Circle of Friends Stephen and Jennifer Frenz
by Michael Prescott II
F
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.
Fall 2 0 1 0
27