NAC Magazine: Fall 2010

Fall

2010

M A G A Z I N E

“Father, as you sent Me into the world,

So I have sent them into the world.�

J 17:18 ohn

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor Andrew Hart ‘12 Diocese of Little Rock

The Pontifical North American College

Contents

Rev. Msgr. James Checchio

3

Anthony Dill ‘12

4

Welcome New Faculty

6

“An Exciting Time for the Church”

Rev. Msgr. John Dewane ‘63

7

Diaconate Ordination

Charles Samson ‘13

8

Opening Banquet

Kinneth Easter ‘13

11

Daniel Gallagher ‘13

12

Weekend in Assisi

John Mitchell ‘13

14

Summer Apostolate in Ethiopia

Spencer Howe ‘13

16

Rev. Joe Pete, ICTE, F‘10

18

20

Anthony Dill ‘13

22

23

Ryan Connors ‘12

24

Rector’s Corner

Fall Formation Workshops Assistant Editors Kinneth Easter ‘13 Diocese of Nashville & John Mitchell ‘13 Archdiocese of Milwaukee & Charles Samson ‘13 Archdiocese of Saint Louis Layout & Design Assistant Luke Millette ‘12 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

New Men Orientation

“A Time of Enrichment and Renewal” Life at the College Annual Class Retreats Congratulations to the New Cardinals!

On the Pope’s Letter to Seminarians

Layout and Design

by Maryland Comp

M agazine

Val J. Peter Scholars 25 Circle of Friends: Stephen and Jennifer Frenz Michael Prescott II 27

Photographers Matthew J. Grady ‘12 Diocese of Venice & Carmelo Morales ‘12 Diocese of Amarillo & Brian Buettner ‘13 Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Institutional Advancement Economo’s Corner

Mary DiDonato

28

Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg

29

Save the Date: 2011 Rector’s Dinner

Back Cover

An interior view of the dome of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter FRONT COVER The ordinandi of the Class of 2011 prostrate themselves as the assembly sings the Litany of the Saints and invokes God’s blessing upon them.

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Inside

12

New Man Orientation

4

Formation Workshops

6

8

New Faculty Members

16

Summer Apostolate in Ethiopia

Diaconate Ordination

of the

Board of Governors

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

Vice Chairman Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell ‘63 Archbishop of Hartford

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

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

A pillar of Bernini’s baldacchino in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter supports the canopy above the High Altar.

Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila C‘90 Bishop of Fargo

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

Vice Rector Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89

Assistant Vice Rector Rev. John Costello ‘89

Superior, Casa Santa Maria

Most Rev. Robert H. Brom ‘64 Bishop of San Diego

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

Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda ‘89 Bishop of Gaylord

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

Most Rev. William F. Murphy ‘65, C‘74 Bishop of Rockville Centre

Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02

Most Rev. R. Walker Nickless ‘73

Executive Director for Institutional Advancement

Most Rev. Glen J. Provost ‘75

Mrs. Mary DiDonato

Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan ‘65, C‘71

Bishop of Sioux City

Bishop of Lake Charles

Archbishop of Santa Fe

Most Rev. Michael J. Warfel Bishop of Great Falls-Billings

Cardinal-elect Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington

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

Praised be Jesus Christ!

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n October, Bishop Bernie Hebda of Gaylord, a beloved former spiritual director at the Pontifical North American College, ordained thirty new deacons from the College who now join their eleven classmates already ordained.

In his homily, Bishop Hebda said: “I’m convinced that Rome draws out an extraordinary commitment to service from the best of her candidates for Orders. Every brick of this city of Rome, consecrated by the blood of Sts. Peter and Paul, teaches the Gospel that we heard today: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit (John 12:24). It would be difficult to be a seminarian in Rome, this city of martyrs, and not learn that true service, true diaconal service requires that we follow Jesus’ model of service all the way to Calvary.”

These words certainly sum up why Blessed Pope Pius IX asked the American Bishops to open a seminary in Rome.

Since its founding in 1859, the mission has expanded to include a graduate house for priests, the present Casa Santa Maria; one of the finest and most respected sabbatical programs for priests, the Institute for Continuing Theological Education; and also the US Bishops’ Office for Visitors to the Holy See. But the primary goal of all our efforts remains the same: to form good, holy, zealous priests for generous, lifelong service to our local Churches at home.

The College can be proud that she has been faithfully fulfilling this mission for over 150 years, having seen over 3000 priests ordained for sacred ministry and thousands more receiving ongoing priestly formation.

Pope Benedict XVI, in a private audience he hosted for the College last January, put it this way: “In the century and a half since its foundation, the College has offered its students an exceptional experience of the universality of the Church, the breadth of her intellectual and spiritual tradition, and the urgency of her mandate to bring Christ’s saving truth to the men and women of every time and place. I am confident that, by emphasizing these hallmarks of a Roman education in every aspect of its program of formation, the College will continue to produce wise and generous pastors capable of transmitting the Catholic faith in its integrity, bringing Christ’s infinite mercy to the weak and the lost, and enabling America’s Catholics to be a leaven of the Gospel in the social, political and cultural life of their nation.”

In this magazine, produced by our own seminarians, you will see for yourself some of these “hallmarks of a Roman education” and also sense the gratitude of all of us here at the College to you for your prayerful and sacrificial financial support which ensures that we can continue to produce “wise and generous pastors.” Our increased enrollment in recent years has also been complemented by an expansion of our resident and adjunct priest faculty, along with an expansion of facilities to include more living quarters and offices for the additional priests, expanded library facilities and new, state-of-the-art classrooms for pastoral formation. We are especially grateful to Ambassador and Mrs. Francis Rooney and Mr. and Mr. John Stollenwerk of Milwaukee, who along with many of our alumni, bishops and other friends are generously assisting us in these efforts.

Enjoy this edition of the magazine as you learn more about life at the College, be it at the seminary, the Casa Santa Maria or our sabbatical program. Please be assured of our prayers, and know that we count on your prayerful and generous support too.

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Preparing to Be Pastors: Fall Formation Workshops

by Anthony Dill ‘12, Diocese of Harrisburg

E

ach year, the students and faculty of the North American College return to Rome more than a month before academic classes begin at the various pontifical universities. These initial weeks allow them to prepare for the year, make their annual silent retreats and participate in intensive formation workshops. These workshops are customized for each class and provide a pastoral and ministerial focus for the year as a whole.

be put to use in future priestly ministry. For the second and third year men, weeklong homily workshops were given to introduce students to the duties and skills of effective preaching, including preaching on challenging topics or for specific situations. In addition, the second year seminarians had conferences on celibacy, prayer, and the formation of a priestly identity.

Susanne M. Harvath, Ph.D., a psychologist and professor at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Saint Louis, taught a weeklong course on pastoral counseling to the third year students. This workshop included both the theory of pastoral theology as well as many practical insights from her own practice as a psychologist and in her work with seminary formation. Bishop Daniel E. Flores C‘00, of Brownsville, Texas, also presented to the third year students during a two-day seminar on Hispanic ministry.

Bishop Flores helped increase the awareness of the sociological and cultural issues related to this kind of ministry

Most Rev. Daniel E. Flores C‘00, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, speaks to the third year class about Hispanic ministry.

This fall, in order to help them continue to adapt to life in Italy, the New Men spent these weeks in a concentrated introduction to the Italian language. Their personal study of Italian and tutored classroom instruction is an important and necessary aid to the transition that living and studying in Rome requires. The understanding of the Italian language and culture forms a basis that will continue to inform the seminarians’ experience in Rome long after the classes have ended.

For the students in second to fourth year, the formation program consists of gaining insights and skills that will

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Seminarians take notes as Dr. Susanne Harvath of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis gives a presentation on pastoral care and counseling.

The Pontifical North American College M agazine

and spoke also of some of the practical benefits and challenges that come when working with Spanish-speaking peoples in the United States.

Fourth year students were also presented with a workshop on marriage preparation, family ministry and counsel-

Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., the College’s Director of Liturgy, reviews with the third year men the service of acolytes in the liturgy.

ing. Gregory S. Creed, Ph.D., a counselor and professor at Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, spoke to the men of fourth year about strategies and procedures for preparing engaged couples for marriage, as well as other general family and couple counseling situations in a parish setting. The diaconate class also participated in a series of practica designed to prepare them for celebrating the sacraments and presiding at sacred liturgy.

In addition to the benefits of this practical instruction, the formation workshops also have another advantage: the chance to start the year with a pastoral focus allows the seminarians to adjust to the new year of formation, to catch up with friends, and to acquaint themselves with the new seminarians. As Father John Costello ‘89 (Brooklyn), the Director of Pastoral Formation, explains, “the fall workshops are a welcome change of pace to the regular routine of the academic year. The seminarians have a chance to learn from and interact with each other about topics that are very practical and pastoral, and they come to learn a lot about each other as well.”

Rev. Mr. Nathan Sparks ‘11 (Rapid City) assists as Rev. Mr. Jeffrey Starkovich ‘11 (Lake Charles) practices presiding at the liturgy in the College’s Chapel of the North American Martyrs.

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Welcome New Faculty Father Joseph Fowler ‘02, of the Diocese of

Pensacola-Tallahassee, joins the faculty of the Pontifical North American College as Director of Admissions and as a formation advisor. Father Fowler will also be responsible for tasks such as visits to American seminaries, directing early orientation for the New Men each year, and overseeing the Rector’s Dinner in the spring.

A alumnus of the College, he completed studies at Florida State University and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans before arriving in Rome. He holds degrees in theology and canon law from the Gregorian University and was ordained a priest in 2002. He has held numerous positions in his diocese, including: diocesan ViceChancellor; Associate Judge for the Diocesan Tribunal; diocesan Director of Catholic Relief Services; and Chaplain for both Pensacola Catholic High School and the Alliance for Catholic Education of the University of Notre Dame. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano and is a well-known movie buff. Father Fowler appreciates his role as a formator, hoping to encourage the seminarians in holiness. “Our Catholic faith is so rich!” he says. “As priests and future priests, we have the formidable task of inspiring God’s people to become true and living saints for the Church, but we must start with ourselves.”

Monsignor Francis Lo Bianco, of the Archdiocese

of Newark, will be the interim Director of Counseling Services and will serve this year as the College’s resident priest-psychologist. Monsignor Lo Bianco attended Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington and later completed a doctorate in psychology at Fordham University. He also

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holds a master’s degree in special education from Seton Hall University. He has a broad pastoral and professional background, including the following assignments: Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Newark; Executive Director of Catholic Community Services; Director of the Mount Carmel Guild Department of Psychological Services; the archdiocesan Secretary for Social Concerns and Liaison for Governmental Affairs; and as a consultant for the Bureau International Catholique de L’Enfance. He is a lifetime member of the American Psychological Association. His hobbies include painting and cooking. Monsignor Lo Bianco hopes to be a source of counsel and consolation for seminarians and to help them find alternate ways of looking at any problems. “I would like to establish a neutral environment where people would feel free to come and talk,” he says.

Father Gerald Vincke, of the Diocese of Lansing, will

serve the College community as a full-time spiritual director. He holds degrees in journalism and advertising from Ferris State University. Hearing the call to priesthood, he completed his theology studies at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and was ordained a priest in 1999. He has served his diocese in a variety of roles, including as a parochial vicar and retreat director. Later, he served as Director of Seminarians and was the Chair of the Department of Formation, overseeing the diocesan offices for deacons, lay ministry, vocations and priestly life. Father Vincke arrives at the College with prior training and experience in spiritual direction through the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha. As the ninth of ten children, he likes to stay in touch with his family and also enjoys traveling, reading, and various outdoor sports. Father Vincke has already been impressed by the spiritual atmosphere at the College and looks forward to fostering it further. “The spiritual life is at the heart of everything that happens here,” he says. “I hope I can be an instrument of God’s peace and joy.”

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Casa Santa Maria A n E x c i t i n g T i me

for the

by Rev. Msgr. John Dewane ‘63, Diocese of Green Bay

T

Church

Spiritual Director, Casa Santa Maria

he Casa Santa Maria is the original mother-house of the North American College. Since the main seminary moved to the Janiculum campus in 1953, the “House on Humility Street” has served as the residence for priests seeking graduate level degrees in Rome. This year, the Casa Santa Maria is home to sixty-eight priests from fifty-four different dioceses throughout the United States and from five different countries. Two religious orders are also represented.

of many Christian historical sites, including the burial places of St. Peter and St. Paul, are a constant reminder of the rich Christian tradition of this city. Joining the Holy Father at papal ceremonies is important to many, and they value the experience of living in Rome at the very center of the Catholic Church. Studying in Rome also provides the opportunity for personal contacts with fellow priests from all over the world, offering a unique experience of the Universal Church.

I am beginning my fifth year as Spiritual Director of the Casa.

Living in the Casa and talking with Casa residents there are three things that especially impress me. In the first place, I would put the dedication of the priests to their spiritual life.

There is a spirit of prayerfulness in the house. The presence

Secondly, I am impressed with their commitment to their studies. The student priests of the Casa pursue licentiates and doctorates at nine different universities and religious institutes, most prominently the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas (the Angelicum) and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

Their studies cover a wide range of different topics that will prepare them to serve the Church, with the most popular areas of study being canon law, dogmatic theology, Scriptural theology and liturgy. To study in Rome would not be everyone’s first choice, but these priests have said “yes” and they are very serious about their responsibilities. Studies do not come easy for some of them, yet they keep working at it.

Gathered for the opening Mass of the year at the Casa Santa Maria are [from left to right]: Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College; Rev. Mr. Richard Mastrogiacomo ‘11 (Rockville Centre); Most Rev. William F. Murphy ‘65, C‘74, Bishop of Rockville Centre and Member of the College’s Board of Governors; and Rev. Msgr.

Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02, Superior of the Casa Santa Maria.

Thirdly, I am impressed with their engagement in the community life of the Casa. When I ask them what they appreciate most about being at the Casa, many of them say the “community.” They volunteer to take on tasks that make life better at the Casa, often for leadership roles on the various committees that exist. There is a readiness to be of assistance to each other as well. Often, friendships are formed that will last for the rest of their lives.

This is an exciting time for the Church. There are always challenges ahead. However, I have confidence in the abilities of these priests to face those challenges. I am happy to be here with them.

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2010

Diaconate Ordination

by Charles Samson ‘13, Archdiocese of Saint Louis

“Rome has always loved her deacons.”

Rev. Mr. James Yamauchi ‘11 (Dallas) and Rev. Mr. Stephen Vrazel ‘11 (Mobile) are assisted as they vest in the diaconal stole and the dalmatic.

On October 7, 2010, the Pontifical North American College celebrated the ordination of thirty men to the diaconate in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter.

Giving thanks to God before the Altar of the Chair of Peter along with these men was a multitude of family and friends, bishops and priests, and the eleven classmates of the ordinandi admitted to the diaconate over the summer. Also present were many guests of the College and dignitaries, including the Honorable Miguel Díaz, Ambassador of the ­United States to the Holy See.

The Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda ‘89, Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan, and a former adjunct spiritual director at the College, was the ordaining prelate at the Mass. In his homily, Bishop Hebda exhorted the ordinandi to imitate the deacon St. Lawrence in his life of faithful service, which he assured them “is not only possible, but also satisfying.”

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Bishop Hebda encouraged the men to embrace their formation, especially its Roman element. Describing four of his own diocesan priests in Gaylord, His Excellency offered them as a model of true charity in service. When these men “donned the dalmatic and stole for the first time many years ago in Rome,” Bishop Hebda recounted, “they put on the very person of Jesus the servant.” Since that time, “they have never stopped serving,” continuing their pastoral work even beyond the age of retirement.

These four priests, Bishop Hebda observed, were all graduates of the North American College. They had “imbibed a spirit of radical diaconal service from their experience of the Church of Rome.” Drawing from his experience as the spiritual director of many of these newly-­ordained deacons, His Excellency expressed his

The members of the Class of 2011 process in from the sacristy of St. Peter’s Basilica at the beginning of the ordination Mass.

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Above: Bishop Hebda imposes hands on Rev. Mr. Keith Romke ‘11 (Rockford). Top Left: As the Class of 2011 lies prostrate in humble prayer, student priests of the Class of 2010 pray in supplication for the men to be ordained deacons. Left: More than twenty five hundred family and friends of the diaconate class gathered to witness the ordination liturgy.

Above: Bishop Hebda receives the promise of obedience of Rev. Mr. Peter Zwaans ‘11 (Adelaide) to his Ordinary.

Left: Following his ordination, Rev. Mr. Christopher Donley ‘11 (Pittsburgh) smiles as he embraces his classmate, Rev. Mr. Brandon Bernhard ‘11 (Tyler).

Above: Bishop Hebda embraced each newly ordained deacon. Here he congratulates Rev. Mr. Brian Soliven ‘11 (Sacramento).

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2010 Diaconate Ordination confidence in the Class of 2011 and in their “extraordinary capacity and desire to serve.”

The community of the North American College congratulates the Class of 2011 on their ordination to the diaconate and rejoices with their loved ones at the lives of service upon which they have embarked. Bishop Hebda said, “Rome has always loved Her deacons.” Certainly, today, the College is proud of Her new deacons and hopeful of all that they have to offer the Church in the future.

The family of Rev. Mr. Rheo Ofalsa ‘11 (Omaha) poses for a picture with him following his ordination.

D iaconate O rdination – C lass Joshua Allen James Baron William Brunner Travis Burnett H. Ray Cho Anthony Craig James Dodson Jeb Donelan Christopher Donley Luke Dundon Jeffrey Eirvin Neal Hock Aaron Johanneck Anthony Kruse Christopher Markman

Archdiocese of Atlanta Diocese of Colorado Springs Diocese of Green Bay Archdiocese of Mobile Archdiocese of Newark Diocese of Duluth Diocese of Burlington Diocese of Arlington Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Arlington Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Diocese of Grand Island Diocese of New Ulm Archdiocese of Dubuque Diocese of Fargo

Richard Mastrogiacomo George Nixon Rheo Ofalsa Mark Payton Michael Pratt Keith Romke William Ruelle Brian Soliven Nathan Sparks Cory Stanley Adam Verona Stephen Vrazel Riley Williams James Yamauchi Peter Zwaans

of

2011 Diocese of Rockville Centre Diocese of Providence Archdiocese of Omaha Archdiocese of Perth Diocese of Tulsa Diocese of Rockford Diocese of Bismarck Diocese of Sacramento Diocese of Rapid City Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Diocese of Pittsburgh Archdiocese of Mobile Diocese of Fall River Diocese of Dallas Archdiocese of Adelaide

Previously Ordained Deacons of the Class of 2011 Jonathan Bakkelund Brandon Bernhard Jorge Cespedes-Segura Matthew Libra E. Theodore Martin Joseph McQuaide, IV

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Diocese of Rockford Diocese of Tyler Diocese of Memphis Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Diocese of Kalamazoo Diocese of Wilmington

David Nerbun Phillip Smith John Solomon Jeffrey Starkovich Quan Tran

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Diocese of Charleston Diocese of Toledo Diocese of Wilmington Diocese of Lake Charles Diocese of Orange

The Opening Banquet In

the

Company

of

Good Men

by Kinneth Easter ‘13, Diocese of Nashville

O

n October 15, the full community of the North American College gathered for the annual Opening Banquet to officially welcome the New Men class and to welcome back the returning students from their respective summer assignments. There were many reasons to celebrate, as thirty-eight newly-ordained transitional deacons returned for their fourth year at the College, along with the twenty-seven newly-ordained priests of the Class of 2010 who are continuing their second cycle studies. The College was privileged to welcome to the banquet His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, and the Most Reverend Samuel Aquila C‘90, Bishop of Fargo and member of the College’s Board of Governors.

The larger crowd at this year’s banquet was especially evident, as the College entered the fall semester with an enrollment of 238 students and student priests. In addition to the students from the United States, there are twelve Australians in the house. It is also the first year since 2002 that the College’s enrollment includes two

Students at the College enjoy good food and good conversation at the annual Opening Banquet.

Rev. Mr. Brian Soliven ‘11 (Sacramento), Rev. Nicholas Bellotti, III ‘10 (Newark), Rev. Michael Silloway ‘10 (Atlanta) share a table at the Opening Banquet.

seminarians from Canada. Scott Murray ‘14 and Michael Weitl ‘14 both hail from the Diocese of Pembroke.

Rev. Mr. Joseph McQuaide, IV ‘11 (Wilmington), Chairman of the Pastoral Council, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In his welcome, he invited the community to call to mind God’s gracious gift of vocations to the Church. “Indeed, the Lord has placed us in the company of good men in bringing us together,” said Deacon McQuaide. “And so, tonight, we celebrate as we begin the 58th year of the Pontifical North American College on the Janiculum Hill and her 152nd year of priestly formation.”

As is the tradition at the College, the banquet featured an address by a member of both the New Man and diaconate classes. Matthew Dalrymple ‘14 (Atlanta) was chosen by his classmates to represent the first year students. He reflected on the experiences of the New Men in their first few months in Rome. “Though classes at the university have just begun, in truth we have already been in the school of continued on page 15

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In Prayer and Thanksgiving: New Men Orientation

by Daniel Gallagher ‘13, Diocese of Pittsburgh

T

his year, the During their first North American weeks at the North College welcomed American College the sixty New Men to its newest seminarians community. While were able to receive a the majority of them taste of the incredible arrived in mid-July blessings that come for Early Orientation with studying in the week and a month Eternal City: Mass in of Italian language the crypt of St. Pestudies around Italy, ter’s Basilica, near the it was not until the tombs of popes like morning of ThursJohn Paul II; a Scavi day, August 26, when tour below the Vatican the remainder of the where the bones of New Men arrived, St. Peter himself lie; a that the class was all visit to the Basilica of together for the first St. Paul Outside the time. As they pulled Walls, where the saint’s up to the front doors tomb is located; and a of the College, the visit to the Basilica of The Class of 2014 poses with Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, and the twelve newly-arrived the Holy Cross in Jeseminarians joined Most Rev. James Harvey ‘75 (front row), Prefect of the Papal Household, in the papal rusalem, which houses gardens at Castel Gandolfo. their classmates in relics of the Lord’s procession to the Immaculate Conception Chapel. The cha- Passion. These highlights and other experiences deepened the pel’s ringing bells announced the arrival of another class to seminarians’ love for the papacy, for the martyrs and saints of the Eternal City while the applause of the faculty and sec- the city, and for the Church as a whole. The week culminated ond year men expressed the joy of the College community. with a visit to Castel Gandolfo to attend Pope Benedict XVI’s The “clapping in” ceremony and communal prayer marks weekly Angelus address. the official beginning of the New Men’s time at the North American College. In four years, that time will end in a simi- While becoming acquainted with the sacred and historic in lar way. Again the bells will ring and again the College com- Rome was important, this was not the only aspect of the Orientation. The New Men spent four weeks in intensive Italian munity will applaud them, but this time to announce that studies and attended afternoon conferences which oriented another class of men returns to their home dioceses to serve them to life at the College. During their free time, they took the people of God as priests.

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to the field and court to compete in friendly games of basketball, flag football, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, and softball.

Perhaps most importantly, Orientation was a time for these men to become acquainted with their new home here at the College, to form holy friendships, and to cultivate a life of prayer and study. As a second year student and a member of the orientation team, it was a great joy and inspiration for me to see these developments occur. Pope Benedict himself said it all in his address to the new students at Castel Gandolfo: “I pray that all of you here pursuing studies in Rome will be able to draw closer to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving.”

The Holy Father summarized well what is at the very heart of the College’s mission: forming men of prayer, men who are united with Christ, men who will one day return to their home dioceses to preach and live the Gospel.

Mark Murphy ‘14 (Dubuque) and Adam Hofer ‘14 (Rapid City) lead the way as the New Man class enters the College’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception for the first time.

N e w M en – C lass William Appel Mark Baumgartner Christopher Bernabe Justin Blanc Ian Bothur Christopher Brashears Patrick Broussard Paul Buchanan Eric Campbell Noah Carter Michael Conway Matthew Cowan Matthew Dalrymple Christopher DeLeon Kyle Digmann Jeffrey Dole David Dufresne Jonathan Ficara Michael Fye James Grau John Henao López James Hinkle Richard Hinkley Adam Hofer Thomas Howes Christian Irdi Joseph Koczur Joseph Kuharski Joseph Kuhlman Joshua Laws

Diocese of Covington Archdiocese of Perth Archdiocese of Santa Fe Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Diocese of Norwich Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Diocese of Lafayette Diocese of Charlotte Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Charlotte Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Gaylord Archdiocese of Atlanta Archdiocese of Baltimore Archdiocese of Dubuque Archdiocese of Dubuque Diocese of Arlington Diocese of Norwich Diocese of Nashville Archdiocese of Detroit Diocese of Tyler Diocese of Arlington Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Diocese of Rapid City Diocese of Saint Cloud Archdiocese of Perth Diocese of Saint Cloud Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Diocese of Saint Augustine Archdiocese of Baltimore

of

2014

Juan Luxama Matthew Marcus Edward Maxfield, Jr. Nathan Miniatt John Mitchell Sheldon Momaney Mark Murphy Scott Murray Garrett Nelson Aaron Nett Andrew Plaza Daniel Poelma Aaron Quereshi Mark Rainville Taylor Reynolds David Rider Robert Rodgers Kyle Sahd Thomas Schluep Christopher Seith Brian Shackett Ryan Stenger Zachary Swantek Jeremy Theis Dale Tuckerman Jared Twenty Andrew Vill Michael Weitl Daniel Westermann Robert Wolfe, II

Diocese of Brooklyn Diocese of Harrisburg Diocese of Steubenville Archdiocese of Milwaukee Archdiocese of Milwaukee Diocese of Burlington Archdiocese of Dubuque Diocese of Pembroke Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Diocese of Saint Cloud Diocese of Brooklyn Diocese of Cheyenne Archdiocese of Washington Diocese of Worcester Diocese of Alexandria Archdiocese of New York Diocese of Cheyenne Diocese of Harrisburg Diocese of Pittsburgh Archdiocese of Washington Archdiocese of Detroit Diocese of Covington Archdiocese of Newark Diocese of Saint Cloud Diocese of Spokane Diocese of Rockford Diocese of Bridgeport Diocese of Pembroke Diocese of Lansing Diocese of Bridgeport

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Weekend in Assisi

by John Mitchell ‘13, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

“G

o up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house” (Haggai 1:8). The people of Judah received this oracle from the prophet Haggai shortly after their return from the Babylonian exile. The Lord was exhorting them to remain focused on the task of rebuilding His temple and not to be preoccupied with their “own paneled houses” (Haggai 1:4).

This past September, the sixty New Men at the North American College were given just such an opportunity to “go up into the hill country,” as we retreated into the Umbrian hills of Assisi for a weekend of fraternity and spiritual enrichment. After a busy summer of preparations and orientation and language studies, it was a timely opportunity to take a deep breath of country air and remember why it was that the Lord had brought us all to Rome.

In the very place where Our Lord asked St. Francis in a vision to “rebuild my house,” we set to the task of laying a firm foundation for the house we will build for the

The Class of 2014 listens as Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, delivers a homily in the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

Lord at the College over the next four or five years in preparation for service of His people as priests of the new millennium.

The timber we brought was simply ourselves. By getting to know each other better as we walked through the cobblestone streets of Assisi to visit its holy sites and share good meals and soak-in the peace and beauty of the surrounding valleys, we began to shape that timber into a house dedicated to the Lord – a house we will rely on for shelter as we study far from home, and that hopefully will be a sure dwelling place for the Lord.

We were accompanied on our journey by a set of experienced carpenters: the College’s formation faculty. These seasoned priests came up into the hill country with us to stir our hearts with their talks and homilies and to get to know us one-on-one before the school year began.

Assisi’s picturesque views of the countryside have changed little since the days of St. Francis.

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But most importantly, we were accompanied by our Lord Jesus Christ, who is well-accustomed to going up into

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school year begins, and life gets busy again, our time in Assisi will remind us to remain focused on this invitation he extends to us in every moment.

Matthew Cowan ‘14 (Gaylord), Patrick Broussard ‘14 (Lafayette), and Daniel Westermann ‘14 (Lansing) enjoy the chance to visit the Basilica of St. Clare.

the hill country to pray, as the Gospels show him doing many times. He continually calls us out of our “own paneled houses” and invites us to enter into the deeper fulfillment of building His temple, the Church. As the

Second year students also journey to Assisi as members of the Orientation team. From left to right, Daniel McCaughan ‘13 (Sydney), Christopher Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis) and Michael Pierz ‘13 (Springfield in MA).

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saints and martyrs for some time,” Dalrymple said. “You older men have been our teachers, and so we thank you.”

Rev. Mr. Joshua Allen ‘11 (Atlanta) spoke on behalf of the new deacons, reminding the fourth year class of all that they have been blessed with and experienced together while in Rome. “The life we live here forms a bond between us – a bond filled with beautiful places, holy relics, saints, the Holy Father, the sacraments, and Jesus Christ,” Deacon Allen said. “And it is not given to us because it’s useful. We might be able to use these experiences one day, but that’s not the point. This time is a gift from God, given only because He loves us.”

Some twenty seminarians served the banquet, under the guidance of Refectory Prefect Victor Ingalls ‘12 (Mobile) and his assistant, Michael Pierz ‘13 (Springfield, MA).

“The Opening Banquet is a nice, practical outlet to exercise hospitality,” Ingalls said. “Being hospitable is a priority in any Christian setting.”

The College community was itself pleased to host Mr. Robert Dolan, the brother of Archbishop Timothy

Samuel Spiering ‘12 (Great Falls-Billings) and James Mangan ‘12 (Lansing) wait expectantly as Benjamin Ross ‘12 (Gary) serves the millefoglie alle fragole.

Dolan ‘76 of New York. Mr. Dolan is filming a documentary about the North American College for the EWTN television network.

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Apostolate Focus

“a venture of faith”: summer apostolate in ethiopia

by Spencer Howe ‘13, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

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aving finished exams and with hearts stirred by the Lord’s invitation to find Him among the poor, Brian Baker (Atlanta ‘13) and I embarked in June on a venture of faith that took us deep into the heart of Africa. For four weeks, we eagerly assisted the work of the Missionaries of Charity in Jimma, a small city in the mountains of southwestern Ethiopia. The Missionaries’ center in Jimma provides housing for a few hundred men, women and children. Many of those housed at the center suffered from disease, especially tuberculosis and AIDS, while others were physically or mentally disabled.

Joined by Jacob Strand (Milwaukee ‘12) for the first part of our stay, we ministered to the sick, changed dressings in the outpatient clinic, visited the surrounding villages, played games with the children, and helped with a variety of manual tasks, including milking cows and painting.

Every day afforded new encounters and presented new challenges.

It is hard to paint a realistic picture of the “otherness” of daily life in Ethiopia: sleeping under mosquito nets

Students of the College arrive with other volunteers in Jimma, Ethiopia, to assist the Missionaries of Charity.

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Brian Baker ‘13 (Atlanta) and Spencer Howe ‘13 (St. PaulMinneapolis) visit with some children from a local village.

but swarmed by mosquitoes in the chapel; horses, goats, dogs and children wandering freely through the muddy streets while three-wheel Bajaj taxis weaved in and out; monkeys playing among the tombs of a cemetery as consecrated widows prayed for the souls of the dead; daily Eucharistic Adoration continually accompanied by the sound of barking dogs and loudspeakers which broadcast the Muslim and Orthodox Christian calls to prayer.

It is a world away from the United States or Europe.

Ethiopia is a land of rich religious diversity, with Ethiopian Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims all living in close proximity. In this setting, the Missionaries of Charity carry on the mission of their foundress, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, by providing a home for the destitute and dying and by loving the needy one by one in their suffering. One of the Polish sisters with us was fond of saying, “Come with me, I have found a Jesus for you!” It was this vision of seeing Christ, in the words of Mother Teresa, in “His distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor” that imbued our whole experience.

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One of the highlights of our experience was helping with the distribution of grain for the local inhabitants. Some 1600 people sat in the grass, visibly hungry but also trusting that the Lord would provide through the hands of the sisters and volunteers. I could not help but think of the similar episode in the Bible when Jesus and the Apostles fed the multitudes. Looking back on our experience, I am amazed at how little we could offer in the face of so much need. We were reminded by the example of the people that we must be humble and that it was really God working through us. Though having nothing, the people were filled with trusting faith in God’s care.

This brings to mind Mother Teresa’s reflection about the difficulty faced in Western nations where the “spiritual poverty” of loneliness, doubt and despair prevail. As she often said, those who suffer from this kind of poverty are everywhere, even in our neighborhoods, in places like Rome and Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Perhaps my most dramatic experience came unexpectedly as we were making our rounds one day. Abandoned newborn twins were brought to the complex, the smaller of which weighed only about two pounds. We assisted in warming their tiny bodies and inserting feeding tubes.

As the littler one’s struggle for life continued, one of the

A Missionary of Charity sister makes a house visit.

Missionaries of Charity brought a cup of water and asked me to baptize him. I did so and named him Cosmas.

After two days Cosmas died and went to meet the Lord.

This experience provided me with an opportunity to “see through the eyes” of priesthood — to recognize the power behind the sacramental mystery and the call of the minister to be humble before the Lord, who pours out His saving grace despite our own unworthiness.

Spencer Howe ‘13 (St. Paul-Minneapolis) is warmly welcomed by the inhabitants of a village near Jimma.

We learned much from the poor themselves and also from watching the Missionaries of Charity interact with them. The sisters provided a powerful witness of poverty, chastity, obedience and joy in their choice to spend their lives for the poor. That example provides an encouragement for us, as future priests, to model our lives on Christ, the servant of all and lover of the poor.

“Blessed be Jesus Christ in the Poorest of the Poor” (Missionaries of Charity, Divine Praises after Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament) Fall 2 0 1 0

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A Time of Enrichment and Renewal

by Rev. Joe Pete, ICTE, F‘10, Diocese of Winona

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his autumn I am privileged to be on sabbatical in Rome with thirty-three other priests through the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) at the North American College.

It is a time of enrichment and renewal, and I feel most blessed by God to be able to attend.

I should begin by saying that I am a happy priest, and I enjoy my ministry at home. I am a pastor of three parishes in small communities in southeastern Minnesota.

God has always given me what I need, and I have learned

to accept the gifts and challenges that come with ministry. Three years ago, on a Saturday in August, one of the communities was flooded. The business district and many of the homes were damaged. I assisted in helping our community recover and spent long hours listening to people and helping them find resources. Soon, the arduous work began to take its toll on me as well. My bishop suggested I take a break. I heard about the ICTE program from a priest who had attended and had found there spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth. His comments were positive and encouraging, so I decided to take a break and come to Rome for the Institute.

As I get the rest I need, I am also being renewed in my faith. To visit Rome’s churches and historical sites has been a pleasure. The classes have been enriching and

The Casa O’Toole’s refectory affords the members of the ICTE program a chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

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The Casa O’ Toole’s beautiful chapel is a fitting place for prayer for the ICTE participants. Its artwork incorporates much of the iconography of Rome’s historic basilicas.

uplifting for me, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to again learn about such theological topics as liturgy, Sacred Scripture, moral theology, and the spirituality of the priesthood. I value as well the quiet time to pray and reflect, and I appreciate the fact that the ICTE program is centered on the Eucharist.

Another of the great gifts of the Institute is the community life. Each of the thirty-four of us has had different priestly experiences. It is inspiring to hear about each other’s hope for the Church, and I am edified by my fellow priests’ commitment to Christ and to the Church.

Sharing with each other helps us to better appreciate and understand our own experiences. Although we have experienced different things, I am reminded that I am not alone in my ministry and life.

This autumn the ICTE program has moved into the newly-dedicated Casa O’Toole. This building, dating

back to 1734 in its original construction, was known for years as the Casa San Giovanni. Beginning in 2008, the building was expanded and renovated for the ICTE program. This wonderful building offers a positive environment for us to pray and be enriched. We have our own chapel and living space where we can reflect on our lives as priests. I am most grateful to those who donated toward the renovation of the building. They have helped us be renewed in our lives and priestly ministry.

As I write these reflections, my sabbatical period through the ICTE program is nearly half completed. Already I am experiencing new energy. I will return to my parishes a new man and offer new hope to my communities. The community that was flooded has come far, yet still needs hope, and I believe I can help provide it through God’s grace. Yes, I am very blessed to be able to attend this program.

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Life at the College

Above Left: Charles Samson ‘13 (St. Louis) leads youth from the Oratory of San Marino for a hike in the mountains during his summer apostolate. Above Right: Rev. Mr. H. Ray Cho ‘11 (Newark) poses with a friend in the College’s courtyard after his ordination to the diaconate. Left: Newly arrived members of the New Man class enjoy dinner on the fifth floor terrace during Early Orientation. Right: No matter the outcome, sportsmanship prevails in the College’s sports.

Below Left: Rev. Joseph Betschart ‘99, the Academic Dean of the College, presides at Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at the Holy Hour for the parents of the ordinandi on the vigil of the diaconate ordination. He is assisted by Rev. Mr. Brandon Bernhard ‘11 (Tyler). Below Right: Members of the Class of 2014 get their first look at the spectacular view of Rome afforded from the College’s sixth floor terrace.

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Left: One of the College’s trusty house photographers documents the New Men’s visit to St. Peter’s Square.

Right: The College Choir sings Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria during the diaconate ordination.

Left: Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C‘77, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, offers Mass in the College’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Below Left: The College community gathers in the Gregory and Linda Jewell Student Lounge for the annual Halloween costume contest.

Below Middle: The New Men challenge the second year class to a softball game on the Kardos Family Campo ­Sportivo during Orientation. Below Right: John Connaughton ‘13 (Bridgeport) and Alan Dietzenbach ‘12 (Dubuque) don festive attire at the Oktoberfest party in the O’Toole Refectory.

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Journeying with the Lord:

Annual Class Retreats

by Anthony Dill ‘12, Diocese of Harrisburg

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very fall, the students of the North American College are grateful to participate in class retreats prior to the start of the academic year. With guidance from faculty spiritual directors and outside directors, these retreats are aimed at helping the seminarians to deepen their spiritual lives and to consecrate the upcoming year of formation.

During the month of September, the four formation classes take turns in departing the College for a week to spend time in prayer and meditation in various peaceful settings. The style of the retreat varies depending on the year of formation but all are designed to be an encounter with God through the silence of prayer. Each seminarian spends several hours a day in formal “holy hours” and meets every day for a spiritual conference or with a spiritual director, who guides and encourages their prayer experiences. At other times, they are encouraged to rest, reflect or engage in spiritual reading, especially Sacred Scripture. The class gathers together for Mass and for the Liturgy of the Hours, but aside from these instances, silence is maintained.

Father Joseph Hanefeldt ‘84 (Omaha), Director of Spiritual Formation, says that the retreats are designed to allow progression in the spiritual life, not only throughout the week but also from year to year. The retreats in the first and second year of formation are designed as a series of conferences with the opportunity for individual spiritual direction. In the third and fourth year, the retreats are more individualized, as each seminarian works with a spiritual director who helps to fashion the retreat experience according to the individual’s journey with the Lord. “Once our seminarians experience these individually-directed silent retreats, they greatly prefer this model,” Father Hanefeldt says. “It is my hope that having experienced that richness in the seminary, they will continue to seek out this form of retreat in the years after they are ordained.”

The location for each retreat is selected in order to provide a setting conducive to prayer and meditation. This

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year, the retreat for the New Men was held near the Franciscan Sanctuary of Greccio in the Rieti Valley. Here, St. Francis offered the world the first Nativity crèche in 1223.

The second and fourth year seminarians experienced the beautiful setting of Rocca di Papa, located in the Castelli Romani region to the south of Rome. The third year seminarians had the unique opportunity for a retreat on the Mediterranean coast near the town of Santa Marinella. As in years past, the third year retreat allowed the seminarians the chance to pray the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The College is very grateful to the number of Jesuit priests living and studying in Rome who helped to conduct and direct the retreat.

The annual retreat experiences are one of the most important parts of the formation program. The power of the graces of these weeks is felt throughout the year. The North American College feels very fortunate to be able to offer such a diversity of retreat settings and experiences to its seminarians. These invaluable experiences would not be possible without the assistance of many benefactors, most especially the Serra International Foundation. To all who helped make these retreats a reality, the College and its seminarians sincerely thank you for your generosity and service.

Fourth year students enjoy the view from the retreat center in Rocca di Papa.

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Congratulations to the New Cardinals!

he Pontifical North American College wishes to congratulate two of Her sons on their appointment by Pope Benedict XVI to the College of Cardinals. Cardinal-elect Raymond L. Burke ‘75, C‘84, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura and Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis, and Cardinal-elect Donald W. Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington, were named by the Holy Father to the cardinalate along with twenty-two others in an announcement on October 20th.

The Cardinals-elect will formally enter the College of Cardinals in a consistory to be held in Rome on November 20th. Both men expressed gratitude and humility upon receiving the news and renewed their pledges of loyalty to the Holy Father.

Cardinal-elect

Donald W. Wuerl

Archbishop of Washington

Cardinal-elect

Raymond L. Burke

Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis

To Cardinal-elect Burke and Cardinal-elect Wuerl, the College wishes

Ad Multos Annos!

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We’ve Got Mail: On the Pope’s Letter to Seminarians

by Ryan Connors ‘12, Diocese of Providence

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t happens so often you could almost take it for granted: Pope Benedict XVI delivers a message pointed and strong, gentle and wise. Last week’s Letter to Seminarians was no exception. With particular joy the seminarians of the Pontifical North American College received the Pope’s words, grateful for his spiritual closeness and fatherly care. More and more it seems we are able to speak of a new generation of priests formed in the age – and even in the image – of Pope Benedict XVI. As my classmates and I look ahead – one year away from Holy Orders – the words of the Holy Father hit home.

The Pope’s exhortations on community life, theological studies, and the life of prayer are especially poignant for our day. His own example of ever-gentle instruction, grounded in the tradition of the church with prayer as its foundation, is an apt model and guide.

Only in union with the apostolic community can a man persevere and minister with joy.

In regard to studies, the Pope writes: I can only plead with you: Be committed to your studies! Take advantage of your years of study… The point is not simply to learn evidently useful things, but to understand and appreciate the internal structure of the faith as a whole, so that it can become a response to people’s questions.

Few seminarians are unfamiliar with the temptation to neglect studies, thinking them impractical and without significance for future ministry. The Pope suggests otherwise. The challenges of our day are well-known. What is needed is not simply the good will to evangelize, but the real capacity to explain the faith, providing solid answers to people’s deepest questions.

One example: the present practice as regards the Catholic faithful frequenting the Sacraments – at least in the Western world – is, generally speaking, quite grave. Might it be that the virtual abandonment of the Sacrament of Penance in many places, stems, even if only in part, from

The Pope writes: The seminary is a community journeying towards priestly ministry. I have said something very important here: one does not become a priest on one’s own.

God does not simply call one man after another to be a priest, but instead creates an apostolic community, which the seminary is to mirror. The Pope suggests that the bond of priestly fraternity – raised to the order of grace in the Sacrament of Holy Orders – is so central to priestly life as to be considered part of the priest’s identity. A priest – and therefore a seminarian – outside the priestly community fails to image the apostolic bond instituted by Christ to his peril. So many problems result from thinking one can “become a priest on one’s own.”

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continued on page 26

Val J. Peter Scholars John Henao López, Diocese of Tyler

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ohn’s journey to the priesthood began when he was a young boy in Colombia. He attended a minor seminary called El Carpinello, which is operated by the Missionaries of Divine Redemption. A priestly desire for prayer and service was awakened in John when he served as a “house father” for groups of poor, orphaned and disadvantaged children at one of the school’s residential homes. A bright student, he completed high school at the age of 16, and later graduated from a technical institute, by which he was then hired as a computer technician. After completing an E.S.L. program at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, John was assigned to the Pontifical College Josephinum for his college seminary formation, where he excelled academically. John aspires to serve his home diocese of Tyler, Texas, as a spiritual father with the compassion and diligence that has marked his service and studies.

Sheldon Momaney, Diocese of Burlington

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began to think about being a priest. At Fordham University, Sheldon became quite involved with Catholic student organizations and Campus Ministry. A bright and wellrounded student, Sheldon graduated with honors and was an avid sportsman. In his words, Sheldon has been “trying to live by and love the truth that brought me to the seminary, since it will be the love for that truth that will lead me to the priesthood.”

Daniel Poelma, Diocese of Cheyenne

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n active student, Daniel excelled in math and computer science in high school while serving as the editor of the school newspaper, a member of the National Honor Society, and even President of the student body.

Daniel then attended the University of Wyoming and majored in electrical engineering. During his college years, he participated in the fencing team, fly fishing club, and an engineering service society. Daniel studied abroad for a semester at the University of Cork, Ireland, where he learned to play the uilleann pipes. In Ireland, Daniel entered into a “desert experience” in his life and decided to pursue a vocation to the priesthood. This decision was influenced by the summer parish work he had done, ministry which stirred in his heart the desire for priesthood. Daniel hopes to utilize his dynamism and talents in the Diocese of Cheyenne so as to bring many a spiritual child to the sacraments and parish life, just as his own father did for him.

convert to the Catholic faith, Sheldon joined the Church as a high school student in Vermont. Since then he has identified with the words of Scripture: Zeal for your house will consume me (John 2:17). Sheldon quickly became involved in youth ministries and was appointed to serve on the Diocesan Youth Council. He also served as a president of the Respect for Life Club as well and counseled pregnant women in front of abortion clinics. Additionally, Sheldon also spent a summer teaching English with a Jesuit volunteer program in the The new Val J. Peter Scholars are [from left to right]: Sheldon Micronesian missions of the Momaney ‘14 (Burlington); Daniel Poelma ‘14 (Cheyenne); Robert Marshall Islands. Through Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne); John Henao López ‘14 (Tyler). these activities, Sheldon first

Robert Rodgers, Diocese of Cheyenne

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obert graduated as valedictorian of his high school class of 300 students.

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He then went to college in Vermont but was frustrated by the secular environment and cultural differences that he encountered. However, in this atmosphere, Robert felt the first sense of his vocation to the priesthood as he began to desire ever more deeply a strong connection to Christ and the Church. After returning home and finishing his freshman year at the University of Wyoming, Robert entered formation and was sent to Conception Seminary College in Missouri, from which he graduated with academic excellence. A deep thinker, Robert also is attracted to parish life, prayer, and teaching which he experienced while traveling with other college-aged students around the Diocese of Cheyenne, conducting one week-seminars

for parish youth entitled “Totus Tuus.” In response to God’s overwhelming love for him, Robert testifies that he is “wholeheartedly desirous to give all he has for this pearl of great price.”

The Val J. Peter Scholars Fund assists dioceses that otherwise lack the financial resources to send a student to Rome by providing annual scholarships from 25% to 75% of tuition costs depending on need.

The Fund is in its third year and is named for Father Valentine J. Peter ‘60, C‘68. Father Peter is the Executive Director Emeritus of Father Flanagan’s Boys Home, more commonly known as Boys Town, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Continued from page 24

to be ready to form the People of God in the sacred and saving truths of the Gospel. Careful attention to the emphasis the Pope places on theological study is thus in order.

The Holy Father gives his apostolic blessing to the New Men upon their visit to Castel Gandolfo in August.

a wrong idea about the necessity of Confession? If people believe that the Sacraments are something less than the indispensable means of encountering God, no wonder they fail to frequent the Sacraments with fervor.

The answer then cannot be simply to work harder, exhort stronger, or even simply be kinder. Absolutely essential though they are, moral exhortation and hard work are not enough. Priests in union with their bishops, are the authentic teachers of sacred doctrine, and thus need

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Finally, more than anything else, the Pope explains that the priest has to be a man in contact with God. Friendship with Jesus Christ is the foundation of the priestly life.

Any other foundation—ambition, comfort, career—is a path to destruction, the consequences of which have become all too clear.

A community based on shared friendship with Jesus Christ, consecrated study of the Lord who is Truth in person, and most of all a serious life of prayer is the sure and certain path to a priesthood after the heart of the Good Shepherd.

The priest – that unique and indispensable instrument in God’s plan of salvation – must evermore become a worthy minister of so holy a mystery. We seminarians are grateful for the Pope’s encouragement, and even more so for his example. Our prayer now is that, with God’s help, we are up to the task.

This editorial originally appeared in the newspaper L’Osservatore Romano.

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Circle of Friends Stephen and Jennifer Frenz

by Michael Prescott II

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aith, fun, and family. that they might help sustain These three words seem the College in its important to perfectly describe Steministry. phen and Jennifer Frenz’s When asked about the sigapproach to living life, and nificance of the North enjoying every minute of it.

American College to them, Residing in Minneapolis with Steve and Jennifer stressed their three children, Steve and that “it offers an incredible Jennifer enjoy physical activiopportunity for seminarians Jennifer and Stephen Frenz, friends and benefactors of the College. ties such as biking, traveling and priests to have a perwith family, and taking adsonal experience of the Church in Rome.” In addition, vantage of the art scene that Minneapolis has to offer. They they noted the importance of the sabbatical program also remain extremely involved with their local parish. Jen(ICTE) as a wonderful opportunity for priests to “renifer serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Commucharge their batteries” and become reinvigorated in their nion, teaches a Liturgy of the Word class to younger chilpastoral ministry. The Frenzs also recognized the quality dren in the parish, and has led a prayer group for mothers, of the administrators and faculty at the College and the while Steve serves as a trustee of the parish. Their children fact that they are incredibly devoted to the students and have all served the parish as altar servers. The compassion, the program. enthusiasm and generosity exemplified by the Frenz family is admirable, and should most certainly be recognized.

Overall, Steve and Jennifer both feel that the College is Steve and Jennifer were introduced to the Pontifical North American College when one of Steve’s good friends was asked to go to Rome to pursue his formation abroad.

Then, in 2005, Steve and Jennifer were invited by Bishop Richard Pates ‘69 of Des Moines, who had been their parish priest in Minnesota in the early 1990s, to go on a pilgrimage trip. It was during this trip that they were able to visit the North American College and deepen their understanding of its mission to provide the best formation program possible to seminarians and priests. When reflecting on this trip, Steve and Jennifer described it as an “eyeopening experience” in which they could get a first-hand look at what the College is all about. They remember dining with seminarians and administrators and saw the close connection that the men had with the Church. After their trip, Steve and Jennifer decided to become benefactors so

making a positive impact on the future of the Church in the United States and are more than happy to tell others about its work. In fact, both Steve and Jennifer have provided significant assistance in spreading the word about the College through their work with the College’s Council for Institutional Advancement, a group of laity who act as ambassadors through their promotion of the College’s mission and assistance with various fundraising efforts. Their hard work and dedication make the Frenzs a tremendous asset to the College, and they are greatly appreciated.

Just as Steve and Jennifer Frenz praise the work of the North American College, we praise them for their consistent and generous support. Thank you, Steve and Jennifer, for being truly great friends and staying active in the North American College’s community of friends and alumni. We hope to see you again soon in Rome!

Michael Prescott II is an intern in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

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Institutional advancement Mary DiDonato Executive Director of Institutional Advancement

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s the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to fall, I know that Thanksgiving is not far behind. Despite the challenging economic times, I am truly grateful for the many blessings God has bestowed on me – especially during the past year.

On a personal note, I am especially grateful for two joyous family events which occurred only three weeks apart this past September: the wedding of our son, Peter, to our new daughter-in-law, Adrienne, and the birth of our very first grandchild, Leah Francesca, to proud parents, Jacqueline and Bruce, our daughter and son-in-law. To behold Christmas through the eyes of a child again will be especially heart-warming!

Professionally, I am thankful to not only have a job – but one that I truly enjoy! I am especially grateful for the wonderful, supportive staff members I work with on a daily basis, who not only tackle each project with energy and enthusiasm but with a great sense of humor! Somehow, even a routine chore such as stuffing envelopes becomes fun when they’re involved!

The College is also grateful for the many blessings it is experiencing this year – from the 60 New Men who recently began their spiritual and priestly formation at the Janiculum campus, to the 70 priests enrolled at the Casa Santa Maria, and the full capacity enrollment at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education . . . not to forget the 30 seminarians recently ordained deacons at St. Peter’s Basilica.

These blessings would not be possible without each and every one of you! We are truly grateful that, in spite of the challenges many of us have faced the past few years, you – our loyal and generous friends, alumni, parents, and benefactors – continue to respond enthusiastically to our call for support. Your ongoing generosity – whether it has been through outright gifts of cash, gifts of security or a planned gift – has an immediate and direct impact on our nearly 240 outstanding students from 97 dioceses in the United States, Australia, and Canada now being formed at the heart of the Church. It gives them the finest formation that only a world-class seminary like the Pontifical North American College can provide today, so that they can capably take their places as the leaders who will shape our Church tomorrow. Our seminarians deeply appreciate what you do for them, as do we!

So during this season of Thanksgiving, as you consider your blessings, please keep in mind the significant impact that you have had on the North American College. Furthermore, remember that the seminarians and priests of the North American College that you support today may become your parish priest tomorrow! Through your dedicated prayerful and financial support, you have truly given them much to be thankful for, and I can assure you that they are eternally grateful! You and your loved ones will be remembered in their Masses during this upcoming season of thanks and giving!

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Economo’s Corner Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89 Diocese of Tulsa Vice-Rector

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10)

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o be trustworthy is an important quality for every priest. At the Pontifical North American College, we strive to be trustworthy in matters great and small.

In this edition of the magazine, you have seen the various ways in which we have been faithful to our mission of priestly formation. Bishops have entrusted their seminarians and priests to us so that they will be provided the necessary formation to grow in holiness and become effective and authentic ministers of the Gospel.

We have been entrusted with much. However, in order to accomplish this great mission of priestly formation, we must also be faithful in accomplishing the minor details which make our mission possible.

For example, this past summer we undertook several important and necessary projects at both of our campuses which will allow us to provide the best possible environment for priestly formation.

We increased our electrical power supply and transformers to accommodate the increased energy needs of

the air conditioning units and other mechanical operations at the Casa O’Toole and the seminary.

We strengthened the flooring of the upper level of library where the book stacks are reserved.

We replaced the original linoleum pavement near the main public entrance to the College (also known as

“Firmum Est”) with a durable porcelain tile.

Although these projects were relatively small and not very visible, they were nonetheless important. They had to be done so that our ministry of priestly formation could continue in an effective, comfortable, responsible and respectful manner.

These projects also totaled more than $125,000 and represent only a minor portion of the costs associated with providing a quality ministry of priestly formation. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to meet these financial challenges.

You have helped us to be trustworthy.

Your help is needed now more than ever. As you may have read in recent economic news, the U.S. dollar has lost much of its value in recent months. For example, the dollar declined approximately twelve percent against the euro in just the first four months of this fiscal year alone! For us, that means an increase in our operational costs, because our income is almost entirely in dollars and our expenses are mostly in euros.

We are confident that we will be trustworthy in meeting the challenges we face. Our confidence stems from our trust in God that this ministry is first and foremost His work and not our own. Our confidence also comes from the knowledge that friends like you understand the importance of priestly formation and will, by the grace of God, continue to support us with your prayers and sacrificial gifts.

We trust you! God bless you for being a part of our mission!

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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 Mary DiDonato 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 19th Annual Rector’s Dinner Thursday, May 5th, 2011 For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 202-541-5411.