News and Events: Cassidy takes office, Alumni Reunion Schedule, SHST vice rector ACTH president, Class of 2003-2004, Alumnus death notice - Sacred Heart School of Theology - is a seminary owned and operated as an apostolate of the U.S. Province of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which works with diocesan priests, men and women religious and laity in the seminary's mission. Sacred Heart--Excellence in priestly formation for second-career candidates.

The Sacred Heart Chapel was filled with over three hundred friends and family members who watched Master of Divinity, Master of Arts degrees and certificates be awarded by Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, provincial superior of the North American Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, and Michael Falbo, chairman of the Sacred Heart School of Theology board of directors. Also participating in the program were Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, STD, president-rector of the seminary, and other department heads. The students selected Sr. Bea Dorsey, SSSF, PhD, lecturer in Scripture studies, to give the commencement address. The honorary degree of Master of Ministry, honoris causa was given to Marge Lirette for her 23 years of dedicated ministry at Sacred Heart.

(lower L-R) Alejandro Flores, Diocese of Joliet; Sandra Schmitt, MA; Suzanne Felan, MA; Miguel Alvizures Muralles, Diocese of Galveston-Houston; Marge Lirette, honorary degree; Eulices Godinez Ramos, Diocese of Lexington; Albert De Giacomo, Diocese of Lexington; Camilo Garcia Delgado, Diocese of Boise; Beth Ann Roeder, MA. (upper L-R) Edwin Anderson, Diocese of Superior; Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector; Samuel Woods, Diocese of Stockton; Lincoln Dall, Diocese of Jackson; C. Denis O'Shaughnessy, Diocese of St. Augustine; David Link, Diocese of Gary; M. Daniel Edelen, Diocese of Lexington.

A ritual of blessing
The Sacred Heart students who complete their programs this spring were honored in a special ceremony, the RIte of Sending, on Wednesday, April 25. In the past when Sacred Heart graduates completed their studies, the last thing many did before departing was ring the mission bell that is on the lawn near the main entrance. The "sending forth" tradition is carried on today. It allows people to say goodbye and express their best wishes in a prayerful ceremony and bless them as they continue their journeys. The graduates receive a Bible and a white towel with the verse John 13:5 embroidered on it. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.When they depart for their dioceses, they ring the mission bell outside as their final gesture.

Milwaukee auxliary bishop visits Sacred Heart
Most Rev. William Callahan,OFMConv, celebrated Eucharist with the Sacred Heart community on Tuesday, April 22. It was his pastoral visit to the seminary. While here he met with faculty, administrators and students. He also spent time with the seminarians sponsored by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee who receive their intellectual formation at Sacred Heart.

Most Rev. William Callahan, OFM Conv, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, (L) pictured preparing for Mass with onlooker (C) Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ,Sacred Heart president-rector, and seminarian Michael Williams, Diocese of Las Cruces.

Sacred Heart hosts Milwaukee area sisters

Every year Sacred Heart School of Theology invites all the sisters of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to the seminary for a lecture. This year "A Time for Sisterhood" was held on Sunday, April 20. Over 70 women heard Sr. Mary Christine Morkovsky, CDP, PhD, speak. She is a member of the formation team at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio but is not a stranger to Sacred Heart. She is a member of the board of directors and a former spiritual formation faculty member from 1990 to 1999.

Her power point presentation, The Compassionate Curve of the Universe, An Invitation to Adoration, provided an opportunity for the guests to reflect on the cosmos, the galaxies and our Creator and recognize that to marvel at the beauty of the stars and the heavenly bodies is a form of prayer. A lively discussion followed the talk.

Seeing the Pope a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector of Sacred Heart, and 10 Sacred Heart students returned from New York after attending the papal rally for seminarians at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers on Saturday, April 19. Lexington seminarian Albert DeGiacomo was the first to arrive at the rally and found a seat adjacent to the runway the Pope would walk down. DeGiacomo said, "I was so close to him I could see the sparkle in his eyes. What a thrill for me one month before my ordination to the priesthood." He added, "The Pope seemed genuinely happy to be with us."

Sacred Heart seminarian Todd Strange, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Seattle, commented, "Even though we had to stand on the field for almost eight hours, somehow it was manageable because of the extremely high energy level everyone felt due to the Pope, a collective vibe so to speak."

Pope Benedict XVI had this to say to the seminarians at the rally. " I encourage all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to know your numbers are increasing. The people of G0d look to you to be holy priests. ...I urge you to deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. ... Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit. ... Dear seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before the Lord is to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for others."

The group left on Friday and returned to Sacred Heart Sunday, a quick trip because of classes, end of the semester projects and graduation activities. The group consisted of students sponsored by the Diocese of Lexington, Archdiocese of Seattle, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Society of the Divine Savior.

Faculty member speaks at CTU

Rev. Raúl Gómez-Ruiz, SDS, PhD, spoke at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, on Tuesday, April 15. His topic, "How Liturgy Contributes to Identity: An example from the Hispano-Mozarabic Rite," was sponsored by the department of word and worship and the hispanic ministries program. Rev. Gómez is vice president for academic affairs and professor of systematic studies at Sacred Heart. His recent book, Mozarabs, Hispanics, and the Cross, is receiving national acclaim.

Marquette bishop speaks about priesthood

Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, DD,bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, Michigan, presented the final day of recollection for the Sacred Heart School of Theology community on Wednesday, April 9. His topic, "Priest, Prophet and King: Priest as Icon of Jesus Christ," pointed out the importance of a priest's sacramental life, prayer life and continuing formation. In addition to presenting two sessions, Bishop Sample celebrated the morning Eucharist and the concluding liturgy.

Sacred Heart students, faculty and staff participate in four days of recollection throughout the school year. These days offer a time for the entire community to pray and enrich their spiritual lives.

Catholic Jewish conference at Sacred Heart center

Rabbi Eugene Korn, (left) executive director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and Bishop Richard Sklba, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, spoke on Monday, April 7, at the Catholic-Jewish Conference held at the Priests of the Sacred Heart Conference Center on the Sacred Heart School of Theology campus in Hales Corners, Wisconsin .

Archbishop Timothy Dolan attended the presentation along with approx--imately 50 seminarians, students of pastoral studies, clergy, and lay leadership from the Catholic and Jewish communities of Milwaukee . Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector of the Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomed the group.

During the two-hour presentation, Rabbi Korn and Bishop Sklba (right) focused on the �Contemporary Questions in Catholic-Jewish Dialogue� and examined the issues of covenant, salvation, the Land of Israel and tikkun olam (�repair of the earth�/environment/ecology.)

Dr. Sherry Blumberg, lecturer on Jewish studies, and Dr. Patrick Russell , assistant professor of Scripture studies, both of Sacred Heart School of Theology, gave responses to the presentation.

Rector in Portugal
Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, Sacred Heart School of Theology president-rector attended the �Theologia Cordis�(conference on the Theology of the Heart) hosted by the Portuguese Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart March 6 - 20. Rev. Charles Brown, SCJ, assistant professor of Scripture studies at Sacred Heart, also attend the conference.

According to Fr. de Jong, �The conference was a successful process of exploring theologically the charism of Fr. Dehon and the Theology of the Heart.� Several substantial contributions were made, including a presentation by Fr. P.J. McGuire, SCJ. He discussed the theological connection between the writings of St. Augustine and Fr. Dehon. It was very well researched and well received. "

In addition to the conference Fr. de Jong and several others went on a pilgrimage to Fatima where they celebrated the Eucharist. They also went to northern Portugal, where they visited Aveiro, Porto, and Coimbra, places where the Priests of the Sacred Heart have houses of formation. "The enthusiasm of the young men in formation was contagious," said Fr. de Jong.

�Of course, everywhere I go I meet indiviudals who studied in Sacred Heart's English as a Second Language program. That is a great joy!"
While in Portugal, Fr. de Jong (R) met with (C) Cardinal Patriarch of Portugal Dom Jose de la Cruz Policarpo and Fr. Jose Ornellas Carvalho, SCJ, general superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

Prize for Gomez

Fr. Raúl Gómez-Ruiz, SDS, Sacred Heart vice president for academic affairs, was awarded the Hispanic Theological Institute Book Prize for his book Mozarabs, Hispanics and the Cross published by Orbis and available on Amazon. The award will be presented on August 2, 2008, at Princeton Theological Seminary at the Book Prize dinner after which Fr. Gómez will be the guest lecturer speaking on the topic of his prize-winning book. He will receive a $2000 award.

Spring lecture features CTU professor

The spring 2008 Dehon Lecture was held on Wednesday, February 20. Fr. Leslie J. Hoppe, OFM, PhD, presented the topic "Ready to Greet Him When He Comes Again: Reclaiming Apocalyptic from Fundamentalist Chris--tians" to the students, faculty and invited guests.

Pictured discussing the lecture are L-R Fr. Leslie Hoppe, OFM
and Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector of Sacred Heart.

Hoppe is provincial minister of the Assumption Province, Order of Friars Minor. He is a former professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where he also served as vice president, academic dean and chairperson of the biblical literature and languages department.

The lecture was followed by small group discussions and a response presented by Fr. Charles Brown, SCJ, PhD, assistant professor of Scripture studies at Sacred Heart (pictured L).

Sacred Heart offers the Dehon Lectures every semester. Well known speakers and recognized authorities cover a broad range of topics in the areas of Scripture, theology, liturgy and pastoral issues as enrichment to the program.

Ministry of Reader celebrated
Seventeen Sacred Heart seminarians representing 12 different dioceses received the Ministry of Reader in the Sacred Heart Chapel on Wednesday, February 27. Most Rev. Joseph N. Latino, D.D., Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, presided at the liturgy. Also in attendance at the liturgy were Most Rev. John Gaydos, DD, Diocese of Jefferson City; Most Rev. Joseph Adamec, DD, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown; and Right Rev. Brendan Freeman, OCSO, abbot, New Malleray Abbey.

Pictured front row left - right: Charles Leonard, Archdiocese of Seattle; Albert Dello Russo, Diocese of Palm Beach; Br. Jonah Wharff, OCSO, New Melleray Abbey; Raul Marquez, Archdiocese of Portland; Bishop Joseph Adamec, DD, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Bishop Joseph Latino, Diocese of Jackson; Right Rev. Brendan Freeman, OCSO, New Melleray Abbey; Gerald Okoli, Diocese of Gaylord; David Stanfill, Diocese of Richmond; Miguel Ramos-Bazan, Diocese of Boise; back row left - right: Adam Chittle, Diocese of Gaylord; Bryon Dickey, Archdiocese of Seattle; Paul Brunet, Archdiocese of seattle; Eugene Murphy, Diocese of Superior; John Gibbons, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Gregory Davidson, Diocese of JAckson; Donald Kania, Diocese of Superior; Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector, Sacred Heart School of Theology; Michael Wagner, Archdiocese of Seattle; Dn. Lincoln Dall, Diocese of Jackson; Alejandro FLores, Diocese of Joliet.

Jan de Jong installed as new president-rector

Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, STD, officially became the new president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology at the installation ceremony held Wednesday, January 31, 2008, at the seminary. Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, provincial superior of the United States Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, presided while Most Rev. Richard Sklba and Most Rev. Dennis Callahan, auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and Chairman of the Sacred Heart School of Theology Board of Directors Michael Falbo, looked on. Friends, the Sacred Heart seminary community, and members of the Priests of the Sacred Heart filled the Sacred Heart Chapel offering their support and congratulations. Very Rev. de Jong will serve a three-year term.

Pictured above kneeling Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, (L-R) Dcn. William DeCrans, Diocese of Crookston, Minn.; Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, Michael Falbo as they bless the new president-rector.

Pictured (L-R) Most Rev. Richard Sklba, auxiliary bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ; Most Rev. William Callahan,OFMConv, auxiliary bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Pictured left-right: Deacons Dennis Nelson, Diocese of Saint Augustine, Florida; Lam Nguyen, Diocese of Saint Augustine, FLorida; Andrzej Blaszkowski, Diocese of Saint Augustine, Florida; Robert Newbury, Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Michael McLain, Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin; and Joseph Muszkiewicz, Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan; Robert Rodriguez, Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, not pictured. All the deacons will return to their dioceses to await priesthood ordination.

Faculty member receives award

Sacred Heart School of Theology Director of Liturgy Charles Christian Rich received the Archdiocese of Milwaukee 2007 Vatican II Award for Service in Liturgy. The award was presented on Tuesday, November 20, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist,, Milwaukee. According to the words of the ceremony, "His focus has always been to enhance the liturgical life of the Catholic community by being faithful to Church liturgical documents, by inspiring active and conscious participation, and by planning liturgies that are beautiful and well ordered."

Seminarians ordained deacons
Five Sacred Heart seminarians were ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, November 17, in the seminary's Sacred Heart Chapel in the presence of faculty, students, family and friends. Most Rev. Victor Galeone, DD, bishop of the Diocese of Saint Augustine, Florida, conferred the ministry, the last step before ordination to the priesthood.

Pictured left to right: David Link, Diocese of Gary, Indiana; Lam Ngoc Nguyen, Diocese of Saint Augustine, FLorida; C. Denis O'Shaughnessy, Diocese of Saint Augustine, Florida; Bishop Victor Galeone, DD, Diocese of Saint Augustine, Florida; Dennis Nelson, Diocese of Saint Augustine, FLorida; Lincoln Dall, Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi.

Benefactors and alums honored
Sacred Heart School of Theology's 2007 awards liturgy and dinner took place on Wednesday, October 24, at the seminary. In celebration of Sacred Heart's 75th anniversary the Archbishop William E. Cousins Vocation award was presented to all the benefactors of the Priests of the Sacred Heart who have supported their ministries through these 75 years. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated distinguished effort, involvement and promotion of second-career vocations to the Roman Catholic priesthood. Violet Kraker,Muskego, Wisconsin, and Fannie Touchstone, Newark, New Jersey, represented all the donors whose prayers and contributions have enabled Sacred Heart School of Theology to prepare candidates for priesthood and the laity for service in the Church.

The Dehon Distinguished Ministry Award was presented to all Sacred Heart School of Theology alumni and alumnae. Over 750 alums have ministered throughout the United States, Canada, India, Europe, Israel, Australia, Africa, Central America, Indonesia and many other places. Alums include members of The Priests of the Sacred Heart, members of other religious congregations, diocesan priests and laity. Representatives from each of those groups received the award: Fr. Paul Casper, SCJ; Fr. Martin Rath, OSB; Fr. Francis Dionne; and Ms. Joyce Barina.

Fall '07 Dehon Lecture -compelling speaker - compellng topic

Fr. Kenan Osborne, OFM, (pictured left) spoke to an audience of Sacred Heart alums, students, faculty and administration on October 24. The lecture was held during the 2007 Alumni Gathering. Osborne's topic, "The Relevance of Jesus Christ for a Globalized and Multi-Religious World," created questions, comments and table-top discussion. Osborne, professor emeritus of systematic theology at Franciscan School of Theology, is an internationally known scholar, teacher and lecturer whose speaking style engages and stimulates audiences.

Pictured left to right: Most Rev. Richard Sklba, auxiliary bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Dr. Steven Shippee, Sacred Heart School of Theology associate professor of systematics and director of the Master of Arts program; Rev. Yulius Sunardi, SCJ, PhD candidate, Marquette University and native of Indonesia.

The Collar released in paperback
The Collar-A Year of Striving and Faith Inside a Catholic Seminary is now available in paperback. This book, written by Jonathan Englert, traces the journeys of five seminarians studying at Sacred Heart School of Theology. Englert's purpose is to tell a story of meaning about a seminary and several different men at different points in their priestly formation. A three-part interview featuring Jonathan Englert describing his book can be accessed by clicking here.

According to Eamon Dolan, vice president and editorial director of Houghton Mifflin's trade division, the books publisher, "This is the priesthood in the 21st century. The author was almost literally a fly on the wall, so he gives a very frank yet sympathetic portrait of what these guys are going through." Paulist Press editor Michael J. Hunt, CSP, says, "The book is full of insight into the human and faith filled dimensions of the vocations described. Jonathan does a superb job and I am sure you will enjoy and relish this book." Englert appeared on the NBC Sunday Today show, April 9, and was featured on NPR's Morning Edition, Sunday, April 16, can be heard on the NPR website. Read more about the author and the book on www.thecollarbook.com.

2007 Fall enrollment
Information about enrollment, including the number of students enrolled in the various programs and their sponsors is available by clicking here for the pdf fact sheet.

2007 New Faces
New students and faculty are pictured in this pdf color publication.

Celebrating 75 Years Answering God's Call

Sacred Heart School of Theology began the year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary at the seminary's opening liturgy held August 29. Starting with a small group of German members of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1932, Sacred Heart has become the largest seminary specializing in the preparation of second-career vocations to the priesthood and the eighth largest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States. Over 700 alumni minister throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe.

Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, former president-rector of Sacred Heart and newly elected provincial superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, presided at the liturgy. During Mass Director of Liturgy C. Christian Rich introduced a musical composition written for the 75th anniversary. A reception and dinner followed.

Board adds two new members
Very Rev. Donald J. Hying and Rt. Rev. Leo M. Ryska, OSB, were appointed to the Sacred Heart School of Theology board of directors at the board's May 2007 meeting. The appointments were approved by the provincial council of the United States Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart on July 30. Both men will serve three-year terms effective August 1, 2007 , through June 30, 2010 . Click for press release.