Student Government
As part of the Sulpician characteristic of communauté éducatrice, i.e. the
community as an agent of formation, St. Mary's encourages seminarians to take
an active part in leadership and community building as training for future priestly
ministry. Student government is an appropriate vehicle for such participation, as it
seeks to promote the orderly structuring and administration of all seminarian
initiated services and events, and to provide for seminarian participation in the
administration of those services and events that are joint faculty and seminarian
initiatives.
Last Spring the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Alan Tremblay
(Manchester, 4T) as Student Body President. In that role he acts as student
representative to the Rector, serving as the seminarian representative at
appropriate public ceremonies, liturgical celebrations, and all meetings of
the Board of Trustees. He chairs the House Council, a joint faculty/student
body which serves as a sounding board on formational, community, and academic
issues. Joining him on the House Council are recently elected Presidents from
each class: Rev. Mr. Charles Pawlowski (Manchester, 4T); Ebaristo Pineda
(Metuchen, 3T); Daniel Cogut (Richmond, 2T); Dane Connelly (Syracuse, 1T);
and Christopher Colavito (Trenton, PT).
The House Council has three standing committees. The Liturgy Committee is
responsible, under the direction of the Faculty Council and the House Council,
for planning and coordinating the liturgical life of the seminary. Last Spring
the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Steven Roth (Baltimore, 4T)
as Chair of the Liturgy Community, together with recently elected representatives
from each class: Rev. Mr. Andres Serna (Trenton, 4T); Augusto Gamalo (Trenton, 3T);
Matthew Jones (Rochester, 2T); Michael Sartori (Manchester, 1T); and Daniel Price
(Wheeling-Charleston, PT).
The Peace and Justice Committee budgets, coordinates, and plans activities which
promote peace and justice as set out in its vision statement and as designated by
the Sulpician Provincial Council and the Faculty Council. Last Spring the seminarian
community elected Rev. Mr. Christopher Hess (Richmond, 4T) as its
chair. He is assisted on the committee by student volunteers responsible for various
facets of its work.
The Community Life Committee budgets, coordinates, and plans activities to help
build morale among members of the seminary community and seeks to draw the community
together as it focuses on human formation. Last Spring the seminarian community
elected Michael Zgonc (Manchester, 2T) as its chair. He is assisted
on the committee by student volunteers responsible for various facets of its work.
Requiescant in Pace
Representatives from the alumni, students, and faculty joined Rev. Msgr. David Fulton,
Associate Professor of Moral Theology, at the funeral of his mother +Bertha Fulton,
at St. Colman Church in Ardmore, PA, on September 20. She died one week short of
her 98th birthday.
On September 26 former faculty member and current member of the Board of Trustees
Rev. Philip Keane, S.S., joined the St. Mary’s community and Baltimore-area friends
for a Memorial Mass for his mother +Harriet Keane of DeWitt, NY, who died on July 12
at the age of 100.
May they rest in peace.
Welcome to New Faculty
St. Mary's Seminary and University is pleased to welcome two new members of the seminary
faculty. Fr. Leonardo Gajardo is a priest of the Diocese of Gary (IN) and a candidate
member of the Society of St. Sulpice. He earned both his Bachelor of Sacred Theology
and Licentiate in Canon Law degrees from The Catholic University of America, and comes
to St. Mary's as Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Assistant Director of Liturgy.
Fr. Rafael Ramirez is a priest of the Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal (Mexico) and a candidate
member of the Society of St. Sulpice. He earned both a Licentiate and a Doctorate in Sacred
Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He comes to St. Mary's as Assistant Professor
of Sacred Scripture after a varied career including teaching at the Pontifical Athenaeum
Regina Apostolorum in Rome and Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, as well as pastoral
and administrative experience in Mexico, Italy, and Switzerland.
St. Mary's also welcomes several new adjuncts: Rev. Thomas Burke, O.SS.T., (SMSU '78) and
former Vice Rector and faculty member, in Systematic Theology; Rev. Patrick Carrion (SMSU '82)
in Pastoral Theology; Deacon Michael Dvorak in Pastoral Theology; Deacon George Russell in
Philosophy; and Mr. James Stroud, completing his STD from the Catholic University of America,
in Moral Theology.
Welcome New Students
St. Mary's Seminary and University welcomes twenty-three new seminarians and one
resident priest student to its seminary community. Student leadership and seminarian
volunteers helped the new seminarians move in and feel welcomed and at home at
St. Mary's during its 2011 Introduction to Seminary Life Program, August 25-29.
The new arrivals come from twelve dioceses, but with origins from around the world:
Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Hungary, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Zambia,
and the United States. The Welcome to Seminary Life Program includes introductory
conferences on Sulpician formational community, the four pillars of formation as
outlined by Pope John Paul II in Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Liturgy of the Hours
and the Sulpician method of meditation, and the philosophical and theological
course of studies; testing of basic academic skills; and a tour of Sulpician and
Catholic Baltimore heritage. Hurricane Irene was an unexpected orientation guest,
who caused some damage to tree branches but otherwise disrupted nothing.
The average age of the new seminarians is slightly over twenty-nine. Most of the new
seminarians have already been in some form of priestly formation — high school,
college, major seminary, or religious life. Their academic background includes
undergraduate degrees from a number of institutions, including Allegheny College,
California University of Pennsylvania, Duquesne University, Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania, Gannon University, Lafayette College, Seton Hall University,
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, SUNY (Potsdam), University of New Mexico, University of
Pittsburgh, University of Puerto Rico, University of Virginia, and Wheeling Jesuit
University. Their previous careers includes baker, campus ministry, education
administration, medical equipment maintenance, railroads, retail management,
school custodian, teaching, UPS deliveryman, and US Navy linguist. They bring
the gifts and talents given them by God, and offer them for service to God's People.
With the arrival of returning seminarians on August 29, the community reassembles
for a traditional Baltimore crab feast/bull roast. The following day the emphasis
shifts to quiet and reflection, with the annual retreat, preached this year by
Most. Rev. Emilius Goulet, S.S., Archbishop Emeritus of St. Boniface, Canada, on
the theme "Encounter with the Living Christ."
St. Mary's Seminary & University Alumnus named Vice Rector
Father Edward J. Griswold, St. Charles
College `66 and St. Mary's Seminary `72, has been appointed Vice Rector of Saint Mary's
Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. The announcement was made on July 1st
by Father Hurst.
Father Griswold is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton and a 1972 graduate of Saint
Mary's. He was ordained at Saint Ambrose Church in Old Bridge, NJ in 1973 and then
was assigned to Saint Matthias Parish in Somerset, NJ. In 1980 he became the Director
of Vocations for the Diocese of Trenton. After a seven year term in that ministry,
Fr. Griswold moved to Chicago to become the Executive Director of the National
Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors for three years. In 1991 he became
Associate Dean of Formation at Chicago's Mundelein Seminary. Returning to the
Diocese of Trenton in 1995 he became pastor of Saint Mary's Parish in Colts Neck
for 12 years followed by his assignment as pastor of Saint Gregory the Great Parish
in Hamilton Square, NJ.
In 2009 Father Griswold joined the faculty of Saint Mary's Seminary to teach
Homiletics and to direct the Pastoral Formation Program. Until his appointment
as Vice Rector, he had been serving as Dean of Students as well. In spring 2011
Father Hurst appointed Fr. Griswold to the Henry J. and Marion I. Knott Chair in
Homiletics in recognition of his work with the seminarians in exegetical and
communications for effective preaching.
Father Griswold holds graduate degrees in Theology from Saint Mary's and
in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University. He received his Doctor
of Ministry Degree in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in Saint
Louis, Missouri in 2008.
Dean Gorman to Become Research Professor
June 29, 2011 — Fr. Thomas R. Hurst, President Rector
of St. Mary's Seminary & University, has announced that after more than 18 years in the Dean’s
office of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, Dr. Michael Gorman will step down at the end of the 2011–
2012 academic year, June 30, 2012. Dr. Gorman, who is also a full professor of Scripture at St. Mary’s,
will assume the newly created position of Distinguished Research Professor of Sacred Scripture on July 1, 2012.
In making the announcement, Fr. Hurst expressed his gratitude to Dr. Gorman for his many years of leadership
in the E.I. “Dr. Gorman has steadily guided the E.I. to the place of academic, spiritual, and ministerial
strength that it is today. We are all thankful for his commitment and hard work during the last two decades.”
More information.
St. Mary's Bookstore is Moving
St. Mary's Seminary & University is transitioning from an
in-house bookstore to an on-line book service. The bookstore is currently closed for the transition.
A new on-line book service will be available to students on or about July 11th, and the plan is to continue
to expand the on-line offerings to all patrons by December 2011.
St. Mary's is proud of the service that its bookstore has provided faculty and students at St. Mary's
as well as the general public. It also appreciates the patronage of our bookstore customers but, like
many small bookstores, has found that many previous and potential users are now seeking an online option
for purchasing books. We will continue to update the progress of our online bookstore on our website
and in our institutional publications.
2011 Graduation
On Thursday, May 12, Archbishop Edwin
O’Brien, S.T.D., Archbishop of Baltimore and Chancellor of the University, presided
over Commencement Exercises at St. Mary’s Seminary and University. After a welcome
by Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D., President-Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the
University, and an invocation by Very Rev. Thomas Ulshafer, S.S., S.T.L., Ph.D.,
Provincial Superior of the American Province of the Society of St. Sulpice, thirty-seven
students received theological degrees from St. Mary’s three faculties.
The Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology under its Praeses Rev. Timothy Kulbicki, OFM Conv.,
H.E.D., conferred eight Baccalaureates in Sacred Theology and one Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
The School of Theology under its Dean Fr. Kulbicki conferred two Bachelors of Arts (Humanities),
two Bachelors of Arts (Theology), three Masters of Arts (Theology), and seven Masters of Divinity.
The Ecumenical Institute of Theology under its Dean Dr. Michael Gorman, M.Div., Ph.D., conferred
fifteen Masters of Arts (Theology), six Masters of Arts (Church Ministries), and two Certificates
in Advanced Studies (Theology).
St. Mary’s Seminary and University also conferred a
Doctorate of Divinity, honoris causa, upon Rev. Dr. Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of
Spiritual Theology at Regent College, for his contributions to the spiritual life and pastoral
ministry of people of many different Christian traditions. Dr. Peterson, the author of thirty-six
books, also delivered the Commencement Address on Jesus and His Friends, inviting the graduates
to deeper friendship with the Lord Jesus.
A Retirement Milestone
The seminarians honored faculty and staff for their work at St. Mary’s at a special event on May 4th. Mrs. Helena Terry, (pictured with fellow Chartwells employee Karen Garris) was honored for having the longest tenure. Mrs. Helena is retiring after 42 years of service. Father Hurst noted that Helena came when he was in First Theology and on behalf of the institution thanked her for her work and her prayers for the community throughout the years
Seminary Faculty Recognizes Outstanding Students
Thanks to generous endowments on the part of
its benefactors, each year St. Mary's Seminary recognizes the excellence of two of its seminarians
by granting them a burse of studies to further aid and foster their education.
In recognition of his general excellence in studies; general excellence in spiritual and community
leadership; potential for ministry; and pastoral sensitivity to ecumenical and interfaith issues,
the faculty has named Daniel Quinn as the Cardinal Keeler Scholar for 2011-2012. Daniel, 27,
is a seminarian of the Diocese of Albany. He will be ordained a transitional deacon in his
diocese on May 28, and return next year to St. Mary's to complete his priestly formation.
In recognition of his general excellence in studies; general excellence in spiritual and
community leadership; and potential for ministry, the faculty has named Andrew Nelson
as the Cardinal Shehan Scholar for 2011-2012. Andrew, 32, is a seminarian of the Diocese
of Manchester. After a summer assignment in his diocese, he will return next year to
St. Mary's to continue his priestly formation.
Each year the Scripture faculty of St. Mary's Seminary recognizes the excellence of a
seminarian in Biblical Studies. This year the faculty recognized Eric Ayers, 42, a
seminarian of the Diocese of Richmond, who will graduate this May and be ordained a
priest in his diocese on June 18.
Seminary Celebrates Vice Rector’s 25th Anniversary
On Sunday, April 10, the seminary community marked the 25th anniversary of priestly
ordination of the Vice Rector and Dean of the School of Theology Rev. Timothy Kulbicki, OFM Conv.
Fr. Kulbicki presided at the Eucharistic liturgy, with President Rector Rev. Thomas R. Hurst, S.S.,
preaching the homily. Fr. Kulbicki spoke at the banquet following the liturgy, together with his
Minister Provincial Very Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv., and the Provincial of the American Province
of the Society of St. Sulpice.
Fr. Kulbicki came to St. Mary’s in 1997 after ministry service in his community’s apostolates, and
after earning his Doctorate in Ecclesiastical History at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Over the years Fr. Kulbicki has served in a number of administrative responsibilities, including
Ecclesiastical Praeses, Director of Continuing Formation of Priests, and Director of Pastoral Formation.
In 2008 he was named the Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Professor. He remains active in service
to his community and to the local Church, especially formation for the permanent diaconate.
Congratulations! Ad Multos Annos!
Lectors and Acolytes
On Thursday, February 3, 2011, fifteen seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore
and the Dioceses of Camden, Manchester, Portland, Richmond, Rochester, Syracuse, Trenton,
Wheeling-Charleston, and Worcester were installed in the Ministry of Lector. Fifteen seminarians
from the Dioceses of Camden, Greensburg, Portland, Richmond, Syracuse, Trenton, Wilmington, and
Worcester were installed in the Ministry of Acolyte. Bishop David O'Connell of the Diocese of Trenton presided.
Lectors proclaim the Scriptures at liturgical celebrations and serve as catechists;
acolytes serve at Eucharistic celebrations and bring the Eucharist to the sick.
Congratulations!
Seminarians March for Life
The community of St. Mary’s Seminary and University
was fully represented at the various activities associated with the Right to Life anniversary of the
Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, January 22, 1973, organized by Mr. Jeffrey Paveglio, a second-year
theologian of the Diocese of Manchester and chair of the seminary Right to Life subcommittee.
On Sunday evening a group of seminarians joined Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the chair of the United States
Catholic Conference of Bishops Pro-Life Committee and an estimated 18,000 others in the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a Vigil Mass. St. Mary’s seminarians also participated
in the all-night Eucharistic Adoration for Life at the National Shrine, assuming responsibility for the
Midnight-1 AM time slot; they were graciously offered hospitality for the night at the nearby Dominican
House of Studies.
On Monday morning other seminarians and faculty departed shortly before 6 AM on a chartered bus, using
the travel time for prayer and reflection. They joined 10,000 other young people for a morning Youth
Rally for Life at the DC Armory (another 18,000 participated in a simultaneous rally at Washington’s
Verizon Center), beginning at 8 AM with a contemporary music rally, opportunity for the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, and the praying of the Rosary before a 10 AM Eucharistic celebration presided again by
Cardinal DiNardo, at which St. Mary’s seminarians offered all liturgical ministries. Seminary Rector
Fr. Thomas Hurst, S.S., was a vested concelebrant along with other Bishops and seminary rectors; those
in formation or in discernment for priestly life and ministry or religious life were particularly
highlighted for prayer. The community then traveled to the Washington Monument, the gathering spot for
approximately 150,000 marchers. The final destination, the United States Supreme Court building, was the
sight of the seminary community gathered in prayer for an end to abortion in our land and the protection
of the right to life of all people. The seminary community re-gathered for a pizza dinner in the Donnelly
Lounge at 6 PM.
Faculty Appointment
St. Mary's Seminary and University is pleased to announce the appointment of
Rev. Msgr. David Fulton, J.C.D., S.T.D. to the Richard and Barbara Fisher Chair in Theology.
Msgr. Fulton is a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen and has served as pastor of Our Lady of
Victories Church in Baptistown, N.J. since 1988 . He holds doctorates in both canon law and
theology and has been a member of the faculty of the School of Theology at St. Mary's since 2006.
He teaches courses in both canon law and moral theology as well as serving as a spiritual director.
The Richard and Barbara Fisher Chair in Theology was established in August, 2001, by Richard
and Barbara Fisher. The endowment supports the theological work of the Faculty of St. Mary's
Seminary & University. In particular, the chair supports a professor in theology with special
competency in the magisterial teaching of Pope John Paul II regarding faith and morals.
Student Government
As part of the Sulpician characteristic of communauté éducatrice, i.e. the community as an agent of formation, St. Mary’s encourages seminarians to take an active part in leadership and community building as training for future priestly ministry. Student government seeks to promote the orderly structuring and administration of all seminarian initiated services and events, and to provide for seminarian participation in the administration of those services and events that are joint faculty and seminarian initiatives.
Last Spring the seminarian community elected Rev. Mr. Brian Capuano (Richmond, 4T) as Student Body President. Joining him on the House Council are recently elected Presidents from each class: Rev. Mr. Jason Feigh (Erie, 4T); Jhon Madrid (Paterson, 3T); Tyler Bandura (Greensburg, 2T); Zachary Inman (Syracuse, 1T); and Zachary Goodier (Syracuse, PT).
Also elected were: Jason Hage (Syracuse, 2T) as Chair of the Liturgy Committee, together with recently elected representatives from each class: Rev. Mr. Matthew Hardesty (Louisville, 4T); Steven Roth (Baltimore, 3T); Jorge Bedoya (Trenton, 2T); Zachary Miller (Syracuse, 1T); and Lance Martin (Wilmington, PT); Brian Lewis (Wilmington, 2T) as Chair of the Peace and Justice Committee; and Andrew Nelson (Manchester, 2T) as chair of the Community Life Committee.
Welcome New Students
St. Mary’s Seminary & University welcomes twenty-five new seminarians and two resident priest students to its seminary community. Student leadership and seminarian volunteers helped the new seminarians move in and feel welcomed during its 2010 Introduction to Seminary Life Program, August 26-30. The new arrivals come from fifteen dioceses, but with origins from around the world: Cameroon, Colombia, Haiti, Philippines, Poland, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, and the United States. The Welcome to Seminary Life Program includes introductory conferences on Sulpician formational community, the four pillars of formation as outlined by Pope John Paul II in Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Sulpician method of meditation, and the philosophical and theological course of studies; testing of basic academic skills; and a tour of Sulpician and Catholic Baltimore heritage.
First Anniversary Mass
On Friday September 10th at 11:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Seminary & University Community will celebrate a first anniversary Mass of the death of Father Anthony Perez, S.S. Father Tony continues to be remembered with great reverence and affection by seminarians, faculty, staff and alumni. This first anniversary will be another opportunity to continue Father Tony’s memory in the community and to recall how he has touched the lives of so many of us. Guests are, of course, welcome.
Another St. Mary's Alumnus Named Bishop
On Saturday May 29th, St. Mary’s alumnus Father Charles Kasonde (STL, 2008) was installed as the Bishop of the Diocese of Solwezi in Zambia by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicolas Girasoli. It was a joyous celebration at the Cathedral of St. Daniel with most of the bishops of Zambia participating in the Mass which was filled with music and dancing. After the ceremony, the newly installed bishop spent three hours greeting the many people who attended.
Erected as an Apostolic Prefecture in 1959, Solwezi was then established as a diocese in 1976. The diocese covers 35,000 square miles and serves 70,000 Catholics. There are 20 parishes with 30 priests and 80 religious men and women serving in the diocese.
Bishop Kasonde is one of six Zambian priests who have completed their STL at St. Mary’s in the last few years. It is a privilege for St. Mary’s to assist the Church of Zambia where the Sulpicians have ministered for over twenty years. The young Zambian priests who live with us for two years while doing further graduate work enrich our community by their seriousness of purpose and dedication to priestly ministry. We are now proud to have another bishop alumnus from this historic seminary. We keep Bishop Charles and his diocese in our prayers.
St. Mary's Alumnus Named Bishop
On Saturday, May 22, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI named Fr. F. Richard Spencer (SMSU ’87) as Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, assigning him the titular see of Auzia.
Bishop-Elect Spencer was born in Sylacauga, AL, in 1951. Prior to entering seminary, he served in the United States Army and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University, and a Master’s in Education in Administration from the University of Wisconsin. He earned his Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Sacred Theology from St. Mary’s in 1987.
After priestly ordination for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1988, he served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish, Glyndon; co-director and then director at Msgr. O’Dwyer Retreat House in Sparks; and Administrator of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Oakland. He returned to active military duty in 1999, serving in South Korea, the Sinai Desert, Iraq, and at the Pentagon Office of Army Chief Chaplains, as well as specialized studies at the General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS. Since 2009 he is Deputy Command Chaplain for the United States Army in Europe.
Lectors and Acolytes
On Thursday, February 4, 2010, thirteen seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Dioceses of Camden, Greensburg, Portland, Richmond, Syracuse, Trenton, and Wilmington were installed in the Ministry of Lector. Twenty-one seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Dioceses of Albany, Camden, Manchester, Paterson, Syracuse, Trenton, and Wilmington were installed in the Ministry of Acolyte. Bishop John M. Smith of the Diocese of Trenton and a member of the Board of St. Mary’s Seminary & University presided. He was joined by Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux (SMSU ‘75) of the Diocese of Pontoise, France, and a former Rector of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, who was visiting his alma mater.
St. Mary’s Seminarians March for Life
Organized by Mr. Christopher DeLeon, a pre-theologian of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and chair of the seminary Right to Life subcommittee, St. Mary’s Seminary & University participated in activities associated with the Right to Life March on January 22.
On Thursday evening a group of seminarians joined Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the Chair of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Pro-Life Committee and an estimated 18,000 others in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a Vigil Mass. St. Mary’s seminarians also participated in the all-night Eucharistic Adoration for Life at the National Shrine, assuming responsibility for the 2-3 AM time slot.
On Friday morning other seminarians and faculty departed shortly before 6 AM on a chartered bus, using the travel time for prayer and reflection. They joined 20,000 other young people for a morning Youth Rally for Life at Washington’s Verizon Center, and then joined 150,000 marchers at the Washington Monument. The final destination, the United States Supreme Court building, was the sight of the seminary community gathered in prayer for an end to abortion in our land and the protection of the right to life of all people.
Candidacy
On Thursday, November 12, 2009, five seminarians—James Akwarandu of the Archdiocese of Baltimore; Carlos Florez of the Diocese of Trenton; Matthew Hardesty of the Archdiocese of Louisville; Marcin Nowicki of the Diocese of Worcester; and James Schultz of the Diocese of Syracuse—were admitted into Candidacy by the Most Reverend Richard B. Higgins, Auxiliary Bishop for Military Services.
Candidacy is a liturgical rite of admission requested by a seminarian of his own Ordinary, which formally acknowledges and enrolls him as a candidate for Sacred Orders.
Congratulations!
