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Contents FEATURES Monks’ Personals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Monastery News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 New School Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Events on the Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Young Adult Initiative Concludes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Student Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 ALUMNI Alumni Eternal and News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Day of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Cultural Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 On the Hill is published three times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology. The newsletter is also available online at: www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill. Editor: Krista Hall Send changes of address and comments to: The Editor, The Development Office, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, 812-357-6501 • news@saintmeinrad.edu www.saintmeinrad.edu, © 2026, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
C O V E R P H O T O : "ONE BREAD, ONE CUP" YO U T H PA R T I C I PA N T L E V I PA N K E Y O F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E O F I N D I A N A P O L I S S E R V E S AT M A S S D U R I N G T H E S UM M E R YO U T H L I T U R G I C A L L E A D E R S H I P C O N F E R E N C E AT SAINT MEINRAD. F I N D M O R E P H O T O S AT S A I N T- M E I N R A D . S M U G M U G . C O M .
Monks’ Personals Fr. Harry Hagan gave the annual retreats for Marmion Abbey in Aurora, IL, and St. Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee, OK, in June.
Catholic participants of the annual gathering of the “Strengthening Ministry with Children Coordination Program” in Indianapolis.
Fr. Thomas Gricoski presented a philosophy paper on St. Edith Stein’s experience of God at a conference in July hosted by Mount Angel Abbey, Oregon.
Br. Martin Erspamer has been commissioned to design the new stained-glass windows for St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in St. Louis, MO.
Fr. Mateo Zamora directed a men’s retreat for the Church of the Annunciation in Shelbyville, KY, on August 29. He was also appointed to the Saint Meinrad Communications Advisory Board on July 15. Fr. Adrian Burke preached the annual retreat for the permanent deacons of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in September; preached the annual retreat for the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Kalamazoo in October; and in October, provided Masses for the 2 | ON THE HILL
Br. John Glasenapp was awarded a grant from the American Benedictine Forum to create original recordings that will become part of a new app on the music and theology of St. Hildegard of Bingen. He also received a commendation from the mayor of Remiremont (France) for his research for an upcoming publication of a special medieval Mass book. Fr. Simon Herrmann presented on Benedictine vocations along with now Abbot Paul Sheller of Conception Abbey at the Swiss-American
Benedictine Congregation General Chapter meeting at Westminster Abbey in Mission, British Columbia. Br. Joel Blaize began his doctoral studies in Arts Practice at the University of Limerick in Ireland. His research will focus on adapting the medieval chant repertoire of Einsiedeln into German. Fr. Raymond Studzinski returned to the monastery after living and teaching at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., for 44 years. Fr. Samuel Weber returned to the monastery from the Pope Benedict XVI Institute of Sacred Music in San Francisco, CA.
Keegan Porter professes temporary vows at Saint Meinrad Keegan Porter professed his temporary vows as a Benedictine monk in a ceremony on August 6, 2026, at Saint Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, IN.
He attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
He has completed his novitiate, a year of prayer and study of the Benedictine way of life. As is the custom during the profession of vows, he was given a religious name. Novice Keegan is now Br. Colm.
Before joining the monastery, Br. Colm worked in a variety of positions within the field of senior living and care home facilities. Those positions included caregiving, activities, dining, facilities, and training.
Br. Colm, 36, is from San Diego, CA, where he was a member of Saint Thérèse of Carmel Catholic Church.
Temporary vows are typically for three years. This period offers a continuing opportunity for the monk and the
monastic community to determine whether monastic life is, indeed, the right vocation for this individual. Scan the QR code to read a Q&A with Br. Colm.
Brother Kenan Kapina, OSB, Dies at 73 Brother Kenan Kapina, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, died July 19, 2026. He was 73 and in the 50th year of his monastic profession. He was born in East Chicago, IN, Br. Kenan on October 5, Kapina, OSB 1952, to Vincent and Josephine (Troilo) Kapina and was named Vincent Joel at his baptism.
He completed his elementary education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and attended Bishop Noll High School, both in Hammond, IN, graduating in 1970. He attended Saint Meinrad College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1974. He then went to Purdue University for a year before returning to Saint Meinrad as a novice. He made his first profession of vows on August 15, 1976, and his solemn profession on August 15, 1979. Starting in 1977, Brother Kenan worked in Saint Meinrad’s Business Office for 19 years. In 1997, he was appointed
manager of the Guest House and Retreat Center and associate oblate director, positions he held until 2004. He also served as the monastery’s vocations director. In 2004, Brother Kenan moved to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, FL. He served in the Office of Marriage and Family Life, then in the Business and Development Office until returning to Saint Meinrad in 2019. The Office of the Dead was prayed on Wednesday, July 22, in the Archabbey Church, and the Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, July 23. ON THE HILL | 3
Four Saint Meinrad Monks Celebrate Monastic Profession Jubilees Four Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey observed anniversaries of their monastic profession in July. Fr. Denis Quinkert, Fr. Lambert Reilly, and Fr. Meinrad Brune marked their 70th anniversary of profession, and Fr. Anthony Vinson celebrated his 25th anniversary. They were honored during Mass on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Sacred Heart Monastery and the students at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD.
Fr. Denis Quinkert is a native of New Albany, IN. In 1950, he came to Saint Meinrad to study at St. Placid Hall, a high school for those interested in becoming monastic brothers. He joined the Benedictine monastery at Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin, SD, in 1954, and professed his vows on February 10, 1956.
He has served as a commuting chaplain for Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN, and assisted with transportation at Saint Meinrad. He is a Mass celebrant for the Saint Meinrad Infirmary.
As a Benedictine brother, he worked on the abbey farm, helped with the construction of the monastery and farm buildings, and served as a prefect at the Indian schools staffed by Blue Cloud Abbey. He later studied theology at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA, and was ordained a priest on May 25, 1976. He served as a pastor at Fort Totten in North Dakota and at Wagner and Milbank in South Dakota, as well as at St. Paul Parish in Marty, SD. He was a chaplain to the Benedictine sisters of 4 | ON THE HILL
Fr. Denis was elected abbot of Blue Cloud Abbey two times, serving from 1986–1991 and again from 2009 until the abbey closed in 2012. At that time, he joined the Saint Meinrad community.
Fr. Lambert Reilly is a native of Pittsburgh, PA. He made his profession of vows on August 15, 1956, and was ordained a priest on September 20, 1959. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, in 1955. He also holds Master of Divinity and Master of Religious Education degrees from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, as well as a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University. In addition, he did graduate studies at The Catholic University of America, Georgetown University, University of
Evansville, and Arkansas State University. Fr. Lambert served as the archabbot of the monastic community from 1995 to 2004. He then returned to his work of preaching and giving retreats. For more than 40 years, Fr. Lambert has been a retreat director and speaker on issues of spirituality and prayer. Fr. Lambert also taught Latin and education courses at Saint Meinrad College, Mount Sacred Heart College in Hamden, CT, and Penn State University. In addition, he served as principal of St. Elizabeth High School in Pittsburgh, PA, and as a consultant to the Diocese of Peoria’s Office of Education. He also has assisted in parishes, worked in public relations, and served as guest master, assistant oblate director, assistant to the novice master, and pro-prior. He is the author of two books, Because There Is Jesus and Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth. Fr. Meinrad Brune grew up in Indianapolis, IN. He made his profession of vows on August 15, 1956, and was ordained a priest on May 7, 1961. He has a Master of Arts degree from Butler University, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America, and a Master of
Divinity from Saint Meinrad School of Theology. Following ordination, Fr. Meinrad taught at Saint Meinrad High School and College for 16 years. For the next seven years, he served as pastor at St. Meinrad Parish, St. Meinrad, IN, and St. Mary Parish, Huntingburg, IN. In 1984, he began work in Saint Meinrad’s Development Office as an associate director and then as alumni director for nine years. He served as director of the Benedictine Oblate community from 1995–2017. He was the archivist for the Saint Meinrad Archives and for the archives of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation from 2017 until 2023, when he retired from official work in the monastery. Fr. Meinrad currently offers Mass in the Infirmary chapel, hears confessions in the Guest House, School, and monastery, writes letters, gives conferences and retreats, and helps in the monastery Vestry. Fr. Anthony Vinson is a native of Cedar Falls, IA. He professed vows as a
Benedictine monk on August 6, 2001, and was ordained a priest on June 5, 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University before completing a Master of Arts in Catholic Thought and Life and a Master of Divinity at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Following ordination, Fr. Anthony served in a variety of leadership and formation ministries at Saint Meinrad. He was director of monastery vocations, associate spiritual director, and director of pastoral formation for the seminary. He was also director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation, overseeing the “One Bread, One Cup” (OBOC) summer liturgical leadership conferences for high school youth and the College Ministerial Internship Program. He has long served as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator for priests, religious, seminarians, dioceses, and other organizations. From 2009 through September 2025, Fr. Anthony was administrator of St. Boniface Parish in Fulda, IN, and St. Meinrad Parish in St. Meinrad, IN. He
also served the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on the Council of Priests and, later, on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. From 2007–2013, he served on the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) Board of Directors. He is a founding member of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV) and currently serves as chairman of the board. Locally, he serves on the Board of Directors of Lincoln Hills Development Corporation Inc., and as president of Cooperative Action for Community Development Inc. (CACD). He previously served on the Catholic Charities Advisory Board and on the Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children in Spencer County. Fr. Anthony assists with hospitality in the Saint Meinrad Guest House and Retreat Center and with donor visits through the Development Office. He serves as student chaplain at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, KY, as a spiritual director for priests and religious, and as a Mass celebrant for the monastery infirmary.
Novice joins Benedictine community at Saint Meinrad In a brief ceremony at the monastery entrance, David Hensler was clothed in the Benedictine habit at Saint Meinrad Archabbey on August 5. The novice now begins a year of monastic formation, including study of The Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history. Novice David, 27, is from Marietta, OH. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in St. Marys, WV. He attended Washington State College of Ohio, earning a Certificate for Licensed Practical Nursing in 2019 and an associate degree in nursing in 2023.
Before joining the monastery, Novice David was an LPN at Marietta Memorial Endocrinology Clinic, an RN at Camden Clark Medical Center, and an RN at Housecalls Hospice. As a novice, he will take a year off from formal studies and trades. The novitiate is a time of prayer and learning intended to help a novice discern his vocation as a monk. At the end of this year, a novice may be permitted to profess temporary vows of obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and stability in the community of Saint Meinrad.
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Saint Meinrad Begins New Formation Year with Strong Enrollment A new year of ministry, fellowship, learning, and growing in faith began in August with encouraging enrollment across Saint Meinrad’s formation programs. President-Rector Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, expressed, “Saint Meinrad is continuing to look to the future, continuing to grow, and continuing to provide opportunities not only for our students, but for the public in general to see what we can make of the Church in the next decades as we move forward.” Seminary enrollment has increased, reaching 117 seminarians for the 202627 school year. The propaedeutic program welcomed its largest class yet, with 20 students beginning this important first stage of seminary formation. Fr. Denis said, “It’s a joy to teach them and a joy to see their excitement to be a part of formation for the priesthood here at Saint Meinrad.” This year, seminarians from the Dioceses of Belleville and Saginaw are also joining the Saint Meinrad community. The seminary continues to reflect the global nature of the Catholic Church with 32 international students representing 12 countries. International students make up 27% of the seminary student body, bringing diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives to the community. The Graduate Theology Program remains strong, with 73 students enrolled this fall. The program has increased its online presence, welcoming several students including Benedictine oblates and students with ties to Subiaco Abbey, Marmion Abbey, and Assumption Abbey. Further strengthening its ministry-based student body, the program recently offered three full-tuition scholarships to FOCUS missionaries. The Permanent Deacon Formation Program continues its steady growth as well, reaching 17 cohorts from 15 6 | ON THE HILL
dioceses and one eparchy, totaling 232 students. This year, the program implemented a new Human Formation Program and continues to expand formation opportunities in Spanish. The Diocese of Nashville is Saint Meinrad’s first diocese to form an entire cohort in Spanish. The program also continues to provide opportunities for ongoing formation through two upcoming workshops: “Sharing Our Story: A Homiletics Refresher,” October 16-17, 2026, and “Singing the Exultet” presented by the Institute for Sacred Music, March 5-6, 2027. Three new faculty members joined the Seminary and School of Theology this fall: Dr. Rosemary Heredos, Dr. Christopher Hoskins, and Dr. Sam Mullins. Dr. Rosemary Heredos joins the Institute for Sacred Music as associate
director. She is a specialist in early music with a particular emphasis in Gregorian chant and liturgy. Dr. Heredos holds a doctorate in historical performance practice from Case Western Reserve University and an M.A. in ritual chant and song from the University of Limerick. She brings experience as a parish music director, cantor, and liturgical formation catechist in the Diocese of Cleveland, and as a performer in the medieval ensembles Cantoral based in Ireland and Trobár based in Cleveland. Saint Meinrad has partnered with Dr. Heredos many times in the past when she has presented chant workshops, taught voice lessons, and performed in concerts for the Institute for Sacred Music. Rev. Dr. Christopher Hoskins has been appointed assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling after the retirement of Dr. Ryan LaMothe. Dr. Hoskins holds a Ph.D. in religion,
psychology, and culture from Vanderbilt University with a focus in spiritual and pastoral care, where he was also a Fellow in Theology and Practice. Having served seminaries in teaching and administrative roles in the United States, Ecuador, and Mexico, he spent last year teaching at the School of Theology of Sewanee, the University of the South as part of his fellowship. He has also served in parish and community ministry assignments domestically and internationally. Dr. Sam Mullins is the new assistant professor of Scripture following the retirement of Dr. Clayton Jefford. Dr. Mullins was born in Dayton, Ohio,
Events
where he received his undergraduate education at the University of Dayton. Later he earned an M.T.S. from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. from Emory University. Before coming to Saint Meinrad, Dr. Mullins was a visiting professor at Providence College.
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With strong enrollment, new faculty, and expanding opportunities for formation, Saint Meinrad begins the 2026-27 academic year with a renewed sense of purpose—continuing its mission of preparing men and women to serve the Church and strengthening the communities in which they minister.
NOVEMBER 7
NEW SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS
NOVEMBER 6
Cultural Event: Organ Concert by Dr. Ryan Kennedy, Archabbey Church, 7:30 p.m. Central time
Abbot Martin Marty Guild and Einsiedeln Society Day of Recollection NOVEMBER 10
Cultural Event: Vienna Boys Choir, St. Bede Theater, 7:30 p.m. Central time NOVEMBER 13–15
Guest House Retreat: “The Infancy Narrative of Matthew’s Gospel” by Fr. Eugene Hensell, OSB NOVEMBER 20–22
Guest House Retreat: “Stories from the Old Testament for Today” by Fr. Harry Hagan, OSB DECEMBER 1
Cultural Event: Miró Quartet, St. Bede Theater, 7:30 p.m. Central time DECEMBER 4
Graduation – Fourth Configuration Class
Dr. Rosemary Heredos
Rev. Dr. Christopher Hoskins
Dr. Sam Mullins
DECEMBER 18–20
Guest House Retreat: “Benedictine Spirituality as Lived in Marriage” (Married Couples Retreat) by Dcn. Rich and Cherie Zoldak
We’re seeking lecturers The Permanent Deacon Formation Program is in need of bilingual lecturers (English/Spanish) to serve the growing need of dioceses to form Spanish-speaking deacons. If interested in teaching, contact Deacon Ron Pirau at 812-357-6378 or rpirau@saintmeinrad.edu.
J A N UA RY 1 5 – 1 7
Guest House Retreat: “Raising Hope” by Br. Zachary Wilberding, OSB J A N UA RY 29 – 3 1
Guest House Retreat: “Young Adult Retreat” by Fr. Simon Herrmann, OSB, and Cassie Schutzer F E B RUA RY 4
Fr. Cyprian Davis Lecture, speaker to be announced F E B RUA RY 1 2 – 1 4
Guest House Retreat: “Two Become One: A Valentine’s Couples Retreat” (Married Couples Retreat) by Fr. Michael Reyes, OSB
For more information, call 812-357-6611 or visit our website www.saintmeinrad.org P E R M A N E N T F O R M A T I O N
D E A C O N P R O G R A M
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As Young Adult Initiative concludes, ministry will continue After a decade of working with parishes in young adult ministry, the Young Adult Initiative (YAI) will come to an end this year. But that doesn’t mean that Saint Meinrad’s work in young adult ministry is over. Ten years ago, Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Saint Meinrad a grant to launch an initiative intended to improve parish outreach to young adults and better engage them with the Catholic Church. Cassie Schutzer, who has overseen the program for the past five years, says YAI’s work with parishes has uncovered some important lessons and opened up unforeseen opportunities for seminarian ministry. During Cassie’s tenure – the second phase of the initiative – Saint Meinrad worked with five parishes, and each of them chose a sister parish to mentor. Twice a year, the parish teams came to Saint Meinrad for a formation weekend and to share stories.
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“The thing that surprised me as we journeyed along as a YAI community is that it became less about young adults and more about parish culture,” she says. A parish can be welcoming to young adults and offer various programs for engagement, but eventually other questions surface: How does our parish welcome new people? How does our parish journey with people at different stages of their faith? How does our parish address conflict? Does our parish make space for new ideas? ‘We’re Not a Program; We’re a Way of Ministering’ Cassie believes the heart of the lessons gleaned from closely working with parishes and their young adults boils down to one important principle. “It’s less about what we do and it’s more about how we do what we do,” she explains. “It’s not about finding the perfect program … but I walk with you because I
genuinely want you to love the Lord. I want you to have an encounter with Him.” It’s important for a parish to remember why they are ministering to young adults in the first place, she says. “When we started to make that shift with our parishes of going back to those deeper questions: Why are we doing what we’re doing? And who are we actually wanting to reach out to? And what are their needs? And where are they in their faith? … genuine relationships really started to form. You could tell the difference in a parish that was remembering why we do what we do.” Sometimes a parish doesn’t look very far beyond its walls, according to Cassie, instead focusing on those who are members of the parish. In one instance, two of the YAI parishes joined forces to collaborate on all of their young adult ministry. They held their events in the community, trying to reach as many young people as they could – regardless of their parish affiliation. The pastors were supportive and took turns hosting
W E ’ R E N O T A P R O G R A M ; W E ’ R E A WAY O F MINISTERING.
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the church-based events, such as Eucharistic adoration. “They cast the net a little wider,” she says, “and that worked really well for them.” After YAI, Now What? Before the grant period was coming to an end, other opportunities for ministering to young adults were emerging. About five years ago, Fr. Simon Herrmann, OSB, proposed the idea of creating a retreat specifically for young adults as part of his work as the director of young adult engagement in Saint Meinrad’s Development Office. “It’s an opportunity to engage a part of the Church that may be a bit below the radar,” he says. “Their spiritual growth, their spiritual development, matter, and we want to be a part of that,” Fr. Simon explains. Last year, Saint Meinrad hosted three of these retreats, and five retreats are planned for both this year and next year. Much of the retreat (typically Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) is left unscheduled, with time for praying with the monks, spiritual direction, and meals together, with confessions and Eucharistic adoration available one evening. “It’s an opportunity for them to take a break from their day-to-day and enter into the prayer with us monks
and to slow down and to spend time with one another in community.” Another distinction of these retreats is that they are subsidized by generous benefactors. Instead of the usual $350 fee for a weekend retreat that includes a room and meals, a retreatant pays only $50. Fr. Simon says the retreats are popular, with several dates filled months beforehand. The retreats are just one way that Saint Meinrad’s ministry to young adults will continue after the grant ends, according to Cassie, who has joined Fr. Simon in organizing the retreats. In the seminary formation program, students will have opportunities to minister to young adults. This began a few years ago when Cassie casually issued an invitation for interested seminarians to join an upcoming formation weekend for the parishes involved in the Young Adult Initiative. Enough students showed an interest that Cassie later invited them to take part in leading small groups and, eventually, helping to plan parts of the weekend. “This was completely voluntary on their part, but they would spend their whole weekend walking with these young adults,” she says. In addition, two area parishes have expressed an interest in young adult ministry, which will provide another chance for student ministry. The
seminarians can help get this ministry started and lead some events, such as small group discussion or Bible study, according to Cassie. When her work with YAI concludes, she will join Saint Meinrad’s Office of Pastoral Formation and oversee the students’ ministry assignments. Fr. Simon’s work in young adult ministry has expanded as well. He regularly visits a small group of young couples in the local area for a meal and to encourage them in their faith journey. He makes himself available to witness marriages and baptize children. He provides several young adults with spiritual direction. He says Saint Meinrad is welcoming to young adults. “We can be a place where they recharge, reset, and refresh with God, and then they go back to their home communities renewed.”
M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N To see the dates for upcoming young adult retreats, visit saintmeinrad.org/ retreats/young-adult-retreats/. To read the blog about the Young Adult Initiative and its findings, visit saintmeinrad.edu/youth/young-adultinitiative/blog/. You can find the Phase I report on the Initiative at saintmeinrad.edu/youth/young-adultinitiative/phase-1-report/. —Story by Mary Jeanne Schumacher
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Meet
THE STUDENT Q. W H E N D I D Y O U B E G I N F O R M AT I O N F O R T H E D I A C O N AT E ?
The initial inquiry and discernment process began in September 2022, and formation formally started in August 2023. Q. W H A T I N S P I R E D Y O U T O P U R S U E A V O C AT I O N T O THE PERMANENT D I A C O N AT E , A N D W H O O R W H AT M O S T I N F L U E N C E D T H AT D E C I S I O N ?
The earliest inklings of serving as clergy happened in elementary school as I considered a vocation to the priesthood. I thought I may have been called to serve the Church and her people in that way, but after discernment in high school, I realized I was better suited to be a husband and father and to serve from within the congregation instead. When I was a young adult, I met a deacon from Kentucky who was the father of a friend. At that time in the early ’90s, I had never heard of the permanent diaconate since it was not yet established in this archdiocese. The more I thought about it, the more it fascinated and called to me. A few years later, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis established its first 10 | O N T H E H I L L
diaconate cohort, but it was not the right time for me to make that commitment with four young children at home. For more than 20 years, I pondered the diaconate, but each new cohort came at the wrong time. Everything finally fell into place with the current cohort, and that decadeslong tugging at my heart came to fruition. What particularly attracted me to the diaconate is its ministry of service. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed serving the Church and the community in whatever way I could. Our parish has been blessed with several extraordinary deacons who have been good sounding boards for me and great examples of how to live a life of service. Q. W H A T A R E Y O U D O I N G O U T S I D E O F F O R M AT I O N ( W O R K , M I N I S T R Y, F A M I LY LIFE, VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES)?
Professionally, I am a middle school teacher instructing around 120 kids a year in the Catholic faith at my home parish’s school, as well as being an eighth-grade homeroom teacher. This fall, I begin my third year in this role after spending 33 years as a pharmaceutical research scientist at Eli Lilly, working in drug discovery. It is a perfectly natural transition from lab chemist to religion teacher, right?
CHRIS RITO Diocese: Archdiocese of Indianapolis Parish: Ss. Francis and Clare of Assisi Hometown: Greenwood, IN Vocation: Permanent Diaconate
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Most of all, I hope that my service as a deacon will help others grow closer to Jesus while continuing to grow closer to Him myself.
In addition, I have been involved in youth ministry and sacramental prep for around 35 years, primarily leading confirmation efforts and operating youth groups for high school students at a local coffee shop before school. My main ministry of charity is Eucharistic ministry and pastoral care at Riley Children’s Hospital on Sundays. I also occasionally volunteer with our parish food pantry and Horizon House, a day center for homeless people in downtown Indianapolis, where my wife, Melinda, works. Melinda and I have six kids (four girls and two boys) between the ages of 19– 33, and three grandsons under the age of three. We recently became empty nesters and moved from the country
into a neighborhood as we begin this next new phase of our lives. But we are not totally empty nesters—we have two little dogs that keep life interesting! Q. F A V O R I T E S A I N T A N D WHY?
I have always been a fan of St. John Bosco because he is a powerful model of authentic youth ministry. He recognized that young people needed more than instruction: they needed to be known, loved, and encouraged to become the people God created them to be. His joyful approach reminds me that the most effective ministry begins with genuine relationships. As someone who has been involved in youth ministry for my entire adult life, I strive to imitate his ability to connect with young people. I particularly admire his creative use of object lessons and engaging teaching methods. Rather than simply lecturing, he used stories and memorable demonstrations to communicate the truths of the faith. I also admire his deep love for the Eucharist. He believed that frequent reception of the Eucharist was essential for growing in holiness. When I attended daily Mass for several years, it transformed my outlook and devotion significantly. St. John Bosco’s conviction that the Eucharist is the source of grace and transformation challenges me to center my own ministry on Christ’s real presence. Q. F A V O R I T E S C R I P T U R E VERSE AND WHY?
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds me that my strength does not come from my own abilities but from my relationship with Christ. It encourages me to rely on Him, especially when I face challenges in ministry, teaching, or daily life. Rather than promising that I will always succeed, it reminds me to trust that Christ will give me the strength to remain faithful in every circumstance. I love that this verse does not only mean that I can do anything because Jesus is on my side, but it also teaches me that I can do nothing without Him! It gives me comfort while reminding me to remain humble and give credit to God rather than claim it for myself.
Q. H O B B I E S O R I N T E R E S T S ?
My two biggest hobbies right now are probably crossword puzzles and trivia— especially Jeopardy! For many years, I had been a hardcore cyclist riding thousands of miles a year, but I have been trying to come back from an injury. I am a big sports fan and will watch almost anything. My real passions are NFL football and Chicago Cubs baseball. For decades, I have been a football writer on the side and a fantasy football aficionado, managing and playing in multiple leagues and even starting leagues for kids at my school. Q. W H A T A S P E C T O F F O R M AT I O N L I F E H A S B E E N M O S T R E WA R D I N G ?
The fraternal bonds with the other men in the cohort have been a blessing that I had not anticipated. This brotherhood has been immensely supportive. I have felt the joy of praying for others, receiving prayers, and praying with my brothers more deeply and frequently than at any other time in my life. I have seen the cohort working with and for each other in personal and professional matters, offering support from their own areas of strength to those who need it. Q. W H A T H A S B E E N T H E MOST CHALLENGING PART O F F O R M AT I O N ?
Initially, the most challenging part was relearning how to function in an academic environment. It had been over 35 years since I had been in a classroom as a student, and remembering how to write an academic paper and take notes was like starting a car that had not been driven in three decades (the last time I wrote an academic paper, the internet did not exist yet!). Once I got through that initial shock, the most challenging thing has been preserving time for self-care. Adding the rigorous time commitment of formation to my already-intense schedule means that some things slip, and balancing all those plates at once is still a challenge. Q. H O W H A S Y O U R F O R M AT I O N I M PA C T E D YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE OR PERSONAL GROWTH?
Meeting regularly with my spiritual director has given me great insight
regarding my spirituality—particularly my prayer life. We have talked about finding God in everything I do and experience—even in times of apparent spiritual dryness. He has helped me see that every challenge and joy, every action or silence, can help form me into being more like Christ, if I allow it. My spiritual life is richer now compared to where it was before formation started. Q. W H A T A R E Y O U R H O P E S FOR YOUR MINISTRY AS A DEACON?
I pray that God will continue to clarify what He wants from me and guide me on the path He wants me to walk. I enjoy serving others and offering help in their times of need, whatever that may be, and I anticipate that this will continue to be the keystone of my ministry after ordination. Most of all, I hope that my service as a deacon will help others grow closer to Jesus while continuing to grow closer to Him myself. Q. B E S T A D V I C E O R INSIGHT YOU’VE RECEIVED D U R I N G F O R M AT I O N ?
The best advice is a simple statement I received from our parish’s deacon, my friend Dcn. Ron Pirau. Early during discernment, I had fears that I wasn’t good enough to be a deacon, that I would not be seen as clergy, or that I would lose my ability to engage with the parish and community. He simply said, “Be yourself.” He reminded me that God called me to this vocation not only because of who He wants me to become, but because of who He created me to be. God will use the person I am to be that bridge between clergy and laity, as the deacon is meant to be. Q. O T H E R C O M M E N T S ?
I want to thank all the faculty and staff at Saint Meinrad and the members of the permanent diaconate formation team for all they have put into making this process such a positive experience for me and my classmates. I would also like to thank the staff at the Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis, where we have held most of our formation weekends over the last four years.
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Service of the Longest Night FINDING HOPE IN THE DARKNESS On the longest night of the year, when darkness seems to linger a little longer, the Church is preparing to celebrate the coming of Christ, the Light of the World. The winter solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21, just days before Christmas. For Christians, the timing offers a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of darkness, Christ is near, and light is coming into the world. For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, however, the darkness of this season can feel particularly heavy. The holidays can increase feelings of sadness, when loved ones are especially missed. Christmas parties are a reminder of the absence of a person,
and for many people, it can be a time of feeling down.
of how much we loved the person who has died.”
During this difficult season, Saint Meinrad reaches out to those who are grieving through the Service of the Longest Night. Offered by Abbey Caskets for more than a decade, the service provides an opportunity for people to acknowledge their grief, gather with others, and find comfort in the light of faith.
The service takes place in the Saint Meinrad Guest House Chapel and includes Scripture readings, a homily, and a blessing, followed by a reception with light refreshments. The reception offers an opportunity for those who are grieving to connect with others who understand their experience and to be reminded that they are not alone.
Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB, has led this service since its beginning. He says, “Grief is a sign of love. In fact, it’s not a negative thing at all if we don’t allow it to be. Understood by the light of faith, we can see that it’s another indication
The Service of the Longest Night takes place on Saturday, December 19 at 6 p.m. Central time and is open to the public. The service will also be recorded and made available on the Abbey Caskets website. All are welcome.
Two Members Return to the Saint Meinrad Board of Overseers Two former members have returned to the Board of Overseers, the advisory board for Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
performance and addresses strategic questions related to the future of the school. Each member serves a threeyear term.
The board advises President-Rector Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, on matters related to the school’s programs and
Returning to the board are J. Terrence Cody of New Albany, IN, and Deacon Mark Rougeux of Louisville, KY.
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J. Terrence Cody served four consecutive six-year terms as judge of the Floyd County Circuit Court, retiring January 1, 2023. He has been certified by the Indiana Supreme Court as a senior judge.
Besides being a member of the Board of Overseers, he currently serves on the Friends of the Town Clock Church and the Southern Indiana Health Foundation. He J. Terrence also serves on the Senior Judge Cody Committee of the Judicial Conference of Indiana, the Finance and Investment Committees of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, and the Finance and Grants and Scholarships Committees of the Indiana Bar Foundation. Judge Cody maintains membership in the Floyd County, Indiana State, and American Bar Associations and the Indiana Judges Association. He is also a third-degree member of the Cardinal Ritter Council No. 1221 and a fourthdegree member of the Father Badin Assembly No. 244 of the Knights of Columbus. Judge Cody has also served two six-year terms as a trustee of Our Lady of Providence High School and as a director of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana and the Indiana Bar Foundation. Judge Cody graduated from Our Lady of Providence High School in 1967. He
received a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1971 and his Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis in 1974. Judge Cody is also a graduate of the Indiana Judicial College and the Indiana Graduate Program for Judges. He and his wife, Peggy, have two sons and one grandson. They belong to St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in New Albany, IN. This is his seventh year on the Board of Overseers. Deacon Mark Rougeux retired from the field of commercial real estate development after serving as partner/vice president of real estate development for Duke Realty in Deacon Mark Indianapolis and Rougeux as general manager in the Real Estate Investment Department at Prudential Insurance Company. Rougeux is currently an instructor for the Permanent Deacon Formation Program at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology and for the Deacon Formation Program of the
Archdiocese of Louisville. He is a member of the candidate assessment team for the St. Luke Center. Deacon Mark is also executive director of Mass of the Air. Since 2004, he has had an ongoing ministry in East Africa which is conducted through the nonprofit Aid to East Africa, of which he also serves as executive director. He is a past member of St. Xavier High School’s Alumni Board, a board member of the Lonergan Institute in Washington, D.C., and a member of Randonneurs USA. He graduated from St. Xavier High School in Louisville in 1969. He received a BBA from the University of Kentucky in 1974 and an MBA from the University of North Carolina in 1976. In 1997, he earned a Master of Arts in Theology and in 2014 received his Doctor of Ministry, both from The Catholic University of America. Rougeux and his wife, Kim, have been married 52 years and have three sons and nine granddaughters. They are members of St. Patrick Parish in Louisville, KY, where he is a permanent deacon, a member of the adult faith formation team, and coordinator of the ministry to the sick and homebound. This is his 13th year on the Board of Overseers.
F R . D E N I S R O B I N S O N , O S B , P R E S I D E S AT T H E A L U M N I R E U N I O N M A S S O N J U LY 2 8 . B O B C U S H I N G , O ’ 7 6 ( ’ 6 8 - 7 6 ) , P R AY S W I T H H I S W I F E D O N N A D U R I N G T H E R E U N I O N M A S S . M O R E R E U N I O N P H O T O S A R E AVA I L A B L E T O V I E W AT : S A I N T- M E I N R A D . S M U G M U G . C O M /A L U M N I /A L U M N I - R E U N I O N - 2 0 2 6 .
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ALUMNI ETERNAL Sr. Adele Beacham, SP, SS’84 (’80-84), of Saint Mary of the Woods, IN, died on August 7, 2023.
Br. Kenan Kapina, OSB, O’78 (’70-77, ’85), of Saint Meinrad, IN, died on July 19, 2026.
Sr. Rosemary Borntrager, SP, S (’06), of Saint Mary of the Woods, IN, died on March 6, 2023.
Dcn. Robert N. Laremore, O’70 (’5862), of Decatur, AL, died on June 7, 2026.
Mr. Kenneth R. Cady, C’69 (’65-66), of Rancho Mirage, CA, died on July 7, 2026. Mr. John “Jack” F. Cooney, O’65 (’5356), of Hot Springs Village, AR, died on May 11, 2026. Mr. Edwin “Stan” S. Esterle, O’67 (’6166), of Louisville, KY, died on April 29, 2026. Mr. John M. Finnerty, C’71 (’63-64), of Sulphur Springs, IN, died on December 19, 2023. Mr. Rene A. Foli, O’71 (’59-60), of Terre Haute, IN, died on May 22, 2026. Mr. Kenneth R. Grafe, C’81 (’78-81), of Tucson, AZ, died November 2025. Mr. James “Tony” A. Horak, O’71 (’5965), of Tayabas City, Philippines, died on January 23, 2026.
Mr. James L. Lemond, O’58 (’46-47), of Evansville, IN, died on June 9, 2026. Mr. John C. Mackley, Jr., O’71 (’60), of Perrysburg, OH, died on December 8, 2020. Fr. Norman L. McFall, T’16 (’11-16), of Charleston, AR, died on May 18, 2026. Mr. Richard “Dick” J. A. Mueller, C’69 (’65-66), of Warner, NH, died on June 16, 2026. Fr. Gerald J. Peterson, O’55 (’45-47), of Fairfield, OH, died on May 13, 2026.
Mr. Paul S. Scott, C’71 (’63-64), of Cumming, GA, died on March 26, 2026. Fr. James F. Stoyle, O’70 (’58-66), of Kendallville, IN, died on March 25, 2026. Fr. Clifford R. Vogelsang, O’63 (’51-63, ’72), of Indianapolis, IN, died on May 7, 2026.
A key to the initials behind the names of alumni: C: College GTP: Graduate Theology Programs HS: High School MAT: Master of Arts (Theology) MAPT: Master of Arts (Pastoral Theology)
Msgr. James K. Ramer, T’86 (’80-86, ’99), of Roseville, IL, died on June 13, 2026.
MTS: Master in Theological Studies
Mr. Paul “PJ” J. Rhodes, O’74 (’64-72), of Sellersburg, IN, died on July 23, 2026.
S: Sabbaticant
Mr. Gary R. Roth, C’75 (’71-74), of Louisville, KY, died on June 16, 2026.
O: Ordination PD: Permanent Deacon Formation Program SPH: St. Placid Hall SS: Summer Session T: Theology
Day of Service set for March 13 HELP MAKE THE 2027 DAY OF SERVICE POSSIBLE BY HOSTING A SERVICE SITE From serving a warm meal, preparing donations, cleaning parishes, homes, and parks to cutting wood to warm a home, there are many ways we can reach out to our local communities.
Service, we hope you will join us. Bring your family, friends, and fellow Saint Meinrad community members for a day of service, fellowship, and gratitude. Everyone is welcome!
Rooted in the Benedictine tradition of ora et labora—prayer and work—the Saint Meinrad Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity to step away from our everyday routines and put our faith into action. Through projects that support local organizations, neighbors, and communities, participants have the chance to make a meaningful difference while building connections with one another.
Help make the 2027 Day of Service possible by hosting a service site. We are looking for leaders across the country who are willing to coordinate a service project in their area. If you have an idea for a project or would like to lead a service site, please contact the Saint Meinrad Alumni Office at 812357-6501 or alumni@saintmeinrad.edu. Your leadership can help turn a day of service into a lasting gift to your community.
Whether you have participated in the past or this will be your first Day of 14 | O N T H E H I L L
Save the date—March 13, 2027—and watch for more details about registration, service opportunities, and ways to get involved.
ALUMNI NEWS Mr. Gary U. Behrman, Ph.D., MSW, M.Div., LCSW, O’80 (’75-80, ’99), of Saint Louis, MO, was inducted into the Mater Dei Hall of Honor as an outstanding alumnus from Mater Dei High School. He also received the Spiritual and Leadership Award from the Center for Spirituality, Sustainability, and Leadership at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Dr. Erin Evans, GTP’17 (’13-16), of Aurora, IN, received a Doctorate in Ministry from The Catholic University of America in May 2026.
Mr. Paul Schellenberger, C’69 (’6166), of Floyds Knobs, IN, released a book titled, The Adventures of Wiggle Wormlets from Wiggler Switch. This educational and entertaining story for young readers and the young at heart is told through the voice of a grandfather to his grandchildren. Readers will discover an imaginative underground world filled with fascinating creatures, adventure, and valuable lessons about nature. The book is available on Amazon. Dr. Bernard J. Verkamp, O’64 (’52-60), of Vincennes, IN, published a book
titled, God and the Laws of Nature: Atheistic, Agnostic, Naturalistic, Deistic, Pantheistic, Panentheistic and Theistic Interpretations, A Guide for Theology, Philosophy, and Science Students. Dr. Charles W. Pfeiffer, O’65 (’53-61) reviewed the book saying, “Professor Verkamp has assembled an impressive compendium of thought on the topic of the laws of nature and whether God has anything or everything to do with them. This volume is very readable and understandable and presented in an unusually reader-friendly format.” The book is available on Amazon.
One Voice: Saint Meinrad’s 2026-27 Cultural Events Season The 2026-27 Saint Meinrad Cultural Events season is centered on a theme close to the heart of Cultural Events Director Fr. Michael Reyes, OSB—One Voice. “Music has a unique ability to unite people. Many instruments, many singers, many artists come together, yet they form one sound, one expression, one voice,” explains Fr. Michael. “In the same way, the community of Saint Meinrad gathers from many places and backgrounds, yet we share in the same experience of beauty, inspiration, and joy through music.” That vision comes to life throughout the season’s lineup of concerts. Saint Meinrad’s Arete Orchestra, featuring trumpet virtuoso Ronald Romm, kicked off the season on September 12, followed by pianists Ian Hobson and Muen Wei on October 3. The months ahead will bring some of the season’s most anticipated performances to Saint Meinrad.
The internationally beloved Vienna Boys Choir takes the stage November 10. Founded in 1498, the choir has carried its tradition of pure, angelic sound across generations and continents. Chamber music takes center stage December 1 with the Miró Quartet, a two-time Grammy-nominated ensemble that continues to premiere new works alongside the classics for what promises to be a highlight of the season. The season also includes: ●
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Nov. 6 – Dr. Ryan Kennedy, director of liturgical music in the Seminary and School of Theology, presents The Art of Bach organ concert. Feb. 20 – Duo MemDi, known for performing entirely from memory, performs in St. Bede Hall.
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March 4 – Saint Meinrad Seminary Choir performs in the School’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. March 16 – Davin-Levin Duo brings together a rare pairing of harp and guitar. April 21 – Voctave, an 11-member a cappella group with roots in Disney’s Voices of Liberty, closes out the season.
“Each concert is an opportunity for many artists and audiences to come together as One Voice, sharing in moments of beauty that inspire and uplift us all,” says Fr. Michael. All Saint Meinrad Cultural Events concerts are free and open to the public. The full season schedule can be viewed at saintmeinrad.org/visitus/cultural-events.
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NOTEWORTHY NEWSWORTHY ITEMS ABOUT SAINT MEINRAD PEOPLE AND EVENTS Saint Meinrad oblate, Holly Vaughan, of Bellmont, IL, published a book in August titled Along the Sea of Galilee: Grace on the Shore and in the Storms.
provides for, and restores His disciples.
The book explores discipleship through the Gospel events that unfold along the shores and on the waters of Galilee. Rather than treating the sea simply as the backdrop to Jesus’ ministry, Vaughan invites readers to consider how this particular place illuminates the way Christ calls, forms, tests,
The book is available to purchase through Cruachan Hill Press: www.cruachanhill.com/products/along -the-sea-of-galilee-by-holly-vaughan.
Blending Scripture, historical and cultural context, and practical reflection, the book brings readers into the world of the first disciples and asks what their life alongside the sea can teach us about following Christ in the ordinary circumstances of our own lives.
The Development Office launched a new online Saint Meinrad Gift
Planning Resource Center. The website offers tools, tips, and guidance for creating a lasting legacy that is rooted in faith through a planned gift. Whether beginning or refining a plan, this educational website center provides information on various gift types, gift calculators, estate planners, up-to-date tax benefits, donor stories, and more. Visit saintmeinradgiftplanning.org to explore these resources and discover meaningful ways to support the mission of Saint Meinrad.