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newsFall 2013Saint John Vianney
College SeminarySt. Paul, Minnesota
What’s Inside 2 Letter from the Rector4-6 Seminarian Brotherhood
8-9 SJV 2013-2014 15 Getting to Know SJV Seminarians
BrotherhoodBrotherhoodThe Ties that Bind
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Lucca, Italy, rests in a fertile plain of Tuscany, just one to two hours west of Florence.
Here in 56 BC, Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and Marcus Licinius Crassus
inaugurated their political alliance, known as the First Triumvirate. In the late 19th and
early 20th centuries a much holier alliance would materialize in this same ancient city.
Blessed Elena Guerra was born in Lucca on June 23, 1835, into a very religious family.
During her youth, she endured a long illness that drove her to meditate upon the Word
of God, study the Fathers of the Church, and ardently seek the interior life. In 1870 she
attended, with her father, the First Vatican Council. At the sight of the Holy Father, Pope
Pius IX, Elena decided to consecrate herself to God as a sacrificial victim for the Pope.
After founding a new religious community called, “The Congregation of the Sisters of
St. Zita,” she would later write 12 letters to Pope Leo XIII. In response to her
exhortation, he penned several documents including his Encyclical on the Holy Spirit, Divinum Illud Munus. Her initial letter
to Pope Leo XIII drew attention to the first and greatest Novena ever prayed, namely, the Novena to the Holy Spirit, prayed by
Mary and the Apostles between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost. Elena Guerra was beatified by Blessed Pope John XXIII on
April 26, 1959. He, who prayed for a “New Pentecost” at Vatican II, called her “The Apostle of the Holy Spirit.”
More than 40 years after Elena’s birth, Gemma Galgani was born and moved with her family to Lucca, where she spent the
rest of her life. Her mother, a very holy and devout Catholic, died from tuberculosis when Gemma was only seven years old
and preparing for Confirmation. In her first heavenly communication, God spoke interiorly to Gemma’s heart: “Will you give
me your Mamma?” Gemma responded, “If you will take me as well.” The Voice answered, “No, give me your Mamma
without reserve; I will take you to heaven later.”
Gemma was then sent to school with the Sisters of St. Zita, where the saintly Sister Elena Guerra lived. Sister Elena taught the
young Gemma particular devotions, and at a young age Gemma would acquire an especially ardent love for Jesus’ suffering
in the Garden and at Calvary. Gemma pledged to make a holy hour every Thursday night, from eleven to midnight, in honor
of the agony of Jesus in Gethsemane. Jesus would later grant her the most intimate grace: to suffer His most sacred wounds.
Every Thursday beginning at 11:00 p.m. and ending Friday at 3:00 p.m., Gemma would suffer the Passion: she bore in her
body all the marks of torture which Jesus endured, including the stigmatic wounds in hands, feet and side, the punctures of
the crown of thorns, the marks of scourging, and the shoulder wound carrying the cross. Conversing with Jesus during these
moments she, “in a low voice often tenderly pleaded for mercy for sinners, offering herself as a victim in expiation for their
sins.” At Pentecost, 1902, she was suddenly stricken with a mysterious illness that lasted nine months, until her death at the
age of 25.
History has left us an incredible fact concerning these two saints whose spiritual friendship transcends the boundary of time
and eternity. St Gemma. Galgani was given rest from her suffering on Holy Saturday, April 11, 1903. Blessed Elena Guerra
concluded her earthly pilgrimage 13 years later, dying Holy Saturday, April 11, 1914, the first year since 1903 that Holy
Saturday happened also to be April 11. Both experienced the Resurrection as the church bells rang for the Easter Vigil. The
spiritual mother Elena taught and aided the spiritual daughter Gemma, in the discovery of her vocation; the spiritual daughter
Gemma prayed the spiritual mother Elena into heaven!
Saint John Vianney College Seminary is filled with testimonies of family and friendship that will transcend time and eternity.
In this issue of Vianney News we share examples of brothers who have chosen to attend Saint John Vianney. Underlying
such occurrences is often the sweetness of a deep friendship with Jesus, Mary and the saints. Divine Providence guides their
vocations. Indeed God has a plan for each of our family members . . .which also transcends time and eternity!
Rector’sRector’sRector’sA Holy Alliance
Fr. Michael BeckerRector
SJV Seminarian Zach Sandquist and his older brother Tim share
a special bond as brothers and seminarians.
Photo credit: Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spiritonthecover
members . . .which also .which also .which transcends time and eternity! and eternity! and
Rector’s
Fr. Michael Becker
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SJV Says Goodbye to a Favorite
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Fr. John Acrea served as spiritual director at SJV since 2005. “I never pictured myself working in a college
seminary,” Acrea said. “But I will miss these college men and their busy lives.”
When young John Acrea left his Iowa family farm in 1955 for college seminary, he was not entirely sure of his vocation. But he was sure that he wanted to learn more. Fifty eight- years later, 51 years as a priest, Fr. John Acrea is retiring after a full and varied life of priestly ministry.
Fr. Acrea came to Saint John Vianney as a spiritual director in 2005 after his first retirement from the Diocese of Des Moines. For the past eight years, Fr. Acrea’s days have been filled with formation appointments, confessions, Mass, and any other opportunity - formal or informal - that supplements a seminarian’s spiritual formation.
“Nothing has changed about the process of discernment,” Fr. Acrea said. “These men come to college seminary to learn about their vocation, not because they’ve already decided. That’s what makes them good priests someday. It was the same for me.”
This timeless approach is what endeared SJV seminarians to Fr. Acrea. “He is one of the holiest, most authentic men I have ever met,” said Ryan Adorjan, seminarian from the Diocese of Joliet. “He believes that no matter who we are, we can become holy men of God.”
Fr. Acrea returned to Iowa at the end of June with plans to lead a retreat in New Orleans in February, give talks in parishes around the diocese, and work in some time for fishing. When he paused to reflect on his priesthood and his years at SJV, he fondly mused, “Wow, what a ride.”
“Fr. Acrea will be forever remembered as a
true father, a great priest, and a saintly man.”– Fr. Michael Becker
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Brothers In Every SenseWhen brothers Tim and Zach Sandquist reflect on their path to the seminary, they cannot help but notice similarities. Both men transferred to Saint John Vianney College Seminary as college sophomores, having experienced life-changing freshmen years. Both point to their devout mother, Mary, who never missed Sunday Mass and taught confirmation classes. Both felt at home at Saint John Vianney, where the priesthood took on a new vibrancy.
“I can remember growing up that I followed Tim everywhere and I did everything he did,” said Zach, 19, who is in his first semester at Saint John Vianney.
His 23-year-old brother, Tim, is not far away, enjoying his first semester at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity. “It’s really exciting to me that both my brother and I are on the path toward priesthood,” said Tim, who has one other sibling, an older sister. “It’s exciting to think of both of us working together in this mission and helping each other grow in holiness.”
The blond brothers from Minnetrista share a noticeable resemblance and ready smiles. While both hearts are shaped for service to God, Zach acknowledges that, as a teenage seminarian, he is still discerning his vocation.
They are one of many pairs of brothers who have attended Saint John Vianney over the years, a testament to the power of a faith-filled family and the outstanding reputation of SJV, the nation’s largest college seminary – for there is no higher endorsement than the personal recommendation from a brother.
Rector Fr. Michael Becker emphasizes the former, expressing his debt to the parents who have raised multiple seminarians. “My first reaction is admiration for the families and their devotion and spiritual life,” he said. “That they would have two children who would look at a vocation to priesthood says a lot about the parents and their goodness. I am proud of those families, and I am proud of their sons.”
Fr. Becker also recognizes the special atmosphere that draws in siblings. “Younger brothers see the tremendous formation and fraternity that happens here at SJV as they are in high school, observing their older brothers. Those who are called to priesthood really love their vocation and long for others to experience that same gift, so they are delighted if a younger brother would consider it.”
“In reality, it doesn’t seem strange if you think about it. Jesus called the apostles, and many of them were brothers.”
– Seminarian Joshua Fons, Diocese of Lansing
“I’ve always prayed for my kids to stay strong in their faith, but I didn’t expect this!” said Mary Sandquist,
mother of seminarians Zach and Tim.
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‘A DOUBLE LEAP’That is what happened for Lee Koenigsknecht, 19, an SJV freshman whose 25-year-old twin brothers, Gary and Todd, attended SJV and are now transitional deacons at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. “I’d visit Todd and Gary [at SJV] and I didn’t see a single sad seminarian there,” recalled Lee, the eighth of 10 kids. “They had joy in following God’s call, and I wanted to follow God’s call too. I told God, ‘Whatever your will is, I’ll follow it.’ I had the thought: Are people going to think I’m just following Todd and Gary in seminary? But having them lead the way made it that much easier for me.”
For younger brothers, the sentiment is common: the prospect of following in their older brother’s footsteps is a source of doubt and aid. Is it improbable that God would call two priests from one family? Would the decision appear derivative?
Joshua Fons, 19, an SJV sophomore from Ann Arbor, Michigan, grappled with these questions, since his 24-year-old brother David, an SJV graduate, is in his third year at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. “ ‘My brother is going to be a priest, so there is no way I need to be a priest,’ ” he once thought. “In reality, it doesn’t seem strange if you think about it. Jesus called the apostles and many of them were brothers.”
That observation resonated with firstborn David Fons. “In the mystery of anyone being called, God is asking something particular of you, whether it’s marriage or the priesthood,” he said. “It’s a big mystery. Why me? But we are given the grace to respond to that and the guidance. It is cool to see that happening to my brother as well.”
Spencer Leffler, 19, an SJV sophomore from West Point, Nebraska, echoed Joshua’s concerns. His older brother, Taylor, 22, an SJV graduate preparing for major seminary, was rarely out of sight or mind during Spencer’s discernment. When he first felt the tug toward priesthood, during Eucharistic adoration at a Steubenville conference, his eyes landed on Taylor, wearing his cassock and positioned closer to the
Pictured left to right: Fr. John Linden (Director of Vocations and Seminarians for the Diocese of Lansing), Deacon Gary Koenigsknecht, Bishop Earl Boyea (Diocese of Lansing), and Deacon Todd Koenigsknecht.
Deacons Gary and Todd graduated from SJV in 2010 and will be ordained to the priesthood in 2014.
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Monstrance. “I remember looking at him, thinking, ‘There is no possible way that God is calling him and me.’ It was like, ‘That’s Taylor’s thing, not my thing.’ And God was persistent: ‘No, it’s your thing, too.’ And it wasn’t too hard to envision me doing it since Taylor and I look similar.”
Taylor, the third of four kids, gives his younger brother a lot of credit for pursuing diocesan priesthood. “It would take a lot of courage to say, ‘I don’t care if he’s in seminary too; even if my friends think I’m doing it just because he is, I’m going to go, too.’ I only had to leap once. I feel like younger brothers of seminarians have to leap twice – once they have to trust the Lord, but two, they have to jump past that fear of condemnation or misunderstanding.”
A SPEcIAL BOnDOnce they do, they discover a closer bond with their big brother. It provides a unique support system for the long journey of seminary – brothers in every sense, who have a first-hand understanding of where they came from and where they are headed.
“We’re able to talk about similar things and bounce things off each other,” said David, who video chats Joshua using Google Plus. “It’s been a blessing, just in terms of being able to relate to him on a different level.” Joshua agrees. “We’ve been able to share the journey, and I’ve been able to learn from him.”
Of course, many men discover that seminary is also excellent formation for marriage, including Robert Schuster, a 26-year-old SJV graduate who lives with his wife, Annaleah, and their 1-year-old son, Benjamin, in Otsego. His experience at SJV enables him to support and understand his younger brother, Nathan, 21, an SJV senior. “Sharing many common experiences as seminarians has increased my respect for Nathan, deepened my faith and reminded me to continually strive towards greater holiness, even amidst the regular activity of daily life,” said Robert, the oldest of three boys.
Nathan, who plays racquetball with Robert, heartily agreed. “It is cool to talk about seminary graces and struggles together, since he really knows what I am talking about. It is awesome to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with Bobby when we get together too, since we have that connection. I think seminary life has opened up both of our attitudes towards each other and those around us. It has deepened our prayer, our education and our identities as men.”
As close as their current bonds run, the brother seminarians know they have a lot to look forward to as they inch toward priesthood. Spencer Leffler is inspired by a pair of brother priests from his diocese he met on a retreat. “I saw the way they treated each other,” he said. “The older one went to the younger one for confession. That took me back. If Taylor and I – God willing – do become priests, I can’t wait for the day that I can go to my brother for confession, as a father. It’s a really beautiful thing. We’re always going to be there for each other.”
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Sharing the Wisdom of the AgesFr. Michael Becker enjoyed a number of retreats at Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin, South Dakota – both as a seminarian and as a priest. When he learned the Benedictine monastery was closing, he reached out to inquire what would become of its library. “I know 130 seminarians who would love to read your books,” he wrote.
The monastery generously obliged, inviting Fr. Becker to come collect whichever books he wanted for SJV. The rector rented a Ryder truck, rounded up two seminarians and headed west on a Friday in June. After a meal and prayer time with the monks, the men spent the rest of the day and half of the next boxing books – philosophy, theology, literature, encyclopedias, lives of the saints and a Cistercian series. The rental truck quickly filled, reaching a total of 4,000 books.
The pay-it-forward nature of the gift strikes Fr. Becker as an apt metaphor. “One thing the Catholic Church holds is that truth and beauty are meant for all. Any insights into revelation, the dogmas of the Church, the writings of the saints...these are meant to be spread throughout the world, far and wide. They’re not really a possession of an individual. They are the possessions of the Church, possessions of all.” Saint John Vianney College Seminary is deeply grateful to Abbot Denis Quinkert and the monks of Blue Cloud Abbey for this generous gift.
Before SJV seniors receive their diploma from the University of St. Thomas, they receive a proper “good-bye” from the SJV faculty and staff at the annual Senior Banquet.
Thirty-three men, along with their families, were honored on May 24 by Archbishop John Nienstedt and Fr. Michael Becker. Following SJV tradition, the graduates each chose an underclassman to pay tribute to their time in college seminary. Fr. Becker remarked that this senior class responded to what the world needs today: “Leadership, talent and a gift for evangelization.”
Among the graduating seniors, approximately 75 percent are going on to major seminary, while others will explore various paths, including teaching, youth ministry and graduate studies. Wherever God calls them, Fr. Becker congratulated the new SJV alumni and noted they will be missed: “They have been like leaven on campus. Our faculty and staff is very proud of them.”
Graduation Lunch in May
Archbishop John Nienstedt mingles with the families of graduating seminarians in May.
Pictured in the Blue Cloud Abbey library are seminarians Matthew Goldhammer and Nick Hagan; Abbot Denis Quinkert, OSB; Fr. John Mullen, OSB; and Fr. Michael Becker.
8 | VianneynewsSaint John Vianney college Seminary 2013-2014
9Saint John Vianney college Seminary 2013-2014
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It is no secret that few college students live by the “early to bed, early to rise” motto. Knowing that, Saint John Vianney College Seminary provides a prayerful opportunity for University of St. Thomas students to participate in Mass on Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. throughout the school year.
Celebrated in the SJV chapel and dubbed the “Last Chance Mass,” this has become a favorite time for students to come together to worship. For some, it is a prayerful way to end a hectic weekend. For others, it provides a moment to reflect before a new week begins.
Laurel Eyer, a sophomore from Duluth, enjoys the fellowship that lasts beyond Sunday evenings. “People come together on Sunday nights, but the Last Chance community extends beyond that and continues throughout the week,” she said. “People greet each other in the Quad and smile in passing. I love that I can look around at Mass and recognize almost every face!”
No matter the reason or the schedule, the Last Chance Mass has become the best chance for more than 300 people each week seeking Jesus in the Eucharist.
Photo credit: Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit
Last chance Becomes Best chance
Much like the life of the Church, the life of Saint John Vianney College Seminary is filled with tradition. One of the first of the school year is known as the Alpha-Omega game played on Labor Day. The incoming freshman face the senior seminarians on the University of St. Thomas football field, hence the use of the Greek words for “beginning” and “end.”
Senior Brian Goulet reflected, “Fr. Becker talks about how athletes train their bodies to be fit. We train our bodies for this game, but we train our souls as well. Ultimately it’s a game about brotherhood, some humility and Christ.”
Goulet and his fellow seniors began a streak of “new men” winning when they were freshman. This year it was their turn to break the streak they had begun four years ago by beating the freshman 29-28. It was an intense game that came down, literally, to the last second. The seniors went for the extra point and won, giving the “old men” bragging rights for the rest of the year, perhaps another important part of the tradition.
Alpha–Omega Game
Referee and fellow seminarian Eric Spore tosses the coin at the start of the Alpha-Omega Game on the
University of St. Thomas football field.
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World Youth Day 2013: A Pilgrimage of Sacrifice and JoyA Pilgrimage of Sacrifice and Joy
Seminarian Brandon Guenther, a junior at SJV, found himself gladly sleeping on a series of unfamiliar floors this past July. His pilgrimage, with 27 others from the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, brought all the accommodations of a “true, uncomfortable and growth-filled journey” to Mexico, Peru and Brazil. Most notably, Brandon was present for Pope Francis’ first World Youth Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, July 23-28.
Brandon remembers his first sighting of Pope Francis with excitement and fondness: “We had eaten at a restaurant and were paying the bill when we heard shouting from outside: ‘Papa aqui! Papa aqui!’ (‘Papa here! Papa here!’). We ran out and he was driving by, 20 feet in front of us.”
That same sense of excitement spilled over into Pope Francis’ homilies at Masses celebrated with youth from all over the globe. “He was very spirited and joyfully told us, ‘You need to be missionaries to the world today.’ Everyone was so happy that it was not even unsettling to be among millions of others; a sense of that joy and peace pervaded.”
As a seminarian preparing for the priesthood, Brandon was particularly inspired by the large number of clergy answering that call to missionary work. He said, “It was beautiful to see priests, bishops, cardinals and even the pope pouring out their lives for the youth, sacrificing personal vacation time and opening up their schedules that the youth may grow in holiness. God willing, I’ll be back.”
Seminarian Brandon Guenther poses for a photo in front of the christo Redentor (christ the Redeemer) statue in Rio de Janeiro.
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Saint John Vianney college Seminary
9th Annual Vianney cup a Success
Fr. Becker is pictured with the winning foursomes and “Team Rector.” The women’s winning foursome includes Marlys Lynch, Jan curtis, Shelly Lynch and Shelly Ahl. “Team Rector”
includes seminarians Ben Tillinghast and Andrew Decker. The men’s winning foursome includes Ben Loesel, Mark Pasvogel, Luke Ferden and Jared Ochs (not pictured).
On Monday, September 16, golfers and friends joined Fr. Becker on the links at Midland Hills Country Club for the 9th Annual Vianney Cup. The fall skies were favorable for all as they drove, chipped and putted for a good cause.
Eighty-four golfers attended the event which included lunch, 18 holes of golf and dinner. “Beat Team Rector” was a new addition to the event this year, with Fr. Becker driving on Hole #4 and two seminarians finishing his shot on the green. Foursomes who beat the team were entered into a drawing for tickets to the Minnesota Wild.
In keeping with Vianney Cup tradition, the seminar-ians arrived after dinner to sing and give inspirational testimonials. Their presence was a powerful and im-pressive example of why people support SJV.
At the end of the day, more than $105,000 was raised, the highest amount since the Vianney Cup began! Save September 15, 2014, for the 10th Annual Vianney Cup.Fr. Becker practices his swing at the
9th Annual Vianney cup.
Fr. Becker is pictured with the winning
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Fr. Julio BarreraOwensboro
Fr. Jared JohnsonBismarck
Fr. Michael GarryDuluth
Fr. Scott NolanGrand Rapids
Fr. Andrew BrinkmanSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Patrick KotrbaWichita
Fr. Joseph GatesVenice, FL
Fr. John Norman Omaha
Fr. John DreesSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Jon LovitschJoliet
Fr. Elias GieskeDuluth
Fr. Michael PawlowiczJoliet
Fr. Joah EllisSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Paul EricksonLansing
Fr. David MowryJoliet
Fr. Nick NelsonDuluth
Fr. Adam Hamnesscrookston
Fr. Spencer HoweSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Charles Schwartz Grand Rapids
Fr. Andrew StueveSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Saint John Vianney college Seminary
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Bond Like no Other
In Stephen Ambrose’s book Band of Brothers, “Easy Company” is the battalion that the reader follows through World War II. Like any brotherhood, their goal is to keep their men together and safe. This means that each soldier has a role to play and will share each other’s experiences, namely the mental and physical challenges they must overcome in order to complete a common mission.
Certainly, a version of “Easy Company” exists at Saint John Vianney College Seminary. The bond among men discerning the priesthood is strong and holy. Each seminarian shares the goal of holding each other accountable on the spiritual journey. With unique gifts and talents, a seminarian has a role to play to assist his brothers in reaching the ultimate goal of becoming men in Christ, men of the Church, and men for others. They pray for their fellow seminarians, have high expectations for each other, and lend a hand when a brother is down.
In addition to the unique spiritual brotherhood is the biological brotherhood that some of our seminarians are blessed to share (see story on pages 4-6). One of several examples is the Parent brothers. Greg Parent is a senior seminarian from the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Greg’s older brother Brad lives and works nearby in St. Paul, and he is a faithful supporter of his brother and the seminary. Their close proximity allows them extra opportunities to build upon their own “Easy Company,” supporting each other in their unique vocations. The Parent brothers pray for each other daily, they support each other, and, most importantly, they help each other carry out their shared mission.
When you share your spiritual and financial gifts with SJV, you are supporting the brotherhood. Like the Parent brothers, you support and complement our seminarians on a spiritual mission. You are investing in a lifelong brotherhood that forms quality Catholic men who make a difference in the world.
Thank you for supporting our “Easy Company.” The gifts you share today will live long into eternity, the final goal of our brotherhood.
Phillip BaumerDevelopment Director
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Getting ot Know het SJV Seminarians
Age: 19Home diocese: Des MoinesYear at SJV: second
Why you love being Catholic: We have the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
Age you first considered priesthood: 17
What you love best about SJV: I love the formation. Because of it, I have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ on a deeper level and my relationship with Him continues to grow rapidly.
Surprising fact about you: I played lead guitar for a rock band called Display Case. We played at bars, clubs and outside venues around Iowa and the Iowa State Fair.
Path to seminary: We started recording our debut album at a famous recording studio. I felt my dreams coming true, but I was not fulfilled. Then the idea of priesthood came into my mind, and the peace and joy I felt was so intense that it compelled me to quit my band.
Role of music today: I use my guitar to pray and attract people to the faith.
Best trip: World Youth Day in Brazil. I saw the universality of the Church and met a lot of different people.
Best college course: Existential America by Prof. Doug Phillips. It gave me an appreciation for literature and challenged and strengthened my views.
If you were not pursuing priesthood: I would be going to school for classical and jazz guitar and be some kind of Catholic musical artist.
Maxwell Carson
Nicholas Welter
Jarad Wolf
Age: 22Home diocese: St. Paul and Minneapolis Year at SJV: fourth
Why you love being Catholic: The Eucharist and confession
Someone who influenced your faith: Fr. Peter Richards, through his humility and wisdom
A high-profile Catholic you admire: Archbishop John Nienstedt because of his courage to stand up for the truth, even when it is difficult
Favorite saint: Blessed John Paul II because of his ability to speak the truth with love
Age you first considered priesthood: 4
What you love best about SJV:the brotherhood Surprising fact about you: I can do an impression of our receptionist Mary Frame’s voice.
Favorite Scripture verse: John 4:14
Best trip: Visiting the Divine Mercy Shrine in Poland. It is a very simple and peaceful place.
Summer job: Working grounds crew at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity this past summer taught me that when we cooperate with God’s grace, He can do great things through us.
Best college course: Dawson & The Dynamics of Church History with Dr. Robert Kennedy, because it covered the history of the Church in a thorough and exciting way.
If you were not pursuing priesthood: I would pursue radio announcing or voice acting – impressions of famous people and people I know. I like to entertain my friends and family with these voice impressions.
Age: 22Home diocese: BismarckYear at SJV: second
Why you love being Catholic: The Church is full of so many treasures, whether intellectual or spiritual. She gives us the sacraments. She holds the deep wisdom and example of the saints. She teaches us to pray through the liturgy.
A high-profile Catholic you admire: Fr. Robert Barron because he is doing so much to articulate the vision of the New Evangelization.
Age you first considered priesthood: 20
What you love best about SJV: The deep fraternity – these men are my brothers, and I would do anything for them. Small-town roots: I grew up in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, a town of about 900 people. The biggest gift rural life has given me is the simple knowledge that God is in control; I’m not. Nothing quite teaches this lesson of our smallness and dependency on our Creator than life in a farming community. It teaches one trust – “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Best trip: Rome
Best college course: Metaphysics with Dr. Tim Pawl, because metaphysics is so important to understanding important theological concepts, and Dr. Pawl has a great sense of humor coupled with the ability to make difficult concepts clear.
If you were not pursuing priesthood: I would pursue engineering or the military.
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With bragging rights on the line, the Rectors’ Bowl XIV was a game to remember. On September 28, in front of a large crowd of faithful, boisterous fans, the Saint John Vianney JAXX took the lead at the end of the third quarter and hung on to win, despite The Saint Paul Seminary Sons of Thunder’s bold attempt to tie the game in the fourth. With a final score of 19-12, the JAXX celebrated a solid victory with their brother seminarians and families who had come for Parents’ Weekend.
“It was a fast-paced, intense game that was hard fought on both sides,” said seminarian Eric Spore from the Diocese of Lansing. “Personally, I’m just happy to play on the winning Rectors’ Bowl team two years in a row.”
no longer is the Rectors’ Bowl a small game of touch football on the campus between the minor and major seminary. It has evolved into its own version of “Saturday night Football” under the bright lights of the University of St. Thomas football field. The pep band, cheering sections, hot cider, officials and play-by-play announcements from the booth each add to an event that both seminaries look forward to every year.
At the end of the game, the jubilant JAXX “took a knee” on the field with the Sons of Thunder to receive a blessing from Archbishop nienstedt before hoisting the Rector’s Trophy above their heads. It will be proudly displayed in the trophy case at SJV until Rectors’ Bowl XV.
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a final score of 19-12, the JAXX celebrated a solid victory with their brother seminarians and
under the bright lights of the University of St. Thomas football field. The pep band, cheering sections, hot cider, officials and play-by-play announcements from the booth each add to an
At the end of the game, the jubilant JAXX “took a knee” on the field with the Sons of Thunder
