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The Saint John’s Seminary Magazine127 Lake Street, Brighton, MA 02135 | www.sjs.edu Summer 2014

COVER STORY:

God’s Gift of Music

2 SJS Magazine | Summer 2014

3: Rector’s Welcome

4: Seminarian Spotlight: Ryan Sliwa, Diocese of Springfield

5: Parish Assignments: David Harris, Diocese of Manchester

6 & 7: Cover Story: God’s Gift of MusicEditorial from Dr. Janet HuntEditorial from Seminarian Patrick Fiorillo, Archdiocese of Boston

8 & 9: A Masterpiece Restored

10 & 11: Meet our New Priests

12 & 13: What’s happening at The Theological Institute for the New EvangelizationDr. Angela Franks on Contraception and Catholicism

14: News from the Rector’s Office

15: New Friends for Saint John’s Seminary

16 & 17: Save the Date for our 2014 Golf Tournament & Auction

18: Upcoming Events

19: Keep in Touch!

Publisher: Monsignor James P. Moroney, RectorManaging Editor: Sandy Barry, Director of Annual Giving

Photography: Hinh Nguyen, Seminarian — Archdiocese of HaNoiGeorge Martell, Pilot New Media

Writers: Carol Hamblet Adams, Friend of Saint John’s SeminaryPatrick Fiorillo, Seminarian, Archdiocese of Boston Dr. Angela Franks, The Theological Institute for the New EvangelizationDavid Harris, Seminarian, Diocese of ManchesterDr. Janet Hunt, FAGO, Music DirectorDr. Aldona Lingertat, The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization

Design: Susan Kochinskas, Flocksholm DesignPrinting: Drake Williams, Drake Print Management

On the cover: Photograph by S. Barry

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Saint John’s Seminary Magazine

Saint John’s Seminary127 Lake Street

Brighton, MA 02135

www.sjs.edu

www.sjs.edu 3

RECTOR’S WELCOME

T he tulips have sprouted along the side of the Chapel and I just returned fromsitting on the bench beside them and saying a prayer for you, our benefactorsand friends. The Easter Season reminds us of the gift of eternal life which we havereceived in the dying and rising of the Lord, inviting us to an ever deeper share inhis paschal dying and rising.

Easter also reminds us that the ordination of so many of our brothers is soon tofollow! Ordination is such a special time in the life of a seminary. It is both thepurpose and the fulfillment of our life in this holy house.Over the next few weeks men will be ordained for Boston, Burlington, Worcester, Fall River, andSpringfield. At each of those ordinations the Bishop will turn to the ordinand and say: “Relying on thehelp of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these, our brothers, for the Order of thePriesthood.” With those words the many years of preparation come to an end, and the Church begins to be blessed by the ministry of a new priest.Pope Francis spoke of the joy of this day at the Chrism Mass:“On this priestly Thursday I ask the Lord Jesus to preserve the joy sparkling in the eyes of the recentlyordained who go forth to devour the world, to spend themselves fully in the midst of God's faithfulpeople, rejoicing as they prepare their first homily, their first Mass, their first Baptism, their firstconfession… It is the joy of being able to share with wonder, and for the first time as God’s anointed,the treasure of the Gospel and to feel the faithful people anointing you again and in yet another way: bytheir requests, by bowing their heads for your blessing, by taking your hands, by bringing you theirchildren, by pleading for their sick… Preserve, Lord, in your young priests the joy of going forth, ofdoing everything as if for the first time, the joy of spending their lives fully for you.”The preparation of these newly ordained is made possible by you, including the many new friends who havejoined us for our friend raisers evenings. The number of friends of Saint John’s Seminary continues to growevery week. I was particularly delighted to see so many of you at the celebrations of the Paschal Triduum. Itis always a joy to see you and a great support to the seminarians to know of your prayers and support.As the ordained depart for their parishes and a new class of seminarians arrive at the end of the summer,we will also see some changes in the Faculty. Father Derek Borek, one of our spiritual directors, will be returning to parish ministry, while Monsignor Connie McCrae will take his place. We are deeplygrateful for the many years of dedicated service of Father Borek and look forward to welcomingMonsignor McCrae, who first served as a spiritual director at SJS several decades ago.There’s much to tell you in this new edition of our magazine, including our restoration of the organwhich accompanies our prayer in the morning, noon and night in the Chapel. Your generous support is deeply appreciated, especially with this new project. Flip to pages 6–9 to learn more about thisundertaking and its importance to the Church!

In the Lord,

Monsignor James P. Moroney

Home Parish: Holy Family, South Deerfield, MA

Hometown: Huntington, MA

HS/College Attended: Gateway Regional High School, Huntington, MA; SaintAnselm College, Manchester, NH

Hobbies: Reading, writing, being in the outdoors

Favorite Class/Professor at SJS: Fr. Cessario’s electives on Aquinas, and Fr. Pignatofor his classes on Christology and Ecclesiology.

If I could spend ten minutes with His Holiness Pope Francis, I would:

a) Snap a photo and post it on Facebookb) Engage him in deep theological discussionc) Hand him my resume d) Other: Ask him what the seminary was like in his day.

When did you first sense a call to the ministry?

During the time around my Confirmation, while in high school.

Who or what have been the most formative influences

on your faith identity and development?

My childhood pastor, who was very kind and devout, was the first and best influence informing the Catholic instinct in me. My spiritual directors and friends have since beengreat encouragements. Also, time spent in prayer and reading have always been essential.

Do you have a particular focus or perspective that you hope

to bring to your ministry?

The Sacred Liturgy is of utmost importance to me, and I look forward to sharing thelove I have for it with others. I am also very eager to teach others how to pray and bedevoted to the Blessed Virgin.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned

about yourself or your faith at Saint John’s?

Being in front of large groups never came easily, and so the prospect of deliveringhomilies intimidated me as I entered seminary. Four years later, however, find me atease on account of the preparation I have undergone.

People might be surprised to learn this about me or

about life at Saint John’s:

Saint John’s is a seminary like most others. I think people would be surprised at thevery idea of seminaries. In a culture forgetful of God, people might be surprised to findthat there are groups of young men from varied backgrounds who believe that God isreal and that he is at work in the world. Even more surprising might be reality that menare willing to give of themselves totally in service of this belief.

Ryan Sliwa will begin his 4th Theology year this fall. He is studying for the Diocese of Springfield, MA, with an anticipated ordination date in the Spring of 2015.

OUR SEMINARIANS

Did you know? Seminarians come to Saint John’s from twelve different dioceses (Boston, Burlington,Fall River, Hartford, Hanoi, Hung Hoa, Manchester, Providence, Rochester, Springfield, Thanh Hoa andWorcester). In each issue of the SJS Magazine and our Currents newsletter from now on, we will shine aspotlight on one student to give you an “insider’s perspective” on the life and calling of a future priest.

Ryan Sliwa, Diocese of Springfield

Seminarian Spotlight

Ryan Sliwa

www.sjs.edu 5

OUR SEMINARIANS

While academic learning is one of the main components of seminary life, theknowledge we acquire in the classroom must be complemented by the ability to

share what we have learned with the people of God. Pastoral formation is the processby which seminarians learn how to minister to people and become better prepared tobe effective priests one day. The seminary helps us in this process by giving each of us a pastoral assignment, which is a volunteer ministry that we take up at a locationaround Boston, such as in a hospital, school, parish, or even a prison. While makingtime for a pastoral assignment can sometimes be difficult given the many demands on a seminarian’s time each day, a good pastoral assignment can be a rich and life-giving experience to help us grow in our ability to minister to others and to get aglimpse of the many joys of the priesthood.

During this academic year, I have volunteered at the Catholic Center at NortheasternUniversity each Wednesday evening along with Huan Dominic Ngo (Second-Theology, Archdiocese of Boston). We take part in their NU Life nights, whichincorporate prayer, worship music, discussion, and catechesis, and are run by studentleaders along with religious brothers from the Brotherhood of Hope. It was especiallyrewarding to not only work with the students, but also to build genuine friendshipswith many of them as we got to know each other. Additionally, since many collegestudents are discerning which path to take in life, we were able to mentor those whomight feel called to priesthood or religious life. Huan and I were always impressed thatthe students were so open to God’s will, and we felt grateful for their eagerness to talkabout their discernment with us.

During the summer months, many seminarians spend time working in parishes back intheir home dioceses as part of a ’summer assignment’. Like pastoral assignments at theseminary, these are valuable opportunities to put our education into practice and betterexperience what life is like for a parish priest. Even though the summer months are awelcome relief from tending to exams and papers, the busy schedule at a parish oftenkeeps us on our toes! I have personally very much enjoyed the two summer assign -ments I have had so far. The pastors and parishioners show their support for us in many ways, and their prayers and encouragement greatly assist us along our journey to become their priests, God-willing, one day.

David Harris will begin his 2nd Theology year this fall, and is studying for the Diocese of Manchester, NH.

Parish Assignments: David Harris, Diocese of Manchester

David Harris

Seminarians Dominic

Ngo and David Harris

with CCNU student

Priscilla Babchak.

Most of us have given thought from time to time about the effect beautiful musichas on our own lives. But have you ever considered how the music you make, or

support from behind the scenes, affects the lives of others? The following stories arejust a few I have collected during my lifetime as a professional musician. Each of thesetales makes me think seriously about God’s gift of music to all of us, and the positivepower it exerts:

• During a visit to a friend’s church, I was seated next to a mother and her youngdaughter. When the choir began to chant the psalm, the little girl’s face lit up and she whispered to her mother, “They sound like angels!”

• I taught flute lessons to middle school students in Richardson, Texas. One of mystudents was a very sweet girl who had ADD. She struggled with her academiccourses in a traditional classroom setting; school was an ordeal for her. She and I gotalong quite well during her private music lessons though, as I figured any musicalquestion her mind jumped to was relevant, although it made my preconceivedteaching plan moot. She had modest success in the school’s band program and toldme a couple of years later, “Band changed my life.”

• A family friend’s son is incarcerated in a state prison. A trained musician, he askedpermission to put together a choir made up of inmates to sing a concert of Christmasmusic. Not only did the prison officials approve his request, they asked if it could bemade an ongoing activity and not just a Christmas choir. Their first concert was well-received, and yielded a happy and unexpected result: a sense of accomplishmentexperienced by several of the singers. These men had been told all of their lives thatthey were losers and would never amount to anything. Participation in the choir was a positive and joyous experience for them.

• Augusta’s Church of the Most Holy Trinity is the oldest Catholic church in the stateof Georgia. Construction on its present building began in 1859. The outbreak of theCivil War wrought havoc with the construction process. Undaunted, someparishioners carried out much of the labor themselves, while others contributedfinancially toward the church’s stained glass windows, three marble altars (smuggledthrough the blockaded port of Savannah), and a 30-rank Jardine pipe organ importedfrom New York. Now, in 2014, the individual church members’ economic status runsa wide range, from people on public assistance to physicians. Yet, because of theforesight and contributions of the 1860’s parishioners, everyone who attends Massthere has an equal share in the visual and aural beauty. There is a thriving musicministry in which people of all ages and backgrounds participate, glorifying God forthe benefit of all who listen.

What these stories illustrate is that a high value placed on music, with fiscal support,eventually results in a human impact which can be life-changing for many people. Thenext time you make a gift toward a music program, think beyond the immediatelyrecognizable factors such as the cost of the instruments, the director’s salary, and theprice of hymnals. Think instead about the little girl in the pew, the child with learningdifficulties, the member of the prison choir, and the poor parishioner, whose lives areall changed for the better after experiencing God’s gift of music.

Dr. Janet Hunt, FAGO, is the Music Director at Saint John’s Seminary.

Dr. Janet Hunt

God’s Gift of Music

COVER STORY: GOD’S GIFT OF MUSIC

As you’ll see fromthe nextfew pages,

Saint John’s Seminaryhas recently under-taken the restora tionof the beloved Hook &Hastings organ in ourchapel. This 113-yearold instrument is inneed of some TLC tomake it “sing” prop-erly again. Here aresome insights from our Music Director, as well as one of our musically-inclinedseminarians, to givetheir perspective onwhy this project is so important.

www.sjs.edu 7

Throughout my life, I have encountered God’s presence many times through theexperience of beauty in Sacred Music. One such occasion was on a trip to France,

while I was visiting the historic Church of Saint Sulpice in Paris. This is where theSulpicians, who originally staffed Saint John’s Seminary, were founded. The churchcontains Pigalle’s famous statue of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, which became a distinctmark of Sulpician spirituality. This is why we find a replica of it in our own MarianCourtyard. As I was praying after the daily noon Mass in the Blessed Sacrament chapelin the front of the church, suddenly the world-famous Cavaillé-Coll organ began tobellow out penetrating harmonies from behind us that filled the massive space. Soonthereafter, a choir of about one hundred voices joined in, intently singing the triumphantmelody to Charles-Marie Widor’s Tu Es Petrus, which was originally composed on thatvery organ 136 years earlier. It turned out that this professional choir was having a dressrehearsal for their concert that evening. As I sat there enjoying the free concert amid thebeautiful surroundings of this historic church with its direct spiritual connection toSaint John’s Seminary, I was moved to tears by the way in which the music so powerfullycaptured the momentous encounter between Our Lord and Saint Peter. I had heardmany times the scripture passage from Matthew 16:18, “You are Peter, and on this rock Iwill build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” But it was not untilhearing it in this setting that its profound significance really struck me. It’s one of thosepieces of music that makes one proud to be a Roman Catholic!

I share this story to demonstrate the power of beauty in music, through which Christ ismade present to the world in a unique way. In several of his addresses, Pope BenedictXVI used the words of the 14th century Byzantine theologian, Nicholas Cabasilas, todescribe the encounter with beauty as “the wound of the arrow that strikes the heart”of man.1 By opening him up to the transcendent and causing him to look beyondhimself, “toward the ultimate Mystery, toward God,” beauty thus reveals God as theultimate true, good, and beautiful.2 By its appeal and inherent attraction to the heart,the Church’s tradition of Sacred Music, which the Second Vatican Council identifies as“a treasure of inestimable value,”3 conveys the sacred texts in ways that are often moreprofound than a spoken proclamation or theological discourse.4 The chants of theSacred Liturgy in particular, dating back to the early years of the Roman rite, form aperfect marriage of text and melody, which St. Basil describes as God’s way of furtherdisposing the hearts of man to receiving His truth: a type of divine pedagogy.5

As history has shown, Sacred Music plays a central role in evangelization and theformation of culture. It is one of the primary ways in which we experience the presenceof heaven on earth during the Sacred Liturgy, and will thus forever remain anindispensible aid in raising our hearts and minds to the contemplation of the mysteriesof the faith. I believe a quote of Simone Weil, to which Pope Benedict once referenced,aptly summarizes this: “In all that awakens within us the pure and authentic sentimentof beauty, there, truly, is the presence of God. There is a kind of incarnation of God inthe world, of which beauty is the sign. Beauty is the experimental proof thatincarnation is possible.”6

Patrick Fiorillo will begin his 3rd Theology year this fall, and is studying for the Archdioceseof Boston.

Patrick Fiorillo

1 Cardinal JosephRatzinger, “The Feelingof Things, theContemplation ofBeauty,” Address to theCommunion andLiberation, August 24-30, 2002.

2 Pope Benedict XVI,“Address to Artists,”Vatican City, November22, 2009.

3 Second Vatican Council,Sacrosanctum Concilium,112.

4 C.f. Ratzinger, “TheFeeling of Things, theContemplation ofBeauty.”

5 Rev. Jonathan Gasparand Romanus Cessario,O.P., “Worthy of theTemple: Liturgical Musicand Theological Faith,Nova et Vetera, EnglishEdition, Vol. 3, No. 4(2005): 679.St. Basil, Homily on theFirst Psalm, PG XXIX:209.

6 Pope Benedict XVI,Speech in Sistine Chapel,November 21, 2009.

Music and Beauty

An historic Hook & Hastings pipe organ graces the beautiful chapel of Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts.

Founded in Boston in 1827, Hook & Hastings was one ofAmerica’s premier organ building firms. Although the companyclosed in 1935, its fine instruments continue to servecongregations throughout the US in the 21st century. Sadly,our chapel’s 1901 instrument has been silent for several years.The original console was replaced with one of poor quality, whichbecame unusable and was removed in 2004. The organ’s internalcomponents need labor-intensive refurbishing, as detailed below.A small chamber organ was purchased in 2004 as a temporaryinstrument, but its modest size and limited range make itinadequate for congregational accompaniment, and impossible for most organ repertoire.

Happily, in January 2013, the seminary signed a contract with the Andover OrganCompany to renovate the Hook & Hastings organ. The instrument contains some well-made and colorful tonal material, which could be made more versatile foraccompanying singing and the playing of a wide range of organ repertoire by the

“Center loft shot

of the Saint John’s

chapel. Due to the

way the loft is

designed and where

the organ was

located, this shot

is only possible

from inside the

instrument.” —

This stunning view

was captured by

Matthew Grossi of

Mattapoisett, who

helped out with the

disassembly of the

current Hook &

Hastings organ

when work first

began last month.

Photo: Matt Grossi

A Masterpiece Restored:Saint John’s Seminary Pipe Organ Renovation Project

www.sjs.edu 9

judicious addition of certain complimentary stops (sets ofpipes). Andover will restore the existing pipework and add stopsin order to bring the whole instrument tonally into accordancewith present-day musical usages.

The result will be a three-manual and pedal instrument of 38 stops capable of accompanying the seminary schola as well as a chapel full of people. An expanded instrument also willenable the organist to enhance daily liturgies by playing from the vast treasury of sacred organ repertoire. The chapel is anartistic and architectural gem, and its physical constructionallows sacred music to be heard in an incredibly vibrant acoustic. A sensitively renovated historic pipe organ is a vitalcomponent of any worship service occurring in Saint John’sSeminary chapel.

Work began a few days after our May 2014 closing Mass, withanticipated completion in early 2015. For more information aboutthis project, please contact Dr. Janet Hunt at janet.hunt@sjs.edu.

How Can You Help?

As you can imagine, despite thedecent remaining structure

currently in place, the amount ofwork needed does translate into anincredible final cost; and yet, Dr.Hunt tells us that “we’re lucky that it was built so well 113 years ago, so we have not had to start fromscratch with this project — which would have cost double!”According to Hunt, this project hasbeen in the works since 1988 —and now that it is finally happening,no amount is too small to help.While many of the components ofthe work are large sums on theirown, with your support of anyamount and by the grace of God, we will see this monumental projectthrough to its completion by HolyWeek 2015.

To make a donation to the project,please visithttp://www.sjs.edu/gift.html andwrite “Organ Project” in thedesignation field, or send a check to Saint John’s Seminary, OrganProject, 127 Lake Street, Brighton,MA 02135.

MEET OUR NEW PRIESTS

The Ordinandi of Saint John’s SeminaryReverend James BolandHometown: Northborough, MA | Diocese: Worcester, MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. JimI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Celebrating MassOne quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “Be not afraid.” (Isaiah 41:10)I’ll miss this the most about SJS: My friends!Fr. Boland has been assigned to St. Luke’s Parish in Westborough, MA.

Reverend Steven ClemenceHometown: Jundai, Brazil | Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston,MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. StevenI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Evangelizing, going door to door announcing the love of God for each one of us!One quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt. 28:19)I’ll miss this the most about Redemptoris Mater and SJS: The brotherly environmentFr. Clemence has been assigned to the collaborative of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody, MA and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Salem, MA.

Reverend Karlo HocurscakHometown: Haverhill, MA | Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston, MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. KarloI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Being part of helpingpeople to grow in the love of God in their lives.One quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “For where your treasure is, thereyour heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21)I’ll miss this the most about SJS: My brothers in Christ whom I have had the privilege of knowing over 6 years.Fr. Hocurscak has been assigned to the collaborative of St. John the Evangelist, St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. Mary Star of the Sea in Beverly, MA.

Reverend James M. SullivanHometown: Waterbury, CT | Diocese: Archdiocese of Hartford, CTI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. Sullivan (I like my last name) or Fr. Jim for thosewho may know me better. I am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: I enjoy preaching verymuch and although I am excited about every aspect of priesthood, preaching is among myfavorite tasks. One quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: I have often meditated and preached on two very simple words from the gospel of Luke (Lk. 14:10), “Come higher”.The journey in the spiritual life is never to be one of stagnancy, rather one of greater anddeeper love and intimacy. I’ll miss this the most about SJS: Having been in a busy working world for many years,the structured prayer life became a central part of my day. Praying the divine office incommunity will be greatly missed. Fr. Sullivan has been assigned to to the Torrington Cluster of Roman Catholic Parishes in Torrington, CT.

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MEET OUR NEW PRIESTS

Reverend Christopher FedoryshynHometown: Pittsfield, MA | Diocese: Springfield, MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. ChrisI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Administering thesacraments to the faithful and also to evangelizing and spreading the good news of the GospelOne quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “Waste not teachable days inidleness” —Saint AlcuinI’ll miss this the most about SJS: Studying alongside other Holy and dedicatedseminarians preparing for priesthood, and the competent faculty and staff who guide us. Fr. Fedoryshyn has been assigned to St. Mary Parish in Westfield, MA.

Reverend George FitzsimmonsHometown: St. Louis, MO | Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston, MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. GeorgeI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Being able to help people grow in their faith through all of the different times and phases of life.One quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “This is my new commandment,that you love one another as I have loved you.” ( John 15:12)I’ll miss this the most about SJS: The daily camaraderie and humor with other seminarians.Fr. Fitzsimmons has been assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Watertown, MA.

Reverend Christopher MicaleHometown: Woodstock, VT | Diocese: Burlington, VTI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. ChrisI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Celebrating MassOne quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “In the world you face persecution.But take courage, I have conquered the world!” ( John 16:33)I’ll miss this the most about SJS: The ability to discuss various theological andphilosophical issues and concerns with fellow seminarians.Fr. Micale has been assigned to Christi Parish in St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville and Danville, VT as a Parochial Vicar.

Reverend Christopher PeschelHometown: Taunton, MA | Diocese: Fall River, MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. ChrisI am most looking forward to this aspect of being in a parish: Celebrating the SacramentsOne quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: Age quod agis. (“Do what you are doing”.)I’ll miss this the most about SJS: Spending time with my classmates and friendsFr. Peschel has been assigned to St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, MA.

Reverend Jiwon YoonHometown: Hudson, MA | Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston, MAI’ll want my parishioners to call me: Fr. JiwonI am most looking forward to: Taking a part in the diocesan and universal Church’s effortto evangelize the world anew, and being a father who gives and nurtures people’s spiritualand moral life.One quote or verse that particularly inspires me is: “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5.)I’ll miss this the most about SJS: Communal prayers, the snow covered MarianCourtyard, and the food!Fr. Yoon has been assigned to St. Margaret of Antioch Parish in Burlington, MA.

Photos: George Martell

THE THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

Dr. Aldona Lingertat

Saint John’s Seminary’s Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) Program held its sixthannual Co-Workers in the Vineyard Conference, “Building the Life of a Parish,” on

Friday, April 4 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton. The conferenceprovides ongoing education development for clergy, deacons, religious, and laity inleadership positions in parishes.

The conference, which was emceed by Dr. Aldona Lingertat, Director of the MAMProgram, included an update from Fr. Paul Soper, Director of the Office for PastoralPlanning, on Disciples in Mission, the pastoral plan currently being implemented in the Archdiocese of Boston. The program also included a panel of pastoral teammembers from Phase One parishes, as well as keynote speakers Fr. Michael White andTom Corcoran, co-authors of Rebuilt, a book chronicling the story of the renewal ofNativity Parish in Timonium, MD.

Disciples in Mission can be found at www.disciplesinmission.com. The plan will beimplemented over seven phases. Phase One began in June 2013 and Phase Seven isslated to begin in June 2019.

“Disciples in Mission calls every parish of the Archdiocese ofBoston to be a strong, stable, effective and intentional center of the New Evangelization,” Fr. Soper said, emphasizing that theplan is for the growth of every parish and not parish closings.

“The most important thing we’ve learned from Phase One is thatremote preparation is key,” he said. “What we can do to be helpingparishes get ready well ahead of when they start is going to becritical to the success of the implementation.”

This is the time to boldly try new things without worrying aboutfailing, Fr. Soper said. “It’s very easy to get ourselves focused onthe structural stuff but in the end the structural stuff means

nothing in compari son to bringing people into a love relation ship with Jesus. Whatdrives our desire to be disciple makers is our own discipleship… So we need first to see to our own discipleship and then from there, on our knees, look to how we canmake disciples of others,” he said.

Keynote speakers Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran shared the transformation of their parish from one where parishioners are consumers to one where they aredisciples. Fr. White said that trying to feed a consumer mentality only lead to burnoutand depression. “The more was provided, the more was demanded,” he said.

Corcoran said that now, the focus is on creating disciples who love God and love theirneighbors as they love themselves, and who make other disciples.

The conference was made possible by a grant from Our Sunday Visitor Institute. To ordercopies of the talks given at the conference, email maryellen.lenihan@sjs.edu.

What’s happening at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization

When writing my new book on the Catholic teaching on contraception,Contraception and Catholicism: What the Church Teaches and Why (Pauline Books

and Media, 2013), it was easy for me to put myself in the place of a Catholic confusedby it all. That is because I was one of those Catholics once too.

As I relate in the book, I used to “think for myself ” on the contraception issue — or so Ithought. On all other teachings, I assented with Catholic dogma, but I couldn’t wrap mymind around why contraception was wrong. And yet it became ever clearer that, bysaying “no” to the Church on this issue, I was saying “yes” not to free-thinking indepen -dence but rather to the culture. No one seemed to agree with the Church, and yet thedominant culture was hardly healthy on sexual matters. Maybe I was missing something?

What I and everyone else missed was the reality of the sexual act. As I explored thisreality further, I came to see that, biologically speaking, sex has a fundamental purpose:reproduction. That’s not only the Catholic Church saying so; it is also the universalopinion of evolutionary biologists. Evolutionary developments in sexuality haveexisted to further reproductive success, and if they didn’t, they didn’t last. Sex andreproduction are intrinsically linked, it seems.

But if this is so, what does this mean about human sexuality? Only two answers arepossible: either human beings should strive to cut themselves off from their animal and bodily reality through contraception, or else we should be receptive to the baby-oriented reality of our embodied sexual state. I was uncomfortable with the firstapproach. I had studied the eugenic history of the population-control movement, which promoted contraception and abortion under the slogan “Quality, not quantity” —eugenic “quality,” not population quantity. I knew that all the pioneering birth-controlactivists, such as Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger, were eugenicists,promoting fewer children from the “unfit,” a goal sometimes achieved through forcedsterilization. The attitude that a person is liberated by being freed from her body seemedunhealthy and anti-body. Maybe the Church was onto something after all!

What the Church teaches in sexual matters is what I call in the book an attitude ofgratitude toward reality. We are called to be grateful receivers of the reality that Godhas made for us. This becomes a spiritual call to openness to the Father’s loving will forus in all things, even in the things that are hardest — money and sex. These areas feelthe most vulnerable to us, because both have to do with the future. We worry: whatwill happen to me if I can’t control things just right to make the future that I think Imust have? In these areas, as in the whole of our life, God is calling us to a deeper trustof him and his plan. When we use natural family planning instead of contraception, weattempt to live in harmony with reality instead of always fighting it. And that’s always abetter way to live, because fighting reality just doesn’t work.

Contraception and Catholicism presents this argument in a more developed way, butit also attempts to give practical help to people trying to live in accord with Church

teaching, no matter where they are in their journey. The book is intended to be anevangelical tool for spreading the good news about the culture of life and love. At only $7.95, it makes a great gift for friends and family who don’t yet understand thisteaching. As I can testify, anyone can come to see the light.

Dr. Angela Franks is a faculty member at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization.

Dr. Angela Franks

Contraception and

Catholicism: What

the Church Teaches

and Why

By Dr. Angela Franks

Dr. Angela Franks on Contraception and Catholicism

www.sjs.edu 13

THE THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

From the desk of Msgr. Moroney

NEWS FROM THE RECTOR’S OFFICE

A New Initiative: Finding Hope in the Church Today

Once or twice a semester, we have begun inviting groups of folks who havenever been to Saint John’s before inside these walls for a behind-the-scenes

look at what makes this place tick. They receive a tour of the main areas,including our beautiful chapel, a history of the Seminary, and are treated to thevocation stories of a couple of our more loquacious men. Local author CarolHamblet Adams was one such guest, and we are blessed to present her reflectionupon her visit to Saint John’s on the next page.

We are always looking for both hosts and sponsors for these events. If you knowof a group who may be interested, or are interested in either role yourself, pleasesend an email to sandy.barry@sjs.edu for all the details!

THANK YOUs are due all around:

• to the Flatley Foundation, the Lynch Foundation, andthe Our Sunday Visitor Foundation, all of whom havecontributed significantly to our ongoing projects here atSaint John’s;

• to those who have designated their Catholic Appealfunds and matching gifts towards Saint John’s Seminary;

• to those who donated to my “Wish List” in the Februaryissue of Currents, towards new mattresses for theseminarians, Smart Boards for our classrooms, and pipesfor our organ project;

• to all those who pledged $1, $2, $5 a day and more overthe Lenten season to aid our seminarians;

• to our incredible alumni population, who responded to a simple appeal this Spring celebrating their ordinationanniversaries with resounding support of over $15,000and counting — with some of our brothers evendonating as many as 100x their ordination year!

To all of you who have sent gifts, and perhaps even moreimportantly, to those who have prayed for me, for our menand their formation, and for everyone in this holy house— God bless you, and please accept my sincere thank youfor all you do!

Please join me in congratulating:

Fr. Romanus Cessario, O.P., Sacrae Theologiae Magisteron the conferral of the degree ofMaster of Sacred Theology by theDominican Order. The Degree isgiven by the Order of Preachers toits most distinguished scholars andwith the reception of this honor, heis henceforth known as the VeryReverend Romanus Cessario, O.P.

The conferral of this Degree is a great blessing to SaintJohn’s Seminary, where Father Cessario has taughtgenerations of Priests for nearly twenty years. The entireSaint John’s community is grateful for this well deservedrecognition of the extraordinary accomplishments whichFather Cessario has achieved as a priest, a scholar, and afaithful son of Saint Dominic.

Here are a few notes and musings from things that have crossedmy desk lately. Our newly-formed Development program has

been making incredible strides this year, and our Faculty continuesto make us proud in many ways as well!

www.sjs.edu 15

NEW FRIENDS FOR SAINT JOHN’S SEMINARY

Iwasn’t sure what event I was going to at Saint John’s Seminary. A friend had invitedme to an evening called Finding Hope in the Church Today, and I was happy to say,

“Yes”. I am a devout Catholic but had no real connection to a seminary. So I waslooking forward to my first visit.

Several other invited guests and I arrived at the beautiful campus, with its massive andbreathtaking stone buildings. We were greeted by a sea of warm and smiling faces, fromMonsignor James Moroney to Sister Jeanmarie Gribaudo, Sandy Barry and many wonder -ful seminarians, who welcomed us and immediately made us feel as if we were “family”.

A lovely table of hors d’oeuvres and beverages was waiting for us. While we enjoyedrefreshments, we were able to spend some time getting to know our hosts a little better.

We were then given a wonderful guided tour…from the Great Hall to the classrooms…to the refectory…to my favorite, the exquisite chapel, with its elegant stained glasswindows, woodwork and art. Following our tour, we went to the Cushing Classroom fora brief presentation — the highlight of my evening. Monsignor Moroney spoke first andgave a heartwarming talk on his very special “home”, Saint John’s Seminary. We wereblessed to hear from two seminarians, who shared stories of their special call from God tothe priesthood. They were warm, open, honest and funny. We all fell in love with them.

We were a very diverse group, ranging in age from forty to eighty, and from all walks of life.We were riveted by the presentations, had many questions to ask and learned so muchabout Saint John’s Seminary, which opened both its doors and its heart to us that night.

When the evening was over, I was filled with hope about so many things. I was morehopeful than ever about the future of the Catholic Church. I was so encouraged tolearn that Saint John’s Seminary is at full capacity and is even about to undergo afurther expansion. I left feeling hopeful about the extremely high quality of the youngmen answering God’s call to the priesthood. Our church is truly in amazing hands!

As I reflect on my night at Saint John’s, I feel so grateful to have met my new “family”.As Monsignor Moroney said, “This Holy House belongs to all of us.”

The speakers made us feel how very important each one of us is to the mission of thesacred priesthood, through our prayers, petitions, encouragement and support. Ialways knew this on some level, but it made a huge difference for me to see the faces of those for whom I am privileged to pray. Saint John’s Seminary is truly a very specialhome, one that forms the priests who are the future of our Church and who will serveour families for years to come.

One of the guests said she felt so “privileged to be in the presence of God’s shepherds-in-training”. I think we all felt exactly the same way! The seminarians helped usexperience the intimacy they have come to know with God; I could feel the heartbeatof Jesus there in that room.

I was honored to be asked to be a small part of their journey through my prayers andsupport. The evening was a beautiful “Friendraiser” that certainly showed what immensegood is happening in Brighton. I hope and pray that many others will be blessed toexperience a similar evening and feel the hope…the love…the prayers…the joy…and thearms of Jesus that surround all who enter this very holy place called Saint John’s Seminary.The event made a beautiful difference in my life, and I, for one, will never be the same.

Carol Hamblet Adams

Carol HambletAdams is a localauthor andmotivational speaker,and we are happy to have her as a new friend andsupporter of SaintJohn’s Seminary.Learn more about her work atwww.carolhambletadams.com.

Finding Hope in the Church Today

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2014 GOLF TOURNAMENT & AUCTION

Join us on Monday, September 15, 2014 at the beautiful Woodland Golf Clubfor our 13th Annual Golf Tournament & Auction. Here’s a look at last year’s fun,

and information on how you can get involved in 2014! In addition to players andsponsors, we welcome any and all auction item donations, event volunteers, and guests who are interested in the dinner and auction only! Learn more at www.sjs.edu or www.biddingforgood.com/SJSgolf2014.

Please contact michael.ruane@sjs.edu for details.

Not just a Golf Tournament…a day of fun and camaraderie to support the great work of the Seminary: forming priests for the Church of tomorrow.

SAINT JOHN’S SEMINARY 13TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENTWOODLAND GOLF CLUB • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Friday, August 15, 2014 at 7:00 PM

Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary127 Lake Street, Brighton

The seminary community invites the public to join in observing one of the great Marian feast days. The Mass will include music by Tomas Luis de Victoria

and Eric Whitacre sung by a select choir.

Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 7:30 PM

J. S. Bach Aria Concert127 Lake Street, Brighton

Vocal soloists and a string quartet join organist and musicdirector Janet Hunt in a concert of sacred arias selected

from Bach's cantatas, as well as a performance of hischeerful Concerto for Harpsichord in E Major.

Friday, October 24, 2014 at 5:00 PM

Saint John’s Seminary Annual Priest Alumni Dinner

127 Lake Street, Brighton

All priest alumni are invited to return to the halls of Saint John’s Seminary for a trip down memory lane! The evening begins with Holy Hour at 5pm, followed by dinner with Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap.

Formal invitations will be mailed in September.

Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 2:00 PM

5th Grade Open House127 Lake Street, Brighton

Elementary schoolchildren from across the Archdiocese visit SJS. For more information on bringing students,

contact MaryJo.Kriz@sjs.edu.

Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 7:00 PM

All Souls Concert127 Lake Street, Brighton

An annual treat sponsored by The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization

Monday, November 17, 2014 at 7:00 PM

Our Lady of the Presentation LectureSeries: Vatican Correspondent John Allen

680 Washington Street, Brighton

John L. Allen, Jr. is a senior Vatican analyst for CNN, a journalist, the author of nine books on Catholic affairs, and associate editor at The Boston Globe. He will join us

to speak about his insider experiences with Pope Francis and “All Things Catholic”.

Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 7:30 PM

and Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 3:00 PM

Lessons & Carols127 Lake Street, Brighton

Our annual Christmas concert featuring the Saint John’s Seminary Schola and special guests!

Upcoming Events

We are still busily working on filling up the calendar for the 2014–2015 schoolyear, but here are a few upcoming events that have already been scheduled.

Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, all events are free and open to thepublic unless otherwise indicated.

Keep checking back to www.sjs.edu over the Fall semester for more exciting lectures,concerts, and events, or send an email to sandy.barry@sjs.edu to be added to the

mailing list for our Event Newsletter.

UPCOMING EVENTS

www.sjs.edu 19

Please keep in touch!You can find out more about the Seminary in a number of ways:

Our Website: www.sjs.edu

Facebook: search “Saint John’s Seminary” and “The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization” and “like” us!

Monsignor Moroney on Twitter: @rectorSJS

Or just send an email to contact@sjs.edu with your name, mailing address, andemail address and we’ll be sure you get added to our mailing list for notifications of allfuture events and news!

KEEP IN TOUCH!

Monsignor’s Blog: sjsrector.blogspot.com

Saint John’s Seminary127 Lake Street

Brighton, MA 02135

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