News Archive

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Sacred Heart School of Theology Celebrates Fr. Karl Rahner S.J. as Pastoral Theologian

Monday, March 30, Sacred Heart School of Theology held a gathering commemorating the 25th anniversary of the death of Fr. Karl Rahner S.J.. Celebrating Fr. Karl Rahner S.J. as Pastoral Theologian included dialogue and discussion led by Fr. Mel Michalski, professor of Systematic Studes at Sacred Heart School of Theology and Fr. Andreas Batlogg S.J., director of the Karl Rahner Archive in Munich Germany. Afterwards, they both spent time signing copies of their new book, Encounters with Karl Rahner (MU Press, 2009).

Institution of Readers

Nine seminarians were instituted into the ministry of the reader on Wednesday, March 25, in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Archbishop James Weisgerber, D.D., of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Canada was the presider. Pictured, front row from left-right: Thomas Kim, Diocese of Saint Augustine; Mark Filips, Archdiocese of Winnipeg; Most Rev. V. James Weisgerber, D.D., Archbishop of Winnipeg; Very Rev. Jan de Jong, President-Rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology; Louis Nelen, Diocese of Jefferson City; Johnnie Smith, Diocese of Memphis; Back row, left-right: Steven Gallagher, Diocese of Juneau; Michael Moloney, Diocese of Fort Worth; Brother Robert Cook, O.F.M., Conv., Province of Saint Bonaventure, Order of Franciscans Minor Conventual; Christopher Kemp, Diocese of Superior; Gerald Wetovick, Diocese of Grand Island. Congratulations to all of the recipients!

Sacred Heart School of Theology said farewell to Archbishop Timothy Dolan

The students, faculty, and staff of Sacred Heart School of Theology traveled to Saint Francis de Sales Seminary Wednesday, March 18, for a farewell celebration for Archbishop Timothy Dolan. The Sacred Heart community joined with the Saint Francis de Sales community for Eucharist and a lunch reception to show our deep gratitude for everything Archbishop Dolan has done for the seminary communities of the Milwaukee area. Archbishop Timothy Dolan will be installed as Archbishop of New York Wednesday, April 15.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan with seminarian Mark Filips. Mark painted an icon of St. Timothy for the Archbishop as a farewell gift.

(L-R) Very Rev. Don Hying, rector of Saint Francis de Sales Seminary; Most Rev. Timothy Dolan, archbishop of Milwaukee; Most Rev. Charles Dufour, visiting Sacred Heart from Montego Bay; Very Rev. Jan de Jong SCJ, president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology.

Mother Teresa and the Dark Night of the Soul Presentation

Fr. Michael van der Peet SCJ, spiritual director at Sacred Heart School of Theology, gave a presentation entitled Mother Teresa and the Dark Night of the Soul Wednesday, March 18. Fr. Van der Peet SCJ was a spiritual director for Mother Teresa for many years beginning in 1975. His presentation was about his experiences interacting with her and the Missionaries of Charity including a 20 minute video created by the Priests of Sacred Heart Development Office.

Sacred Heart School of Theology Gears up for Spring Break!

Today is the last day of classes for seminarians and faculty before the week long Spring Break. The quiet week will be a time for them to relax and gear up for the end of the semester!

Sacred Heart School of Theology Board of Directors Meeting

Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes the Board of Directors Wednesday, March 4 for the Board of Directors meeting. Their day includes joining the rest of the Sacred Heart community for Eucharist, lunch, 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.

Sacred Heart School of Theology Welcomes Black Clergy and Religious of Wisconsin Reception and Dinner

Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomed the Black Clergy and Religious of Wisconsin for a reception and dinner Tuesday, March 3. The annual event was organized by Rev. Msgr. Patrick Wells, a member of Sacred Heart School of Theology's Board of Directors. An evening full of great conversation and good food was had by all!

Sacred Heart School of Theology Congratulates Bishop Edward Burns on his Ordination

Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to congratulate Bishop Edward Burns on his ordination today at St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and we look forward to his installation as Bishop of the diocese of Juneau, Alaska April 3. Sacred Heart School of Theology currently has a seminarian from the diocese of Juneau, Steve Gallagher, and a priest on sabbatical taking classes, Fr. Jean Paulin Engbanda Lockulu. We congratulate Bishop Burns and look forward to working with him in the future.

Sacred Heart School of Theology Welcomes Most Rev. Eusebio Elizondo, D.D. for Day of Recollection
Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomed Most Rev. Eusebio Elizondo D.D., auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle, to lead the Ash Wednesday Day of Recollection February 25. Bishop Elizondo celebrated the Eucharist with the community, and gave two reflections throughout the day on “Lent: Metanoia not Stoicism,” discussing the difference between actions out of ritual or love for God. 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. It was a wonderful beginning to the Lenten season.

Most Rev. Eusebio Elizondo, D.D.
with Fr. Jan de Jong, S.C.J.

Sacred Heart School of Theology Congratulates Archbishop Timothy Dolan on his new Appointment

Sacred Heart School of Theology congratulates Archbishop Timothy Dolan on his appointment to Archbishop of New York. Everyone at Sacred Heart School of Theology thanks him for his years of support and wishes him many blessings in this transistion time. A link to the Archbishop's letter to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee about his appointment can be found here.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan during his
presentation at the Dehon Lecture January 28.

NCDVD Institute Comes to a Close

Friday is the last day of the NCDVD Institute here at Sacred Heart School of Theology. A week full of sessions on a variety of topics finishes with a retreat lead by Most Rev. Peter Libasci, auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Rockville Centre. Last night, the NCDVD participants joined faculty, staff, and seminarians of Sacred Heart School of Theology for vespers and dinner celebrating the week together. Everyone at Sacred Heart School of Theology prays for safe travels, encouragement and success for these new vocation personnel.

Participants in the 2009 NCDVD Institute for New Vocation Personel are: Rev. Thomas Servatius, Diocese of Syracuse; Rev. Scott Raef, Diocese of Amarillo; Dn. Jose Ferreras; Rev. Viliulfo Valerrama, Diocese of Tucson; Rev. Matthew Gerlach, Diocese of Tulsa; Rev. William Novak, Diocese of Oklahoma City; Rev. Erik Polmeier, Diocese of Little Rock; Rev. John O'Donnell, Diocese of Little Rock; Rev. Peter Williams, Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis; Rev. Paul Sullivan, Diocese of Phoenix; Rev. Brad Pelzel, Diocese of Sioux City; Rev. Dat Hoang, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; Mr. Lazaro Contreras, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; Rev. Marty Goetz, Diocese of Davenport; Rev. Greg Galvin, Diocese of Norwich; Rev. Paul Hoesing, Archdiocese of Omaha;Rev. Craig Timmerman, Diocese of New Ulm; Dn. Marco Vegas, Diocese of Pueblo; Rev. Michael Lavan, Diocese of Rockford;

Sacred Heart welcomed many guests to Thursday night's dinner.
These guests included (L-R) Most Rev. Peter Libasci,Auxiliary Bishop
of Rockville Centre, Rosemary Sullivan, NCDVD Events Coordinator,
Fr. Jan de Jong, SCJ, President-Rector of Sacred Heart,
Most Rev. Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee,
Rev. David Toups, USCCB Associate Director,
and Rev. Msgr. Robert Panke, NCDVD Vice President.

Wednesday and Thursday's activities for the NCDVD Institute

The NCDVD New Vocation Directors Institute continues here at Sacred Heart School of Theology! Wednesday's focus was discernment with presentations by Rev. Thomas Wilson, archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis and NCDVD treasurer, and Rev. Thomas Knoebel, Vice Rector and Vice President for External Affairs for Sacred Heart School of Theology. Thursday's focus is on formation with presentations by Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Panke, NCDVD Vice President, and Rev. David L. Toups, USCCB Associate Director. The day concludes with vespers with the Sacred Heart community as well as Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and Most Rev. Peter Libasci, Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Rockville Center. After vespers, the participants will join the Sacred Heart community for dinner and presented with certificates showing their completion of the conference.

Tuesday's activities for the NCDVD Institute

The NCDVD New Vocation Directors Institute is in full swing here at Sacred Heart School of Theology! Tuesday's focus is on assessment with presentations by Rev. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, CEO of St. Luke Institute. This evening is a free evening for the participants, and they are planning on visiting The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in downtown Milwaukee followed by dinner.

Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes NCDVD Institute

Sacred Heart School of the Theology welcomes the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors(NCDVD) New Vocation Directors Institute this week. Eighteen vocation directors from the across the country as well as presenters and NCDVD personnel arrived at Sacred Heart Sunday afternoon. The dioceses of Tulsa, Little Rock, Davenport, and Syracuse are just a few of the dioceses represented at the Institute, and everyone is ready for a week of instruction on promotions, assessment, discernment, formation, and retreat. Today's focus is promotions with presentations by Rev. Len Plazewski, NCDVD President, and Rev. Andrew Ricci, diocese of Superior and NCDVD Secretary.

Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomed Most Rev. Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee, for the Dehon Lecture

Most Reverend Timothy Dolan, D.D., Archbishop of  Milwaukee and Chairman of the Board for Catholic Relief Services, presented the Spring 2009 Dehon Lecture, The Ministry of Charity: An Essential Aspect of Parish Life, Reflections on Deus Caritas Est, on Wednesday, January 28, at Sacred Heart School of Theology. The day with Archbishop Dolan began with the Celebration of the Eucharist, and his morning talk.  During the afternoon, Michael Wiest , Executive Vice President of Charitable Giving for Catholic Relief Services (right), and Madeleine Philbin, Regional Director for Catholic Relief Services Midwest Regional Office, presented different responses to the morning's presentation. A great day was had by all, and our community is thankful to all of the presenters for taking time out of their busy schedules to spend the day with us.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan
with Fr. Tom Knoebel, Vice
Rector and Director of
Recruitment

Congratulations to Mary Meehan, recipient of the Professional Dimensions Sacagawea Award

Congratulations to Dr. Mary J. Meehan, Sacred Heart School of Theology Board Chairperson and President of Alverno College, for being the recipient of the 2009 Professional Dimensions Sacagawea Award. The award is named after Sacagawea, the only woman on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The recipient demonstrates the same characteristics as Sacagawea: a trailblazer who distinguishes herself throughout her life by her leadership, intelligence, foresight, common sense and adaptability. (Jan/Feb Professional Dimensions Newsletter)
Sacred Heart School of Theology congratulates Dr. Meehan on this great accomplishment!

Great Times at the Super Bowl Party!

The building was full of excitement Sunday night as all of the seminarians gathered in the rec. room to watch the Super Bowl! The night was full of food, fun and cheering on their favorite team. It was a super party for a super game!

Congratulations to the St. Francis de Sales and Sacred Heart Basketball Team

Congratulations to the combined team from Saint Francis del Sales Seminary and Sacred Heart School of Theology who competed in the Shootout 2009 at University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois last Friday and Saturday. The team members were Louis Shea, Tony Viviano, Todd Strange, Sean O'Connell, Dan Janasik, Luke Strand, Matt Widder, Marty Flynn, Coach Dan, Fr. Jesus Baena Valbuena SCJ, and Kevin McManaman. Even though the score didn't turn out in their favor, they competed well and had a great time!

Sacred Heart School of Theology sends Congratulations to the Diocese of Juneau
Congratulations to Msgr. Edward Burns who was named by Pope Benedict XVI as bishop of Juneau, Alaska. He will be ordained a bishop on March 3 in St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh and installed as bishop of Juneau on April 2. Sacred Heart School of Theology currently has a seminarian from the diocese of Juneau, Steve Gallagher, and a priest on sabbatical taking classes, Fr. Jean Paulin Engbanda Lockulu. We look forward to working with Bishop Burns in the future.

Sacred Heart School of Theology joins the country in praying for our new President

Sacred Heart School of Theology encourages everyone to join with us as we pray for our new President, Barack Obama. We join with Pope Benedict XVI in prayer as he stated in a telegram to the new president:

"At a time when so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world yearn for liberation from the scourge of poverty, hunger and violence, I pray that you will be confirmed in your resolve to promote understanding, cooperation and peace among the nations, so that all may share in the banquet of life which God wills to set for the whole human family (cf. Isaiah 25:6-7). Upon you and your family, and upon all the American people, I willingly invoke the Lord's blessings of joy and peace."
(www.zenit.org)

Sacred Heart School of Theology remembers National Vocation Awareness Week
Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to encourage everyone to join us in praying for vocations during National Vocation Awareness Week this week. Pope Benedict encourages us with some thoughts about vocations:

"Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking?
What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is
Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love of his way.
As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the
community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church that
you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord.
Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church's
liturgy you will discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it
with joy. You are Christ's disciples today. Shine his light upon this great city
and beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within
you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free."

- Pope Benedict XVI, Greeting to Young People, St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, April 19, 2008

First Community Liturgy of the New Semester
Fr. Jan de Jong, S.C.J., president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology, presided over the first Eucharistic liturgy of the new semester on Wednesday, January 14. New and returning members of the Sacred Heart community gathered to pray together, and listen as Fr. Jan explained the two different images of Jesus described in the daily readings.

New Faces for the Spring Semester

This week is the beginning of spring semester classes at Sacred Heart School of Theology. We are very excited to welcome all our new faces into the Sacred Heart community. The 2009 spring semester new faces are as follows:

A printable version of this list including photos can be found here.

New Seminarians arrive at Sacred Heart School of Theology

The peace and quiet are over! This week new seminarians arrive at Sacred Heart School of Theology to begin preparations for the new semester. They are moving in, buying books, and getting ready for new student orientation on Friday, January 9 - Saturday, January 10.

12/30/08 - Sacred Heart School of Theology welcomes in 2009

Sacred Heart School of Theology would like to wish everyone a peaceful and blessed 2009.  We hope this year is full of happiness and fulfillment for you, your families and your friends .  If you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood, may God move your heart to respond to His call this year.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
will be celebrated January 1.

12/22/08 - Merry Christmas from Sacred Heart School of Theology

Christmas is a quiet time here at SHST with seminarians gone home to their dioceses, and faculty spending time with their families.  In this quiet season of peace, Sacred Heart would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas filled
with joy and blessings.

12/17/08 - President Rector's brother in-law passes away

Fr. Jan's brother-in-law, Fred Nolton, died today in Holland.  Mr. Nolton, who was 71 years old, was married to Fr. Jan's sister, Janie, and the father to their three daughters: Linda, Sandra, and Carla. Fr. Jan de Jong, S.C.J., will travel to Holland December 17, and will preside at the funeral.  He will return to the seminary on January 5. Please keep Fr. Jan de Jong, S.C.J. and his family in your prayers.

12/16/08 - Faculty Retirement Announcement


Fr. Paul Grizzelle-Reid, SCJ, Director of the English as a Second Language program, and Ms. Peg Boyles, Director of Public Relations, are retiring in December after many years of service to the SHST community. Fr. Reid has been at Sacred Heart for 20 years while Ms. Boyles has been at Sacred Heart for 22 years.

There was a special mass on December 3, where they both were blessed by the entire SHST community. Afterwards, there was a luncheon held in their honor, and they participated in the Rite of Sending with the seminarians completing their programs. The Rite of Sending is the community's chance to pray for the students and retirees, and to bless them as they continue their journeys.

As they begin their retirement, Peg will be helping with the transition to a new director of public relations. She is also looking forward to new opportunities although she admits she will enjoy simply being able to sit out on her deck and work in her garden. Fr. Paul will be heading to San Diego where he says he plans to spend his mornings praying while gazing at the ocean from his apartment, taking classes, and visiting wounded veterans in the afternoons.

SHST is grateful for all their years of service and wishes them the fullest of God's blessings in their retirement! If you would like to contact them, they can be reached at preid@shst.edu and pboyles@shst.edu

Fr. Jan de Jong, President-Rector, and Fred Anthony
blessing Fr. Paul Grizzelle-Reid and Ms. Peg Boyles
during a special mass December 3, 2008.

12/05/08 - Seminarians complete program
In December seven Sacred Heart seminarians completed their programs preparing them for ordained priesthood: Deacon Fred Anthony, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; Deacon William DeCrans, Diocese of Crookston; Deacon Santiago Hoyumpa, Diocese of Gaylord; Deacon Donald Kania, Diocese of Superior; Deacon Thomas Layton, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; Deacon Eladio Vieyra Gomez, Diocese of Boise; and Br. Deacon Jonah Wharff, OCSO, New Melleray Abbey.They return to their sponsoring dioceses to await ordination. In addition, Juan Urrea completed his program and received a Master of Arts in theology degree.

Seated during the Rite of Sending December 3 (L-R): Thomas Layton, Eladio Vieyra Gomez, Br. Jonah Wharff, OSCO, Donald Kania, Santiago Hoyumpa, William DeCrans and Fred Anthony.

11/30/08 - Alumnus killed in auto accident
Fr. Philip Chung-Jin Kim, class of 2004, Diocese of San Antonio, Texas, was killed Sunday morning, November 30, in a one-vehicle rollover in Atascosa County.

Kim, 76, died when he lost control of his 2000 Toyota 4Runner on I-37 south of Pleasanton at around 11 a.m. Kim's vehicle rolled several times, and he was ejected from the vehicle. He died at the scene. State troopers do not know what caused Fr. Kim to lose control or if he was wearing a seat belt. He was on his way back from a fishing trip from Port Aransas, where he had spent the Thanksgiving weekend with family.

Fr. Kim helped found San Antonio's only Korean Catholic church in Leon Springs. He was a deacon at the church, and when his wife died in 1999, he went to Sacred Heart School of Theology to study for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in 2004 and spent the past four years as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, December 5, at 10 A.M. at Our lady of Perpetual Help Church, San Antonio

11/22/08 - Diaconate ordination
Four Sacred Heart seminarians were ordained to the diaconate on Saturday, November 22, in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett, DD, Archdiocese of Seattle, was the presider. Ordination to the diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood. The seminarians who were ordained are Bryon Dickey, Patrick O'Hogan, Todd Strange, and Gerald Burns, all studying for the Archdiocese of Seattle where they will return to minister.

09/07/08 - ESL students present annual cultural fair

Every year the English as a Second Language students offer the seminary community an opportunity to experience the cultures of their homelands. They create displays, cook and serve native foods and beverages, and sing and dance in their first language. While they are at Sacred Heart to learn English, they teach the community about the countries of their birth as well.

8/29/08 - New semester begins
Twenty new students from 13 dioceses and two religious congregations, arrived on campus on Sunday, August 17. They spent their first week becoming familiar with the campus, the city of Milwaukee and their new life as a seminarian-student. They attended orientation sessions on human and spiritual formation, academic formation, pastoral formation, the library, and liturgy. They made new friends and were reassured by returning students, faculty and staff that their journey to priesthood would be grace-filled and successful. Click here to see the SHST New Faces.

The pagentry-filled opening liturgy on Wednesday, August 27, gave them their first opportunity to pray with the entire Sacred Heart School of Theology community. Faculty (right), in academic robes, committed themselves to help in the formation of the seminarians.

In his homily, Very Rev.Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, provincial superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and president of the seminary's board of directors, assured all the students that the community always prays for them.

5/30/08 - Vice rector's translation published
Sacred Heart School of Theology Vice Rector Rev. Thomas Knoebel, PhD, has published an English translation of Isidore of Seville : De Ecclesiasticis Officiis (Ancient Christian Writers). This is the first complete English translation of this important work of Isidore, the last Latin Father of the Church. Isidore is one of the most influential Latin theologians in the West until Trent. He was a strong advocate of clerical education, a precursor of the Tridentine seminary system, and a reformer of Church life.

Knoebel's book is the fullest description available and provides a rare account of 7th-century Spanish liturgy and Church life and practice. It demonstrates the variety of Latin liturgies in the West. It is published by Paulist Press and available on Amazon.com.

5/27/08 - Sacred Heart elects new board officers
Mary J. Meehan (left), PhD, FACHE, president of Alverno College, Milwaukee, was elected chairperson of the Sacred Heart School of Theology Board of Directors. Meehan, who has served on the board since 2005, succeeds Michael Falbo, in that position. She will serve a two-year term, May 2008 through May 2010.

Barbara Anne Cusack (right), JCD, chancellor for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, was elected vice chair. She became a member of the Sacred Heart board in 1997. Cusack will also serve a two-year term, May 2008 through May 2010.

Prior to becoming president of Alverno in 2004, Meehan was the executive vice president for administration at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey. Throughout her career she has enthusiastically served her profession, community and various civic groups. Currently she is a member of the board of directors of several organizations including the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association, Georgian Court University, Milwaukee area Technical College President's Advisory Board, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Wisconsin Foundation of Independent Colleges and the Women's College Coalition.

Cusack received a degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. After serving as judge for the metropolitan tribunal of the Archdiocese of Chicago, she joined the Milwaukee Archdiocese as associate chancellor in 1987 and became chancellor in 1994. She is archdiocesan director of administrative services, promoter of justice on the Administrative Tribunal and judge on the Metropolitan Court of Appeals.

Alan Bembenek was elected secretary-treasurer. He is general counsel for Catholic Knights, a not-for-profit Fraternal Benefit Society headquartered in Milwaukee with 148 branches and over 80,000 members located throughout 14 states.

Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ,STD, president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology, commented, “Sacred Heart is extremely fortunate to have the expertise and dedication of Dr. Mary Meehan to help guide the seminary forward. Barbara Anne Cusack's presence on the board has added the perspectiveof the Milwaukee church that has been extremely beneficial, and I know it will continue as she moves into her new role as vice chairperson. I look forward to the future, and I am grateful to these individuals and all our board members for the commitment they have made to Sacred Heart School of Theology.”

Sacred Heart students on Relevant Radio
January 12, 2006 - Interview with Steve Gastreich
Part 1 - 11 Min. 12 Sec.
Part 2 - 6 Min. 20 Sec.

February 20, 2006 - Interview with John Ozella
Part 1 - 6 Min. 37 Sec.
Part 2 - 10 Min. 36 Sec.

Fr. Cassidy elected president-elect of CMSM
Very Rev. Thomas P. Cassidy, SCJ, provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and former president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology, was elected president-elect of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). He has a one-year term as president-elect, after which, he will serve two years as CMSM president. He was elected by the CMSM membership at its annual assembly in Denver, Colorado, in early August.

Fr. Cassidy, 65, was elected as provincial superior in 2007. At the time of his election, he was president-rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology, an office he held since 2004.

The Conference of Major Superiors of Men is a national organization that supports and offers resources for U.S. leaders of Catholic men's religious institutes. CMSM promotes dialogue and collaboration on issues of religious life as well as peace and justice issues with major groups in church and society. There are more than 19,000 religious priests and brothers in the United States.

Rector and faculty member in South Africa
President-Rector Very Rev. Jan de Jong, SCJ, arrived safely in South Africa. He is teaching a three-week course in CPE at Greys Hospital in Pietermartitzburg. The course is a shortened version of CPE. He is responsible for a group of eight students. There are two other supervisors who also supervise eight students each. The program runs from July 14 until August 1. This is the third time he is teaching this course in South Africa . “I find this so enjoyable and satisfying, but I am looking forward to coming home and starting the new semester,” said Fr. Jan.

SHST faculty member Dr. Richard Lux and his wife, Mary, arrived Saturday, July 19, after a three-day stop in Amsterdam . They are getting settled in their temporary home at the grounds of Dehon House in Pietermaritzburg. Dr. Lux will start teaching Scripture at St. Joseph Insititute in Cedara on Monday, July 28. He has a full teaching load. They were welcomed with very pleasant weather and friendly faces.

SHST alums ordained
The goal of priesthood has been fulfilled for 14 Sacred Heart alums who will minister in eight different dioceses. They entered the seminary unsure of what life as a seminarian, a student again, would be like. They studied, prayed and worked in parishes, prisons and hospitals until the final day when they were proclaimed ready to serve the people of God.

Fr. Miguel Muralles Alvizures, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas
Fr. Edwin Anderson, Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin
Fr. Andrzej (Andy) Blaskowski, Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida
Fr. Lincoln Dall, Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi
Fr. Albert DeGiacomo, Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky
Fr. M. Daniel Edelen, Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky
Fr. Camilo Garcia Delgado, Diocese of Boise, Idaho
Fr. Eulices Godines Ramos, Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky
Fr. David Link, Diocese of Gary, Indiana
Fr. Michael McLain, Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin
Fr. Dennis Nelson, Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida
Fr. Lam Ngoc Nguyen, Diocese of St. Augustine, FLorida
Fr. C. Denis O'Shaughnessy, Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida
Fr. Robert Rodriguez, Jr., Diocese of Tucson, Arizona

Fr. Lincoln Dall was ordained on May 31, 2008, for the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi. Before entering the seminary, Lincoln, a convert to Catholicism, was a lay missionary volunteer in Canada, working in a soup kitchen and healing center. While at Sacred Heart he was very involved in the justice and peace committee organizing students and employees to assist in serving meals to the homeless and bringing speakers to the seminary to inform the community about social justice issues.

Religious congregation elects alumnus provincial superior
Rev. Daniel J. Cambra, MIC, Sacred Heart School of Theology class of 1986, is now the provincial superior of the Mother of Mercy Province, the Congregation of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The provincial office is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

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 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

Click here for more information on Fr. Jan de Jong,SCJ. (PDF)

Seven seminarians complete program
Sacred Heart's winter commencement exercises took place on Friday, December 2, during Vespers in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Very Rev. Thomas Cassidy, SCJ, provincial superior of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and president of the seminary's board of directors; Michael Falbo, chairman of the board; Fr. Thomas Knoebel, acting president-rector; and Fr. James Walters, SCJ, acting vice rector, took part in the ceremonies.

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.

Osborne's morning talk was followed by responses from three individuals.

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.