers Education and Development Scheme), a program run by the Marianist congregation, which aims at developing the education and living conditions of the slum communities. “Ragpickers” refers to the young people who are not enrolled in schools and who spend their day perusing trash piles for items that they can resell. For the first two weeks, we worked in classrooms in the slums. The students in the morning ranged from five to ten years old and were Muslim, Catholic, and Hindu. Most of them were malnourished, stunted, and suffering from different infections as a result of the un-

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Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne)

Noah Carter ‘14 (Charlotte) plays volleyball with students.

of India before we moved to the Deepahalli REDS Program. This location is a campus outside of the city where about 70 young men from the poor neighborhoods live in dormitories and go to class every day to learn skills such as plumbing, tailoring and carpentry. At this campus, the young men live in an environment that allows them to focus on learning skills that will enable them to earn a living for themselves and their future families.

While there, we had the blessing of spending time with the young people during recreation and sports. It was amazing to see how they were transformed just by the new opportunities available to them. With the motivation, along with the material and educational support, of the Marianists, these young men are preparing to give their future families a better life.

healthy environment. Yet, they laughed, they cried, they jumped around and bounced off the walls. They were happy to play with a stick and a tennis ball. Even in the dreadful conditions of the slums, they thrived on just being young, just being who they were. I realized that this was the model of “childlike” to which our Lord calls us.

After our experience in the slums, we spent a few days at a Marian shrine in Velankani on the Southeast coast

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne)

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne) and Noah Carter ‘14 (Charlotte) with REDS program staff and community members.

Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne)

The REDS Program students were all smiles when the seminarians came to visit.

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My experience in India was a constant reflection on John’s account of Christ’s words: “You will always have the poor among you.” Through viewing the difficult experience of those living and working in the slums, I came to the realization that the Christian responsibility to the poor must be to care for them in their needs—not only in a material sense, but also with love. For in them we can see the presence of Jesus among us.

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

A New-Found Love for the Priesthood

by Rev. Thomas Zinkula, ICTE, F‘10, Archdiocese of Dubuque

I

n one of his parables, Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old (Mt 13:52). This fall, there were both new and old at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE). There was a new director – Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo, who is also a NAC faculty member and is coordinating the upcoming Ad Limina visits of the United States Bishops. There was a new group of participants – thirty-three priests from all over America, including three others from Canada. And there was a new site – the recently renovated Casa O’Toole, which previously functioned as a convent.

The Institute’s program, however, has remained essentially the same. The sabbatical program provides priests a chance to step away from their busy ministry for rest, renewal, and rejuvenation. Not only do they have time to explore the cultural and artistic heritage of the Church and of Rome, but there is also time for the priests to travel, including the opportunity of taking a trip to the Holy Land.

I remember thinking: this is a very interesting and diverse group of priests, but we have in common our love for the Lord and our priesthood. It has been wonderful praying with my brothers and sharing priestly joys and struggles.

Another unexpected joy for me has been the opportunity to meet, visit, eat, and pray with the North American College seminarians. What a fine group of young, faithfilled men! There is hope for the future of the Church.

My archdiocese has four seminarians at the College, and it was great to be able to attend the ordination of one of them to the diaconate, and also to get to know all of them better on Thursday evenings, in which we celebrate an “Iowa night.”

Thanks to ICTE, another group of “old”-er priests has been re-“new”-ed!

The Roman setting gives the ICTE participants a deeper appreciation for the unity of the Church. It enables them to celebrate Mass together at the four major basilicas and to visit the Scavi of St. Peter’s tomb, the catacombs, Sistine Chapel, and other holy places. It also gives them access to professors from the various Roman pontifical universities, who present lectures on a number of topics at the Institute.

Having begun my sabbatical with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 30-day silent retreat, one thing that has been “new” and pleasant for me is the fellowship of the ICTE priests. We took a couple of evenings early on to get to know each other by “telling our story.”

Vincenzo Modica/L’Oservatore Romano

Priest participants of the Fall 2011 Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) program.

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Life at the College

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

Above Left: Jun Hee Lee ‘13 (Brooklyn) is flanked by other acolytes as the procession toward the Immaculate Conception Chapel begins for the celebration of Solemn Vespers the weekend before Diaconate Ordination. During the liturgy, all the members of the Fourth Year class who were to be then ordained made a formal Profession Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City) of Faith took their Oaths of Fidelity. Above Right: The Most Reverent Carlo Maria Viganò, new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, speaks to the College shortly after his appointment. Left: Rev. Msgr.

Christopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City) James F. Checchio preaches at the Mass of welcome for the families and friends of the College’s Fourth Year students during the celebrations of Diaconate Ordination Week. Right: The College Choir provides liturgical music for the celebration of the Opening Mass of Diaconate Ordination Week. Below Left: Joshua Laws ‘14 (Baltimore) shares a laugh during Orientation. Below Middle: Mark Baumgarten ‘14 (Perth) and Fernando Camou ‘15 (Phoenix) provide musical entertainment during the second half of the Oktoberfest/Halloween party in Gregory and Linda Jewell Student Lounge. Below Right: Mark Paver ‘15 (New York) and Patrick Broussard ‘14 (Lafayette) jostle for control of the ball during a pick-up soccer match on the Kardos Family Campo Sportivo.

Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings)

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Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings)

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Left: Richard Hinkley ‘14 (Galveston-Houston) leads the costume contest during the annual Oktoberfest/Halloween party hosted by the Second Year Class. Right: Members of the College community attend the Virtus: “Protecting God’s Children” conferences presented at the College in October.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

Left: Framed images of Our Lady of Humility, patroness of the Pontifical North American College, lie ready to be blessed and distributed to all members of the New Man Class soon after their arrival in Rome.

Below Left: Nick Barnes ‘13 (Arlington) scoops up a ground ball during the October Second Year-Third Year softball game. Below Middle: The entire College community gathers prayerfully in a candlelight procession to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, asking the protection of the Blessed Mother Garrett Nelson ‘14 (Great Falls-Billings) at the end of the pre-Ordination Vigil service. Below Right: Zach Mabee ‘15 (Lansing) pauses for a few moments to enjoy the outdoors and pray Mid-day Prayer from the breviary.

Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

PNAC Photo Michael Conway ‘14 (Pittsburgh)

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Val J. Peter Scholars T

his year, the College was again blessed to have a large number of students receive the Val J. Peter Scholars Fund. Twelve seminarians from nine dioceses were awarded with this scholarship, which will assist them and their dioceses meet the financial needs associated with their ongoing priestly formation. This assistance ranges from 25% to 75% of tuition costs depending on need. The Fund, in its fourth year, is named for Father Valentine J. Peter ’60, C’68. Father Peter is the Executive Director Emeritus of Father Flanagan’s Boys Home—commonly known as Boys Town—in Omaha, Nebraska.

Among the twelve were five New Men: Mark Horn ‘15 (Rapid City), Joshua Neu ‘15 (Tyler), George Elliott ‘15 (Tyler), Tyler Bischoff ‘15 (Gaylord), and Austin Gilstrap, ‘15 (Nashville).

Mark Horn:

A

son of the small town of Burke, South Dakota, Mark is the fourth of five siblings. Mark was raised on his family’s farm, and attended college for two years at South Dakota State University, where he studied Civil/Environmental Engineering. While there, he grew in his faith through the influence of the Newman Center and the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. During those two years, Mark was blessed with many solid, faith-filled friendships, and felt challenged to live his faith more radically.

Having experienced God’s tugs on his heart more and more in prayer, Mark eventually decided to take the challenging step of leaving his friends at South Dakota State so that he could discern God’s call more intensely and freely. Mark transferred to Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, where he began discerning his vocation more seriously. There, he found the peace of heart he had been seeking, and his vocation to the priesthood became increasingly clear.

Joshua Neu:

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oshua grew up in Fredericksburg, TX, and after high school attended the University of Dallas. Joshua ex-

celled in his studies while at Dallas, where he focused on philosophy and English. During his time as an undergraduate, Joshua’s interest in the priesthood was renewed when he had the opportunity to study at the University of Dallas’ Rome campus. After graduation, Joshua decided to pursue his vocation to the priesthood, and applied to become a seminarian. His bishop asked him to study at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he participated in the pre-Theology formation program for two years. Joshua particularly enjoys the study of literature and music, especially folk music. Also a fan of athletics, Joshua is a devoted follower of Texas Rangers baseball.

George Elliott:

G

eorge’s journey to the priesthood began after he completed high school and began studies at the US Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, where he participated in the scholars program. During his first year of studies for service in the military, he sensed the call to priesthood. George then entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, where he majored in philosophy and minored in classical languages. He hopes in the future to reenter the military as a chaplain. As well as being an accomplished student with a keen interest in literature, George enjoys the outdoors and likes to go backpacking and kayaking.

Tyler Bischoff:

T

yler was born and raised in Tawas, Michigan. He has felt drawn to the priesthood since he was a young boy. After graduation from his local high school in 2007, he attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. When Tyler arrived at Aquinas College, he already had the intention of eventually entering the seminary. After his first year there, he sought to discern the Lord’s call, and so transferred to the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Tyler graduated from the Josephinum in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

Classical studies. An accomplished athlete who enjoys distance running and racing, Tyler has competed in three marathons, including a noteworthy run of 2 hours and 37 minutes in the Boston Marathon last spring. He is also a musician, with a particular interest in the oboe. Tyler is looking forward to his priestly formation here at the College, and feels particularly grateful to his parish priest, Fr. Don Geyman, whose example and presence were fundamental in his initial priestly discernment.

Austin Gilstrap:

A

ustin, a convert, grew up as a Protestant, and in 1995 entered the Church with his family. Austin gradually grew in his faith, and during his junior year of high school first felt the call to the priesthood. After completing high

school, Austin spent some time at a community college.

There, he began to experience an increasing restlessness in his heart, and could not understand what God was calling him to do with his life. Austin left his studies and began working in the restaurant industry, spending seven years working as waiter, bartender, and corporate trainer for two different restaurants. Through his prayer during those years, Austin realized that, in order to find the peace God intended for him, he would need to reconsider the priesthood. Austin applied to the seminary and his bishop sent Austin to the Pontifical College Josephinum. After almost four years at the Josephinum, Austin obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and in Classics. After completing his time in Ohio, Austin went to the University of Navarre in Pamplona, Spain, to study Spanish for a semester before coming to Rome.

Brian Buettner ‘13 (Oklahoma City)

2011 Val J. Peter Scholars [from left to right]: George T. Elliott ‘15 (Tyler), Jun Hee Lee ‘13 (Brooklyn), Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne), Sheldon Momaney ‘14 (Burlington), Daniel Poelma ‘14 (Cheyenne), Austin Gilstrap ‘15 (Nashville), Tyler Bischoff ‘15 (Gaylord), Mark Horn ‘15 (Rapid City), Rev. Mr. Eric Bennett ‘12 (Boston).

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Circle of Friends Karen and Ken Kenworthy, Jr.

by Michael Prescott II

S

the College, and seeing the devotion of the seminarians and priests who study there, the Kenworthys were quite impressed. Following their time at the Dinner, they decided to become more involved in our crucial ministry.

ince it was founded over a century and a half ago, the Pontifical North American College has remained focused on providing a rich formation experience to seminarians and priests.

Throughout the years, the College has been very fortunate in having generous friends and benefactors step forward to dedicate their prayers and resources in an effort to sustain our important work.

Ken and Karen Kenworthy are two such friends.

When speaking about the North American College, Karen highL’Osservatore Romano lighted the “wonderful, unique Friends of the College Karen and Ken Kenworthy, Jr., with His Emiexperience” that the College ofnence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67 (Washington), meet Pope Benedict fers, giving seminarians a greatXVI with other members of the Papal Foundation. er perspective of the Catholic Church – an experience that cannot truly be replicated anywhere else. Of particular note is the location of the campus, in close proxCurrently residing in Edmond, Oklahoma, Ken and Karen Kenimity to the heart of the Church and to Pope Benedict XVI, the worthy have four children and two grandchildren. The Kenworsuccessor to Saint Peter. thys are engaged in the domestic Energy and Production Industry, which is vital to our American economy. Ken and Karen have been members of the Southwest Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for eleven years. The Kenworthys are strongly involved in the pro-life movement, supporting Birth Choice, crisis pregnancy centers throughout Oklahoma, and Catholic Charities and Foundation for Life in Tampa Bay. Also, in Oklahoma City they are involved in establishing the Holy Innocents Chapel, which would offer, right next to the abortion clinic, twentyfour hour adoration for an end to abortion. They are active promoters of religious vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

In addition to their enthusiasm for priestly formation, and Catholic education in general, they are involved in various works of charity to alleviate the suffering of the poor and homeless in their local community. For their witness of faith and dedication to the Church’s charitable and vocational ministries, the Kenworthys were invited to join the Papal Foundation.

It was Ken and Karen’s connection to the Papal Foundation that eventually led them to one of the Pontifical North American College’s annual Rector’s Dinners in Rome. Upon their introduction to

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The Kenworthys have come to know several alumni of the North American College in their local church, first through their associate pastor, and then through a former Vice Rector of the NAC, as well as other priests and seminarians studying in Rome. These contacts have given them firsthand experience of the impact made by the College in the life of a seminarian, and how that impact positively affects his future life and ministry as a priest. They have visited the College numerous times since their first introduction and, through their generosity, have enabled us to develop even further the formation programs here in place.

As the College’s mission continues to flourish, it is always good to know that we have friends like Ken and Karen Kenworthy, who will whole-heartedly devote themselves to the significant formational work that we strive to accomplish. Just as the Kenworthys applaud our work and share the news of our mission with others, we thank them for their dedicated support of the Pontifical North American College. We look forward to seeing them again soon in Rome, and to sharing with them the many good things occurring in our community.

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

Economo’s Corner Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95 Archdiocese of Mobile Vice-Rector for Administration

Praise the Lord, all you nations! Give glory all you peoples!

The Lord’s love for us is strong; the Lord is faithful forever.

Hallelujah. (Psalm 117)

R

eturning to the College this summer, I found an overall quiet house, but one preparing for the largest first year class in almost 40 years. Indeed, there is much to give thanks to God for, and in particular for the 76 new men here at the College. The seminarians that returned in September from pastoral assignments back in the Unites States, Canada and Australia, and from apostolates in Europe, Africa and Asia, found that they were part of a college population that had increased to 250 men.

What joyful news to tell everyone that we have a full house of young men dedica­ted to serving the Lord, and to continued formation and discernment in their call to priesthood. Furthermore, we here at the North American College are thankful for the generosity of our many donors and benefactors who have helped the college to address the wonderful problem of a larger number of seminarians. The generosity of the Class of 1962, who Joseph Koczur ‘14 (St. Cloud) will travel back to the College to celebrate 50 years of priesthood, made it possible for one of the apartments in the wall, The new Mondoflex floor inside the Fitness Center. to receive much needed refurbishing. The popular Fitness Center received a new Mondoflex floor, made possible by one of our generous benefactors. Also, through other benefactors, rooms above the garage of the college were renovated into eight new guest rooms with private baths.

In the historical center of Rome at the Casa Santa Maria, the installation of new windows for priest-student rooms was completed, and in the celebrated Refectory there was installed a central air conditioning system. The practical need of replacing some aging pipes was concluded, while at the same time preserving the integrity of the Casa’s beautiful architecture.

Joseph Koczur ‘14 (St. Cloud)

One of the newly refurbished apartments in the wall.

With the return of seminarians, student priests, and priests on sabbatical at the Institute for Continued Theological Education this Fall, our campuses are not as quiet as they were during the summer; the busy work of priestly formation, education and renewal of priesthood has begun again. I may add that the fall also has brought a somewhat better exchange rate, but still could improve! Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, benefactors, and alumni, even amid trying economic times, we are able to address the needs that come with the gift of the record number of seminarians. Thank you for your generosity and prayerful support of America’s seminary in Rome. Indeed, as the psalmist prays: “The Lord’s love for us is strong; He is faithful forever.”

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The Pontifical

North American College 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20017-1194

NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 144 WALDORF, MD

For more information about the North American College, or to learn about opportunities for memorial gifts, contact Michael Prescott II at our Washington, D.C., Office of Institutional Advancement:

Tel: (202) 541-5411 / Fax: (202) 722-8804 Email: nac@usccb.org or visit our website at www.pnac.org

Join us for the 20 th Annual Rector’s Dinner Thursday, April 19th, 2012 For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 202-541-5411.