30 August 2006
I am a 56-year-old seminarian sponsored by the Diocese of
Lexington, now in my second year at Sacred Heart School of Theology. I hold two Master degrees (English and
Pastoral Ministry) from
As an associate professor of English and Theatre at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, I had climbed the hill of tenure and promotion, doing my share of scholarly research and writing, delivering conference papers in Irish studies and theatre history, publishing articles in refereed journals (Irish University Review, New Hibernia Review, Eire-Ireland and Christianity and the Arts) and a book on Irish dramatist T. C. Murray (Syracuse University Press, 2003).
I recount all this to say that I am no stranger to scholarly reading, reflection and writing. Yet I can also say without qualification that rigor abounds in the academic program at Sacred Heart School of Theology. The program is demanding and in no way “watered down” because the men are in their “second careers” (a.k.a. older). In fact, I find myself seriously and continually challenged in all levels of formation, especially the intellectual. Though professors attend to the individual needs and abilities of students, they in no way lessen the standard of the academic enterprise. Indeed, I have very high regard for my professors, and I would have been honored to have been one of their colleagues had I known them in my “first career.”
I hasten to add that I shared this experience with my bishop in these terms during his visitation last year: If one gives oneself fully to the intellectual component of the program for priestly formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology, there is more than enough challenge to keep one fully engaged.
Albert J. DeGiacomo, Ph.D.
Seminarian of the Diocese of
Third Theology, Sacred
(Retired) Associate Professor of English and Theatre
Berea College Theatre Laboratory