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3-05-10 - Last Day to RSVP - Sacred Heart to host Rahner symposium

Today is the last day to RSVP for the Karl Rahner Symposium. Those wishing to attend should contact Laura Juranek at Sacred Heart, 414-425-8300, Ext. 7225, to reserve a seat. Space is limited.

The writings of the Rev. Karl Rahner, SJ, an influential German theologian and an expert at Vatican II, will be the focus of a March 26 symposium at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Franklin.

The event, featuring leading Rahner experts from around the world, marks the conclusion of the 25 th anniversary year of his death.

Msgr. Patrick Burke, a Scot serving in the Doctrinal Section of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome , will present the keynote lecture: “Rahner: End or Beginning?”

The Rev. Andreas Batlogg, SJ, director of the Karl Rahner Archives in Munich, Germany, will provide a response. The Rev. Melvin Michalski, a professor of theology at Sacred Heart, will moderate a discussion with the audience following the presentations.

Burke is the author of Reinterpreting Rahner: A Critical Study of his Major Themes (Fordham University Press, 2002). Michalski and Batlogg co-authored Encounters with Karl Rahner: Remembrances of Rahner by those who knew him (Marquette University Press, 2009).

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Other News Articles

New Lux book gives Catholic perspective on Israel

Dr. Richard Lux, professor of scripture studies at Sacred Heart, has published The Jewish People, the Holy Land and the State of Israel – A Catholic Perspective (Paulist Press). The book discusses new models for understanding Catholics' bond with the Jewish people, the religious significance of the Holy Land, and a theological understanding of the state of Israel.

Lux has dedicated his 37-year career to Catholic-Jewish Relations. He is known for his tireless teaching, public lectures, travel, myriad publications and energetic personal outreach that have brought rich perspectives on Judaism and Israel to thousands of students, researchers, religious leaders and laity. His book is available at bookstores nationwide, and online via Amazon.com .

Sacred Heart gives a helping hand to developing entrepreneurs through Kiva

Sacred Heart School of Theology's Justice and Peace Committee is promoting  students' work with Kiva, an online micro-lending organization serving the developing world.

Via the Internet, Kiva allows people in affluent parts of the world to select individual entrepreneurs in developing counties who need capital. Their loans, ranging from $25 to $150, help entrepreneurs get started, grow, serve their communities and create jobs. Since launching in 2005, Kiva has attracted more than $20 million in loans from more than 100,000 people. Most supporters choose to keep their money in the Kiva system after their loans are repaid, funding additional projects. Finance companies in the loan recipients' countries administer the loans.

Seminarians became interested in beginning to contribute to a micro-lending program after hearing about the program at a presentation put on by the Justice and Peace Committee last school year.  Now the students lend to 16 different individuals or groups.  More about Sacred Heart seminarians ' lending can be found at http://www.kiva.org/lender/sacredheartschooloft8428

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Sacred Heart Welcomes Most Rev. Peter Libasci, D.D. for Ash Wednesday Day of Recollection

Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomed the Most Rev. Peter Libasci, auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Rockville Centre, to lead the Ash Wednesday Day of Recollection February 17. Bishop Libasci celebrated Eucharist with the community, and gave two reflections throughout the day on entering the Lenten season especially focusing on the Prayer of Saint Ephrem, a prayer offered repeatedly during Lent in the Byzantine Church. As students, faculty, and staff took the rest of the day away from their busy schedules to reflect on his words, many commented that the program provided a rich and meaningful start to the Lenten season.

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Sacred Heart dedicates new student Fitness Facility

Seminarian Raul Marquez demonstrates the new fitness
equipment following the dedication and blessing Feb. 10.

Sacred Heart School of Theology has dedicated a new, state-of-the-art fitness center for students. The center represents a significant upgrade from past facilities, with the removal of a wall to create more space and the addition of several pieces of equipment.

At a Feb. 10 ceremony President-Rector Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, dedicated the facility to the memory of Fr. Justin Guiltnane, SCJ, alumnus, provincial superior and faculty member at Sacred Heart, whose generosity made the project possible. Fr. Guiltnane died in 2009.

Four new treadmills, two new elliptical machines and a recumbent bike, all with biometric feedback capabilities, were added to the center's existing free and universal weights, various bikes and Nordic Track machines. The result is a comprehensive facility that meets a wide range of needs, from moderate exercise to serious training.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Fr. Justin throughout his life and even today, as expressed by this wonderful facility,” Fr. de Jong said.

The fitness center started with a request from the student body. After approximately four months of analyzing student needs, comparing equipment, and preparing the space, the equipment was installed during the first week of January.

Use of the fitness equipment at the seminary increased more than five-fold, Student Council President Tony Viviano said at the dedication ceremony.

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Seminarians led Sacred Heart Community in Haiti Relief Donations

The Sacred Heart community's Justice and Peace Committee organized a highly successful collection for Haiti relief at last Friday's Mass, as part of a broad school-wide effort to raise cash donations among faculty and staff. The committee sent the donations to Catholic Relief Services in honor of Fr. Michael McLernon, the faculty leader of the Justice and Peace committee, who passed away Dec. 25 , and for whom Haiti's poor were a special concern.

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Sacred Heart sets record with January's new enrollment

The Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology, (far left) poses
while greeting several of the seminary's new January arrivals.

Welcoming 11 new future priests, Sacred Heart School of Theology has set a record for January new student enrollment. The additions bring the Franklin seminary's total to about 100 priests in training.

“We're encouraged to see that our reputation as the top American seminary for men over 30 is reflected in continuing robust enrollment,” said the Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, Sacred Heart president-rector (far left in photo)

Three of the new students are coming from new sponsors: the Diocese of Fairbanks; the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (or Pallottines); and the Benedictines of Marmion Abbey in Illinois. These additions bring the number of Sacred Heart sponsors to 38.

In addition to its core mission of serving older men, Sacred Heart provides the academic program for seminarians of all ages from the Milwaukee archdiocese.

Three of the new seminarians are coming for Sacred Heart's renowned English-as-a-Second-Language Program, which draws dozens of priests, brothers and seminarians from around the world each year.

Sacred Heart is also adding three students to its Master of Arts (M.A.) Program this month. The M.A. Program is open to lay men and women. To read the entire news release, click here.

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Sacred Heart Mourns the Death of Fr. Michael McLernon

The Sacred Heart School of Theology community mourns the passing of Fr. Michael McLernon. He died on Dec. 25, 2009.

Fr. McLernon had been Associate Director of Spiritual and Human Formation at Sacred Heart since 2000. He held a Master of Education degree and a Certified Addiction Specialist certification from Johns Hopkins University. Ordained in 1957, he was a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Penn. He had served as a parish priest in Pennsylvania and as a campus administrator in Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut.

He is survived by two sisters, Barbara O'Brien and Maryellen Waggoner; a brother, Lawrence McLernon; 8 nieces and nephews, 18 great nieces and nephews, two great-great nieces. He will be missed by these and many other relatives and friends.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart, 7335 S. Highway 100, Franklin, Wis. Visitation will be at Sacred Heart on Tuesday, Jan. 5 from 3 to 9 p.m., with vespers at 7 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Haitian Ministries or Catholic Relief Services. Max A. Sass & Sons is handling arrangements, 414-427-0707.

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Seminarians Help Out Needy Families During the Holidays

Seminarians from the Peace and Justice Committee coordinated the Regalos para Niños, Toys for Kids Program Left to right: Matthew Flatley, Diocese of Jefferson City, Louis Nelen, Diocese of Jefferson City, and Albert Dello Russo, Diocese of Palm Beach.	Seminarians Louis Nelen and Albert Dello Russo wrap toys for the Regalos para Niños, Toys for Kids Program

As the holiday season fast approaches, seminarians at Sacred Heart are giving some of Milwaukee area's needy families a brighter Christmas. Members of the Peace and Justice Commitee organized the Regalos para Niños (Toys for Kids) Program to collect gifts for children in need. The seminarians collected 100 gifts, with an estimated value of $1,500, a record. The gifts are on their way to 42 families living at the Latina Resource Center (LRC), a Milwaukee shelter for women and children affected by domestic abuse. This year was the first time residents from the area who attend Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart School of Theology were actively invited to participate along with seminarians, faculty and staff. The LRC is a program of UMOS, a non-profit advocacy organization that provides programs and services which improve the employment, educational, health and housing opportunities of under-served populations.

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Four Seminarians Ordained to the Diaconate

From left to right: Br. Robert Cook, OFM Conv., St. Bonaventure Providence, José Castañeda Regil, Diocese of Green Bay, Erich Weiss, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Antony Primal Thomas, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Most Rev. William Callahan, archdiocesan administrator, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector

Four Sacred Heart seminarians were ordained to the diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Most Rev. William P. Callahan, archdiocesan administrator for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee presided at the Eucharistic liturgy along with Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Bishop Joseph Potocnak, SCJ, retired bishop of De Aar, South Africa and 1966 SHST graduate, and Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, Sacred Heart School of Theology president-rector. Ordination to the diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood. The seminarians who were ordained are Br. Robert Cook, OFM Conv., St. Bonaventure Providence, José Castañeda Regil, diocese of Green Bay, Erich Weiss, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and Antony Primal Thomas, Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

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Seminarians Profess Faith, Oaths of Fidelity, Freedom and Knowledge

Tuesday evening, Nov. 10 , four Sacred Heart seminarians realized an important mark in their preparation for their diaconate ordinations when they professed their faith, and oaths of fidelity, freedom and knowledge. José Castañeda Regil of the Diocese of Green Bay; Br. Robert Cook, OFM Conv. of the St. Bonaventure Providence; Albert Dello Russo, of the Diocese of Palm Beach , Fla.; and Jeffrey Stealey, of the Diocese of Youngstown made their promises during vespers in the Sacred Heart Chapel (pictured above). Dello Russo and Castañeda Regil were admitted to Candidacy at a rite the following day. (Br. Cook is already a vowed member of a religious order, and Stealey was previously admitted.) The four will be ordained as transitional deacons on Nov. 21. Their ordinations to the priesthood are anticipated in the spring and summer of 2010.

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Sacred Heart School of Theology Welcomes Re-accreditation Team Members

Members of the Sacred Heart community greeted the Re-accreditation teams at a social Sunday evening. Back row, left to right: Dr. Clifton Triplett; Dr. Mary Meehan, Sacred Heart School of Theology Board Chairperson; Dr. James North; Rev. Raymond Webb; Dr. Donald Keeney. Front Row: Dr. Patrick Russell, Co-coordinator of Sacred Heart's Self Study Steering Committee; Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, Sacred Heart School of Theology President-Rector; William Miller, and Rev. Hugh Birdsall, SDS, director of Sacred Heart's Self Study Steering Committee.

During the week of Nov. 8 to 11 Sacred Heart welcomes six representatives from two accrediting bodies for the school's regular re-accreditation – the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Universities and Schools. These national agencies accredit academic institutions by assessing their educational activities, formational practices, administrative governance, financial stability, organizational effectiveness, student services, physical resources, and institutional ethos. Renewal of accreditation requires an intensive two-year self examination of all facets of Sacred Heart's institutional life, the findings of which are summarized in a Self-study Report.

In addition to examining the Self- study Report during this on-site visit , the team members will be interviewing with various administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

The accreditation process is one of the ways which Sacred Heart actively seeks continuous improvement by recognizing strengths, raising areas of challenge and concern, and articulating plans for the future. Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes the team members and looks forward to their feedback on the formation process.

Sacred Heart has been accredited by ATS since 1972, and by the HLC since 1995.

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Alumni Gathering comes to a closes with the Dehon Lecture and Awards Celebration

This week, 45 alumni came back to Sacred Heart School of Theology for the annual Alumni Gathering. They've participated in various activities including school update by administrators, socials with students and faculty, and the gathering comes to a close today with the Dehon Lecture and Awards Celebration. The Dehon Lecture was entitled Intentional Presbyterates presented by Fr. Ron Knott, a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville and founding director of the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates at St. Meinrad School of Theology. Fr. Knott discussed that the presbyterates need to function with great unity among the priests and the bishop instead of being private practitioners.

This evening, the Awards Celebration will begin with a Eucharistic liturgy followed by a reception and dinner where two awards will be presented. The Archbishop Cousins Award will be presented to the Society of the Divine Savior U.S. Province (members who have been part of Sacred Heart School of Theology are pictured on the right), and the Dehon Distinguished Ministry Award will be presented to Rev. Jim Brackin, SCJ, class of 1975 (pictured left). Congratulations to the award recipients and we're looking forward to celebrating this week together!

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Two Seminarians Ordained to the Diaconate

Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to congratulate two seminarians who were ordained to the diaconate in the past few weeks. John Gibbons was ordained to the diaconate Saturday, October 10 in the diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, and Johnnie Smith was ordained to the diaconate Saturday, October 17 in the diocese of Memphis. Left photo (L-R) Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology, Most Rev. J. Terry Steib, SVD, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Memphis, and Dn. Johnnie Smith, diocese of Memphis. Right photo (L-R) Rev. Brian Saylor, vocation director of the diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Dn. John Gibbons, diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Most Rev. Joseph Adamec, D.D., bishop, and Fr. Tom Knoebel, vice rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology.

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Sacred Heart would like to congratulate Fr. Paul Etienne on his appointment to Bishop of Cheyenne

Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to congratulate Fr. Paul Etienne on his appointment as the Bishop of the diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming.Fr. Etienne will be ordained and installed in the beginning of December. Sacred Heart currently has one seminarian from the diocese of Cheyenne, Louis Shea. We congratulate Fr. Etienne and look forward to working with him in the future.

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Sacred Heart Congratulates Msgr. Bernard Hebda on his appointment to Bishop of Gaylord

Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to congratulate Msgr. Bernard Hebda on his appointment as the Bishop of the diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. Msgr. Hebda will be ordained and installed on December 1 in Gaylord. Sacred Heart currently has two seminarians from the diocese of Gaylord, Sylvestre Obwaka and Gerald Okoli. We congratulate Msgr. Hebda and look forward to working with him in the future.

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Faculty Elected to Royal Academy of Toledo

Fr. Tom Knoebel, vice rector, and Fr. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, S.D.S., academic dean, have been elected to the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences of Toledo, Spain.

Fr. Raúl, who was recently called “today’s foremost Latino theologian of liturgy” by the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians in the United States (ACHTUS), has many books, articles and reviews to his credit. He recently returned from a semester’s sabbatical in Spain. He is also an authority on the Mozarabic rite, based on the early liturgical practices of Iberian Christianity in the midst of Arab culture.

Fr. Knoebel, who recently published the first English translation of Isidore of Seville: De Ecclesiasticis Officiis, travels to Spain often for research and study. He is an authority on St. Isidore, the last Latin Father of the Church of the late Visigothic period in Spain.

They were installed on Oct. 4 in the aula of the Royal Academy in Toledo.

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Sacred Heart welcomes large incoming class

Sacred Heart School of Theology has welcomed 23 new seminarians for the fall semester, up from 19 in the fall of 2008 and 16 in the previous year.

The students come from across North America. In addition to seminarians from existing sponsors, students were sent to Sacred Heart by six new sponsors: the dioceses of Honolulu; Davenport, Iowa; Knoxville, Tenn.; Crookston, Minn.; and Green Bay, Wis.; and by the Xaverian Missionaries.

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Sacred Heart Seeks Comments for Reaccredidation

Sacred Heart School of Theology is working on its periodic reaccredidation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As part of this process we seek comments from former students, mem-bers of the public and others who can speak to Sacred Heart's programs, resources and learning environment.

W ritten comments may be sent to :

Public Comment on Sacred Heart School of Theology
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago , IL 60602

Or file comments electronically using this link.

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Please sign your comments and include your name, address, and telephone number. Comments will not be treated as confidential. For more information, see our announcement regarding third-party comments .

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New Student Orientation and Preparations for the New School Year Underway


The new school year is fast approaching here at Sacred Heart School of Theology, and last minute preparations are underway for the beginning of classes next week.

On Sunday, August 16, 26 new seminarians arrived at Sacred Heart to begin their week of new student orientation. Our new seminarians are from dioceses and religious communities across the country including Honolulu, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Grand Island, Seattle, Fort Worth, Tucson, Lafayette, Memphis, Crookston, Marquette, Knoxville, Davenport, and Winnipeg, Canada as well as Society of the Divine Savior and Xaverian Missionary Fathers. They will spend the week in orientation classes learning about all of the different parts of seminary life. Also, the administrators, faculty and staff spent Monday, August 17 learning planning for the year in the annual Rector's Day(group photo above). They spent the day talking about the theme, "Lift Up Your Hearts! ¡Levantemos el Corazón!", and ended the day with dinner with the new students, orientation team and ESL students. Everyone at Sacred Heart is looking forward to the rest of the student body returning Thursday, August 20 and classes beginning Monday, August 24.

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Very Rev. Tom Cassidy, S.C.J. installed as President of CMSM
Congratulations to Very Rev. Tom Cassidy, S.C.J., who was installed as the president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) at their annual gathering last week in St. Louis. Fr. Cassidy is the provincial superior of the U.S. Priests of the Sacred Heart, and was president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology from 2004 - 2007. Fr. Cassidy will serve a three year term as president.

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2009-2010 Catalog Now Available Online

The 2009-2010 Sacred Heart Catalog is now available online! Users can click on the table of contents entries on page 4 (marked as page 2) to directly access the indicated content.

The new catalog provides updated information about all of the programs and courses offered at Sacred Heart, as well as general information about the seminary.

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Dr. Richard Lux publishes article in The Catholic World

Dr. Richard Lux, professor of scripture studies at Sacred Heart, published an article in the July/August issue of The Catholic World in which he provides perspective on the pope's recent comments in support of a two-state solution to provide security and peace for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Lux, a leading voice on Jewish-Catholic relations, provides a concise history and other context of the current conflict to clarify the significance of the pope's recent comments. The article is entitled, “The Two State Solution: Pope Benedict XVI and Isreal/Palestine.”

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English as a Second Language Summer Session Off to Great Start

On July 1, 27 students began the SCJ English as a Second Language Summer Session at Sacred Heart. This year's students come from Poland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Brazil, Belarus, Indonesia and Tanzania to Sacred Heart to learn English through classroom work and daily interactions with the Sacred Heart community. They also learn about American customs and culture through trips to attractions and festivals in the Milwaukee area. Photos of the students can be found here.

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Bishop Duque Gutiérrez, SDS, visits Sacred Heart for Salvatorian National Assembly

The Most Rev. Tulio Duque Gutiérrez, SDS, bishop of Pereira, Columbia, arrived at Sacred Heart School of Theology on June 24 to participate in a week-long U.S. national conference of Salvatorian priests, nuns and laity.

Bishop Duque Gutiérrez presided at the ordination of two May, 2009 Sacred Heart graduates on June 26: Patrick Nelson, SDS, and Reed Mungovan, SDS. Sacred Heart continues to train Salvatorian students.

Bishop Duque Gutiérrez, SDS, addresses the U.S. provice of
Salvatorians as Fr. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, SDS, Sacred
Heart vice president for academic affairs, translates.

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Br. Jim Willis, S.C.J.

The Sacred Heart Community mourns the death of Br. Jim Willis, S.C.J. on June 10. He was 87 years old.
Br. Jim, as he was known to seminarians and staff, spent over 30 years of his ministry at Sacred Heart School of Theology. 2009 marked the 60th anniversary of his profession of vows. He was recalled for the joy he brought to his work, whether it was delivering mail – which he did faithfully until days before his passing – or driving the big lawn mower around the monastery grounds. The Chicago Bears and Cubs have lost one of their greatest fans and Sacred Heart has lost one of it's greatest supporters.

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Fr. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, S.D.S., receives the 2009 Virgilio Elizondo Award during Banquet

Fr. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, S.D.S., vice president for academic affairs and director of intellectual formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology, received the Virgil Elizondo Award for 2009 from the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians in the United States (ACHTUS) at its annual banquet June 2 at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois.  In granting the honor, ACHTUS called him “today's foremost Latino theologian of liturgy,” and said, “His is an insistent voice that serves to remind our Church that our people are not a new presence but a complex and ancient one … with contributions that cannot be ignored.” Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president-rector of Sacred Heart, and Fr. Tom Knoebel, vice rector and director of recruitment, joined Fr. Raúl at the banquet.

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Sacred Heart School of Theology congratulates alumni on their Priesthood Ordinations
Sacred Heart School of Theology congratulates our recent grads on their upcoming priesthood ordinations and wishes them many blessings in their new ministries.

A special congratulations to the alumni from Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin who were ordained last Saturday at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.

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Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes Board of Directors
Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes the Board of Directors Wednesday, May 20 for the Board of Directors meeting. Their day includes lunch together followed by committee and full board meetings. We appreciate everything the Board of Directors does for Sacred Heart and we pray that they have a exciting and productive day. A current list of members can be found on our Board of Directors page.

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Summer begins at Sacred Heart School of Theology
Summer has begun here at Sacred Heart School of Theology! Seminarians have finished up exams for their spring semester classes and headed home to their dioceses. Many of the seminarians however, are continuing to take classes in our May session which began May 11 and continues through June 12. As the slower pace of summer begins, everyone at Sacred Heart School of Theology wishes many blessings on everyone's summer plans whether here at SHST or in their home dioceses!

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Sacred Heart School of Theology celebrates the Graduation of the Class of 2008-2009
Sacred Heart School of Theology held the graduation celebration for the class of 2008-2009 Friday, May 1. The celebration began with an evening prayer service where the chapel was filled with family, friends, faculty, administration and staff who watched as the graduates received their diplomas and were recognized for the completion of their programs. Following evening prayer, everyone enjoyed a reception and dinner together to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2008-2009. Everyone at Sacred Heart School of Theology wishes our newest alumni all the best as they head into their next season of life. May God bless them in all of their new endeavors!

(Back row, left to right) Bryon A. Dickey, Archdiocese of Seattle; Donald Anthony Kania, Diocese of Superior; Patrick O’Hogan, Archdiocese of Seattle; Luke N. Strand, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Mark J Brandl, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Gerald Burns, Archdiocese of Seattle; Reed Christopher Mungovan S.D.S., Society of the Divine Savior; Todd Strange, Archdiocese of Seattle; (Middle row) Rev. Jan de Jong, S.C.J., President-Rector; Patricia A. Loehrer, Master of Arts; Laurie Kish, Master of Arts; Sean T. O'Connell, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Daniel Janasik, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Thomas Layton, Diocese of Portland; Rev. Gary Rottman, Diocese of Tyler; William Brenna, Diocese of Superior; Juan Urrea, Master of Arts; Dr. Mary J. Meehan, Sacred Heart School of Theology Board Chairperson; (Front row) Dale Allen Maxfield, Diocese of Belleville; Michael Williams, Diocese of Las Cruces; Patrick M. Nelson S.D.S., Society of the Divine Savior; Fred Anthony, Diocese of Portland, Oregon; José Angel Anaya, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Danielle Merrill Yakich, Master of Arts; Suzanne Prentice Rose, Master of Arts; Also receiving degrees not pictured: William DeCrans, Diocese of Crookston; Rev. Santiago M. Hoyumpa, Diocese of Gaylord; Eladio Vieyra Gomez, Diocese of Biose; Jonah Wharff, O.C.S.O., Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance.

The graduates share some laughs during graduation rehearsal.

Commencement speaker, Rev. Javier Bustos, S.T.D.,S.T.L., Assistant Professor of Systematic Studiest at Sacred Heart, shares his thoughts.

The graduates receive their masters hoods and diplomas.

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Graduates say goodbye to Sacred Heart during Rite of Sending Ceremony
As the school year draws to a close, the class of 2008-2009 had the opportunity to say their goodbyes during the Rite of Sending Ceremony Wednesday, April 29. Every graduate class has the opportunity during this ceremony to share a Bible verse that has been important in their lives and to publicly thank members of the Sacred Heart community. The also receive a few small gifts from the community. The ceremony ends with the laying on of hands to pray for the graduates (left). It was a great opportunity to rejoice with the graduates for all of the lessons learned during their time at Sacred Heart School of Theology.

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Prayer for the Priests of Sacred Heart General Chapter Conference
The 22nd General Chapter of the Congregation of the Priests of Sacred Heart will be held in Rome May 17 - June 12, 2009. As the chapter approaches, Sacred Heart School of Theology asks that you join us in praying for their time together. The members of the Sacred Heart community who will be attending are Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, S.C.J., Delegate; Rev. Charles Brown, S.C.J., Delegate; Brother Ray Kozuch, S.C.J., Moderator; Mary Gorski, Official Reporter; A prayer for the event can be found below.

THE LOVE OF CHRIST IMPELS US

O God our Father,
You granted to Fr. Dehon
the grace of experiencing
the love of Jesus' Heart,
inflame us with the same love
for You and for all humanity.

Send us your Holy Spirit,
so that the love of Christ,
present among us,
may renew our communities,
enabling us to give a witness
of fraternal livign
to a divided and indifferent world.

Strengthened by Christ
we commit ourselves to proclaim
your reign of love for all
so that You may be known and loved
and “our joy may be full”.
Amen.

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Sacred Heart holds Time for Sisterhood event
Sacred Heart School of Theology hosts the Time for Sisterhood event Sunday, April 26. Women from around the area came for an afternoon of fellowship and heard a presentation by Fr. Michael van der Peet, S.C.J., spiritual director at Sacred Heart. Fr. van der Peet, S.C.J. spoke about his experiences as Mother Teresa's spiritual director for many years beginning in 1975. Along with his presentation, he brought some of the letters he received from Mother Teresa and other momentos that he received from her Missionaries of Charity. A great time was had by all!

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Sacred Heart celebrates milestones at the Employee Recognition Evening
Wednesday evening, April 22, the community of Sacred Heart School of Theology celebrated the Employee Recognition evening. The annual event is a time for everyone to celebrate the milestones of individuals in the community. The evening began with a prayer service led by President- Rector Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, followed by a reception and dinner program. The following milestones were recognized during the dinner program:

Employment: 5 years - Fr. Michael Weldon, O.F.M.; 10 years - Rose Kopenec; 15 years - Fr. Jan de Jong, S.C.J.;
20 years - Sharon Gasperic, Fr. Raúl Gómez, S.D.S.; 30 years - Mike Erato, Christian Rich; 35 years - John Gallam, Richard Lux.

Marriage: 25 years - Bob and Sue Granitz, Ann and Joe Owen; 40 years - Rich and Mary Lux.

Profession of Vows: 50 years - Fr. Andre Papineau, S.D.S.

Volunteer Service: New Volunteers - Kathleen Hart, Donald O'Meara, Pat Zielinski; 250 - 499 hours - Ronald Dolinsky, Pauline Humpal; 2000 - 4999 hours - Adeline Henry.

Left photo: Fr. Jan de Jong, S.C.J. leading the evening prayer service. Right photo: Christian Rich and the Schola Choir singing for the evening prayer service.

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Congratulations to Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop William Callahan on election to Diocesan Administrator
Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to congratulate Auxiliary Bishop William Callahan on his election to serve as diocesan administrator for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Callahan will oversee the day-to-day activities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee until Pope Benedict XVI appoints a successor to Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who was appointed Archbishop of New York. Bishop Callahan is a member of Sacred Heart School of Theology's Board of Directors. Congratulations!

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Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes Most Rev. Kevin Vann, D.D. for Day of Recollection

Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomed Most Rev. Kevin Vann D.D., bishop of the diocese of Fort Worth , for the Day of Recollection April 1. Bishop Vann celebrated the Eucharist with the community, and gave two reflections throughout the day on “Walking with St Paul : The Journey of Discernment to Priesthood,” discussing our lives as a journey along a path and shared experiences from his journey so far. The rest of the day was an opportunity for the students, faculty, and staff to take time from their busy schedules to reflect on his words.

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Fox 6 TV interviews seminarian on vocation trends

Milwaukee 's Fox 6 TV recently aired a piece on increased vocations to the priesthood in Wisconsin . The piece included an interview with Luke Strand, seminarian at Sacred Heart School of Theology for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. To watch the video, click here.

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Fr. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, S.D.S., recipient of the 2009 Virgilio Elizondo Award

Fr. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, S.D.S., vice president for academic affairs and director of intellectual formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology, is the recipient of the 2009 Virgilio Elizondo Award from the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS). The president of ACHTUS, Carmen Nanko-Fernandez, stated “Your scholarly contributions in the area of liturgical and sacramental theology ensure the ongoing articulation of the rich and storied faith experience of nuestra gente in both the church and academia.” Fr. Raúl will receive the award at a banquet June 2. Congratulations Fr. Raúl on this great accomplishment!

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