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The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity summer 2017

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Ordination2017 Issue

2 | SUMMER 2017

Monsignor Aloysius R. Callaghan

fromfrom the themm rectorrectorhehhehthe gift of the priestly vocation

2 | SUMMER 2017R

ON THE COVER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We have come to the end of another joyful ordination season. We celebrate with and give thanks for 21 men who now serve nine dioceses and one institute of religious life. They are priests forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17).

Priestly formation has always been at the heart of the Church. In 1992, St. John Paul II gifted seminaries around the world with a ground-breaking document on formation entitled Pastores Dabo Vobis. In 2013, Benedict XVI integrated the formation of seminarians and the ongoing formation of priests in his edict Ministrorum Institutio. And, in December 2016, by the encouragement of our Holy Father Pope Francis, the Congregation for the Clergy issued a new Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, “The Gift of the Priestly Vocation,” last updated in 1985.

This summer, Vice Rector Fr. Scott Carl and I attended the inaugural conference on this most recent document. Held in Rome and attended by more than 120 seminary representatives from the English-speaking world, we were among our counterparts from Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, the Philippines and the United States as we examined the document in order to provide the best formation possible for our future priests.

The foundational vision of the updated Ratio is the proposal of an integral formation, capable of helping a candidate grow in maturity in each dimension of formation – human, intellectual, spiritual, pastoral – and

introducing him to a “permanent experience of discipleship” that gradually configures him to Christ the Good Shepherd.

Pope Francis reminds us that the priest is not a functionary of the sacred or a manager of a business. Rather, he is a pastor anointed for the people. This begins at the seminary where we are compelled to form the disciple who will be ready, on his ordination day, to be the shepherd.

Please pray that the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, will bring it to fulfillment.

May God bless you, y y ,

Monsignor Aloysius R. CallaghanRector and Vice President

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a pillar of the seminary

msgr. william l. baumgaertner 1922-2017

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On July 6, the seminary community laid to rest longtime priest, colleague and friend Monsignor William L. Baumgaertner, who passed away on June 21 at the age of 95. Archbishop Bernard Hebda presided at his funeral Mass.

A native of St. Paul, Msgr. Baumgaertner graduated from the College of St. Thomas and The Saint Paul Seminary (Class of 1946) before receiving a doctorate in philosophy from Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec.

Through decades of priestly ministry, he served the Church in a variety of positions, including as rector of The Saint Paul Seminary from 1960-1980.

He also served as Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Association Seminary Division in Washington, D.C. (1980-1985); as Director of Accreditation for the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (1984-1990); and on numerous boards of theological schools where he made significant contributions to their governance and success. Before retirement, Msgr. Baumgaertner served as Director of Seminary Relations for Christian Ministry in the National Parks System (1991-1993). He remained active in the seminary’s development office and chaired the committee that hosted the seminary’s centennial celebrations in 1990.

As a professor of logic, epistemology and history of philosophy, Msgr. Baumgaertner was a major intellectual influence on countless seminarians, including Fr. Dennis Dease, former president of the University of St. Thomas.

“Msgr. Baumgaertner would stride into the classroom with great energy, plunk down his briefcase squarely on the desk, extract a book with a flourish and begin to expound with the utmost enthusiasm,” Dease said. “It was like entering another realm. From him we learned the value of learning for its own sake, but we also acquired a foundation upon which we could build our priestly ministry for the rest of our lives.”

Msgr. Baumgaertner will be remembered for his loving heart, helpful attitude and abiding faith. May he rest in peace.

Msgr. William L. Baumgaertner

in memoriamFr. David F. McCauley, Class of 1963 Fr. James S. Stromberg, Class of 1957

4 | SUMMER 20174 | SUMMER 2017RMMMERMER

the corporal

works of mercy

feed

the hungry

give drink

to the thirsty

shelter the

homeless

visit the sick

visit the

prisoners

bury the dead

give alms to

the poor

sem naryseminary ne snewsyyyseminary partners with

catholic relief services

According to the United Nations, there are currently more than 65 million people worldwide who are considered “forcibly displaced,” creating the worst refugee crisis in human history.

This summer, Dr. David Jenkins, liturgical music director, and Michael Reinhardt, Theology I seminarian, witnessed this reality firsthand during a week-long trip to Lebanon and Jordan, organized specifically for seminary faculty and seminarians by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Motivated by the Gospel to protect the dignity of all human life, CRS carries out the commitment of the bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. The Saint Paul Seminary is one of several seminaries participating in the CRS outreach program.

According to Dr. Jenkins, this trip had three primary goals: to encounter the beneficiaries and share their stories; to see the work of CRS; and to be open to personal transformation in order to affect change.

What Dr. Jenkins and Michael observed was both overwhelming and inspiring. There are millions of refugees in these border countries, putting tremendous strain on available resources. However, thanks to the work of CRS and their partners, Caritas Lebanon and Caritas Jordan, their short-term needs are being met with food, clothing and shelter.

Dr. Jenkins (second from left, front row) and Michael Reinhardt (far left, back row)

are pictured with members of their group at CRS headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon.

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“The political situations are extremely complicated,” Jenkins said, “but

CRS and their partners are making a direct impact on people’s lives,

giving them a renewed sense of dignity.”

Michael appreciated that CRS works very hard to provide critical human connections. “Everyone longs to be home and with their families. CRS and their partners have become their new families during this difficult time,” he said.

What does this experience mean for the seminary community? “Living

the Gospel is more than a local responsibility,” Jenkins said. “As a

seminary, we can bring that message to the world around us.”

semseminary newsnewsyy

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Dr. David Jenkins and Michael Reinhardt take in a panoramic view of the wadi (valley) near Madaba, Jordan.

Top: Syrian children pose for a picture in the refugee

settlement in Lebanon.

Middle: Iraqi refugees work at the CRS Livelihoods

Project in Jordan to learn new skills and trades.

Bottom: Temporary shelters populate the streets of the Syrian

refugee settlement in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon

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Six men were ordained to the transitional diaconate this spring. They will proclaim the Gospel as ordained

ministers of the Word, of the altar and of charity. In preparation for ordination to the priesthood, transitional

deacons are asked to be servants to all, carrying out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Please pray for our

newly ordained transitional deacons.

Ordination to the Diaconate 2017

Deacon Gabriel Ayamdoor is prayerful as his name is called for

ordination to the diaconate. He was ordained by Archbishop Bernard

Hebda on May 13 for the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Deacon Jhonatan Sarmiento (center) is

surrounded by priests, brother deacons and

fellow seminarians following the ordination

Mass on May 20 in Rockford, Illinois.

Deacon Peter Ly receives the

stole from Deacon Nao Kao Yang

at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis.

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Deacon Raphael Akurugu, Diocese of

Navrongo-Bolgatanga, Ghana, smiles during the ordination Mass at the basilica.

Archbishop Hebda lays his hands

on Deacon Aric Aamodt during

the ordination rite.

Deacon Grant Thies and Bishop Robert

Morlino, Diocese of Madison, are pictured after the ordination Mass on April 18.

Catholic Herald Photos/Kevin Wondrash

8 | SUMMER 20178 | SUMMER 201717R

Another joyful ordination season is complete, during which 21 men from The Saint Paul Seminary were ordained

for nine dioceses and one institute of religious life. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate

(CARA) at Georgetown University, 590 men were ordained for dioceses throughout the United States this year.

Nationwide, their average age is 34, and 37 percent of diocesan ordinands studied at a seminary in the Midwest.

On May 27, ten men were ordained for the Archdiocese of Saint

Paul and Minneapolis, one of the largest classes to be ordained

in the United States in 2017. Eight who received their formation

at The Saint Paul Seminary are pictured on pages 8 and 9, along

with the names of their first assignments. Men ordained for other

sending dioceses are pictured on pages 10 and 11.

2017Ordination to the Priesthood

Fr. Matthew Quail

St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Anoka

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Fr. Nicholas Froehle

Saint Ambrose Catholic

Community, Woodbury

Fr. Benjamin Wittnebel

St. Peter’s Catholic

Church, Forest Lake

Fr. Bryce Evans

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic

Community, Wayzata

Fr. Paul Baker

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church,

Brooklyn Park

Fr. Timothy Sandquist

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savage

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Fr. Robert Gonella

Diocese of Rockford

Ordained May 13

Fr. Elijah Schwab

Carmelite Hermitage

Ordained May 25

Fr. Chris Weber

Diocese of

Davenport

Ordained June 3

Fr. Jayson Miller

Diocese of Fargo

Ordained June 3

Ordination to the Priesthood 2017

Fr. Robert Whitney

Archdiocese of Anchorage

Ordained June 23

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Fr. Samuel Schneider

Diocese of Superior

Ordained June 4

(Fr. Schneider is pictured

with his nephew, Axel James.)

Fr. Derek Wiechmann

Diocese of St. Cloud

Ordained June 3

Fr. Beau Braun and Fr. Jeremy Bock

Diocese of Duluth

Ordained June 9

On June 2, Bishop Paul Swain (center) ordained six men for

the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Pictured left to right are

Fr. Thomas Hartman and Fr. Joseph Scholten, who received their formation at the Pontifical North American College in

Rome and Holy Apostles Seminary in Connecticut, respectively.

Fathers Andrew Thuringer, Timothy Smith, Brian

Eckrich and Tyler Mattson received their formation at

The Saint Paul Seminary.

12 | SUMMER 2017

lay formationlayl y

On May 20, two School of Divinity students received Master of Arts in Religious

Education degrees and six received Master of Arts in Theology degrees during the

University of St. Thomas’ graduate commencement ceremony. In addition, 22 men

received their Master of Divinity degrees, the professional graduate degree program

specifically for men preparing for the priesthood.

Commencemen t 2017

Bernadette Gockowski

Robert Whitney

Master of Arts in

TheologyMikayel Barseghyan

Bryce Evans

David Haggard

Brian Kusek

Claudia Graciela Roman Jimenez

Shannon Voelker

Master of DivinityPaul Baker

Jeremy Bock

Beau Braun

Brian Eckrich

Bryce Evans

Nicholas Froehle

Robert Gonnella

Tyler Mattson

Jayson Miller

Matthew Quail

Timothy Sandquist

Master of Arts in

Religious Education Samuel Schneider

Elijah Schwab

Matthew Shireman

Timothy Smith

Brandon Theisen

Andrew Thuringer

Chad VanHoose

Christopher Weber

Robert Whitney

Derek Wiechmann

Benjamin Wittnebel

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lay at onformationlayl y

On May 11, the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

(MAPM) and Religious Education (MARE) candidates

presented their capstone projects to Academic Dean

Dr. Ken Snyder and members of the faculty. The annual

student showcase is an opportunity for them to apply

their theological research to pastoral work by identifying a

practical ministry need and designing a solution.

graduate student

showcase 2017

Ed Burke (MAPM) presents “Establishing a

Youth Group at a Small Parish.”

In addition to completing a Master of Divinity degree,

Fr. Bryce Evans completed a Master of Arts in Theology.

Here he presents “Faith in John Henry Newman and

Joseph Ratzinger” during the annual student showcase.

School of Divinity students gather for a photo

during the annual student showcase. MAPM

candidates Bernadette Gockowski (far left)

presented “Face-to-Face: Overnight Retreat for Middle Schoolers,” and Peter Young

(second from left) presented “Exploring and

Understanding the Mass.” Ed Burke and Fr. Bryce Evans are also pictured.

14 | SUMMER 2017

catechetical institute in growth mode

laycatecc

lay formationformationlaylaylayyThe Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute just keeps growing. On May 9, when more than 160 students in

the Class of St. Teresa of Avila received their certificates of completion, the ranks of alumni swelled to more than 1,500.

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Catechetical Institute is to further a student’s spiritual formation and deepen their

understanding of the Catholic faith. The heart of the curriculum is based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the

Catholic Church – creed, sacraments, moral life and prayer – and provides a systematic presentation of the Catholic faith

over the course of two years. Students also participate in formative sessions during each module. 

This past year, 38 teachers and catechists completed the first year of study and formation at the Catechetical Institute’s satellite

location in Des Moines, Iowa. At the request of Bishop Richard Pates, another class will begin in September.

This fall, members of the Class of St. Teresa of Calcutta will begin their second and final year of Monday evening classes at the

seminary. In addition, classes will be offered for the first time at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville and the Church of

St. Andrew in Elk River. The incoming classes will be named for St. Padre Pio, a beloved saint of The Saint Paul Seminary.

With multiple classes running simultaneously, the number of Catechetical Institute students and alumni continues to

grow, enriching and strengthening informed lives of faith in our homes, parishes and communities.

For more information: CIstudent.com

New alumni are pictured during the Mass (below left) and holding a

certificate of completion with Archbishop Bernard Hebda (below right).

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CURRENT POSITIONProfessor

DEGREESInsigni Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

FAMILYWife

FAVORITE SUBJECTTrinity

FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE FACULTY AT THE SAINT PAUL SEMINARY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY?

COURSES REGULARLY TAUGHTTrinity

PUBLICATIONSThree

WHAT’S NEXT?

f p filltl

Dr. Stephen Hipp

On

saintpaulseminary.org

16 | SUMMER 201716 | SUMMERER 20177R

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Priests v. Seminarians Basketball Tournament

St. Thomas Academy – April 21, 2017

Saint Paul SeminaryPriests of the Archdiocese

Saint John Vianney College Seminary

45 45

38 42

Semi-Final Final

Saint Paul Seminary

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pspecial entsallContinuing a tradition started by their predecessors, eight seminarians

from the Diocese of St. Cloud tapped into the seminary’s maple trees and a

unique form of fraternity this spring.

The process began in early March. Holes were drilled, bright blue bags were

hung, and sap started to flow. Not even spring break could stop the project.

A faithful friend of the seminary volunteered to collect the sap while the

seminarians were away from campus.

Fr. Derek Weichmann noticed that not only was the project a great way to

connect with God’s creation, but with the neighborhood as well. “It was a

good conversation starter with neighbors, walkers and joggers,” he said.

Despite inconsistent weather, 80 gallons of sap were collected, which

boiled down to nearly two gallons of sweet syrup.

a sweet spring

get thee to the seminary!

In front of three sold-out audiences, a talented group of actors

presented Shakespeare’s Hamlet during SPS Theatre’s annual spring

production.

The cast and crew included seminarians from Saint John

Vianney College Seminary, The Saint Paul Seminary and

friends of the seminary community. There was much for all to

do behind the scenes, including lights, sound, costumes, fight

choreography and makeup.

Director Fr. Andy Thuringer noted the strong presence of

Catholicism in this timeless story. “For the first half of the play,

Hamlet is engaged in a ‘discernment of spirits’ trying to work out

whether the ghost is real or a demonic deception,” Thuringer said.

“Despite his flaws, Hamlet comes to a genuine belief in Divine

Providence. To my mind, that’s a story worth retelling.”

If you missed the live performance, visit spstheatre.org to watch a

video of the adapted classic.

18 | SUMMER 2017

institutionalinstitutional advancementdvancementllllthe legacy of father bill

Thomas R. Ryan

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

18 | SUMMER 2017R

On July 6, the seminary said goodbye to one of its dearest friends, Monsignor William Baumgaertner. Monsignor devoted his life to seminary formation. He served as a professor of philosophy on the seminary staff from 1949 to 1968 and as rector from 1968 to 1980. After that, he continued in seminary related work serving as the national director for the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). He even remained active in the seminary’s development office after retirement. No one epitomized the life, mission and purpose of the seminary as did “Father Bill.”

I came to know Father Bill when I started my work at the seminary 12 years ago. As my position had been vacant for some time, he played a critical role in helping me find my “sea legs.” Soon after my arrival, he poked his head into my office to introduce himself. I was immediately won over by his kindly demeanor and looked forward to the occasions when he would stop in to see how I was doing. His presence was a steadying force and his historical knowledge of the seminary was invaluable.

For many, Monsignor Baumgaertner is a brilliant example of what it means to leave a legacy. In the three commodities we have to share this side of heaven, he gave all. In

time, he responded to the call to the priesthood and never looked back. In talent, he brought skill, insight and imagination to the area of priestly formation during some very challenging times. In treasure, he gave most generously, not changing his lifestyle when resources came his way. Rather, he invested his funds so there would be even more resources available to support the venerable institution he served.

I give thanks that I got to know Father Bill in the twilight of his life. I am grateful for his friendship, his saintly life, and his example of how to live a life of generosity and service.

To

This the Msgr. William L. Baumgaertner Fund (Phase II) ts

Wharton Charles Smith Guest Le tureship

Tom Ryan,trryan@stthomas.edu or (651) 962-5054William L. Baumgaertner,

Class of 1946, UST Archives

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nominations sought for distinguished alumni award

s m na yseminary n t snotesyyy

Rev. Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, associate academic dean, recently published a review on Just Deceivers:

An Exploration of the Motif of Deception in the Books of Samuel by Matthew Newkirk (Pickwick Publications, 2015).

In November 2016, he attended the National Society of Biblical Literature Conference in San Antonio. This summer,

he participated in the Monsignor Jerome D. Quinn Institute for Biblical Studies Conference at The Saint Paul

Seminary, June 6-9. Fr. Betancourt then preached a retreat to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS),

June 9-11, at the Franciscan Retreat house in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and participated in the Certificate in Seminary

Formation Program held at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, June 18-30.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award. Since 1995, two alumni are

honored each year: an ordained alumnus and a lay alumnus or exceptional friend of The Saint Paul Seminary.

Nomination forms and a list of past recipients are available on our website: www.saintpaulseminary.org.

Alumni pages can be found under the “About Us” tab. Nomination forms are due by September 5, 2017.

For more information, please contact Tizoc Rosales, associate director for institutional advancement: (651) 962-5071 or tizoc.rosales@stthomas.edu

N. Curtis Le May, Library Director and Theological Librarian at the Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library, was

installed as President of the Catholic Library Association (CLA) during the annual CLA Conference in St. Louis in

April. He also presented “The Witness of Women in the Early Church, ca. 30 to 600 C.E.” at the conference.

The Institute for Ongoing Clergy Formation (IOCF), under the direction of Deacon Dan Gannon, hosted a

spiritual formation retreat in May at King’s House in Buffalo, Minnesota. Fr. Sabastian Walshe, O. Praem., presented

“The Priesthood in the Gospel of St. Luke” during the six-day retreat for priests of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and

Minneapolis. In addition, the IOCF hosted the biannual Clergy Study Day in April for priests of the archdiocese.

Fr. Dennis McManus, Diocese of Mobile, presented “The Power of Confession: Jesus’ Conversations on Forgiveness.”

professional notes

The Saint Paul Seminary hosted the biennial

Msgr. Jerome D. Quinn Institute of Biblical

Studies Conference in June, entitled “Exegesis,

Lectio Divina, and the Ministry of the Word,”

with more than 20 international biblical scholars

in attendance. Fr. Scott Carl, vice rector of

administration and associate professor of sacred

scripture, is director of the institute.

biennial biblical

studies conference

20 | SUMMER 2017

PAID2260 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105-1094

School of DivinityUniversity of St. Thomas

www.saintpaulseminary.org

FALL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 6

20202020 |||||| SUMSUMSUMSUMSUMMMERMERMEMERMMER 2020200171717RRR

Faithful friends of The Saint Paul Seminary enjoyed a beautiful day at Town &

Country Club in St. Paul on June 12 for the 34th Annual Golf Tournament.

More than $163,000 was raised to support the education and formation of our

future priests. We are grateful for our golfers and sponsors!

Save the date The 35th Annual Golf

Tournament

June 4, 2018

Sept

The 34th Annual Golf Tournamenta great day to

support the seminary