Roman Echoes Magazine - 2012/13 Issue 1

“Always Be Faithful Heralds Of The Gospel And Generous Witnesses To The Love Of Christ!” —Pope Benedict XVI to the 2013 Ordination Class

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Welcome New Faculty

Year of Faith and Synod of the New Evangelization

Summer Apostolate

Diaconate Ordination

New Men Orientation

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EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEFJustin Blanc ‘14

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

LAYOUT & DESIGN MANAGERChris Kerzich ‘14

Archdiocese of Chicago

MANAGING EDITORGeoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15Diocese of Jefferson City

ASSISTANT EDITORSDonato Infante III ‘15Diocese of Worcester

&Zac Povis ‘15

Archdiocese of St. Louis&

Ruben Villarreal ‘15Diocese of Lake Charles

LAYOUT & DESIGN EDITORSKyle Digmann ‘14

Archdiocese of Dubuque&

Nicholas Fleming ‘15Diocese of Providence

PHOTOGRAPHERSChristopher Brashears ‘14

Archdiocese of Oklahoma City&

Michael Conway ‘14Diocese of Pittsburgh

&Michael Rubeling ‘15

Archdiocese of Baltimore

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FRONT COVERChristopher Brashears ‘14 (Oklahoma City)

From left, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, Most Rev. Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn, Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley C‘87, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, Most Rev. William P.

Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse, His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C‘76, Rector of the College from

1990-1994, Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of Board of Governors, Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt‘73, C’76, Archbishop of St. Paul

and Minneapolis and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors, Most Rev. Walker Nickless, Bishop of Sioux

City with the Class of 2013.

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5 RECTOR’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C ‘97

6 NEW MEN ORIENTATION Paul Solomon ‘15

8 A NEW MAN’S PERSPECTIVE Joseph Baker ’16

9 RETREATS Donato Infante III ‘15

10 DIOCESE REPRESENTED GRAPHIC Christopher Kerzich ‘14

12 FORMATION WORKSHOPS Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15

14 WELCOME NEW FACULTY Ruben Villareal ’15

16 LIFE AT THE COLLEGE

18 RETURNING HOME REFLECTION Chris Seith ’14

19 VAL J. PETER SCHOLARS Donato Infante III ‘15

20 SUMMER APOSTOLATE Santiago Mariani ’15

22 DIACONATE ORDINATION Ruben Villarreal ‘15

24 SYNOD AND YEAR OF FAITH Matthew Fish ’15

26 CASA SANTA MARIA Rev. John P. Cush, ‘98, C ’15

28 ICTE ARTICLE Rev. David Boettner, ICTE, F‘12

29 INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Mark Randall, CFRE

31 ECONOMO’S CORNER Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95

FEATURES/CONTENTS

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BOARD OF GOVERNORSof the Pontifical North American College

CHAIRMANMost Rev. John J. Myers ‘67

Archbishop of Newark

VICE CHAIRMANMost Rev. John C. Nienstedt ‘73, C‘84Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

TREASURERMost Rev. Frank J. Dewane ‘88, C‘89

Bishop of Venice

SECRETARYMost Rev. Patrick J. Zurek ‘75

Bishop of Amarillo

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl ‘67 Archbishop of Washington

Most Rev. Frank Caggiano C‘96 Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn

Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone ‘82, C‘89 Bishop of Oakland

Most Rev. Walter J. Edyvean ‘65, C‘71 Auxiliary Bishop of Boston

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

Most Rev. Jeffrey Monforton ‘93, C’02 Bishop of Steubenville

Most Rev. Joseph Siegel ‘88 Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet

Most Rev. Richard E. Pates ‘69 Bishop of Des Moines

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

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

Most Rev. John Vlazny ‘62 Archbishop of Portland

RECTORRev. Msgr. James F. Checchio ‘92, C‘97

VICE RECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATIONRev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95

VICE RECTOR OF SEMINARY LIFERev. Timothy McKeown ‘97

SUPERIOR, CASA SANTA MARIARev. Msgr. Francis Kelly ‘64, C‘02

DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION

Rev. Msgr. Anthony J. Figueiredo

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Mark Randall, CFRE

The statue of Our Lady of Lourdes during the Diaconate Vigil at the College.

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Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97

Diocese of Camden Rector

Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the Year of Faith to be a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world”. Likewise, the Bishops of our country have encouraged us, stating that “the Year of Faith is an

opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. The ‘door of faith’ is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church.” As we begin this new year at the Pontifical North American College and likewise respond to the summons of the Year of Faith to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, we are encouraged by the prayerful support of so many friends and alumni of the College.

As you will find in this newly redesigned issue of our magazine, there are many ways that the College guides our students in “authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord” while they are being prepared for future priestly service. Our graduate priests at the Casa Santa Maria and the priests of the Institute of Continuing Theological Education also walk through the “door of faith” anew, as they come to Rome to renew their priestly service and deepen their knowledge and love of the Lord.

This issue of the magazine highlights the arrival of sixty-two new men, coming to the College during this historic time of intense preparation by Pope Benedict, the Synod Fathers and collaborators for developing the roadmap for the New Evangelization. Additionally, it highlights the ordination of thirty-three new deacons at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 4th who now join their fifteen classmates who were ordained over the summer and have returned to the College to complete their degrees and begin their sacred ministry.

The most poignant way our seminarians and priests experience this deeper conversion to the Lord is by spending time with Him daily in prayer, but particularly during the seminarians’ week-long annual retreat which they have each September. They also learn and practice pastoral skills during their summer pastoral assignments and in our Fall pastoral workshops preparing them to be sent by their bishops to lead others into renewed and deeper friendship with the Lord. These events are highlighted in this edition too.

I thank you for your support of these men through your prayers and financial contributions. Your help assures that we will not only be able to continue to assist the two-hundred fifty students at the seminary, the sixty-one priests of the Casa and the thirty-three priests on sabbatical to take up the call of our Holy Father during this Year of Faith, but we will be able to do so with the best resources available to us! Thank you and please be assured of my prayers and those of the seminarians and priests too!

RECTOR’S CORNER

6 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E

In January, when my classmates selected me as the chairman of the 2012 orientation team for the

New Man class of 2016, I took this honor to prayer, and in doing so, I was reminded of a verse from Matthew’s Gospel that says, “Freely you have received; freely give.” How fitting of a verse to summarize what the New Man Orientation is all about! My second year classmates and I had received such a warm welcome to the College from the class above us. We had in essence “freely received.” Now it was our turn to “freely give” to this group of new seminarians.

On July 16th, fifty of the sixty-two New Men arrived in Rome for a week of orientation to the Eternal City and to the North American College. During that week, called “Early Orientation,” the men participated in a number of exciting events including visiting several holy sites such as the Catacombs of St. Priscilla and the Basilica of San Clemente, as well as two different day trips outside Rome. One morning the men went to Bracciano to enjoy the beach, and another day to Orvieto to visit its famous cathedral. On Sunday, July 22nd, the fifty New Men packed their bags again and headed off to various Italian language study programs. The

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE Paul Solomon ’15, Diocese of Joliet, Orientation Chairman

Danny Pabon ‘16 (Newark) reverences the ancient bronze statue of St. Peter in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter.

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largest group of them went to Assisi, and the other two groups spent this time studying in Siena or Verbania on Lago Maggiore.

On August 23rd, the twelve other New Men flew to Rome from the shores of America to join their classmates who had just returned from their Italian studies. The “regular orientation” began with Midmorning prayer as the entire class was welcomed by the faculty, and in particular the Rector, Monsignor James Checchio ‘92, C‘97. Throughout the next week, the New Men came together as a class through various events. On August 24th, they were able to attend Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter, the Prince of Apostles. On August 26th, the group took a trip to Castel Gandolfo for the Sunday Angelus with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. During the Angelus, the Holy Father shared a personal message with New Men, saying, “Dear seminarians, use your time in Rome to conform yourselves more completely to Christ.” As the orientation continued, the men were able to enjoy some exciting excursions to some of

His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey ‘75 joins Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, for a picture with the New Man Class of 2016 in the papal gardens at Castel Gandolfo.

the other major basilicas of Rome and a tour of the excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica. They also toured the Swiss Guard Baracks. On September 3rd, we celebrated Labor Day in typical fashion with a cook out and the first year vs. second year softball game. The New Men were victorious with a score of 12-4. Orientation came to a close with a bang, spending the last day at the beach in a small coastal town called Fregene, just outside Rome.

During the weeks of orientation, the new men certainly received a lot. It was a very blessed time for them and for the team of second year men who helped to serve. Now the baton has been passed and our prayer is that the New Men of the Class of 2016, who “freely received” during this year’s orientation might “freely give” to the Class of 2017, who will arrive in Rome next July!

Rev. David Gaffney and Christopher Conant ‘16 (Paterson) share a conversation after the Welcome Banquet.

JOSEPH KEATING ‘15 (FORT WORTH)

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Asked to write about my time as a New Man, I began to recall my experiences since arriving

at the North American College. While the Class of 2016 has only been in Rome since the middle of July, my reflections have revealed two things: first, just how much we New Men have experienced, and second, how difficult it is to communicate the fullness of those experiences.

Perhaps the most obvious and challenging experiences are the new language, culture, and city. All the New Men have spent time doing their best to learn Italian. We have come to find that pasta is the seventh food group in Italy, that lunch is the biggest meal of the day, and that dinner is eaten later than we are used to. We have encountered the people of Rome—the tourists and pilgrims, the beggars and the homeless, our teachers and fellow students—and we have learned about one another.

In a way like never before, we New Men have also experienced the Church. In particular, we have come to know the saints; we have visited the churches where they prayed,

GIFT AND OPPORTUNITY

navigated the streets where they walked, and venerated their earthly remains. At the North American College, we have adjusted to being the Holy Father’s neighbors. We have listened to his addresses, taken part in his audiences, and prayed with him at Mass.

What is clear from our experiences so far is what a gift, what an opportunity, and what a privilege it is to study

Joseph Baker ’16, Diocese of Madison

NEW MAN PERSPECTIVE

at the North American College. To be here is a gift not earned, but an opportunity with the potential to deeply enrich our faith, and it is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many that have gone before us. While living and studying in Rome comes with its fair share of challenges, if the few months the New Men have spent here is any indication of what the future holds, it will be well worth it.

The Class of 2016 receives framed photos of Our Lady of Humility, Patroness of the College, as part of their orientation activities.

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As part of the “marathon” of formation activities that all North American

College seminarians undergo each September, each class went on an annual silent retreat. As in past years, the first year men went to Oasi Bambino Gesù in Greccio, known for being the site where St. Francis of Assisi staged the first Nativity scene. Too large to be accommodated at the usual retreat center that men in second theology use, this year the class of 2015 returned to Greccio as well. Third theologians were at the Casa di Ferie Mater Gratiae, in the beach town of Santa Marinella, and the International Center for Spirituality at Rocca di Papa was the site of the fourth theologians’ retreat.

Reverend Austin Vetter ‘93, Director of Spiritual Formation, remarked,

TIME AWAY, TIME TO PREPARE, TIME TO GROWDonato Infante III ‘15, Diocese of Worcester

RETREATS

“To begin our year with such quality retreats really prepares the seminarians for their year of formation. The core reason we are here is to deepen our love and friendship with our Lord, so there is no better way to begin than with an extended period of silence with our Lord.”

The format for the retreats varies depending on the class. While all retreats have in common daily Mass and the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, for the first and second theologians, there was also a daily conference, and seminarians were asked to meet with a spiritual director twice during the retreat. For the other two classes, the retreat was an individually directed Ignatian retreat.

The focus of the conferences for the second year theologians was priestly

identity. Reverend Vetter gave Scripture passages to the seminarians to aid their prayer. Each passage related to one of many identities, such as “beloved son” or “spiritual father.” For the first theologians, Monsignor Gerald Vincke, a spiritual director at the College, had as the theme of his conferences, “being a disciple in faith.”

All of the retreats end with a time for the sharing of graces, in which each man gives witness to one way in which he spiritually grew during the retreat. Doing so provides an opportunity for all involved to see how God has spoken to others in times of prayer, direction, and even through hiking and nature. The retreats conclude with Mass, where men can take their own and their classmates’ graces and give thanks to God for all of them in the Eucharist.

“Like us on Facebook! Check our page for photos, campus events, and news from Rome.”www.facebook.com/PontificalNorthAmericanCollege


Dioceses Represented at the Pontifical North American College This Year

CANADIAN DIOCESES REPRESENTED Diocese of Pembroke

AMERICAN DIOCESES REPRESENTED

Arkansas Diocese of Little Rock

California Diocese of Oakland Diocese of Orange Diocese of Sacramento Diocese of San Diego

Colorado Diocese of Colorado Springs

Connecticut Archdiocese of Hartford Diocese of Bridgeport Diocese of Norwich

Florida Diocese of St. Augustine Diocese of St. Petersburg Diocese of Venice

Georgia Archdiocese of Atlanta Diocese of Savannah

Illinois Archdiocese of Chicago Diocese of Joliet in Illinois Diocese of Rockford

Indiana Archdiocese of Indianapolis Diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend

Iowa Archdiocese of Dubuque Diocese of Sioux City

Kansas Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Kentucky Diocese of Covington Diocese of Lexington

Louisiana Diocese of Alexandria Diocese of Lafayette Diocese of Lake Charles

Maryland Archdiocese of Baltimore

NOTE: GRAPHIC OF U.S. DIOCESES ATTRIBUTED TO WIKICOMMONS

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Massachusetts Archdiocese of Boston Diocese of Fall River Diocese of Springfield Diocese of Worcester

Michigan Archdiocese of Detroit Diocese of Gaylord Diocese of Kalamazoo Diocese of Lansing

Minnesota Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Diocese of Duluth Diocese of New Ulm Diocese of St. Cloud

Missouri Archdiocese of St. Louis Diocese of Jefferson City Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Montana Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Diocese of Helena

Nebraska Archdiocese of Omaha Diocese of Lincoln

New Jersey Archdiocese of Newark Diocese of Paterson Diocese of Trenton

New Mexico Archdiocese of Santa Fe

New York Archdiocese of New York Diocese of Brooklyn Diocese of Rochester Diocese of Rockville Centre

North Carolina Diocese of Charlotte Diocese of Raleigh

North Dakota Diocese of Bismarck Diocese of Fargo

Ohio Diocese of Steubenville Diocese of Toledo

Oklahoma Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Diocese of Tulsa

Oregon Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Pennsylvania Diocese of Greensburg Diocese of Harrisburg Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Scranton

Rhode Island Diocese of Providence

South Dakota Diocese of Rapid City Diocese of Sioux Falls

Tennessee Diocese of Nashville Diocese of Knoxville

Texas Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Diocese of Austin Diocese of Corpus Christi Diocese of Dallas Diocese of Fort Worth Diocese of Tyler

Utah Diocese of Salt Lake City

Vermont Diocese of Burlington

Virginia Diocese of Arlington

Washington Archdiocese of Seattle Diocese of Spokane

Washington (D.C.) Archdiocese of Washington

West Virginia Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

Wisconsin Archdiocese of Milwaukee Diocese of Green Bay Diocese of La Crosse Diocese of Madison

Wyoming Diocese of Cheyenne

AUSTRALIAN DIOCESES REPRESENTED Archdiocese of Melbourne Archdiocese of Perth Archdiocese of Sydney Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn Diocese of Wagga Wagga

NOTE: GRAPHIC OF U.S. DIOCESES ATTRIBUTED TO WIKICOMMONS


COMING TO KNOW THE MINISTERIAL PRIESTHOODGeoffrey A. Brooke Jr. ‘15, Diocese of Jefferson City

FORMATION WORKSHOPS

Labor Day is well known in the United States as the unofficial end of summer since by the

first Monday of September most students are back in school. In Rome classes do not begin until October, thus the men of the North American College arrive on the Janiculum in early September not to start theological study, but rather to participate in formation workshops.

These workshops provide seminarians with the opportunity to develop a priestly identity and necessary ministerial abilities so that they may best serve the people of their home dioceses when they return at the end of their time at the College.

Having completed orientation, the New Men continued to assimilate themselves to their new surroundings by participating each morning in intensive Italian language study. The opportunity to study the Italian language is important for the New Men as many will be attending lectures in Italian during their time here in Rome. For all, knowing the

language enables them to fully embrace the cultural opportunities that come with living in a foreign country. In the afternoon, they attended conferences to further acquaint themselves with the formation program at the North American College.

The second year men spent their summers spread throughout the world. The seminarians engaged in language study and pastoral assignments in over a dozen countries. When they returned to the College, they spent the first week delving deeper into the meaning of priestly identity. The first two weeks focused on the spiritual aspects of the priestly identity. After a week of conferences with the new director of spiritual formation, Reverend Austin Vetter ‘92, they spent one week on retreat.

Scott Gratton ‘15 (Burlington) felt these conferences on the priestly identity, “set my heart on fire and made me realize that I desire only to give of myself in such love.”

At the end of the month, they approached priestly identity from different perspectives when they attended a celibacy workshop led by Reverend David Songy, OFM Cap.

Between conferences, second year men also participated in their first preaching workshop, led by Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill ‘98. This was their first taste of preaching at the College, and thus the program was geared to provide some of the basic skills necessary for this important priestly ministry.

Fresh off their first visit home in two years, the third year men began the month with a look into pastoral counseling. Then after a week of retreat, they took on the challenge of advanced preaching. During this workshop, they were challenged to prepare homilies for funerals and weddings. The advanced preaching workshop was led by Reverend Bill Byrne ‘94. In response to the changing demographics of the Church in the United States, those in third year also attended a presentation

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COMING IN THE MAIL…

Watch for your December 8 Annual Appeal letter, coming soon. Your generous gift helps sustain America’s Seminary In Rome!

on Hispanic ministry led by the Most Reverend Octavio Cisneros, Auxillary Bishop of Brooklyn.

As the fourth year men made their final preparations before ordination to the diaconate, they turned their focus to the altar. During their first week back, they began learning how to celebrate the sacraments. This year’s liturgical workshops were led by Reverend Daniel Merz ‘98, who currently serves as Associate Director of Divine Worship at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Reverend Mr. Spencer Howe ‘13 (St. Paul-Minneapolis) noted that the liturgy conferences, “served to remind us that we are not simply functionaries, but called to lead the people of God into an encounter with the Living Christ and to encounter Him ourselves.”

The fourth year men also participated in a workshop on how to conduct preparations for the sacrament of marriage. Dr. Joann Heaney-Hunter, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John’s University in New York, helped to prepare the men for the important aspects of this critical priestly ministry.

LEFT Most Rev. Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, pauses for a photo with third year seminarians to whom he gave a workshop on Hispanic ministry.

BELOW Rev. Bill Byrne ‘94 of the Archdiocese of Washington instructs third year seminarians during their homiletics workshop.

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In his diocese, Fr. Vetter has served as a high school teacher, as an associate pastor, and as a pastor. He also taught for four summers at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University.

Fr. Vetter is humbled to take part in the formation of so many men aspiring to the priesthood, and he marvels at the Divine Providence that has brought him back to Rome after many years of priestly ministry. “It takes priests to form priests,” he says, and he looks forward to contributing to such an important task.

Father David Gaffney of the Diocese of Providence comes to the College as one of its new Spiritual Directors. Fr. Gaffney served for sixteen years with the De La Salle Christian Brothers. During this time, he earned a B.A. in history and master’s degrees in counseling, religious studies, and biblical studies. He was

ordained to the priesthood in 2000.

Since ordination, Fr. Gaffney has been certified in spiritual direction and has earned an M.A. in Christian spirituality. He has served as an associate pastor, as a pastor, and as Director of Spiritual Formation at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence.

Fr. Gaffney looks forward to exploring the city of Rome, to learning a little Italian, and most importantly to working with men in major seminary as they journey toward the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Father Donald Henke ‘92, C‘04 of the Archdiocese of St. Louis joins the faculty of the College as the new Academic Dean and its newest Formation Advisor. Prior to his ordination in 1992, Fr. Henke received an S.T.B. from the Pontifical Gregorian University and an S.T.L. from the Academia Alfonsiana in Rome. He later returned to the

Academia Alfonsiana and earned his D.Th.M.

For a number of years, Fr. Henke taught high school while serving as an associate pastor. He was also a chaplain to the Missouri Air National Guard before going to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as an Assistant Professor of Moral Theology.

Fr. Henke is glad to be back at the College and in the city of Rome, and he looks forward to serving the seminarians, “who,” he says, “show me all over again what it means to dedicate one’s life to God and to the Church.”

Father Austin Vetter ‘93 of the Diocese of Bismarck returns to the College as the Director of Spiritual Formation. Fr. Vetter received a B.A. in philosophy from Cardinal Muench Seminary and an S.T.B. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1993.

WELCOME NEW FACULTYRuben Villarreal ’15, Diocese of Lake Charles

FACULTY NEWS

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Father Lawrence Herrera, SJ, of the California Province, joins the College as a new Spiritual Director. Prior to his formation with the Society of Jesus, Fr. Herrera earned a B.A. in philosophy and English. As a Jesuit, he earned a Th.M. as well as a Ph.D. in neuropsychology.

Fr. Herrera has served as an associate pastor, as a counselor, and in Hispanic ministry. More recently, he

served as the Director of Spiritual Formation at St. John’s Seminary College, as the Director of Spiritual Formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum, as Spiritual Director at the Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in Rome, as adjunct Professor of Psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, and as the Director of the Centro Joseph Ratzinger in Rome.

Fr. Herrera’s enthusiasm and experience is sure to add a great deal to the Spiritual Formation Program of the College. He is happy to be here and looks forward to working once again with diocesan seminarians.

Congratulations Cardinal-designate HarveyThe community of the Pontifical North American College extends its heartfelt congratulations to The Most Reverend James Harvey ‘75 who will be elevated to the College of Cardinals in November. Cardinal-elect Harvey was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and has worked almost exclusively in Rome. He has served as the Prefect of the Papal Household since 1998 and was named an archbishop in 2003. As cardinal, he will be assigned as archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. The consistory was scheduled to take place on November 24.

From left, Rev. Monsignor Thomas Powers ‘94, spiritual director, Cardinal-Designate James Harvey ‘75, and Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, at the 2012 Rector’s Dinner.

BRIAN BUETTNER ‘13 (OKLAHOMA CITY)


LIFE AT THE COLLEGE

1. Fr. Leo Patalinghug ‘99 films an episode of his television show, Grace Before Meals, with Michael Rubeling ‘15 (Baltimore), Christian Iridi ‘14 (Perth) and John Ficara‘14 (Norwich) in the The Miriam and James Mulva Student Kitchen.

2. The fifth year priests of the Class of 2012 bestow their first blessings on the community during Sunday vespers.

3. Nicholas Colalella ‘15 (Brooklyn) and Andrew Garnett ‘15 (Rockville Center) host the Oktoberfest festivities.

4. The 2012-2013 editing, design and photography staff of the NAC Magazine.

5. Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, speaks with Sir Carl Anderson, KSG, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, before his presentation on the New Evangelization.

6. Rev. Mr. John Connaughton ‘13 (Bridgeport) and Rev. Mr. Elias Gieske ‘13 (Duluth) during the Opening Banquet.1

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7. Images of Our Lady of Humility, Patroness of the College, being distributed to the Class of 2016.

8. His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan‘76, Rector of the College from 1994-2001, hosts his weekly radio show, Conversation With Cardinal Dolan, in The Gregory and Linda Jewell Student Lounge.

9. From left, Rev. Mr. Michael Pierz‘13 (Springfield), Rev. Timothy McKeown ‘97, Vice Rectory for Seminary Life, and Rev. Mr. Brian Buettner ’13 (Oklahoma City) during Mass at the College.

10. The New Men Class of 2016 plays the Class of 2015 in a game of softball on the Kardos Family Campo Sportivo.

11. Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93, Director of Spiritual Formation, Rev. Donald Henke ‘92, C‘04, Academic Dean, Rev. David Gaffney, spiritual director, and Rev. Lawrence Herrera, S.J., spiritual director, sign the Oath of Fidelity.

12. From left, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, Rev. Austin Vetter ‘93, Director of Spiritual Formation, His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C‘76, Rector of the College from 1990-1994, Rev. Donald Henke‘92, C‘04, Academic Dean, and Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer ‘95, Vice Rector for Administration at the Casa Santa Maria.

13. Rev. Mr. Daniel McCaughan‘13 (Sydney) speaks at the Opening Banquet.

14. Stephen Gadberry ‘16 (Little Rock), Michael Lund ‘16 (Pembroke), Daniele Russo‘16 (Sydney), and John Wilson‘16 (New York) before the New Men Labor Day softball game.

15. Mark Baumgarten ‘14 (Perth) and Fernando Camou ‘15 (Phoenix) sing during the Halloween party.


LONGING FOR HIS PRESENCEChris Seith ’14, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

RETURNING HOME REFLECTION

As I was going home for the first time in two years this summer, I wondered how my experience

in Rome would affect my ministry in the United States. Would I be tempted to say “Ciao” to parishioners rather than “Hello”? Would I scare parishioners away because of my increased use of hand gestures while I spoke? Perhaps I would have headaches from going through pasta withdrawal. Fortunately, it didn’t take me long to discover how the Lord would use my experiences away from the United States for His greater glory.

The third day back home, after eating copious amounts of barbeque pork and apple pie, I made my way into downtown D.C. for an ordination practice at the Cathedral. I took the metro into the city and saw a homeless woman outside of the metro station. This sight was not something new to me. What was new, however, was my reaction. I found myself beginning to walk over to her and talk to her. I didn’t even think twice about it. I asked her how she was doing and we talked a bit about herself and her life. I told her I’d pray for her, at which point she asked, “Well can we pray now?” I was taken aback, but said “Sure” and began praying with this stranger with whom I was now

united through our faith in Jesus. As we finished praying, she was in tears and kept saying, “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus.” It was a beautiful encounter of Jesus coming to meet this woman who longed for His presence.

As I walked away from the woman, amazed at the ease with which I approached her and prayed with her, I saw how the hand of God has been preparing me for this type of encounter for a couple of years. In

Rome, we meet many poor and homeless people during our walk to class, in the train station, or outside of churches. Through these daily encounters with God’s beloved poor, He was forming in me a heart that desired to bring Jesus to those in need. So while I look forward to returning to the United States permanently for ministry, I know that the Lord still has some heart surgery to do on me, as He transforms my heart to love with the Love of His Son.

Christopher Seith ‘14 (Washington) with his brother and other pilgrims traveling to Montserrat, Spain.

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VAL J. PETER SCHOLARS

The The Val J. Peter Scholars Fund is named after Father Valentine J. Peter ‘60, C‘68, the

Executive Director Emeritus of Father Flanagan’s Boys Home in Omaha, Nebraska. Each year the Fund grants scholarships to help seminarians and their dioceses meet the financial needs associated with priestly formation.

The Fund granted scholarships this year to nine seminarians. The recipients are Reverend Mr. Jun Hee

Lee ‘13 (Brooklyn), John Henao ‘14 (Tyler), Robert Rogers ‘14 (Cheyenne), Tyler Bischoff ‘15 (Gaylord), G.T. Elliot ‘15 (Tyler), Austin Gilstrap ‘15 (Nashville), Mark Horn ‘15 (Rapid City), and Joshua Neu ‘15 (Tyler). The one new recipient this year is Stephen Gadberry ‘16 (Little Rock).

Stephen was raised on a farm in the small town of Wynne, Arkansas. He is one of five siblings. After high school, he spent one year at East Arkansas Community College before joining the

Air Force. Stephen spent three years with the military before entering St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, where he studied for four years. He is now studying at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

When asked if he is happy thus far at the College, he replied, “Yes, I am. It’s good. The transition has gone well, and the men here are good, down-to-earth men.”

VAL J. PETER SCHOLARS FUND AWARDED TO NINE SEMINARIANSDonato Infante III ‘15, Diocese of Worcester

This year’s Val J. Peter Scholars are (from left) Jun Hee Lee ‘13 (Brooklyn), John Henao López ‘14 (Tyler), Joshua Neu ‘15 (Tyler), Mark Horn ‘15 (Rapid City), George Elliott ‘15 (Tyler), Tyler Bischoff ‘15 (Gaylord), Steven Gadberry ‘16 (Little Rock), Robert Rodgers ‘14 (Cheyenne), and Austin Gilstrap ‘15 (Nashville).


“TUMSIFU YESU KRISTU!”The Joy of Christ in TanzaniaSantiago Mariani ’15, Diocese of Charlotte

SUMMER APOSTOLATE

From left, Santiago Mariani ‘15 (Charlotte), David Kidd ‘15 (Toledo) (front), and Paul Solomon ’15 (Joliet) at the orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

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As a young boy, I was mesmerized by the beautiful landscapes and enchanting

African songs portrayed in the movie The Lion King. With childlike desire, I yearned to visit that fascinating land, a longing which only grew and intensified throughout the years. And so, as my brother seminarians David Kidd ‘15 (Toledo) and Paul Solomon ‘15 (Joliet) descended from the airplane into one of the lush, green valleys of Tanzania, I was filled with a deep sense of wonder at the goodness of our loving Father who deigned to fulfill such a lifelong dream. What graces would He bestow upon us and others through such a blessed opportunity? And what would be Tanzania’s word of wisdom for the rest of the world?

For our first two weeks, we went to a small village called Ushetu located in the northwest region of the country. After driving off a main road, we continued for two hours on a rough and bumpy dirt path. Mud houses and huts would sporadically spring up from the thick vegetation, and every so often little pools of water would appear with children playing therein amidst their bathing cattle. We were, in short, in the middle of nowhere—and so we knew that we had finally arrived!

During this time we experienced firsthand what it is like to live in a Mission. We were most moved by the heroic lifestyle of Father Johntin, a priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word. Undaunted by the great work entrusted to his care in the Lord’s vineyard, Father set out each day in a spirit of joyful and serious

determination to bring the Gospel not only to his parish, but also to the forty-two surrounding outstations. By following him closely in his work (which sometimes consisted of celebrating six of the seven Sacraments all in one day), we saw that it is indeed possible even in the most demanding of circumstances to find in Jesus Christ one’s true happiness and ultimate purpose. Moreover, we learned through his example how powerful and beautiful it is when one makes his own the words of his Master, “This is My body, which is given up for you,” and so become a fountain of deep joy and refreshment for oneself and others.

Working closely with the Servants of the Lord (SSVM) was also a source of invigorating nourishment. Radiating with deep, motherly compassion, the sisters showed us how important it is to have that missionary zeal by which one is moved to reach all peoples with fervor and charity, and to seek with tender adoration the love of one’s Beloved in the Eucharist. Due to their intense love, they motivated us to build a basketball court for the children, and to go off into “the bush” with them to bring the Gospel message to the non-Christians of the area. Through their example, one of the little girls, Maria, was moved before our coming to seek Christ despite the many oppositions she encountered, and having passed away shortly after our departure, it is with great thanksgiving that the sisters are now tasting the first-fruits of their labor.

The next two weeks were spent under Fathers Timo and Max in Dar

es Salaam, one of Tanzania’s most populated cities. Here we worked with the Missionaries of Charity serving the disabled, elderly, and orphans. And so it happened that we met a two year old who after her birth had been thrown into a trashcan where her face had been disfigured by the insects. Through her most beautiful smile and giggles, however, she reminds the world that she still remains one of God’s most adorable gifts and treasures, and that no matter how much this life may mar us, there is still a real and abiding joy awaiting all those who cling to the disfigured Christ. And by wholly extending to her their self-giving care, the sisters revealed clearly the vision of their foundress who saw in every person the inexhaustible love of their Creator.

Yet not only were we nourished by the fervor of the religious, but by the inhabitants of the land as a whole. In his first epistle, Saint Peter writes, “Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another” (4:9). This virtue shines most clearly in the people of Tanzania! Never before had we experienced hospitality extended with such eager kindness. The people continually and happily went out of their way to make us feel “most welcome,” coming (in villages of hundreds) to greet us personally, each one individually, and with gifts. Through their cheerful music, beaming smiles, and peaceful living, they manifested a richness of spirit and a joy in living which are bright examples for the rest of the world. And for this we have much to be thankful. Mungu ibariki Tanzania! May “God bless Tanzania” ever more!


TO WHOMEVER I SEND YOU, YOU SHALL GO…

Ruben Villarreal ‘15, Diocese of Lake Charles

DEACON ORDINATIONS

On the morning of October 4th, The Most Reverend John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of

Newark, celebrated the diaconate ordination of thirty-three seminarians of the Pontifical North American College at the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City.

A number of American prelates as well as representatives from the diplomatic community were present and joined their prayers to those of

the 1,500 pilgrims who journeyed to Rome for the celebration. Among them were His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien C ‘76, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; Most Reverends John Neinstedt ‘73, C‘76, Vice Chair of the College’s Board of Governors; William P. Callahan; Octavio Cisneros; Paul Coakley C‘87; and R. Walker Nickless ‘73. The Honorable John McCarthy, Ambassador of Australia to the Holy

See, and Mr. Mario Mesquita, from the US Embassy to the Holy See, also attended the celebration.

In his ordination homily, Archbishop Myers reminded the newly ordained deacons of the words God addresses to the prophet Jeremiah: “To whomever I send you, you shall go. Whatever I command you, you shall speak” (Jeremiah 1:7). “It has been thus,” continued the Archbishop, “since the early days of the Church when the apostles . . . asked the community to select seven men,” upon whom the they laid hands and whom they sent forth to minister to the “poor and the outcast.”

Because of the ministry of these seven deacons, the Word of God continued to spread, Archbishop Myers added, and he challenged the ordinandi, saying, “this is a mandate to each of you.” The Word that one preaches as a deacon is not his own word. As a deacon, one preaches from a personal experience of the Gospel, but this preaching is enriched and purified by “contact with the living and public proclamation of the Church.” Archbishop Myers cited the powerful example of the deacon St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day coincided with the diaconate ordination. St. Francis

As the Class of 2013 lies prostrate in prayer, those present pray in supplication for the men who are being ordained deacons.

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chose to remain a deacon, and he preached the Gospel with his words and with his life. The Archbishop instructed the deacons to do the same.

The new deacons began their lives of ordained ministry on the eve of the Year of Faith and of the Synod of Bishops on The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. These two events in the life of the Church call for a renewed faith and zeal for proclaiming the

and hope for the future–-it comes at a time when much is asked of them.

The North American College congratulates these thirty-three new deacons, as well as their fifteen classmates ordained over the summer, and sees their courageous “yes” as a sure sign of many good things to come for the dioceses to which they will return and to which they will commit themselves through lives of faithful service.

Gospel in word and in deed. Through their ordination promises of prayer, obedience, and celibacy, the deacons give themselves entirely to this task.

As members of the Class of 2013, they will be among the few to be ordained to the priesthood during the Year of Faith and among the first to be ordained after the conclusion of the Synod. Thus, their response to God’s call to serve as priests comes at a time of great interior renewal

Most Rev. John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and chairman of boardof governors, with newly ordained Rev. Mr. Joseph Laracy ‘13 (Newark).

The Diaconate ordination at the Altar of the Chair at the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter.

The class of 2013 listens attentively to the homily preached by the Most Reverend John J. Myers ‘67, Archbishop of Newark and chairman of boardof governors.

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THE CHURCH EXISTS TO EVANGELIZEMatthew Fish ’15, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

SYNOD AND YEAR OF FAITH

On October 7th, Pope Benedict XVI convoked the Thirteenth Ordinary General Assembly

of the Synod of Bishops on “The Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.” That title and theme may seem like a mouthful, but as our Holy Father indicated in his inaugural homily, the point is quite simple: “a programmatic direction for the life of the Church, its members, families, its communities and institutions.” Why programmatic? As the Holy Father said, “The Church exists to evangelize,” that is, to proclaim the saving news of Jesus Christ to all the world and to bring all the world into the family of God which is the Church. But in recent years, there has been a realization that many of those already within the Church may be in need of a new experience of the Gospel and its proclamation. As Pope Benedict has put it, there is need for an evangelization “directed principally at those who, though baptized, have drifted away from the Church and live without reference to the Christian life.” This intensification of missionary activity is not merely a reiteration, as the Holy Father has noted; it is “a renewed manner of proclamation, especially for those who live in a context, like the one today, in which the development

at the Synod. Not least of these was the Relator-General of the Synod, His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl ‘67, Archbishop of Washington. As Relator, Cardinal Wuerl was responsible for the day-to-day running of the Synod as well as for producing, in conjunction with a team of Synod fathers, the final working document given to the Holy Father. The appointment of Cardinal Wuerl was, no doubt, a fitting choice. Cardinal Wuerl himself has long made evangelization a featured work of his ministry. In 1976, he authored a bestselling catechism The Teaching of Christ. As a bishop, he was instrumental in producing the Adult Catechism and has steered the USCCB committee on doctrine for several years, and last year he published his own pastoral letter on the new evangelization.

After the opening of the Synod, Cardinal Wuerl graciously gave some time to NAC Magazine to talk about

of secularization has had a heavy impact.”

In this Synod on the new evangelization, over two hundred fifty bishops, along with nearly one hundred auditors and experts, among them priests, men and women religious, and lay persons, were given the task of creating a working document and eventual list of propositions on this theme. Ordinary Synods are usually topical in focus, and though like others this Synod has a particular focus—the new evangelization—there is a sense that this theme, and accordingly this Synod, is more than just topical. Indeed, the timing of this Synod was auspicious. Coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the announced Year of Faith, the Synod was to be both an examination of the Church’s efforts at evangelization these last fifty years, as well as a point of departure for the Church as she recommits herself to this mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the world.

At the North American College, we were blessed to have staying with us many of the American representatives

Prelates and other clerics process into the Papal Basilica of St. Peter for the closing Mass of the Synod on the New Evangelization.

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the new evangelization. Cardinal Wuerl has continually emphasized in his own writings the importance of “re-proposing” the Gospel. Though the phrase comes from Pope Benedict, Cardinal Wuerl has nearly made it his own. As he puts it, “we have to be able to re-propose [Christ] to people who think they already have heard him.” Many of these people are Catholics who grew up during a time of limited catechetical efforts, in the 1970s and 1980s: “they are now adults ... raising children of their own, without any real knowledge of or affective relationship with the Church. That’s this huge mass of people; and this is the result of the hermeneutic of discontinuity.” This situation has left us with a great catechetical task: “If we are going to see this reconversion, this new evangelization, we have to get beyond that disjunctive of earlier decades that

separated Christ from his Church.” As Cardinal Wuerl emphasized, “there is no way of knowing Jesus apart from His Church.” Cardinal Wuerl is rather keen on this point. In fact he recently authored a pastoral letter on the doctrine of the Church. He said, “if we think we know Christ without knowing his Word as it is proclaimed in the Church, or encountering him in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist which is lived in the Church, all we are doing is creating for ourselves mentally a Christ with whom we can be comfortable.”

At the same time, Cardinal Wuerl stressed that the new evangelization flows from a position of hope and confidence. Indeed, “we have to remember that every generation has to embrace the faith all over again.” In many respects, the new evangelization has been going for some time, within the many efforts of renewal that

have in fact flourished since the Council. In particular Cardinal Wuerl noted “a beautiful resurgence coming along among so many young people,” yet he emphasized that we must be careful: “We are not talking about recreating the Church of another era. . . . What we are talking about is the Church being lived today, in this age and by the guidance of the Council under the direction of the popes.” This lived experience of the Church turns out to be nothing less than the call to sainthood. “The saints are,” the Cardinal continued, “the instruments the Lord uses to re-energize the Church. That is why we

have canonizations, to remind us of the impact that this person had on the Church, so that we would emulate that person in our lives.”

What should our particular role as priests and future-priests be in this new evangelization? In this vein, Cardinal Wuerl mentioned the importance of renewing the vocation of the laity: “The laity are those who, as the Council said, are charged with the sanctification and the evangelization of the temporal. It falls to those who are ordained to preach the Gospel, but it is the laity, the ninety-nine percent of the Church, who are to take that and to apply it to every part of the temporal: medicine, business, law, science, education, politics. Lay people are the ones who are supposed to take the teaching of the Church, the Gospel proclamation, and make it the instrument by which the transformation of the temporal order takes place.” Accordingly, it is important for the clergy to resist the temptation to usurp this proper task given to the laity in the world. “There’s a tendency . . . among some clergy,” added Cardinal Wuerl, “to be a little impatient with that process and say that we, the clergy, need to be pronouncing in the political order, in the economic order, what should be done, and how it should be done.” Rather, the Second Vatican Council made it clear that “it is the task of the clergy to faithfully announce the Gospel; lay people have the responsibility of embracing, appropriating that message and then interpreting it into the world in which they live. If that actually happened, we would have a wonderfully transformed society.”

Sir Carl Anderson KSG, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus and Synod observer shares his reflections on the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization with the College.

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A TEACHER BECOMES THE STUDENT AGAIN

Rev. John P. Cush ‘98, C ’15, Diocese of Brooklyn

CASA SANTA MARIA

I consider myself truly blessed to have had the opportunity to study at the North American College as

a seminarian. Arriving in 1994, along with a brand-new Rector, then-Father Timothy Dolan, my class and I had a magnificent five years in the city, at the College and in the pontifical universities in the city.

When I departed from Rome in June, 1999, having completed my STL in fundamental theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, it was with very mixed feelings. I was excited and overjoyed to finally begin ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn full-time, but saddened to say goodbye to some of the finest men whom I had ever met: the faculty and students of the College.

I had very incredibly happy years serving at Saint Helen, Howard Beach, Queens, and immersed myself in the vibrant life of this great parish. After five very happy years of serving as a parochial vicar, I was asked by my bishop, Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, to serve on the faculty at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, Elmhurst, Queens, where I myself had attended high school.

A view of the courtyard and the Marian pillar at the Casa Santa Maria.

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I loved my ministry of teaching at Cathedral Prep Seminary. Having had the opportunity to assist in priestly vocation discernment with these fine young men, I knew that I was growing as a priest myself and as a teacher. Over my eight years at Cathedral, I taught Theology, Psychology, Philosophy, English, Italian, and Fine Arts and served as Spiritual Director, Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, Director of Reaccreditation and Recruitment, and Director of Formation, all at various times over the years.

I was able to put my theology to work for the Diocese as censor librorum, writing for our diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, and as a consultant for our television network, NET TV, as well as serving as a teacher in the Diaconal Program, the Pre-Theologate in our House of Formation, and lay formation program. Yet, after all this time, I never had the time to get back to visit Rome.

Last April, Most Reverend DiMarzio asked if I would be willing to study for a doctorate in dogmatic theology in Rome. I was, as one could imagine, stunned. After many years in my priestly ministry, the thought of coming and sitting on the other side

of the desk was terrifying, but, by the grace of God, I am now beginning my work on the STD at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum) in Rome, while living at the Casa Santa Maria.

I’m happy to be back, studying once again dogmatics and Thomism, brushing up on my Latin and Italian, and getting myself prepared for whatever theological and pastoral ministries my bishop has in mind for me when I complete these studies. The Casa is a wonderful place and it truly is a house of studies, priestly fraternity, and deep prayer. I’m grateful for this opportunity to be

back- back at the North American College, back in school, back in Rome. Sure, things have changed, with Skype, Facetime and e-mail, with supermarkets selling American products and a much more crowded, touristy Rome, but it is still the wonderful experience of the Church Universal, the same wonderful experience of top-notch theology and above all, the same experience of the excellence of the North American College, most especially in the priests of the Casa and the seminarians of the College. This teacher has become again a student and I’m sure that this will be an experience I’ll never forget.

From left, Rev. Msgr. James Checchio ‘92, C‘97, Rector of the College, Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville, His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan ‘76, Rector of the College from 1994-2001, Most Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Rev. Msgr. Francis Kelly, superior of the Casa Santa Maria gather together after the opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal Dolan.

WE TURN 153 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR. WE’RE SHOOTING FOR TWICE THAT… CAN YOU HELP?

Remembering the College in your will or estate plan is an excellent way to make sure America’s Seminary in Rome is able to serve seminarians and priests into the next century. A variety of options are available, many with immediate chari-table benefit to you. Contact us today to learn more.

Mark Randall, CFRE Executive Director for Institutional Advancement 202-541-5403 or [email protected]

1859…Celebrating 153 Years!...2012


RENEWING THE CALL TO EVANGELIZEVery Rev. David Boettner, ICTE, F‘12, Diocese of Knoxville

ICTE ARTICLE

Music speaks to the heart. A song that I have always enjoyed is, “Come Thou

Fount of Every Blessing.” The verse that has spoken to me during my time in Rome is:

“Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’m come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.”

Having been a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee for over eighteen years, I was excited to have the opportunity to come to Rome and reflect on all that God has been doing in my life and in the lives of the thirty-two other priests who were a part of the Fall 2012 Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE). Rome is the ideal location to reflect upon what can be accomplished through God’s help. Our time here has allowed us to pray at the tombs of the Apostles, to absorb the art and architecture of the Eternal City, and to experience the constant faith that, despite persecution and indifference, has grown and blossomed. We have been assisted by an incredible group of professors to revisit and strengthen the theological and pastoral formation

that sustained us over the many years of priesthood that we collectively share.

The faculty, staff, and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College have been gracious hosts to us. It has been inspiring to be part of a seminary community at a time when the Church is reflecting in a new way on Her call to evangelize the world. The Synod on the New Evangelization gave us a chance to discuss and reflect on how we are each called to use our gifts to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

During our mid-semester break, I traveled with about half of our class to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land. From swimming in the Sea of Galilee to celebrating Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, our journey introduced us to what is sometimes

called the “Fifth Gospel.” I think that we will all approach our preaching with a new lens for reading the Scriptures.

We were blessed by the diversity of priests who came from the Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. We are pastors, teachers, canonists, and chaplains. Each of us has been able to articulate in different ways how the help of the Lord has led us on the journey thus far in response to God’s call. Like Samuel, we know that we have relied on God’s help thus far and we go back to our homes safe in the knowledge that God’s unchanging love will lead us on.

“Samuel then took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Jeshanah; he named it Ebenezer, explaining, ‘Thus far by the Lord’s help have I come.’” 1 Samuel 7:12

Members of the Fall 2012 ICTE class gather for a picture with ICTE Director Rev. Msgr. Anthony J. Figueiredo after celebrating Mass together.

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INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Mark Randall, CFRE

It was an incredible honor to be invited this summer by the Board of Governors and Rector, Reverend Monsignor James Checchio, to join the College as the new Executive Director for Institutional Advancement. In this capacity, I will be overseeing the

fundraising and marketing efforts here in the U.S. for the North American College.

Allow me to share just a few words about my background: After earning a degree in business administration at a small mid-western Catholic college – where I converted to the Faith – I traveled to Belgium to be trained as a chocolatier. I came back to my home state of Illinois, raised some venture capital, and opened my own gourmet chocolate company. I went on to help two physicists from the University of Illinois start a financial software company. For the past 15 years, I have worked for the Catholic Church, mostly in fund development and marketing for Catholic high schools, Newman ministry on college campuses, and most recently, as Vice President at Wyoming Catholic College where I developed their fundraising, marketing, and communications programs. I consider it a great privilege to work in two fields about which I am passionate: the Catholic Church and fund development.

When the opportunity came to join the North American College community, I was thrilled. It was a little like what Reverend Rob Lampitt ‘08 “(Peoria) told me recently: “When my Bishop asked if I would consider going to Rome for seminary, I was humbled. I thought only the very best and brightest went there. I was a little scared, but I prayed and opened my heart to God’s will. … I spent five wonderful years there and consider it a tremendous honor to have been given such an opportunity.” These were my thoughts exactly.

My wife Colleen and I have made our home in Northern Virginia with our three young daughters, and are enjoying the new adventures of living close to our nation’s capitol.

I already have been highly impressed with the depth of the fundraising efforts of the College to date. The Vision for the Future Campaign was a tremendous success; our direct mail program continues to grow and help us find new friends; our Council for Institutional Advancement serves the College as dedicated ambassadors around the country; and our alumni faithfully support and promote their alma mater in numerous ways. All of this support has resulted in a North American College that today is enjoying its highest enrollment in forty years and is on a stable financial footing.

But as always, there is more to be done.

Remarkably, there are still many faithful Catholics around the country who do not yet know about the extraordinary things happening at America’s Seminary In Rome. We need to spread the good news about the College far and wide -- not just to raise more funds but because ours is truly a remarkable story and will not fail to inspire future seminarians and benefactors.


We also need to anticipate the future needs of the College. By strengthening our endowments, we will ensure that the same incredible formation program that has fostered holy and faithful priests for the past 153 years will remain strong into the next century.

And, we need to keep pace with the giving preferences of our growing base of benefactors. Donors today are more passionate than ever about the causes they support – but they also want transparency, easy and more innovative methods of giving, and regular feedback on how their gifts are making a difference.

Rest assured we have lots of ideas on how to accomplish these needs. In the coming months, I will share these ideas with you – and of course ask for your continued assistance! I welcome your ideas and comments, too.

For the many of you who have visited the campus in Rome, you will remember a series of plaques in a hallway alongside the Cortile on the ground floor of our main building. One of those plaques reads:

Veritate Catholica Romae institui inter maxima est dei beneficia recensendum

“The opportunity to study theology in Rome should be counted one of God’s greatest gifts.”

The North American College, I think you would agree, is indeed one of God’s greatest gifts – made possible for the past century and half by generous people. No other American seminary does what we do, where we do it. With your continued help, we will continue to send priests back to America, serving the people with fidelity, faith and fervor. Now more than ever, can any of us deny that we need faithful priests to lead the people through this cultural turmoil?

I look forward to meeting you in person, speaking with you over the phone, or reading your email greetings. You are part of our family, and we will work together to make our mission possible.

REMEMBER THE PONTIFICAL NORTH

AMERICAN COLLEGE IN YOUR YEAR-END

CHARITABLE GIVING.

([email protected] or 202-541-5403)

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ECONOMO’S CORNER

Already July seems and is a distant month here at the College. Since September 8th, over two hundred fifty seminarians returned to the College, thirty-three priests on sabbatical arrived to participate in the ICTE Fall program, and sixty-one

student priests were back to studies at the Casa Santa Maria in early October. Yet, in July many projects began and most were completed by late September that will provide for future needs of the College. These include re-locating HVAC units from one side of the auditorium to the other side to prepare for future classrooms, re-wiring of one floor to prepare for new technology and replacing of outdated wires, completion of a new guest suite, a new fire alarm and extinguishing system in the Randal Riede Library, reconfiguration of the former infirmary floor at the Casa Santa Maria for future use as a convent for nuns who will be staffing our two libraries, and the repairing and restoration of two of the three tennis courts. The most immediately enjoyed project with the seminarians is the tennis courts!

Of course the above mentioned projects were carried out amid the routine preparations for our new students, which included painting sixty-seven student rooms, the waxing of floors, and summer maintenance of the grounds of both the Janiculum and Humility Street campuses. Thus, by early September things were ready for the arrival of the residents of the College, but also necessary preparation work concluded for future needs and development. As a new calendar year approaches and the summer months fade into memory it is necessary to express our gratitude for so many alumni, friends, and benefactors who make all these projects possible: from benefactors who have given a generous gift to construct a new convent at the Casa, to so many who gave to the Vision for the Future Campaign that helps with many other projects, and alumni and friends who are giving donations in memory of Monsignor Charles Elmer that made the repair and restoration of the two tennis courts possible. Of course we are always grateful for the continued record enrolment and the faithfulness of so many bishops to the College and their trust in our excellent formation program.

The greatest thanks is always to God for his faithfulness in calling young men to the priesthood. In the end all of these projects are connected to their formation. The projects of July connect to the events of October, when in St. Peter’s men from across the United States and Australia were ordained to the Diaconate, and when later in October we opened the Year of Faith with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. Through hearts and minds of faith we know other young men will be called to discern priesthood. Thus the cycle of projects and good stewardship of our resources, both in the Roman heat of July and the crisp air of November, is necessary to facilitate the greatest project of the College - preparing men to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The newly renovated tennis courts.

Monsignor Michael Farmer ’95, Archdiocese of Mobile

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Documents

Roman Echoes Magazine - 2012/13 Issue 1