News & Events

SHST video Answering God's Call

8/23/2010 Sacred Heart seminary enrollment spikes

Sacred Heart School of Theology, the national Catholic seminary for men of all ages in Hales Corners, is seeing its largest group of incoming seminarians in 20 years.

Forty new seminarians have been admitted to the school, approaching the all-time record of 42 new students set in 1990. The average over the last 10 years has been 21 fall entrants.

As the seminary builds its track record of strong academic, human, spiritual, and pastoral formation, it has added five new sponsoring dioceses and religious orders, notes President-Rector the Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ.

“With God's guiding hand, our graduates shine in their ministry. In this way, He has allowed us to develop a strong national reputation,” de Jong said.

The increase follows the enrollment of nine new seminarians last January, the highest mid-year enrollment since 1996.

“Our alums make an extremely powerful statement about the quality of our formation program. They come out of Sacred Heart with deep faith and love for the Church, solid knowledge of theology and the teaching of the Church, healthy attitudes, and pastoral skills that allow them to offer meaningful ministry in parishes across North America,” de Jong said.

Click here for full news release.

Other News Articles

7-29-10 -Fourteen Countries represented in Sacred Heart's English-as-a-Second-Language Summer Program

Fourteen nations of the world are represented in Sacred Heart's English-as-a-second-language group this summer. The 25 students, including diocesan priests, brothers and lay professionals sponsored by the Priests of the Sacred Heart, are from Argentina , Brazil , Burundi , Cameroon , D.R. Congo, the Dominican Republic , Guatemala , India , Indonesia , Panama , Poland , Spain , Venezuela , and Vietnam . Instructors and helpers are in the back row. Four students are not shown.The students 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.

2010-2011 Catalog Now Available Online

The 2010-2011 Sacred Heart Catalog is now available online! Users can click on the table of contents entries on page 3 (marked as page 1) 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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Board Chairperson Honored as one of 2010 Women of Influence

Mary Meehan, Sacred Heart Board Chairperson, was recently honored as one of the 2010 Women of Influence by The Milwaukee Business Journal. Meehan is acknowledged for her inspiration as President of Alverno College, and her team building, goal-orientated leadership. The complete article including photos and video can be found at the Women of Influence website.

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Fr. Cassidy elected to second term as Provincial Superior of U.S. Priests of the Sacred Heart

Fr. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, was re-elected as provincial superior of the United States Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart on Tuesday, June 15, during the Province Election Assembly held at Sacred Heart School of Theology and the Priests of the Sacred Heart Provincial Offices.

Fr. Cassidy, 67, was first elected as provincial superior in 2007.  At the time of his election, he was president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology Also, Fr. Cassidy is a 1971 graduate of Sacred Heart.

Currently, Fr. Cassidy is also president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in the United States.

More information about The Priests of the Sacred Heart Province Election Assembly can be found on their website.

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Consolidated SHST Transfer Credit Policy posted

Sacred Heart School of Theology often permits students pursuing a master of divinity or master of arts degree at the seminary to transfer credits toward that degree from another college or university. Sacred Heart has published a revised Transfer Credit Policy , which consolidates and clarifies information related to such credit transfers. This policy has been posted to the school's Web site, as required by the Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 2008.

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Faculty Member's Latest Publication Discusses Inspiring Congregations through Homilies

Fr. André Papineau, SDS, recently published Homilies to Transform Hearts and Minds (Resource Publications).
The book, his 16th, focuses on inspiring congregations to turn life’s major transitions – marriage, job loss or moving, for example – into conversion experiences. Fr. Papineau is an associate professor of Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology. The book is available at bookstores and Amazon.com.

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Sacred Heart congratulates recent 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 Michael Flanagan of the Diocese of Lexington and Antony Primal Thomas, Erich Weiss, Matthew Widder, and Charles Wrobel of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee who were ordained Saturday, May 15.

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Key religious leaders kick off unique center for Catholic-Jewish studies at Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart School of Theology will establish the Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, the first program of its kind at a Catholic seminary in North America , officials announced at a May 11 dinner in Hales Corners.

The Most Rev. Richard Sklba, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Rabbi Ronald Shapiro, senior rabbi of Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee , are co-chairs of the center. They and others told supporters about the center's value in sustaining positive momentum in Catholic-Jewish dialogue, and about the center's ambitious mission. To read the entire news release, click here. More information about The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies can be found at luxcenter.shst.edu

The Most Rev. Richard Sklba, auxiliary bishop
of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee (left) and
Rabbi Ronald Shapiro (right), senior rabbi at
Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee,
congratulate Richard Lux, Ph.D., on the kickoff
of the Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish studies at
Sacred Heart School of Theology.

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Sacred Heart Welcomes Diane Knight for Discussion on Childhood Abuse

Sacred Heart welcomed Diane Knight, current chairperson of the USCCB National Review Board, April 16 for a discussion entitled Vulnerable Children – Childhood Abuse in Church and Society.

Knight led an in depth discussion about the history and issues of childhood abuse, and the evolution of child protection in the Catholic Church and the world. Knight, a Milwaukee County social worker in Child Protection and Child Welfare Services for over 20 years, was appointed to the USCCB National Review Board in 2007 by then Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan. She was appointed chairperson in 2009.

The discussion was organized by Sacred Heart's Justice and Peace Committee. The committee's Soup and Substance Series give the Sacred Heart community the opportunity to discuss a different social justice topic each month.

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Sacred Heart Welcomes Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, D.D.

Sacred Heart welcomed Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, D.D., archbishop of Milwaukee, for Eucharist and lunch April 21. This was Archbishop Listecki's first visit to Sacred Heart since being appointed Archbishop of Milwaukee in January. After presiding at the Sacred Heart community Mass, Archbishop Listecki spent time getting to know seminarians and having lunch with administrators. Sacred Heart looks forward to building on its partnership with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Saint Francis de Sales Seminary.

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Sacred Heart Celebrates the Graduation of the Class of 2009-2010

(Back row, left to right) Sylvestre L. Obwaka, Diocese of Gaylord; Br. Robert M. Cook, OFM Conv., Order of Friars Minor Conventual - St. Bonaventure Providence; Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, President-Rector; Stanley John Lowe, Master of Arts; Dr. Mary J. Meehan, Sacred Heart School of Theology Board Chairperson; Matthew John Widder, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, Provincial Superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, U.S. Province; Erich J. Weiss, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Eugene Ambrose Murphy, Diocese of Superior; David Alan Endres, Master of Arts; David John Stanfill, Diocese of Richmond; Ross Paul McDonald, Master of Arts; John Michael Gibbons, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Oscar Magallanes, Diocese of Tucson; José Castañeda Regil, Diocese of Green Bay; (Front row) Charles Joseph Wrobel, Archdiocese of Milwaukee; Kenneth R. Valka, Master of Arts; Johnnie B. Smith, Diocese of Memphis; Gerald Patrick Wetovick, Diocese of Grand Island; Gerald Chigbogu Okoli, Diocese of Gaylord; Raúl O. Marquez, Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon; Michael David Flanagan, Diocese of Lexington; Kendal James Faulk, Diocese of Lafayette; Elizabeth Brumfield Papapzoglakis, Master of Arts. Also receiving degrees not pictured: J. Juan Torres, Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon; Abraham Olobo-ojo Adejoh, Diocese of Belleville; Antony Primal Thomas, Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Sacred Heart School of Theology held the graduation celebration for the class of 2009-2010 Friday, April 30. 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. Also, Sacred Heart conferred the status of Professor Emeritus on Dr. Richard Lux, professor of Scripture Studies who retired this semester after 37 years at Sacred Heart. Following evening prayer, everyone enjoyed a reception and dinner together to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2009-2010. 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!

Erich Weiss, seminarian for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, receives is diploma from Fr. Tom Knoebel, vice rector.	Johnnie Smith, seminarian for the Diocese of Memphis, receives his special program degree from Fr. Raúl Gomez-Ruíz, SDS, Academic Dean.
The status of Professor Emeritus was conferred on Dr. Richard Lux (center) by Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Fr. Raúl Gomez-Ruíz, SDS, Sacred Heart Academic Dean, and Dr. Mary Meehan, Sacred Heart Board Chairperson (left to right).	Raúl Marquez, seminarian for the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon is congratulated by Fr. Tom Knoebel after receiving his diploma.

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Sacred Heart mourns the Death of Fr. Michael van der Peet, SCJ

The Sacred Heart School of Theology community mourns the passing of Fr. Michael van der Peet, SCJ. He died on April 21, 2010. He was 85.

Fr. Michael professed vows in 1946, was ordained in 1953, and shortly after ordination came to the United States to work with the SCJ U.S. Province, which was in need of seminary instructors. In 1970 he began full-time retreat ministry, and became a popular retreat director, especially with women's religious communities.

It was during a brief vacation to Rome in 1975 that he met Mother Theresa. They continued to have a close relationship until her death in 1997. Their friendship included regular correspondence, and retreats given to Mother Teresa's Sisters of Charity. And it was because of that friendship that Fr. Michael was asked to go to Rome in 2002 to work on the commission that prepared Mother Teresa's cause for beatification.  In 1999, at the age of 74, Fr. Michael went back to work, serving as a spiritual director at Sacred Heart School of Theology. He remained active in spiritual direction until he suffered a stroke in February, 2010. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m, and the Mass of the Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 11 a.m. Both will be held at Sacred Heart, 7335 S. Highway 100, Franklin, Wis. More information about Fr. Michael's life and funeral arrangements can be found at the Priests of Sacred Heart website.

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Sacred Heart Congratulates Most Rev. Thomas Paprocki on his appointment as Bishop of Springfield

Sacred Heart Seminary offered congratulations to the Most Rev. Thomas Paprocki, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, on his appointment as the bishop of the diocese of Springfield, Ill. Bishop Paprocki will be installed June 22 in Springfield.  Sacred Heart currently has two seminarians from the diocese of Springfield, Albert Allen and John Ritter. We congratulate Bishop Paprocki and look forward to working with him in the future.

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Sacred Heart Welcomes Most Rev. Ronald Gainer, D.D., for Day of Recollection

Sacred Heart welcomed the Most Rev. Ronald Gainer, D.D., bishop from the Diocese of Lexington, Ky., for the seminary's last Day of Recollection of the school year on April 14.   Following Eucharist, Bishop Gainer presented two reflections, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning reflection discussed the story in Luke, Chapter 24, Jesus meeting the two disciples on the road to Emmaus . The afternoon reflection discussed the story in John, Chapter 20, Thomas doubting Jesus' resurrection.  

On Days of Recollection the entire community – students, faculty and staff alike – set aside their normal busy schedules for Mass and these formal reflections. They spend the rest of the day quietly reflecting on the presenter's words.  

The diocese of Lexington is currently sponsoring three seminarians. Bishop Gainer is a member of the Sacred Heart Board of Directors.

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Five Seminarians give Promises on Path to Diaconate

Five students gave their promises on the path to diaconate ordination at an April 12 rite at Sacred Heart School of Theology. Pictured are (l-r): Sacred Heart President-Rector the Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ; Deacon Eugene Murphy of the Diocese of Superior, Wis.; and diaconate candidates Mark Filips of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Michael Wagner of the Archdiocese of Seattle; David Hebert of the Diocese of Lafayette, La.; Paul Brunet of the Archdiocese of Seattle; and Christopher Kemp of the Diocese of Superior, Wis. The five are on track to be ordained priests in 2011.

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ESL Alum named bishop in Brazil

Pope Benedict XVI has announced the appointment of Fr. Vilson Basso, SCJ, as bishop of the Diocese of Caxias, Maranhao ( Brazil ).
The bishop-elect is an alumnus of Sacred Heart School of Theology's English as Second Language program. He was a student in the program in 2006 as preparation for his most recent assignment in the Philippines .
Fr. Vilsom Basso was born in Brazil and he grew up in an SCJ parish.  After studying philosophy, he earned a licentiate in social sciences at Fundação Educacional in Brusque , Brazil , and a bachelor's degree  in theology from the PUC of Rio de Janeiro. Fr.  Vilson was ordained in 1985.
The Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão has a population of 640,000.

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Academic Dean's New Book Helps Preparations for Quincerañeras

Sacred Heart's Rev. Raúl Gómez-Ruiz, SDS, has published a new book, Quinceañeras, Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday (Ligouri) . The book discusses the cultural origins, significance, and practical steps of the quinceañera rite. Gómez-Ruiz, vice president of academic affairs, director of intellectual formation and systematic studies professor, has written many books and publications on a varitety of topics related to Hispanic ministry, and recently inducted in the Real Academia de Bellas Artes Y Ciencias Históricas in Toledo, Spain .

An English and Spanish translation of the book is available at bookstores and online via Amazon.com

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11 Seminarians instituted as Readers

11 seminarians were instituted into the ministry of the reader on Wednesday, March 17, in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Most Rev. John Gaydos, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Jefferson City was the presider. Pictured, front row from left-right: Louis Shea, Diocese of Cheyenne; Anthony Rinaldo, Diocese of Jefferson City; Michael Galbraith, Diocese of Fort Worth; Bishop Gaydos; Matthew Flatley, Diocese of Jefferson City; Albert Allen, Diocese of Springfield; James Graham, Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. Back row from left to right: Anthony Viviano, Diocese of Jefferson City; Thomas Boeding, Diocese of Jefferson City; Michael Wetovick, Diocese of Grand Island; Donald Dougherty, Diocese of Fort Worth; Martin Flynn, Diocese of Marquette; Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, president- rector of Sacred Heart.

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Sacred Heart to host 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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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 .

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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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