NAC Magazine: Fall 2010

M A G A Z I N E

Fa l l 2 0 1 0

“Father, as you sent Me into the world,

so i have sent theM into the world.”

John 17:18

EDITORIAL STAFF

EditorAndrew Hart ‘12

Diocese of Little Rock

Assistant EditorsKinneth Easter ‘13

Diocese of Nashville&

John Mitchell ‘13Archdiocese of

Milwaukee&

Charles Samson ‘13Archdiocese of

Saint Louis

Layout & Design AssistantLuke Millette ‘12Archdiocese of

Galveston-Houston

Layout and Designby Maryland Comp

PhotographersMatthew J. Grady ‘12

Diocese of Venice&

Carmelo Morales ‘12Diocese of Amarillo

&Brian Buettner ‘13

Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Fall 2 0 1 0

Co n t e n t sRectoR’s coRneR Rev. Msgr. James Checchio 3

Fall FoRmation WoRkshops 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

neW men oRientation Daniel Gallagher ‘13 12

WeekenD in assisi John Mitchell ‘13 14

summeR apostolate in ethiopia Spencer Howe ‘13 16

“a time oF enRichment anD ReneWal” Rev. Joe Pete, ICTE, F‘10 18

liFe at the college 20

annual class RetReats Anthony Dill ‘13 22

congRatulations to the neW caRDinals! 23

on the pope’s letteR to seminaRians Ryan Connors ‘12 24

Val J. peteR scholaRs 25

ciRcle oF FRienDs: stephen anD JenniFeR FRenz Michael Prescott II 27

institutional aDVancement Mary DiDonato 28

economo’s coRneR 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.

6New Faculty

Members

16Summer

Apostolate in Ethiopia

4Formation Workshops

The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Fall 2 0 1 0

I n s I d e

12New Man

Orientation

Diaconate Ordination8

BoaRD oF goVeRnoRsoF the pontiFical noRth ameRican college

chaiRman

Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67Archbishop of Newark

Vice chaiRman

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

tReasuReR

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

secRetaRy

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

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

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

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

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

Most Rev. John M. KudrickBishop of the Eparchy of Parma

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

Most Rev. R. Walker Nickless ‘73Bishop of Sioux City

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

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

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

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

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

High Altar.

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

Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02

executiVe DiRectoR FoR institutional aDVancement

Mrs. Mary DiDonato

Fall 2 0 1 0 3

RECTOR’S CORNERRev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97Diocese of CamdenRector

Praised be Jesus Christ!

In 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 Theologi-cal 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 pas-tors 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. Fran-cis 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.

Fall 2 0 1 0 3

Each 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.

This fall, in order to help them continue to adapt to life in Italy, the New Men spent these weeks in a concentrat-ed 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

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 profes-sor 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 soci-ological and cultural issues related to this kind of ministry

Preparing to Be Pastors: Fall Formation Workshops

by Anthony Dill ‘12, Diocese of Harrisburg

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

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

counseling.

4 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Fall 2 0 1 0 5

and spoke also of some of the practical benefits and chal-lenges 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-

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 pro-cedures for preparing engaged couples for marriage, as well as other general family and couple counseling situa-tions in a parish setting. The diaconate class also partici-pated 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. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., the College’s Director of Liturgy, reviews with the third year men the service of acolytes in the liturgy.

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.


Father Joseph Fowler ‘02, of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, joins the faculty of the Pontifical North Ameri-can College as Director of Admissions and as a formation advisor. Fa-ther Fowler will also be responsible for tasks such as visits to American sem-

inaries, 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 Flor-ida 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 numer-ous positions in his diocese, including: diocesan Vice-Chancellor; Associate Judge for the Diocesan Tribunal; diocesan Director of Catholic Relief Services; and Chap-lain for both Pensacola Catholic High School and the Al-liance 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 in-terim Director of Counsel-ing Services and will serve this year as the College’s resident priest-psycholo-gist. Monsignor Lo Bianco attended Immaculate Con-ception Seminary in Dar-lington and later completed

a doctorate in psychology at Fordham University. He also

holds a master’s degree in special education from Seton Hall University. He has a broad pastoral and professional back-ground, including the following assignments: Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Newark; Executive Direc-tor 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 In-ternational Catholique de L’Enfance. He is a lifetime mem-ber 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 prob-lems. “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 direc-

tor. He holds degrees in journalism and advertis-ing from Ferris State Uni-versity. Hearing the call to priesthood, he completed his theology studies at Sa-cred Heart Seminary in Detroit and was ordained a priest in 1999. He has

served his diocese in a variety of roles, including as a pa-rochial vicar and retreat director. Later, he served as Direc-tor 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 ar-rives at the College with prior training and experience in spiritual direction through the Institute for Priestly Forma-tion 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.”

Welcome New Faculty


The 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 seek-ing 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 differ-ent countries. Two religious orders are also represented.

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

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 pa-pal ceremonies is important to many, and they value the ex-perience 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.

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 Uni-versity, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas (the An-gelicum) 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, Scrip-tural 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.

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 al-ways challenges ahead. However, I have confidence in the abilities of these priests to face those challenges. I am happy to be here with them.

by Rev. Msgr. John Dewane ‘63, Diocese of Green Bay Spiritual Director, Casa Santa Maria

Casa santa Mariaa n E x C i t i n g t i M E f o r t h E C h u r C h

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.


“Rome has always loved her deacons.”On October 7, 2010, the Pontifical North Ameri-can College celebrated the ordination of thirty men to the diaconate in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter. Giving thanks to God be-fore the Altar of the Chair of Peter along with these men was a multitude of family and friends, bish-ops 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 Ber-nard A. Hebda ‘89, Bish-op of Gaylord, Michigan, and a former adjunct spir-itual director at the Col-

lege, was the ordaining prelate at the Mass. In his hom-ily, 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.”

Bishop Hebda encouraged the men to embrace their for-mation, 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

Diaconate orDination2010

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

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.

by Charles Samson ‘13, Archdiocese of Saint Louis


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 prom-ise 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 con-

gratulates Rev. Mr. Brian Soliven ‘11 (Sacramento).


2010 Diaconate orDination

confidence in the Class of 2011 and in their “extraordi-nary capacity and desire to serve.”

The community of the North American College congratu-lates 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.

Diaconate oRDination – class oF 2011Joshua Allen Archdiocese of AtlantaJames Baron Diocese of Colorado SpringsWilliam Brunner Diocese of Green BayTravis Burnett Archdiocese of MobileH. Ray Cho Archdiocese of NewarkAnthony Craig Diocese of DuluthJames Dodson Diocese of BurlingtonJeb Donelan Diocese of ArlingtonChristopher Donley Diocese of PittsburghLuke Dundon Diocese of ArlingtonJeffrey Eirvin Archdiocese of Portland in OregonNeal Hock Diocese of Grand IslandAaron Johanneck Diocese of New UlmAnthony Kruse Archdiocese of DubuqueChristopher Markman Diocese of Fargo

Richard Mastrogiacomo Diocese of Rockville CentreGeorge Nixon Diocese of ProvidenceRheo Ofalsa Archdiocese of OmahaMark Payton Archdiocese of PerthMichael Pratt Diocese of TulsaKeith Romke Diocese of RockfordWilliam Ruelle Diocese of BismarckBrian Soliven Diocese of SacramentoNathan Sparks Diocese of Rapid CityCory Stanley Archdiocese of Oklahoma CityAdam Verona Diocese of PittsburghStephen Vrazel Archdiocese of MobileRiley Williams Diocese of Fall RiverJames Yamauchi Diocese of DallasPeter Zwaans Archdiocese of Adelaide

pReViously oRDaineD Deacons oF the class oF 2011Jonathan Bakkelund Diocese of RockfordBrandon Bernhard Diocese of TylerJorge Cespedes-Segura Diocese of MemphisMatthew Libra Archdiocese of Portland in OregonE. Theodore Martin Diocese of KalamazooJoseph McQuaide, IV Diocese of Wilmington

David Nerbun Diocese of CharlestonPhillip Smith Diocese of ToledoJohn Solomon Diocese of WilmingtonJeffrey Starkovich Diocese of Lake CharlesQuan Tran Diocese of Orange

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


On 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 cele-brate, 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 ad-dition 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

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

Rev. Mr. Joseph McQuaide, IV ‘11 (Wilmington), Chair-man of the Pastoral Council, served as Master of Ceremo-nies for the evening. In his welcome, he invited the com-munity to call to mind God’s gracious gift of vocations to the Church. “Indeed, the Lord has placed us in the com-pany 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 diacon-ate classes. Matthew Dalrymple ‘14 (Atlanta) was chosen by his classmates to represent the first year students. He re-flected 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

The Opening Banqueti n t h E C o M p a n y o f g o o d M E n

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.

continued on page 15

by Kinneth Easter ‘13, Diocese of Nashville


In Prayer and Thanksgiving: New Men Orientation

This year, the North American

College welcomed sixty New Men to its community. While the majority of them arrived in mid-July for Early Orientation week and a month of Italian language studies around Italy, it was not until the morning of Thurs-day, August 26, when the remainder of the New Men arrived, that the class was all together for the first time. As they pulled up to the front doors of the College, the twelve newly-arrived seminarians joined their classmates in procession to the Immaculate Conception Chapel. The cha-pel’s ringing bells announced the arrival of another class to the Eternal City while the applause of the faculty and sec-ond year men expressed the joy of the College community. The “clapping in” ceremony and communal prayer marks the official beginning of the New Men’s time at the North American College. In four years, that time will end in a simi-lar way. Again the bells will ring and again the College com-munity will applaud them, but this time to announce that another class of men returns to their home dioceses to serve the people of God as priests.

During their first weeks at the North American College the newest seminarians were able to receive a taste of the incredible blessings that come with studying in the Eternal City: Mass in the crypt of St. Pe-ter’s Basilica, near the tombs of popes like John Paul II; a Scavi tour below the Vatican where the bones of St. Peter himself lie; a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where the saint’s tomb is located; and a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Je-rusalem, which houses relics of the Lord’s

Passion. These highlights and other experiences deepened the seminarians’ love for the papacy, for the martyrs and saints of the city, and for the Church as a whole. The week culminated with a visit to Castel Gandolfo to attend Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly Angelus address.

While becoming acquainted with the sacred and historic in Rome was important, this was not the only aspect of the Ori-entation. The New Men spent four weeks in intensive Italian studies and attended afternoon conferences which oriented them to life at the College. During their free time, they took

by Daniel Gallagher ‘13, Diocese of Pittsburgh

The Class of 2014 poses with Rev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector, and the Most Rev. James Harvey ‘75 (front row), Prefect of the Papal Household, in the papal

gardens at Castel Gandolfo.


to the field and court to compete in friendly games of basket-ball, 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.

neW men – class oF 2014William Appel Diocese of CovingtonMark Baumgartner Archdiocese of PerthChristopher Bernabe Archdiocese of Santa FeJustin Blanc Diocese of Wheeling-CharlestonIan Bothur Diocese of NorwichChristopher Brashears Archdiocese of Oklahoma CityPatrick Broussard Diocese of LafayettePaul Buchanan Diocese of CharlotteEric Campbell Diocese of PittsburghNoah Carter Diocese of CharlotteMichael Conway Diocese of PittsburghMatthew Cowan Diocese of GaylordMatthew Dalrymple Archdiocese of AtlantaChristopher DeLeon Archdiocese of BaltimoreKyle Digmann Archdiocese of DubuqueJeffrey Dole Archdiocese of DubuqueDavid Dufresne Diocese of ArlingtonJonathan Ficara Diocese of NorwichMichael Fye Diocese of NashvilleJames Grau Archdiocese of DetroitJohn Henao López Diocese of TylerJames Hinkle Diocese of ArlingtonRichard Hinkley Archdiocese of Galveston-HoustonAdam Hofer Diocese of Rapid CityThomas Howes Diocese of Saint CloudChristian Irdi Archdiocese of PerthJoseph Koczur Diocese of Saint CloudJoseph Kuharski Archdiocese of Saint Paul and MinneapolisJoseph Kuhlman Diocese of Saint AugustineJoshua Laws Archdiocese of Baltimore

Juan Luxama Diocese of BrooklynMatthew Marcus Diocese of HarrisburgEdward Maxfield, Jr. Diocese of SteubenvilleNathan Miniatt Archdiocese of MilwaukeeJohn Mitchell Archdiocese of MilwaukeeSheldon Momaney Diocese of BurlingtonMark Murphy Archdiocese of DubuqueScott Murray Diocese of PembrokeGarrett Nelson Diocese of Great Falls-BillingsAaron Nett Diocese of Saint CloudAndrew Plaza Diocese of BrooklynDaniel Poelma Diocese of CheyenneAaron Quereshi Archdiocese of WashingtonMark Rainville Diocese of WorcesterTaylor Reynolds Diocese of AlexandriaDavid Rider Archdiocese of New YorkRobert Rodgers Diocese of CheyenneKyle Sahd Diocese of HarrisburgThomas Schluep Diocese of PittsburghChristopher Seith Archdiocese of WashingtonBrian Shackett Archdiocese of DetroitRyan Stenger Diocese of CovingtonZachary Swantek Archdiocese of NewarkJeremy Theis Diocese of Saint CloudDale Tuckerman Diocese of SpokaneJared Twenty Diocese of RockfordAndrew Vill Diocese of BridgeportMichael Weitl Diocese of PembrokeDaniel Westermann Diocese of LansingRobert Wolfe, II Diocese of Bridgeport

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.


Weekend in Assisiby John Mitchell ‘13, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

“Go 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 prepara-tions and orientation and language studies, it was a timely opportunity to take a deep breath of country air and re-member 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 lay-ing a firm foundation for the house we will build for the

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 get-ting 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 experi-enced 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.

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

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.

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


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 togeth-er 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 experi-ences 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 exer-cise hospitality,” Ingalls said. “Being hospitable is a pri-ority in any Christian setting.”

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

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

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

millefoglie alle fragole.

the hill country to pray, as the Gospels show him do-ing 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

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.

Second year students also journey to Assisi as members of the Ori-entation team. From left to right, Daniel McCaughan ‘13 (Sydney),

Christopher Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis) and Michael Pierz ‘13 (Springfield in MA).

Continued from page 11


apostolate Focus

Having 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 Missionar-ies’ 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 vari-ety 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

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 con-secrated widows prayed for the souls of the dead; daily Eucharistic Adoration continually accompanied by the sound of barking dogs and loudspeakers which broad-cast 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 Ethio-pian Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims all living in close proximity. In this setting, the Missionar-ies 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 poor-est of the poor” that imbued our whole experience.

s u m m e r a p o s t o l a t e i n e t h i o p i a

“a venture of faith”:

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

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

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


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 trust-ing 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 expe-rience, 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 unexpect-edly 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

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.

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 pov-erty, chastity, obedience and joy in their choice to spend their lives for the poor. That example provides an en-couragement 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)

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

A Missionary of Charity sister makes a house visit.


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

a time oF enrichment anD renewal

This 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 par-ishes 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 min-istry. 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.

Fall 2 0 1 0 1918 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

uplifting for me, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to again learn about such theological topics as liturgy, Sa-cred 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 com-munity life. Each of the thirty-four of us has had differ-ent 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 ex-perienced 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 pro-gram. This wonderful building offers a positive environ-ment 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 to-ward 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 commu-nity 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.

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.

Fall 2 0 1 0 19

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: New-ly 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.


Left: Most Rev. John C. Ni-enstedt ‘73, C‘77, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapo-lis, offers Mass in the College’s Chapel of the Immaculate Con-ception. Below Left: The College community gathers in the Gregory and Linda Jewell Student Lounge for the an-nual 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 Di-etzenbach ‘12 (Dubuque) don

festive attire at the Oktoberfest party in the O’Toole Refectory.

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.


Every fall, the students of the North American Col-lege 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 spiri-tual 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 Spiri-tual Formation, says that the retreats are designed to al-low 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 spiri-tual direction. In the third and fourth year, the retreats are more individualized, as each seminarian works with a spir-itual director who helps to fashion the retreat experience according to the individual’s journey with the Lord. “Once our seminarians experience these individually-directed si-lent retreats, they greatly prefer this model,” Father Hane-feldt 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 pro-vide a setting conducive to prayer and meditation. This

year, the retreat for the New Men was held near the Fran-ciscan 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 semi-narians 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 im-portant 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 semi-narians sincerely thank you for your generosity and service.

Journeying with the Lord: AnnuAl ClAss RetReAts

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

by Anthony Dill ‘12, Diocese of Harrisburg


The Pontifical North American College wishes to congratulate two of Her sons on their ap-pointment 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 announce-ment 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.

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

Ad Multos Annos!

Cardinal-electDonald W. Wuerl

Archbishop of Washington

Cardinal-elect Raymond L. Burke

Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura

Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis

Congratulations to the New Cardinals!


It 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 particu-lar 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, theologi-cal 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.

The Pope writes: The seminary is a community journeying to-wards 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.”

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 oth-erwise. 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 an-swers to people’s deepest questions.

One example: the present practice as regards the Catho-lic 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

by Ryan Connors ‘12, Diocese of Providence

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

continued on page 26


John Henao López, Diocese of Tyler

John’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 Jo-sephinum for his college seminary formation, where he excelled academically. John aspires to serve his home dio-cese of Tyler, Texas, as a spiritual father with the compas-sion and diligence that has marked his service and studies.

Sheldon Momaney, Diocese of Burlington

A 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 ap-pointed to serve on the Di-ocesan 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, Shel-don also spent a summer teaching English with a Jesu-it volunteer program in the Micronesian missions of the Marshall Islands. Through these activities, Sheldon first

began to think about being a priest. At Fordham Univer-sity, Sheldon became quite involved with Catholic student organizations and Campus Ministry. A bright and well-rounded 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 semi-nary, since it will be the love for that truth that will lead me to the priesthood.”

Daniel Poelma, Diocese of Cheyenne

An active student, Daniel excelled in math and com-puter science in high school while serving as the edi-

tor 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 ma-jored 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 en-tered 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 priest-hood. 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 fa-ther did for him.

Robert Rodgers, Diocese of Cheyenne

Robert graduated as vale-dictorian of his high

school class of 300 students.

Val J. Peter Scholars

The new Val J. Peter Scholars are [from left to right]: Sheldon Momaney ‘14 (Burlington); Daniel Poelma ‘14 (Cheyenne); Robert

Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne); John Henao López ‘14 (Tyler).

24 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E Fall 2 0 1 0 25Fall 2 0 1 0 25

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

The answer then cannot be simply to work harder, ex-hort stronger, or even simply be kinder. Absolutely es-sential 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

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

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 conse-quences 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 semi-narians 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.

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 aca-demic 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.

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

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

Continued from page 24

Fall 2 0 1 0 2726 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

Circle of Friends

Faith, fun, and family. These three words seem

to perfectly describe Ste-phen and Jennifer Frenz’s approach to living life, and enjoying every minute of it. Residing in Minneapolis with their three children, Steve and Jennifer enjoy physical activi-ties such as biking, traveling with family, and taking ad-vantage of the art scene that Minneapolis has to offer. They also remain extremely involved with their local parish. Jen-nifer serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Commu-nion, teaches a Liturgy of the Word class to younger chil-dren in the parish, and has led a prayer group for mothers, while Steve serves as a trustee of the parish. Their children have all served the parish as altar servers. The compassion, enthusiasm and generosity exemplified by the Frenz family is admirable, and should most certainly be recognized.

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 par-ish priest in Minnesota in the early 1990s, to go on a pil-grimage trip. It was during this trip that they were able to visit the North American College and deepen their under-standing of its mission to provide the best formation pro-gram possible to seminarians and priests. When reflecting on this trip, Steve and Jennifer described it as an “eye-opening experience” in which they could get a first-hand look at what the College is all about. They remember din-ing 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

that they might help sustain the College in its important ministry.

When asked about the sig-nificance of the North American College to them, Steve and Jennifer stressed that “it offers an incredible opportunity for seminarians and priests to have a per-

sonal experience of the Church in Rome.” In addition, they noted the importance of the sabbatical program (ICTE) as a wonderful opportunity for priests to “re-charge their batteries” and become reinvigorated in their pastoral ministry. The Frenzs also recognized the quality of the administrators and faculty at the College and the fact that they are incredibly devoted to the students and the program.

Overall, Steve and Jennifer both feel that the College is 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 pro-vided 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 am-bassadors 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 con-sistent and generous support. Thank you, Steve and Jen-nifer, 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!

Stephen and Jennifer Frenz

by Michael Prescott II

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

Jennifer and Stephen Frenz, friends and benefactors of the College.

Fall 2 0 1 0 27

INSTITuTIONal advaNCEmENTMary DiDonatoExecutive Director of Institutional Advancement

As 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 oc-curred 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 ongo-ing 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 appreci-ate 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 tomor-row! Through your dedicated prayerful and financial support, you have truly given them much to be thank-ful 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!


ECONOmO’S CORNERRev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg ‘89 Diocese of Tulsa Vice-Rector

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

To 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 holi-ness 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, con-tinue to support us with your prayers and sacrificial gifts.

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


The Pontifical North American College3211 Fourth Street, NEWashington, D.C. 20017-1194

NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT 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: [email protected] visit our website at www.pnac.org

Join us for the 19th Annual Rector’s DinnerThursday, May 5th, 2011

For more information, please contact the

Office of Institutional Advancement at 202-541-5411.

NAC Magazine: Fall 2010

Documents

Transcript of NAC Magazine: Fall 2010