Serving All of God`s Children

Serving All of God’s Children
Pre-Theology Program Update
As the pre-theology formation program under the
guidance of Dr. Lawrence
Sutton enters its second
year of new initiatives, evaluations of the program are
positive.
The enhanced program
provides men discerning
a vocation with additional
guidance. The week-long
Summer Immersion Experience (see pages 10-11)
followed by two weekend
workshops each semester
serve as a springboard for ongoing
discernment and reflection upon
ministry in the Church.
Father Jonathan Wisneski,
Director of the Office for Clergy
Vocations in the Diocese of
Calendar
Cambria County
Serrans Visit
Wednesday, October 22
Friends of Seminary Visit
Wednesday,
November 5, 4 p.m.
Monday, November 24
Ministry of Acolyte
Most Rev. Ronald Gainer,
Bishop of Harrisburg,
7:30 p.m., Basilica
Seminary Live-In
November 23-25
For men interested in the
priesthood formation
program.
Call 724-805-2771
for information.
Diaconate Ordination
Friday, December 5,
Thomas Trocchio,
Diocese of Erie by Bishop
Lawrence Persico
Leaven
Greensburg, who visited the
immersion experience, noted that
this type of immersion experience
is beneficial to those in formation.
In addition, it affords the seminarians an opportunity to understand
the dynamics of these special relationships, while seeing themselves
as people who are called to serve
those in need.
While this particular immersion
experience focused on training for
working with persons with special
needs, future immersion experiences will include other areas
of formation, said Father Patrick
Cronauer, O.S.B., academic dean
of the Seminary. For example,
he notes, the experience could
involve working with homeless
shelters or a hunger kitchen.
Very Rev. Timothy Whalen, rector
of the Seminary, called this year’s
program “a tremendous success.
It builds a foundation upon which
the four pillars will grow.”
Dr. Sutton’s experience is
unique in that he is a psychologist as well as a deacon with the
Diocese of Pittsburgh. Dr. Sutton
provides guidance through regular
formation meetings with students,
individual counseling sessions,
and seminars on select topics
of psychological and theological
integration for seminarians and
priests. One of his roles at the
Seminary involves the adminis-
tration of psychological testing
required by the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops for
those discerning a vocation to the
priesthood or religious life.
Since receiving his Ph.D.
in psychology from the
University of Pittsburgh in
1980, Dr. Sutton has often
worked with persons with
disabilities. He served as
a school psychologist from
1993 until 1999, at the
DePaul Institute for the
Hearing Impaired before
specializing in psychological assessments for autistic children at the Watson
Institute in 2002. He also
served as the manager
of the Western Pennsylvania
Bureau of Autism Services.
He was ordained a permanent
deacon in 1999 for the Diocese
of Pittsburgh.
Formation Conference
Focuses On Celibacy
Brother John Mark Falkenhain, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Meinrad
Archabbey, Indiana, gave a talk on “Celibacy Formation and Sexual
Identity” as part of the Saint Vincent Seminary formation series.
Brother John Mark is a fellow in human formation of the Saint Luke
Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the associated Saint Luke
Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The session was for formators, teaching
them how to organize a comprehensive program of celibacy formation,
including motives for celibacy; theologies of celibacy; sexual identity
and practical skills for celibate living.
2
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Saint Vincent Seminary
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650
Phone: 724-805-2592
Fax: 724-532-5052
www.saintvincentseminary.edu
Publisher, Chancellor
Archabbot Douglas R.
Nowicki, O.S.B.
Rector
Very Rev. Timothy F. Whalen
Vice Rector/Dean of Students
Rev. John-Mary Tompkins, O.S.B.
Most Rev. William J. Winter received an honorary doctor of divinity degree at the 2014 Alumni Day Mass.
Bishop Winter, C’52, S’56, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. He is now auxiliary
bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Presenting the degree to Bishop Winter were Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor, left; Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., academic dean, third from left, and
Very Rev. Timothy Whalen, rector.
Bishop Winter Receives Honorary Doctorate
S
aint Vincent Seminary paid
tribute to Bishop William J.
Winter, C’52, S’56, with an
honorary doctor of divinity degree
at its annual Alumni Day Mass and
banquet on September 16. Bishop
Winter, auxiliary bishop emeritus
of the Diocese of Pittsburgh,
observed the 25th anniversary of
his episcopal ordination.
“Bishop Winter, the Saint Vincent Seminary Community honors
you today for your generous and
humble ecclesial leadership, and
for your distinguished service to
the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and to
the Universal Church,” said Very
Rev. Timothy Whalen, Seminary
rector, who read the citation. “As
a priest, scholar, chaplain, pastor, and bishop you have helped
to form and nurture the faith of
generations of Catholics in Western Pennsylvania. Like a true
shepherd you have brought the
hope-filled message of the Gospel
to the people of the Diocese of
Pittsburgh for nearly six decades,
Leaven
needs and in governing of the diocese of nearly 800,000 Catholics.
At the press conference announcing his appointment as a bishop,
he described himself as “a simple
parish priest who cares for the
people of the Church.”
“Over the sixteen years in which
you served as bishop, you helped
to lead the priests, religious, and
faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh through challenging times,
including the consolidation and
reorganization of more than one
hundred sixty parishes, and you
brought a deepened sense of
hope to the diocese as the entire
Church took up the call to the New
Evangelization,” Father Whalen
said. “We thank you as well for
your gracious kindness to Saint
Vincent College and Seminary in
Latrobe, as you extend your apostolic ministry from the diocesan
community to your collegiate
alma mater.”
“For the priests of the Diocese
of Pittsburgh,” Archabbot Douglas
always striving to let the powerful yet healing presence of Jesus
Christ shine forth for the benefit
of all.”
Bishop Winter, who recalled
coming to Saint Vincent to witness
an ordination as a fourth grader,
was a member of Saint Catherine
of Siena Parish in Beechview. He
was ordained to the priesthood
on December 17, 1955. He later
earned the degree of Doctor of
Sacred Theology at the Gregorian
University before returning home
to serve as a parish priest. He has
served as an assistant pastor, as
student chaplain at Mount Mercy
College (Carlow University) and
later as the vice-chancellor of the
diocese. He served faithfully as
pastor of Holy Innocents Parish in
Sheraden and Saint Philip Parish
in Crafton. He was appointed in
December of 1988 by Pope John
Paul II and consecrated bishop on
February 13, 1989. As auxiliary
bishop, he assisted the diocesan
bishop in addressing the pastoral
3
Academic Dean
Rev. Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B.
Director of Spiritual Formation
Rev. Jeremiah Lange, O.S.B.
Director of Human Formation
Rev. Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B.
Director of Liturgical Formation
Rev. Cyprian Constantine, O.S.B.
Director of Pastoral Formation
Rev. Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B.
Director of Seminary Development
Rev. Bonaventure J. Curtis, O.S.B.
Director of Seminary
Public Relations
Kimberley A. Metzgar
leaven@stvincent.edu
Designer
Jordan M. Hainsey
Director for Alumni Affairs
Rev. Meinrad J. Lawson, O.S.B.
Consultant for Alumni Affairs
Rev. Chrysostom V.
Schlimm, O.S.B.
Contributors to this issue:
Rev. Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B.
Barbara McAllister
On the cover:
Diocese of Steubenville
seminarian Jeremy Andreski
encourages a Special Olympian
during a shot put competition at
Antiochian Village this summer.
See page 10 for story.
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
R. Nowicki, O.S.B., said, “Bishop
Winter was affectionately known
as ‘the pastor’s pastor.’ He was
always available to provide guidance and support to those who
sought his help. He is a humble
and low-keyed leader whose compassion and wisdom are greatly
appreciated.”
“The single and most fiercely
loyal aspect of his own life was evidenced in his generous response
to all the assignments that the
Church needed him to do,” said
Most Rev. David A. Zubik, Bishop
of Pittsburgh, at the dinner following Mass. “Whether it was to
study theology or teach it at Mercy
College, to serve as spiritual director at the Seminary, to work with
the people of the Holy Innocents
Parish in Sheraden, Saint Philip in
Crafton, or Sacred Heart Parish in
Shadyside. Bishop Winter clearly
is a man who is fiercely loyal to Jesus and the Church. On this night
that we honor Bishop Winter, allow me to say that I am grateful
that we are brothers in Christ and
how humbled I am to have his
support, and how inspired I am by
his holiness. Ad multos annos.”
As auxiliary bishop, Bishop Winter headed the diocesan College
of Deans where he worked closely
with the deans in implementation
of the diocese’s parish reorganization and revitalization project.
He was admired for his calm demeanor and patience in helping
parishioners adjust to the changes required in the reorganization
process.
While demonstrating strong
administrative skills, Bishop Winter
dedicated himself fully to the
renewal of the spiritual life of his
parishioners and of the faithful
throughout the diocese. He confirmed over 45,000 young people
in his years as auxiliary bishop.
For those being confirmed, it was
a real personal encounter as he
made a point of speaking to each
youngster individually at the Confirmation ceremony, often inquiring
about the name they had chosen.
Bishop Winter was also active in
ecumenical affairs as a member
of the Pennsylvania Conference
on Inter-church Cooperation. He
represented the positions of the
Catholic Church extremely well
and in a manner that respected
interfaith dialogue.
For the youth of the diocese,
Bishop Winter provided spiritual
Participating in the Saint Vincent Seminary Alumni Day Mass on September 16 were, from left, Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., academic dean; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor; Most Rev. David A.
Zubik, bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh; Most Rev. William Winter, C’52, S’56, auxiliary bishop emeritus,
Diocese of Pittsburgh; Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, S’77, bishop of the Diocese of Erie; Most Rev. Roger
Foys, bishop of the Diocese of Covington; and Very Rev. Timothy Whalen, rector.
leadership through his active participation in the World Youth Days.
He participated in WYD in Denver,
Paris, Rome, Toronto and Cologne.
He also hosted the Love-Walk for
the Poor as pastor of Sacred Heart
Parish.
At Saint Vincent Seminary, he
was a co-chair of the Preserving
the Vision Capital Campaign, which
raised funds to construct the Saint
Gregory Chapel, renovate the Elizabeth J. Roderick Center seminarian
residence hall and seminary office
area, completing an expansion of
the seminary in 1997.
“I am indeed very humbled by it
and by so many things that were
said today. I never really thought
of these things as extraordinary,”
Bishop Winter said. “I just thought
it was all part of the job that we
have and that we have undertaken
together to carry on the mission
of our Lord, which is why we are
ordained. Thank you to Saint Vincent, to the Archabbot, to Father
Whalen. I always enjoy coming
back here to Saint Vincent.”
Leaven
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
4
Seminary Names Directors of Pastoral Life, Spiritual Formation
Saint Vincent Seminary has
named two new directors in its
formation program. Father Thomas
More Sikora, O.S.B., of Avonmore,
has been appointed director of
pastoral formation as well as a
member of the Seminary faculty.
He previously served as director
of spiritual life from 2001-2003.
Father Jeremiah Lange, O.S.B., has
been named director of spiritual
life as well as a member of the
Seminary faculty.
Father Thomas More earned
a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the Pontifical College
Josephinum, and a master of arts
degree and a master of divinity
from Saint Vincent Seminary. He
has also studied at Saint Hyacinth
College, Granby, Massachusetts,
and has done graduate studies
at the University of Pittsburgh in
philosophy.
A member of the Benedictine
community since 1988, he made
his solemn profession of vows on
July 11, 1993. He was ordained a
deacon on May 14, 1996, by the
Rev. Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B.
Rev. Jeremiah Lange, O.S.B.
Most Rev. Anthony Bosco, bishop of
Greensburg, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. He was ordained a
priest on May 31, 1997 at the Archabbey Basilica by Bishop Bosco.
His pastoral service includes
serving as parochial vicar at Saint
Benedict Parish, Carrolltown
(1999-2000), at Sacred Heart
Parish, St. Marys (2011-2013) and
as pastor of Saint Mary Parish, St.
Marys (2013-2014).
Previous service to Saint Vincent
College includes serving as coordinator of the Adult Literacy Program
(1990-1991), graduate assistant
in the Education Department of
Saint Vincent College (1993),
academic advisor and tutor in the
Opportunity/Act 101 program at
the College (1993-1995), campus
minister (2003-2007). and as an
adjunct faculty member (19932012, 2014-present).
Service to the monastic community includes assistant in the
Vocation Office (1992-1996),
vocation director (1996-1998),
socius of novices (1993-1996,
2007-2009), director of postulants
(2007-2009), assistant to the
Archabbot (2003-2008), assistant
archivist for the Archabbey (20002012 and 2014-present). He is
director of the Benedictine Annual
Appeal.
Father Jeremiah is a 1974 graduate of Plum Senior High School. He
earned a bachelor of arts degree
in history from Slippery Rock University in 1996, a master of arts/
Ed.S. degree in counseling from
the University of South Carolina in
2001, and a doctorate in higher
education administration from
the University of Florida in 2005.
He earned the master of divinity
degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2013, with high honors.
Additionally, he received the Honorable Judge Bernard F. Scherer
Award, given by the faculty to the
student who most exemplifies
Seminary Visit
Father Wayne Paysse, second from left, executive director of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions, recently visited Saint Vincent Seminary. The Bureau has in the past provided support for the seminary in
the form of the Monsignor Paul A. Lenz Burse for Native Americans.
Father Wayne is pictured with Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.,
left; Brother Simeon Spitz, O.S.B., of Saint Gregory’s Abbey; and Father
Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., executive vice president at Saint Vincent College.
Leaven
5
the qualities evident in the life of
Judge Scherer. The criteria include
breadth of learning, the integration
of knowledge, faith and life, service
to others through corporal works
of mercy, and a strong witness of
faith, hope and charity.
Before coming to Saint Vincent,
Father Jeremiah was employed
as a district counselor of secondary education in the Osceola City
School District; Park Place Behavioral Center, Kissimmee, as a drug
and alcohol abuse counselor; a
doctoral fellow at the University of
Florida, and a psychometrist at the
Counseling and Human Development Center of the University of
South Carolina.
He entered the novitiate in
July, 2007 and professed simple
vows the following year. He made
solemn profession of monastic
vows on July 11, 2011. He was
ordained to the diaconate on April
14, 2012 by Most Rev. Lawrence
E. Brandt, Bishop of Greensburg,
in the Archabbey Basilica. He was
ordained to the priesthood May 25,
2013 by Bishop Brandt. Following
ordination he was named director
of campus ministry at West Virginia
University and associate pastor of
Saint John University Parish, serving there until 2014.
During his tenure at Saint Vincent, he has served the College
as a student advisor in the Opportunity Program (2008-2009), as a
research and teaching assistant
on the faculty of the Education
Department (2009-2010), and
as a field supervisor for Catholic
Schools in the Education Department (2010-2013). For the Archabbey, he has been assistant
archivist, assistant director of the
Oblate program (2008-2013), and
assistant master of ceremonies
(2009-2013). In 2014 he was
named assistant to the director of
vocations.
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Ordinations 2014
Father Yiliang Huang graduated this spring and is now a priest
of the diocese of Chengdu, in the
Sichuan Province in China. His
ordination was held on July 26th
in Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Chengdu. Following ordination he was assigned by his
Bishop-Elect to serve as an instructor in the Sichuan Provincial
Seminary in Chengdu, as well as
to serve as parochial vicar in the
Cathedral parish.
A number of recent seminary
graduates and students were ordained to the priesthood or diaconate in 2014.
In the Diocese of Covington all
four priests ordained by Bishop
Roger Foys studied at Saint Vincent Seminary, one doing pretheology work before studying in
Rome, and two completing their
studies in Latrobe.
Ordained on June 21 were Father William Appel, S10; Father
Harry Settle, S10; Father Trinity
Knight, S’14 and Father Josiah
Booth, S’14.
“For years seminarians attend
classes and conferences preparing for the day when we can engage in active ordained ministry,”
Knight said in The Messenger, diocesan newspaper. “As a deacon,
this past year, I was able to begin
this ministry and I have grown
in my comfort and appreciation
in this role. Each day is another
lesson in humility as people have
invited me into their lives. I have
learned the importance of being
available for ministry each and
every moment of my day, and
I have learned not to take for
granted the privilege I have to
serve as an ordained minister.”
Booth noted that “people, I
believe, are searching for meaning and when people lose the
meaning they are desperate. At
those moments they seek answers. When they get to the lowest point or what they perceive
as a low point in their life, where
they seek new ways of approaching their life, that’s where priests
enter. If my presence through the
priesthood can be there to direct
them, to bring the sacraments
and bring God’s grace to them,
Father Simeon Spitz, O.S.B., (second from left) a monk of Saint
Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma, center, was ordained to the
priesthood on May 31 by Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley (third from left),
archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Also pictured are the
Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen (right), abbot of St. Gregory’s Abbey, and
Most Rev. Eusebius J. Beltran, archbishop emeritus of Oklahoma City.
that would be phenomenal.”
Appel was named parochial
vicar of Blessed Sacrament
Parish, Fort Mitchell, while continuing studies at the Pontifical
University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Rome. Booth is parochial
vicar of Saint Patrick Parish,
Maysville, and religion instructor
at Saint Patrick School. Knight is
parochial vicar at All Saints Parish, Walton, part-time religion
instructor at Saint Henry District
High School and chaplain pro
tempore, Sisters of Saint Joseph
the Worker Parish. Settle is parochial vicar at Saint Cecila Parish,
Independence.
Ryan Stenger, S10, was ordained to the priesthood on April
26. He is continuing studies in
canon law at Catholic University
of America, Washington, D.C.
Rev. Luis Álvarez, S’14, was
ordained to the priesthood in
the Archdiocese of Atlanta on
June 28 by Most Rev. Wilton D.
Gregory. Álvarez noted that “between entering and completing
the seminary, I believe the most
impactful change in me has been
an even greater understanding
and appreciation for God’s gift of
life to all uf us and how we can
take it for granted so easily.”
He added that “coming from
a Benedictine seminary, I realize that I have developed a
natural charism for liturgy and
music, which I know I will naturally incline towards, but I am really looking forward to serving the
ever-growing Hispanic ministry
of our local Church in whatever
capacity I may be best suited to
minister.” He will be parochial
vicar at Prince of Peace Church,
Flowery Branch.
Brother
Isaac
Haywiser,
O.S.B., C’09, was ordained a
deacon by Bishop Lawrence E.
Brandt, J.C.D., Ph.D., Bishop of
Greensburg on May 3. Bishop
Brandt ordained Father Michael
Seminarians ordained to the priesthood in 2014 included, from left, Father Christopher Barkhausen, Diocese of Paterson; Father Trinity
Knight, Diocese of Covington; Father Michael Antonacci, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Father Josiah Booth, Diocese of Covington; Marcel
Alvarenga, Archdiocese of Campinas, Brazil (to be ordained); Father John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey; Father Luis Álvarez,
Archdiocese of Atlanta, and Father Simeon Spitz, O.S.B., Saint Gregory’s Abbey.
Leaven
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
6
Fathers Rey Pineda, Desmond Drummer, Luis Alvarez, Junot Nelvy,
Matthew Dalrymple and Brian Baker extend a joint blessing to Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, the rite of ordination to the priesthood’s
principal celebrant. The June 28 ordination took place at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta. Photo By Michael Alexander, The
Georgia Bulletin.
Antonacci, O.S.B., C’07, S’14,
and Father John Paul Heiser,
O.S.B., S’14, to the priesthood on
May 17. Father Michael has begun graduate studies in physics
at the University of North Carolina. Father John Paul has been
named associate pastor of Saint
John University Parish in Morgantown and director of Campus
Ministry at West Virginia University, with residence at the parish
rectory, effective July 24.
Donald Bender and Ryan
Fischer of the Diocese of Harrisburg were ordained to the diaconate May 24 by Bishop Ronald W.
Gainer. Deacon Bender served at
Prince of Peace Parish in Steelton this summer, while Deacon
Fischer served at Saint Patrick
Parish in Carlisle. Kyle Sahd,
S09, was ordained to the priesthood on June 28.
In the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Zachary Galiyas was ordained a
transitional deacon on June 14
by Bishop David A. Zubik.
Vernon W. Knight, C’09, S11,
was ordained to the priesthood
in the Diocese of Savannah on
May 31. He will serve as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph Church,
Macon.
Faculty News
affect one in every 88 children
worldwide.
The bank, which sponsored the
free sessions, actively supports
numerous programs across Africa
that positively affect infant and
maternal healthcare, education,
the arts, community development
and the environment.
*****
Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B.,
was promoted to the rank of full
professor on August 21.
Father Patrick attended the
four-day Association
of Theological Schools
Biennial
Meeting in
Pittsburgh
in July.
Dr. Lawrence Sutton participated in the
fourth annual autism
awareness
program
sponsored
by Guaranty
Trust Bank,
March 22 to
April 2 at the
Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria. The seminar was facilitated
by international and local nutritionists, psychologists, educators
and medical practitioners and
featured sessions on managing
people with varying levels of autism spectrum disorders, which
Leaven
Taking part in the May 17 ordination at Saint Vincent Archabbey
were, from left, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; Father Michael
Antonacci, O.S.B.; Most Rev. Lawrence E. Brandt, J.C.D., Ph.D., Bishop
of Greensburg; Father John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., and Father Richard
Perozich, Diocese of San Diego, California, uncle of Father John Paul.
At the priesthood ordination in the Diocese of Covington on June 21
were, from left, Mimika Garesché, associate director of Human Formation, Saint Vincent Seminary; Father John-Mary Tompkins, O.S.B.,
vice rector and dean of students; Father Trinity Knight, S’14; Father
Josiah Booth, S’14; and Most Rev. Roger Foys, Bishop of Covington.
He attended the annual meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association of America held at
Providence College in Rhode Island from July 26th-29th.
Father Patrick also presented
the Faculty-In-Service on August
22 on the theme of “Managing
our Seminary “Capitals” (the
many gifts and strengths of the
Seminary) to Achieve Maximum
Growth.”
*****
Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B.,
was
promoted
to
the rank of
associate
professor
on
August
21. Father
Edward also
7
serves as the Director of Human
Formation at the Seminary.
*****
The Society of Saint
Paul
has
produced a
CD
series
on
Saint
Paul based
on the book
Saint Paul: Master of the Spiritual
Life ‘In Christ’ by Brother Elliott C.
Maloney, O.S.B. The ten CDs have
nine hours of lecture are now
available. Cost is $48.95.
This pastoral presentation
discusses Saint Paul’s ideas on
“who we are and where we came
from and what God wants us to
do as the Body of Christ,” Brother
Elliott said.
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Front, left, Father John Mary Tompkins, O.S.B., vice rector; Dr. James V. Maher, Jr., chairman, Seminary Board of Regents; Very Rev. Timothy
Whalen, rector; Bishop Paul Bootkoski, honorary degree recipient and commencement speaker; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor; Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B., academic dean. Row two, Luis Álvarez, Archdiocese of Atlanta, master of divinity; Christopher Barkhausen,
Diocese of Paterson, master of divinity; Trinity Knight, Diocese of Covington, master of divinity; Brother Simeon Spitz, O.S.B., Saint Gregory’s
Abbey, bachelor of sacred theology; Josiah Booth, Diocese of Covington, master of divinity; Brother Michael Antonacci, O.S.B., Saint Vincent
Archabbey, master of divinity. Row three, Father Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, master of divinity; Herbert Nicholson,
Latrobe, master of arts; Edward Jones, Blairsville, master of arts; Marcel Gustavo Alvarenga, Archdiocese of Campinas, Brazil, master of divinity.
Row four, Michael Aimino, Dayton, master of arts; Stephen Black, Homer City, master of arts; Jeffrey Cieslewicz, Sr., McKeesport, master of arts;
and Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, master of divinity, bachelor of sacred theology.
Seminary Holds 168th Annual Commencement
The Most Reverend Paul Gregory Bootkoski, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey,
was awarded an honorary doctorate at the Seminary’s 168th
Leaven
the archdiocese in that capacity
until the installation of Archbishop John J. Myers on October 9,
2001.
Bishop Bootkoski was named
the Bishop of the Diocese of
Metuchen by Pope Saint John
Paul II on January 4, 2002, and
installed as the Fourth Bishop of
Metuchen on March 19, 2002.
Bishop Bootkoski holds a
bachelor of arts degree in classical languages from Seton Hall
University, a master of divinity degree in theology from Immaculate
Conception Seminary, and a master of arts degree in education
from Manhattan College.
The graduates included:
annual commencement Friday,
May 9 in the Archabbey Basilica.
On July 8, 1997, Pope John
Paul II named Msgr. Bootkoski to
serve as auxiliary bishop of the
Archdiocese of Newark. He was
ordained by Archbishop Theodore
E. McCarrick on Sept. 5, 1997 in
Sacred Heart Cathedral Basilica,
Newark. He subsequently was
named vicar general and moderator of the curia, responsible for
daily management and operation
of the administrative agencies of
the archdiocese.
On January 5, 2001, following
Archbishop McCarrick’s installation as Archbishop of Washington, the College of Consultors
of the Archdiocese of Newark
elected Bishop Bootkoski diocesan administrator, responsible
for the temporary management
of the archdiocese. He served
ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA
Luis E. Álvarez of Atlanta, Georgia, studied electrical engineering
at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received the master of
8
divinity degree. He also received
the Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., Homiletics Award, given by the Rector’s
Council to the fourth-year student
who has most clearly demonstrated excellence in preaching during
his fourth year of study.
ARCHDIOCESE OF CAMPINAS
Marcel Gustavo Alvarenga of
Valinhos, São Paulo, Brazil, received a bachelor of arts degree
in philosophy from the Pontifícia
Universidade Católica de Campinas, where he studied from 2006
to 2008. He began theology
studies in 2009. He received the
master of divinity degree, magna
cum laude. He also received two
awards, the Sacred Scripture
Award, given by the faculty to the
graduate who most demonstrates
excellence in the study of Sacred
Scripture, and the Honorable
Judge Bernard F. Scherer Award,
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
given to the student who most exemplifies the qualities evident in
the life of Judge Scherer, including
breadth of learning, the integration of knowledge, faith and life,
service to others through corporal
works of mercy, and a strong witness of faith, hope and charity.
DIOCESE OF CHENGDU
Yi Liang Huang of Deyang,
Sichuan, China earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and
theology from Sichuan Catholic
Seminary in Chengdu, Sichuan in
September 2001. He received a
master of arts degree.
DIOCESE OF PATERSON
Christopher Stephen Barkhausen of Succasunna, New Jersey,
earned a bachelor of arts degree
in Catholic theology from Seton
Hall University’s School of Theology in 2010. He received the
master of divinity degree.
DIOCESE OF COVINGTON
Josiah N. Booth earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from
the Pontifical College Josephinum
and Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2009. He received the
master of divinity degree.
Trinity P. Knight of Thibodoux,
Louisiana, earned a bachelor of
arts degree in philosophy from
Saint Joseph Seminary College,
Saint Benedict, Louisiana, in
2003, and studied theology/divinity at Notre Dame Seminary in
2003 and 2004. He did additional graduate work at the Pontifical
College Josephinum from 2007
to 2009. He received the master
of divinity degree.
DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG
Michael T. Aimino of Dayton
attended Indiana University of
Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor of arts degree in English in
1989. He earned a certificate in
pastoral ministry from Seton Hill
University in 2011. He earned the
master of arts degree in ecclesial
ministry, summa cum laude.
Stephen E. Black of Homer City
earned a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership
from Saint Francis University in
2008. He is a permanent deacon candidate from the Diocese
of Greensburg. He earned the
master of arts degree in ecclesial
ministry, cum laude.
Jeffrey Cieslewicz, Sr., of McKeesport attended Penn State
McKeesport, where he earned
an associate degree in electrical
engineering in 1980. He earned
a bachelor of arts degree in business with a certificate for pastoral
ministry from Seton Hill University
in 2011. He earned the master of arts degree in ecclesial
Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of the Diocese of Metuchen received an
honorary doctor of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary May 9. It
was presented by Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor, left;
Very Rev. Timothy F. Whalen, rector, third from left; and Father Patrick T.
Cronauer, O.S.B., academic dean, right.
ministry, magna cum laude. He is
a permanent deacon candidate
from the Diocese of Greensburg.
Edward E. Jones of Blairsville
earned an associate of arts degree at Brevard Community College, Florida, in 1969. In 1971,
he earned a bachelor of science
degree in journalism and public
relations from the University of
Florida, Gainesville. He received
a certificate in pastoral ministry from Seton Hill University in
2011. He earned the master of
arts degree in ecclesial ministry.
Herbert A. Nicholson of
Latrobe attended Westmoreland
County Community College from
2007 to 2010. He has also studied at Seton Hill University. He is a
permanent deacon candidate for
the Diocese of Greensburg. He
earned the master of arts degree
in ecclesial ministry, cum laude.
SAINT GREGORY’S ABBEY
Brother Simeon Spitz, O.S.B.,
earned bachelor of arts and
bachelor of science degrees
from Saint Gregory’s University
in 2007, where he studied philosophy and political science. He
was presented with the bachelor
of Sacred Theology, summa cum
laude.
Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen,
gathered with seminarians from his diocese prior to the commencement dinner. They include, from left, Mauricio Tabera, third theology;
Julio Cesar Madrid, second theology; and Victor Julio Baron, first theology. Bishop Bootkoski was accompanied by Rev. Msgr. William Benwell, J.C.L., V.G.
Leaven
9
SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEY
Brother Michael A. Antonacci,
O.S.B., of Jeannette, is a 2007
graduate of Saint Vincent College,
where he earned bachelor of science degrees in mathematics
and physics with highest honors.
He received the master of divinity degree, summa cum laude.
He received the Diakonia Award,
nominated by the entire seminary
community, and chosen by the
faculty, to honor a graduate who
exhibits praiseworthy academic
performance as well as service to
the seminary community through
building student morale and spirit,
exercising leadership within the
community, and demonstrating
creative outreach to others.
Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B.,
earned a bachelor of arts degrees
in international politics and psychology from Penn State University
in 2008. He earned the master of
divinity degree, summa cum laude
and also the bachelor of sacred
theology, summa cum laude.
Father Maximilian Maxwell,
O.S.B., of Philadephia earned a
bachelor of arts degree in communication and religious studies from Saint Vincent College in
2007. He received the master of
divinity degree.
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Pre-Theologians
Immersed in
Serving All
God’s Children
T
h e Seminary’s new director of Pre-Theology
Formation, Dr. Lawrence Sutton, has been
working with individuals with special needs
for many years. As a deacon for the Diocese
of Pittsburgh, he developed a program to incorporate children
with autism and other special needs into parish life, from the
perspective of a licensed psychologist, the other hat he wears.
That program developed into a unique religious education
program for these individuals, and subsequently turned into a
book, How to Welcome, Include, and Catechize Children with
Autism and Other Special Needs. It was published by Loyola
Press, and in his “spare time” he presents talks on the topic
throughout the world.
Leaven
10
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Since his arrival at Saint Vincent in 2013, Sutton has worked to incorporate the experience of serving persons with disabilities into the priesthood formation program. His role in Latrobe is director of pre-theology
formation. He has developed a program for pre-theologians (men in their
first two years of study) that includes a very unique opportunity—volunteering at nearby Antiochian Village, an Orthodox Christian camp, during
the Special Olympics Camp each August. The event is sponsored by the
North American Council of Teen SOYO, and is the second longest running
program of Special Olympics in Pennsylvania. This year there were nearly
200 campers, and nearly as many aides and coaches.
This year five pre-theologians took part: Austin Keith of the Diocese
of Altoona-Johnstown; Jeremy Andreski of the Diocese of Steubenville;
Brother Matthew Hershey, O.S.B., Brother Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., and
Brother Mark Liatti, O.S.B., of Saint Vincent Archabbey.
“Previously, I’ve enjoyed working with Special Olympics through the
Knights of Columbus at our parish,” Hershey said. “This is a tremendous
experience.”
Keith, who spent the day going between various track and field events,
called his experience “awesome. It was great.” He not only spent time with
the athletes, he said, but he got to know them as individuals. “One athlete I
met has been coming here for 30 of the 33 years it has been held.”
Andreski spent most of his day with some of the field events, such as
Leaven
11
javelin and shot put, as well as the 50 and 100 meter races. Camello, of
the Philippines, was busy with soccer and basketball, and at one point
even put some of his nursing skills to work, all with a positive outcome.
Liatti spent the day working the chains at a flag football game.
This new addition to the Seminary formation program, Sutton notes,
will:
• Give seminarians an opportunity to put their theological formation
into action by ministering to those in need as an initial step in the particular pastoral ministry that every priest is called to live.
• Sensitize seminarians to the need for the compassionate and empathetic giving of one’s self in Christ-like service to one’s brothers and
sisters.
• Emphasize the connection between prayer and service.
“This pastoral experience,” Sutton noted, “will be an initial immersion
for the pre-theologian into ministering, in imitation of Christ, to the real
needs of teens and adults with developmental disabilities, some of the
neediest of God’s children. This will serve as a springboard for ongoing
discernment and reflection upon ministry in the Church and will give the
pre-theologian a first-hand experience of actual ministry. Included will be
the opportunity to pray and worship together and to engage in interactive
sessions to gain the most from this experience for the discernment of
one’s future priestly ministry.”
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
t
en
pm
o er
l
e
n
ev
D
r
o
C
Consider
a Charitable
Gift Annuity
Are you looking for a safe
investment that pays handsome returns, and at the
same time allows you to
make a charitable gift in
your estate? Saint Vincent
Seminary offers Charitable
Gift Annuities with a minimum investment of just
$10,000. Depending on
your age, the cash returns
to you can be as high as
6 to 7 percent. The rate is
guaranteed by Saint Vincent
for the rest of your life, AND
you receive an immediate
tax deduction. The gift takes
effect upon your death when
any remaining funds in the
annuity are passed directly
to the Seminary. These
funds may be designated by
you for scholarships, building projects or any other
noteworthy cause within the
Seminary that you specify—
what a wonderful legacy!
For more information
about Saint Vincent Charitable Gift Annuities:
Call (724) 532-6740
Or email bonaventure.
curtis@stvincent.edu.
Thank you for your continued support!
Leaven
D
Your Gifts Help Sustain
The Future Of Today’s Church
ear Friends of Saint Vincent Seminary,
The Saint Vincent seminarians have returned from their
summer sojourns; back from their homes and dioceses,
they are already well-ensconced in their classes for the
new semester. Among the ready and willing newcomers to the mission
this semester, the Archabbey has seven new Benedictine pre-theologians attending the seminary. They come from dioceses and universities far and wide, joining other Saint Vincent seminarians from nearly
every continent of the world.
Today, Saint Vincent Seminary is effectively training a more diverse
group of seminarians for service within American dioceses—a proactive
strategy in response to the priestly shortage in America. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has taken up this issue at a recent
meeting, where a frank discussion was conducted about the ministerial
impact of the growing priestly shortage. They considered a new report
citing that between 1950 and 2000 the Catholic population increased by 107 percent while the number
of priests increased by only 6 percent. At the same time the average age of priests has increased, so that
many parishes a few years ago that had two, three or more priests residing in their rectories today have no
priest, as more than 27 percent of U.S. parishes are without a resident priest.
This current reality should not be the basis for pessimism, however. The Church’s timeline is long and
varied, and this is not the only time in America’s experience that we have relied on faithful Catholics around
the world to serve the sacramental needs of our continent. In fact, the current predicament can remind us
of the original mission of Saint Vincent:
“On October 21, 1846 a Benedictine monk named Boniface Wimmer arrived at Saint Vincent with eighteen young companions. They came from Bavaria to be missionaries ... [and] Wimmer simultaneously founded the first Benedictine monastery, college, and seminary in North America” (Rev. Brian Boosel, O.S.B.).
Then the German-speaking missionary monks came to the shores of America to minister to a Germanspeaking constituency. This mission quickly expanded to many ethnic groups all across America. Today,
more is expected from the new-age missionaries to America; men are now trained for a professional-level
competency in theology and scripture and liturgy, as they grow daily in their personal relationship with the
Lord. Beyond that, however, fully-formed priests must master modern pastoral values needed to serve today
in local parishes, including principles of financial responsibility, sociology and psychology, as well as plainspoken homiletics. Saint Vincent Seminary is uniquely suited to this multi-tasking, facilitating the formation
of the whole person—the spiritual, intellectual and social—in the context of a proven missionary tradition.
All faithful Catholics play important roles in implementing our mission. Firstly, pray without ceasing for
your needs and those of the whole Church, including vocations. Secondly, encourage faithful men to consider becoming priests (the Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate affirms
that men who had been explicitly encouraged by three persons were five times more likely to investigate
the priestly vocation). Finally, Saint Vincent provides help for seminarians through financial assistance for
their educational expenses. You can assist with your tax-deductible support for this aspect of our mission.
Please know that we are grateful for your association with the Seminary and for your generous support,
as we work to fulfill the mission of Christ by proclaiming his message of love to all the world.
Thank you always,
In Christ,
Father Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B.
12
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Memorial, Tribute Gifts
Make a donation to Saint Vincent Seminary in honor of a friend,
colleague or family member. Consider a tribute or memorial gift
today. Mail to Rev. Bonaventure J.
Curtis, O.S.B., Seminary Development, 300 Fraser Purchase Road,
Latrobe, Pa., 15650. Saint Vincent
Seminary Tribute and Memorial
Gifts Donors from March 1, 2014
to August 30, 2014, are included
below.
In honor of:
REV. JOHN J. PECK O.S.B.
Mrs. Sandra L. Mraz
REV. MR. AND MRS.
JOSEPH PERSINGER Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Wolfe
MRS. BERNADETTE
M. PEVARNIK
Sr. Cecilia Murphy, R.S.M.
MR. AND MRS. HARRY
A. SMITH JR.
Dr. Gregory D. Grabiak
MOST REV. WILLIAM J. WINTER
Rev. Donald P. Breier
In memory of:
REV. THOMAS P. ACKLIN, O.S.B.
Rev. Peter J. Kuligowski
REV. MICHAEL A.
ANTONACCI O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas
Ms. Barbara A. Secunda
BR. PAUL MICHAEL
ISAAC HAYWISER O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas
REV. JOHN PAUL HEISER, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Burlas
REV. JUSTIN M. MATRO, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Falbo
BR. CANICE DANIEL
MCMULLEN O.S.B.
Mrs. Kathleen A. Brestensky
RT. REV. DOUGLAS R.
NOWICKI, O.S.B., L.H.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Victor E. Ballash
+ JEROME A. ANTONACCI
Mr. and Mrs. Lyman W.
Harbottle
+ REV. ALBERT
C. BICKERSTAFF, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Melroy
Mr. and Mrs. William W.
Shearouse Jr.
+ MRS. MARGARET R. BOCK
Mrs. Anna Golofski
+ REV. GILBERT J. BURKE, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester E.
Brownfield
+ MR. PHILIP M. BURLAS
Ms. Peggy A. Farrah
Mr. and Mrs. Zoltan Kristof
Dr. Philip X. Masciantonio
Mrs. Loretta McBroom
Mr. and Mrs. Robert D.
McCaver
+ REV. ANTHONY J.
BURLAS, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M.
Seamens
+ MR. DAVID CHRISTOPHER
Mrs. Anna Golofski
+ BR. NATHAN M.
COCHRAN, O.S.B.
Mrs. J. Roberta Kubic
+ JAMES DIPADOVA
Mrs. Delpha Moran Barrera
+ REV. DEMETRIUS R.
DUMM, O.S.B.
Rev. George R. Cowan
Rev. John T. Euker
Sr. Bernadine Lauer
Mr. David A. Tomko
Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester F.
Verry Jr.
Mr. Raymond W. Werthman
+ REV. FRANCIS G. EHNAT. O.S.B.
Mrs. Agnes C. Peters
+ SAMUEL A. FOLBY, SR.
SUNY at Buffalo, Dept.
of Psychology
Mr. Oland Canterna
Mrs. Orlie S. Ferretti Ms. Jennifer Kesslar
Mr. Thomas M. Kissell
Mr. Philip Krywicki Ms. Lavina Mataldi Lasser
Mr. Louis F. Pochet
Mr. Daniel F. Rafferty
Mrs. Mary Frances Waite
Mr. Michael J. Ziemianski
Mr. Joseph Zurick
+ JOYCE E. GROSS
Mr. Clement F. Gross III
+ JEROME HART
Mrs. Annette D. Hart
+ DAVID KAZMIERCZAK
Mrs. Kathleen A. Brestensky
+ VINCENT P. KELLY
Mr. Richard E. Armstrong, Jr.
+ MRS. VELMA J. KLARIC
Ms. Helen K. Barnett
+ REV. OMER U. KLINE, O.S.B.
Mr. and Mrs. James P.
O’Sullivan
+ SIMON C. KRALIK
Mrs. Theresa J. Kralik
+ REV. THOMAS J. KRAM
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson J.
Farmerie
+ REV. MSGR. DONALD W.
KRAUS, PH.D.
Ms. Maureen S. O’Brien
+ FRANK L. KUSS
Mr. Thomas J. Kuss
+ RUDOLPH AND ROSELLA
MIHELIC
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice A.
Confer
+ MR. STANLEY LAWRENCE
NIEDZALKOSKI
Anonymous
+ DOROTHY L. SOISSON
Dr. Fred L. Soisson, Jr.
+ REV. JAMES E. SOMMA, JR.
Ms. Mary Ellen Freil
+ MR. JOHN J. TOTH
Mrs. Anna Golofski
Make A Gift
Please help the future of the Church by giving a gift
for the education of a candidate for the priesthood
Make a gift to help support the education of a seminarian. Donors can honor a friend,
colleague, or family member, or pay tribute to a loved one or beloved professor by making
a memorial gift. To make a gift to Saint Vincent Seminary, please use the enclosed
envelope or contact us at 724-532-6740. You may also visit us online at:
Leaven
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
13
www.stvincentstore.com/seminary.html
y
r
a tes
in No
m &
e
S ews
N
Rev.
Michael Zavage,
S’09 and Rev.
Robert J. Miller, C’75,
S80, were among six
priests, two deacons and a
retired state trooper who undertook a 335-mile bicycle ride on
the Great Allegheny Passage and
the C&O Canal Towpath in honor
of Aloysius “Ish” McLaughlin, a
former member of the Saint Vincent Seminary Board of Regents,
who died on February 6. Father
Joseph Mele, a former faculty
member of the seminary who
is now secretary for leadership
development and director of the
Department for Post-Ordination
Formation in the Diocese of
Pittsburgh, also
took part. McLaughlin was an exercise enthusiast who advocated
active lifestyles for priests.
The group members prayed the
breviary on their iPhones® and
iPads® on the way, and celebrated Mass each evening in churches and meeting rooms.
effective June 18, in addition to
his assignment as administrator
of Sacred Heart Parish in Huntingdon and Saint Peter Claver Parish
in Huntingdon.
Rev. Arthur Bufogle, Jr., S’03,
has been named pastor of Saint
John Neumann Parish in Marlinton and Mark the Evangelist Mission in Bartow, and the Chapel of
Saint Bernard in Snowshoe with
residence in Marlinton, effective
June 18.
Rev. Douglas Ondeck, C’02,
S’07, has been appointed chaplain to West Liberty University
with responsibility for coordinating sacramental ministry to its actively enrolled students, effective
September 3. The appointment is
in addition to his current pastoral
duties as temporary administrator of Saint Alphonsus Parish,
Wheeling.
Rev. Ryan L. Stichweh, S’13,
has been appointed temporary
administrator of Saint Agnes
Parish, Charleston, effective
WheelingCharleston
In the Diocese of WheelingCharleston, Bishop Michael J.
Bransfield has announced the
following appointments:
Rev. John Rice, S’02, chaplain, Parkersburg Catholic High
School, effective June 18, as
well as chaplain to the Knights of
Columbus. He remains pastor of
Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Parkersburg and Saint Monica Parish,
Lubeck.
Rev. Charles E. McGinnis, Jr.,
S’06, chaplain of Saint Joseph
Central Catholic High School,
September 24, in addition to his
responsibilities as chaplain of
Charleston Catholic High School.
Rev. Christopher M. Turner,
S’04, has been named associate
pastor of Saint Francis de Sales
Parish, Morgantown, effective
September 24.
Altoona-JohnstowN
Rev. John P. Ellias, C’60,
S’64, is celebrating 50 years in
priesthood.
In the Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown, Bishop Mark L. Bartchak announced the following
appointments:
Rev. Lubomir J. Strecok, S’97,
pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Altoona, effective July 15.
Rev. Sean K. Code, C’71, pastor, Most Holy Trinity Parish, South
Fork and Saint Bartholomew Parish, Whilmore.
Rev. Matthew B. Baum, S’09,
parochial vicar, Saint Benedict Parish, Johnstown, effective July 15.
(Continued on Page 15)
Prayerfulness, Humor Take Priest Into First Pastorate
assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass.
The inspiration of DeSivatte and Oscar Romero, Father Anzora
said, helped his vocation grow. Father Anzora began his journey
as a Vincentian postulant in Guatemala, but a visit to a friend in
Atlanta pointed him in a new direction. He went on to become
a candidate for the archdiocese in 2001, earning degrees from
Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, and Saint
Vincent Seminary.
At Saint Francis three of the four Masses are in English each
weekend and about 1,500 come to worship. One of his first priorities is to take simple steps to build community and respond to the
archdiocesan pastoral plan now being developed.
The pastor of Prince of Peace Church, where Father Anzora had
served as parochial vicar, Father Eric Hill, C’96, S’99, said that
some of Father Anzora’s greatest assets are his prayerfulness and
sense of humor. And he’s good at “listening and striving to do the
best for others.”
“He was great to work with, very willing to serve, and was available to minister to the people of God,” he said. “I’m sure that what
he has learned during his priesthood, and also the gifts that God
has given him, will help him to be a wonderful pastor, and I believe
that he is ready. There will still be a lot of on-the-job training to
come, but as long as he remains open to it, God will guide him.”
Photo courtesy of Michael Alexander, The Georgia Bulletin.
Rev. Juan Francisco Anzora, S’08, was featured in a recent issue of The Georgia Bulletin. Now in his sixth year of priesthood, he
is undertaking his first pastorate at Saint Francis of Assisi Church.
A native of El Salvador, Father Anzora and his nine siblings grew
up on a farm near San Salvador during a time of civil war. Growing up in a quiet, religious town, Tona Capeteque, he was inspired
by Jesuit Father Rafael DeSivatte who taught him about the martyrdom of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, who defended
the human rights of the poor and decried injustices. Romero was
Leaven
14
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
(Continued from page 14)
Atlanta
In the Archdiocese of Atlanta,
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory
has announced the following
appointments:
Rev. Juan Francisco Anzora,
S’08, pastor, Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Chartersville.
Rev. Fernando Molina-Restrepo, S’98, pastor, Transfiguration
Parish, Marietta.
Rev. Tri John-Bosco Nguyen,
S’12, parochial vicar, Saint Brigid
Church, Johns Creek.
Rev. Guyma Noel, S’96, parochial vicar, Saint Joseph Church,
Marietta.
Savannah
In the Diocese of Savannah,
Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer
has announced the following
appointment:
Rev. Mark Van Alstine, S’04,
pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Augusta, effective June 24.
remaining as assistant Episcopal
master of ceremonies, effective
June 4. He is also regional clergy
moderator, Region V.
Rev. William J. Lechnar, S’96,
interim administrator, Church of
the Good Shepherd, Kent, while
continuing as director of the Office for Planning, effective June 4.
Rev. William P. Donahue, C’66,
S’70, has begun retirement.
Several priests for the Diocese
of Greensburg have made their
homilies available on various
websites. They include:
Rev. Daniel L. Blout, S’86, Our
Lady of Grace Parish, Greensburg,
www.ourladyofgracechurch.org;
Msgr. James T. Gaston, C’67,
S’71, www.motherofsorrowsparish.org; Rev. Robert T. Lubic,
S’95, Immaculate Conception,
Saint Rita and Saint John Parishes, Connellsville, www.connellsvillecatholicchurches.org.
Diocesan priests celebrating
anniversaries in 2014 included:
Father Justin To Be On Chopped
Father Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., S’89, will be featured on an upcoming episode of Chopped, one of the featured shows on The Food
Network. A crew from the show visited his parish, Saint Bartholomew
in Crabtree, to film Father Justin for an upcoming episode relating to
members of religious orders or priests who cook. News of the episode
will be posted on the Seminary Facebook page when a show date is
provided.
Rev. John T. Euker, C’70, S’74, 40
years and Father James D. Tringhese, 40 years.
Greensburg
In the Diocese of Greensburg,
Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, made
the following appointments:
Rev. Monsignor James T. Gaston, C’67, S’71, pastor, Mother of
Sorrows Parish, Murrysville, effective June 4. He has also been
named vicar forane, Deanery 3.
Rev. Kenneth G. Zaccagnini,
V.F., C’78, S’82, pastor, Saint
Margaret Mary Parish, Lower
Burrell, effective June 4. He has
also been named vicar forane,
Deanery 1.
Rev. Michael P. Sikon, S’94,
pastor, Saint Barbara Parish, Harrison City, while continuing as director of the Office of Worship, as
well as director for the Office for
Clergy Formation, effective June
4.
Rev. Alan N. Polczynski, S’05,
pastor, Saint Thomas More University Parish, Indiana, while
Leaven
Rev. Michael P. Sikon, S’95,
has been named clergy moderator of Region V, while continuing
as pastor of Saint Thomas More
University Parish, Indiana, as
well as director of the Office for
Worship.
Rev. F. Raymond Trance, S’94,
has retired.
Youngstown
New books
Three new books have recently been released by alumni of Saint Vincent Seminary and are now available at www.stvincentstore.com. The
first book, Cycle B, in the popular Sunday Homilies column written by
Father Campion Gavaler, O.S.B., C’55, S’89 and the late Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., P’40 C’45 S 48, is now available. Father Donald Raila, S’83, director of Oblates for Saint Vincent Archabbey, edited
and wrote chapters in The Rule in Bits and Pieces, published by Sacred
Winds Press. Brother Bruno Heisey, S’04, an adjunct faculty member,
has written Prayer, Study and Work, also by Sacred Winds Press.
15
In the Diocese of Youngstown,
Rev. Martin Celuch, S’02, pastor of Saint Matthias Church
since 2013, helped the parish
celebrate its 100-year history in
June. It is one of three worship
sites of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Youngstown, having merged
with Saints Cyril and Methodius
and Holy Name of Jesus Parishes
in 2012. Bishop George V. Murry,
S.J., was principal celebrant at
the centennial celebration. The
parish has served immigrants
from Slovakia since the early
1900s.
Rev. John-Michael Lavelle,
S’99, has been named pastor of
(Continued on Page 16)
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
y
r
a tes
in No
m &
e
S ews
N
Our Lady of
Perpetual Help
Parish in McDonald, effective July 1.
Richmond
In the Diocese of Richmond,
Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo has
appointed Rev. James Glass,
S’03, to full-time chaplain to
Catholic campus ministry at the
College of William and Mary,
with residence at Saint Bede,
Williamsburg.
HARRISBURG
In the Diocese of Harrisburg,
Monsignor Vincent Topper, C’32,
Requiescat in Pace
Condolences
To Mrs. Trish Perry, recently
retired from Saint Vincent
Seminary, on the loss of her
mother, Jean Lennon, on April
17, 2014.
Rev.
Jeremiah
Lange,
O.S.B., S’13, on the death of
his father, George L. Lange, on
July 19, 2014.
Deaths
Rev. Lawrence R. Coakley,
S’76, on September 10, 2014.
Brother Nathan M. Cochran,
S’85, on July 30, 2014.
Rev. Thomas Ferris, C59, on
March 18, 2014.
Rev. J. Clark George, C’52,
S’56, on June 3, 2014.
Rev. Cornelius McCaulley,
S’66, on June 28, 2014.
Rev. Barry O’Leary, S’07, on
June 6, 2014.
Rev. Robert Turner, C’55,
S’89, on June 29.
Leaven
S’35, turned 102
on July 28. He remains the diocese’s
oldest and longest-serving
priest.
Rev. Kyle S. Sahd, S10, recently ordained, was assigned as parochial vicar of Saint Joan of Arc
Parish, Hershey.
Very Rev. Paul Helwig, S’74,
pastor of Good Shepherd Parish,
Camp Hill, celebrated 40 years in
priesthood.
Rev. Edward J. Keating, S’94,
celebrated 20 years in priesthood. He is pastor of Seven Sorros of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Parish, Middletown.
Rev. Mark E. Weiss, S’02, pastor of Saint Philip the Apostle
Parish, Millersville, and Rev. Michael Rothan, S’04, pastor of
Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Hershey,
marked 10 years in priesthood.
Rev. James R. O’Brien, C’62,
S’66, has begun retirement.
Rev. Bernardo Pistone, S’73,
has begun retirement.
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer has
made the following appointments:
Rev. Michael W. Rothan,
S’94, pastor, Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Lebanon and pastor, Saint Benedict
the Abbot Parish, Lebanon.
Rev. Steven W. Fauser, S’02,
pastor, Saint Peter Parish,
Elizabethtown.
Rev. David M. Hereshko, S’99,
campus minister, Bloomsburg
University and parochial vicar,
Saint Columba Parish, Bloomsburg, with the responsibility of
Christ the King Mission, Benton.
Rev. Timothy D. Marcoe, S’07,
pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Parish, Abbottstown.
Rev. Michael C. Letteer, S’95,
administrator, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
Mary Parish, New Oxford.
Deacon Matthew Larlick, S’13,
diaconal ministry, Saint John the
Baptist Parish, New Freedom.
Rev. Anthony R. Dill, S08,
Bishop Foys Visit
Most Rev. Roger Foys of the Diocese of Covington is a regular visitor
to the Seminary, meeting with administrators and seminarians. This
spring he visited and celebrated Mass in the Seminary chapel. He is
pictured with Very Rev. Daniel L. Schomaker, chancellor, administrative
assistant to the Bishop, master of ceremonies and assistant director
of seminarians.
parochial vicar, Saint John the
Baptist Parish, New Freedom.
Erie
In the Diocese of Erie, Bishop Lawrence Persico, J.C.L.,
announced
the
following
appointments:
Rev. Christopher Barnes, S’10,
has been named pastor of Saint
Mary Parish, Crown, and Saint
Ann Mission Church, Marienville,
effective July 25, for a six-year
term.
Rev. Matthew J. Kujawinski,
S’02, has been named pastor
of Saint Mary of Grace Parish,
Meadville, while continuing as
pastor of Saint Agatha Parish,
Meadville, effective July 28, for a
six-year term.
Rev. Thomas L. Tyler, S’79, has
been named pastor of Holy Cross
Parish, Fairview, effective July 18,
for a six-year term.
Rev. Alfred Patterson, O.S.B.,
C’85, S’90, has been named
pastor of Saint Mary Parish, St.
Marys, effective July 24.
16
Rev. Edward M. Lohse, S’88,
marked 25 years in priesthood
this year. He is currently working
as an official with the Vatican’s
Congregation for the Clergy in
Rome.
Rev. Larry M. Richards,
S’88, markes 25 years in the
priesthood.
Covington
In the Diocese of Covington,
Bishop Roger Foys announced
the following appointments:
Rev. Matthew A. Cushing,
S’09, chaplain, Covington Catholic High School, effective July 1.
Rev. Michael B. Norton, S’13,
chaplain, Saint Henry District
High School, effective July 1.
Rev. Josiah Booth, S’14, chaplain, Saint Patrick High School, effective July 1.
Rev. Joshua L. Lange, S04,
pastor, Saint Benedict Parish,
Covington.
Rev. John J. Michniuk, S’12,
parochial administrator, Saint
(Continued on Page 17)
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
(Continued from Page 16)
Rose of Lima Parish, Mays Lick
and Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Flemingsburg; and part-time
instructor, Saint Patrick High
School, Maysville.
Rev. Martin Pitstick, S’08, pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, Bellevue
and Saint Bernard Parish, Dayton.
Rev. Allan R. Frederick, S’13,
pastor, Saint John the Evangelist,
Carrollton and Transfiguration
Mission, Perry Park.
Pittsburgh
In the Diocese of Pittsburgh,
Bishop David A. Zubik announced
the following appointments:
Rev. Ronald Lengwin, C’62,
S’66, has been named vicar for
church relations, while retaining
his role as spokesman for the diocese. He has served as general
secretary and vicar general since
2010. He is also the host of “Amplify” on KDKA-AM radio.
Very Rev. Philip N. Farrell, V.W.,
S’93, has been reappointed as
Episcopal vicar for pastoral vicariate Region 4.
Rev. Vincent F. Kolo, S’95,
chaplain, Catholic inmates and
staff at the Allegheny County Jail,
effective July 28. He is residing
at Holy Trinity Parish, Robinson
Seminary
Retirements
Leaven
Township.
Rev. Stephen A. Kresak, S’04,
pastor, Saint Albert the Great Parish, Baldwin; Saint Basil Parish,
Carrick; Saint Norbert Parish,
Overbrook; Saint Wendelin Parish, Carrick, effective April 28.
Rev. Robert L. Seeman, S’79,
administrator, Saint Margaret
Mary Parish, Moon Township, and
chaplain to the Catholic students
and staff at Robert Morris University, effective March 10.
Rev. Michael J. Stumpf, S’00,
has been named to another
six-year term as pastor of Saint
Mary of the Mount Parish, Mount
Washington, effective July 14.
Rev. Kevin J. Dominik, S’87,
part-time chaplain at Serra Catholic High School, effective April
28. He remains as pastor of Saint
Angela Merici Parish, White Oak.
Rev. John E. Forbidussi, S’94,
chaplain, Catholic patients and
staff at UPMC East and Forbes
Regional hospital, effective April
24, with residence at Saint Bernadette Parish, Monroeville.
Rev. William E. Dorner, S’07,
canonical consultant for the Department for Canon and Civil Law
Services, effective July 1.
Rev. Martin R. Bartel, O.S.B.,
S’85, has been named pastor of
New Students
Orientation Team
New seminarians and the 2014 orientation team include front,
from left, Brother Matthew Hershey, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey;
Brother Etienne Huard, O.S.B., Conception Abbey; Jeremy Andreski,
Diocese of Steubenville and Brother Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., Saint
Vincent Archabbey. In row two are, from left, Samuel Rodgers, Diocese
of Covington; Andrew Boyd, Diocese of Erie; Austin Keith, Diocese of
Altoona-Johnstown. In row three, from left, are Britton Hennessey, Diocese of Covington; Peter Crowe, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. In the
back row, from left, are David Whiteford, Diocese of Erie and Brother
Mark Liatti, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey.
(Continued on Page 18)
Longtime employees Patricia Perry (photo at left, center) and Annette Hart (above) have retired. Perry
is pictured with Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., and her sisters, including Joan Roach, second from
right, who also works at Saint Vincent College. Perry served as administrative assistant to the vice rector and the faculty, while Hart was an administrative assistant in the Seminary Development Office. Both
women are from Ligonier.
17
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
y
r
a tes
in No
m &
e
S ews
N
Saint
Frances
Cabrini Parish, Center Township, for a six-year
term, effective September 15.
Rev. Joseph J. Kleppner, C’68,
S’72, who most recently served
as pastor of Saint Frances Cabrini
Parish, Center Township, has begun retirement.
Rev. Michael S. Suslowicz,
S’80, has been named parochial
vicar of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Parish, Whitehall, effective September 15.
Rev. Michael R. Peck, S’11,
has been named pastor of Saint
Camillus Parish, Neshannock
Township, for a six-year term, effective September 15.
Deacon Zachary A. Galiyas,
Our Lady of Joy Parish, Holiday
Park, with responsibility for diaconal ministry of service and
charity, under the direction of the
pastor in collaboration with the
Department for Pre-Ordination
Formation, effective June 23.
Rev. Thomas E. Kredel, C’68,
S’72, pastor, Holy Family Parish,
New Brighton, for a six-year term,
effective June 5.
Rev. William P. Feeney, C’68,
S’72, to a third six-year term as
pastor of Immaculate Conception
Parish, Washington, effective July
1.
Rev. James F. Murphy, C’66,
S’70, has been appointed to a
fourth six-year term as pastor of
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Parish, Lyndora/Meridian, effective
July 1.
Rev. Richard J. Thompson,
S’96, has been named pastor,
Saint Joseph Parish, North Oakland and Mater Dolorosa Parish,
Leaven
priesthood; Rev. Daniel C. Wolfel, O.S.B., P’46, C’50, S’54, 50
years, priesthood; Brother Anthony Kirsch, O.S.B., P’61, C’66,
S’70, 50 years, vows; Brother
Nicholas Koss, O.S.B., P’61, C’66,
S70, 50 years, vows; Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B., P’61, C’66,
S’69, 50 years, vows; Very Rev.
Earl Henry, O.S.B., P’55, C’60,
S’64, 50 years, ordination;
Brother Benedict Janecko,
O.S.B., P’56, C’61, S’65, 50 years
a deacon; Rev. Thomas More
Sikora, O.S.B., S’91, 25 years,
vows; Rev. Ralph Tajak, O.S.B.,
S’94, 25 years, vows; Rev. John
Peck, O.S.B., S’89, 25 years, ordination; Rev. Job Foote, O.S.B.,
S’89, 25 years, ordination; Rev.
Chicora, for a sixyear term, effective
August 18.
Rev. Jack O’Malley,
S’65, received the Citizen of
the Year Award during the recent
41st Constitutional Convention
of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO at
the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh
Hotel. It was presented by Jack
Shea, president of the Allegheny
County Central Labor Council;
Rick Bloomingdale, president of
the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Frank
Snyder, secretary-treasurer of
the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and Joe
Delale, AFL-CIO community services liaison. Shea noted that Father O’Malley has always helped
families through the eyes of organized labor, while Delale noted
that Father O’Malley is a mentor
for Catholic social teaching.
Priests of the diocese celebrating anniversaries in 2014 included: Rev. John A. Palko, S’54, 60
years; Rev. Warren W. Metzler,
C’60, S’64, 50 years; Rev. Joseph
E. Swierczynski, C’60, S’64, 50
years; Rev. William R. Bovard,
S’63, 50 years; Rev. George F.
Chortos, C’60, S’64, 50 years;
Rev. Robert G. Duch, Ph.D., C’61,
S’64, 50 years; Rev. Jeremiah
T. O’Shea, C60, S’64, 50 years;
Rev. William J. Ritzert, S’64, 50
years; Rev. Matthew R. Cirilli,
S.T.L., C’60, S’64, 50 years; and
Rev. William J. Fay, C’61, S65.
50 years. In 1994 Father Fay returned to Saint Vincent, to serve
on the faculty of Saint Vincent
Seminary, as vice rector, and
associate professor of Sacred
Scripture, until 2004. Silver jubilarians in the diocese include:
Rev. George J. Moneck, S’89.
Justin Matro, O.S.B., S’89, 25
years, ordination.
In other Archabbey news:
Rev. James H. Loew, O.S.B.,
S’96, has been named administrator of Christ the king Parish,
Leechburg, while continuing as
pastor of Saint Gertrude Parish,
Vandergrift, as well as clergy
moderator of Region II, with residence at Saint Gertrude, effective February 12.
Saint Bernard Abbey
Rev. Jacob Amos, O.S.B., S’11,
has been appointed pastor of
Saint Michael Catholic Church in
Saint Florian, Diocese of Birmingham, effective August 1.
Help To Educate A Priest
With An Endowed Scholarship
The scholarship funds listed on the enclosed envelope
provide assistance every year to seminarians. Please consider
honoring a parent, spouse or another loved one with an Endowed
Scholarship.With a gift of $10,000 or more you can honor a loved
one with an endowed scholarship in their name. Your gift will
help to educate seminarians studying for the priesthood at Saint
Vincent Seminary in perpetuity. You may also establish a fund in
your own name. For more information about creating a scholarship in
honor or memory of a loved one, contact Rev. Bonaventure J. Curtis,
Director of Development at (724) 532-6740 or bonaventure.curtis@
stvincent.edu. Thank you for your continued support!
Please make checks payable to Saint Vincent Seminary.
For more information please contact:
Rev. Bonaventure J. Curtis, O.S.B.
Director of Development
724-532-6740
bonaventure.curtis@email.stvincent.edu
Saint Vincent
Archabbey
Please return to: Saint Vincent Seminary
300 Fraser Purchase Road • Latrobe, PA •15650-2690
Saint
Vincent
Archabbey
monks celebrating anniveraries
included:
Rev. Noel Rothrauff, O.S.B.,
P’45, C’50, S’54, 60 years,
www.stvincentstore.com/seminary.html
18
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
Saint Vincent Seminary 2014-2015
Front, from left, Father Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B., director of human formation, director of the solemnly professed, and associate professor
of Sacred Scripture and systematic theology; Father Jeremiah Lange, O.S.B., director of spiritual formation; Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B.,
academic dean; Very Rev. Timothy F. Whalen, rector; Father John Mary Tompkins, O.S.B., vice rector and dean of students; Father Cyprian G.
Constantine, O.S.B., assistant professor and director of liturgical formation; Mimika Garesché, associate director of human formation; Father
Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., director of pastoral formation.
Row two, from left, Victor Julio Baron, Diocese of Metuchen, first theology; Brother Etienne Huard, O.S.B., Conception Abbey, second theology; Brother Patrick Boland, O.S.B., Subiaco Abbey, master of arts; Brother Martinho Zevallos, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, first theology;
Brother Lawrence Machia, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, first theology; Jeremy Andreski, Diocese of Steubenville, pre-theology I; Brother
Matthew Hershey, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, pre-theology I; Jorge Carranza, Archdiocese of Atlanta, fourth theology; Brother Ignatius
Camello, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, pre-theology I.
Row three, from left, Brother Matthew Nguyen, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, master of arts; Thomas Picchioni, Diocese of Covington, third
theology; Peter Crowe, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, second theology; Julio Cesar Madrid, Diocese of Metuchen, second theology; Mauricio
Tabera, Diocese of Metuchen, third theology.
Row four, from left, John Shi, Diocese of Beijing, second theology; Samuel Rodgers, Diocese of Covington, pre-theology II; Andrew Yen, Diocese
of Beijing, ESL; Peter Ren, Diocese of Beijing, second theology; Eric Andriot, Diocese of Covington, second theology; Rafael Quesada, O.S.B.,
Saint Vincent Archabbey, master of arts; Joseph Shelton, Diocese of Covington, second theology; Zachary Galiyas, Diocese of Pittsburgh,
fourth theology; Andrew Boyd, Diocese of Erie, first theology.
Row five, from left, Austin Keith, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, pre-theology I; Donald Bender, Jr., Diocese of Harrisburg, fourth theology;
Brother Rafael Arcanjo dos Santos, O.S.B., São Bento Monastery, third theology; James Schaeper, Diocese of Covington, third theology;
Brother Louis Carey, O.S.B., Saint Andrew Abbey, second theology; Brother Mark Liatti, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, pre-theology I; Ryan
Fischer, Diocese of Harrisburg, fourth theology; David Whiteford, Diocese of Erie, second theology.
Row six, from left, Matthew Gossett, Diocese of Steubenville, third theology; Brother Joachim Morgan, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey,
first theology; Brother Matthew Lambert, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, third theology; Britton Hennessey, Diocese of Covington, second
theology; Brother Thomas Sanders, O.S.B., Saint Andrew Abbey, third theology; Brother Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, third
theology; Lukasz Iwaǹczuk, Diocese of Paterson, ordination program; Brother Isaac Haywiser, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, fourth theology;
Thomas Trocchio, Diocese of Erie, fourth theology; Brother Miguel Gonzalez, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, second theology; David Carter,
Diocese of Erie, second theology.
Leaven
Fall 2014, Volume 23, Number 1
19
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 110
http://www.saintvincentseminary.edu
724-805-2592
Dedication and Blessing
Mary Mother of Mercy
Mausoleum Chapel
Saint Vincent Cemetery
Saturday, November 8, 2014
10 a.m.
Refreshments and tours will follow the Dedication
RSVP by October 30
724-805-2177
Saint Vincent Cemetery
Open to all Catholic Families
724-805-2651
www.saintvincentcemetery.com