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On the Hill Cover: Fr. Prior John McMullen, left, pledges obedience to new Archabbot Kurt Stasiak. Summer 2016 • Vol. 55:3 62 students earn degrees Fr. Kurt Stasiak elected abbot
On the Hill
Cover: Fr. Prior John McMullen, left, pledges obedience to new Archabbot Kurt Stasiak.
Summer 2016 • Vol. 55:3
62 students earn degrees
Fr. Kurt Stasiakelected abbot
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FEATURES3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monastery News
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Echoes from the Bell Tower Podcast
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Abbot Elected
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Student Profile
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. Damian Schmelz, OSB, Obituary
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graduation
10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Books
ALUMNI12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Ortwein and Rachel Forbes Kaufman
14-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni Eternal and News
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Three deacons ordained in April
On the Hill is published four times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and School ofTheology. The newsletter is also available online at: www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill
Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Jeanne SchumacherCopywriters: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Krista Hall & Tammy Schuetter
Send changes of address and comments to:The Editor, The Development Office, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology, 200Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, (812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759, [email protected], © 2016, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Monks’ Personals
On the HillSummer 2016 • Vol. 55:3
Then Archabbot Justin DuVall attendedthe annual meeting of the AbbotPresident’s Council at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, Massachusetts, onApril 16-21. He attended the annualmeeting of the Indiana Bishops and MajorSuperiors at Fatima Retreat House inIndianapolis on May 1-2.
Fr. Edward Linton was elected to theCouncil of Seniors at Sant’ AnselmoMonastery in Rome.
Br. Zachary Wilberding traveled to thecountry of Suriname, South America, togive two talks on prayer to a conferenceof fiscal officers of the English-speakingCatholic dioceses of the Caribbean onMay 21-25.
Fr. John McMullen has been appointedprior of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
Fr. Thomas Gricoski has been appointedliturgical master of ceremonies and chairof the Liturgical Advisory Committee.
Br. André DeDecker has been appointedto the responsibility of assigning theweekly duties and assistant master ofceremonies.
Fr. Barnabas Gillespie has beenappointed a member of the LiturgicalAdvisory Committee.
Fr. Anthony Vinson, along with 30pilgrims from Fulda and St. Meinrad, IN,traveled to Fulda, Germany, to celebratethe feast day of St. Boniface on June 5.The pilgrimage was the capstone to ayear-long celebration honoring the 150thanniversary of the parish church in Fulda,Indiana. He also traveled to Belize City,Belize, Central America, on June 12-26for an immersion trip. �
You can find more photos of Saint Meinrad events athttp://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com
If you’d like to receive brief updates on what’s happening at Saint Meinrad,you can sign up for a free e-newsletter. Every few weeks, you will receive anewsletter in your email’s inbox.
To sign up, go to the “Newsletters” link on the front page of the website:www.saintmeinrad.edu. Or, send an email to [email protected]
Sign up for the e-newsletter
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Jonesboro, AR, and, later, the infirmarychaplain at Sacred Heart Monastery inYankton, SD. He resides in the monasteryinfirmary.
Fr. John is a native of Vincennes, IN. Hebecame a monk of Blue Cloud Abbey,Marvin, SD, on August 1, 1960, and madehis first profession of vows on August 15,1961.
He studied at Saint Meinrad’s high schooland college from 1955-60, completingcollege at Blue Cloud Abbey. He studiedtheology at St. Bede Abbey, Peru, IL, andwas ordained a priest on May 29, 1966.He did graduate studies at The CatholicUniversity of America from 1967-69. Heholds a master’s degree in library science.
As a monk of Blue Cloud, he served invarious assignments, including 40 years asthe abbey librarian. He also served in areaparishes and as the abbey treasurer. Heserved the Native Americans at St. Ann’sIndian Mission, Belcourt, ND, for threeyears. When Blue Cloud Abbey closed,Fr. John transferred to Saint MeinradArchabbey in 2013.
He currently serves as prior of themonastery. In addition, he is an adjunctpriest at St. Meinrad Parish in St. Meinrad
Seven monks celebrate priesthood jubilees
The jubilarians are, from left, Fr. Joseph Cox, Fr. John McMullen, Fr. Patrick Cooney, Fr. MelPatton (seated), Fr. David Rabenecker, Fr. Edward Linton and Fr. Warren Heitz.
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Monastery News
The Benedictine monks at Saint MeinradArchabbey celebrated the jubilees ofpriesthood ordination of seven of theirconfreres on May 29, 2016. Honoredwere Fr. Mel Patton, 60 years; Fr. JohnMcMullen and Fr. Warren Heitz, each 50years; and Fr. David Rabenecker, Fr.Edward Linton, Fr. Patrick Cooney andFr. Joseph Cox, each 25 years.
Fr. Mel, a native of Fairview Village, OH,made his first profession of vows on July31, 1953, and was ordained to thepriesthood September 22, 1956. He earnedhis BA from John Carroll University, aMaster of Divinity from Saint MeinradSchool of Theology and did post-graduatework at Marquette University.
Prior to coming to Saint Meinrad, Fr. Melserved in the Army from 1944-46, wherehe received the Purple Heart and theBronze Star. He taught Latin, English,music and journalism at Saint Meinrad’shigh school and college. He was alsoorganist for the monastic community formany years. He has been director ofretreats and director of public relations atSaint Meinrad and served as a chaplain atFort Knox, KY, for many years.
After his career as a teacher, he was thechaplain for Holy Angels Convent in
and St. Boniface Parish in Fulda, IN, andas a commuting chaplain for MonasteryImmaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN.
Fr. Warren is a native of Huntingburg,IN, coming to Saint Meinrad as a highschool student in 1954. He completedhigh school, college and theology studiesat Saint Meinrad. He joined the monasteryin 1960 and made his first profession ofvows on August 15, 1961. He wasordained a priest on May 1, 1966.
He also studied at the University of NotreDame, earning a master’s in institutionaladministration in 1972. Fr. Warren servedin a variety of assignments, includingassistant business manager, purchasingagent, director of corporate services,director of alumni relations, and parishassistance.
He currently serves as the editor of theOrdo for the Swiss-American BenedictineCongregation.
Fr. David made his first profession ofvows on August 6, 1986, and wasordained a priest on May 4, 1991. He is anative of Louisville, KY. He earned abachelor’s degree in philosophy fromSaint Meinrad College and a Master ofDivinity from Saint Meinrad Seminaryand School of Theology.
From 1991-94, Fr. David served asassociate pastor at St. Benedict Parish inEvansville. In 1994, he became associatedean of students for Saint MeinradCollege, as well as director of serviceformation, part-time instructor and part-time spiritual director.
In recent years, he has worked in prisonministry. He is currently a religiousservices evaluation specialist with theFederal Bureau of Prisons.
Fr. Edward is a native of Louisville, KY.He joined the monastery in 1985 andprofessed his first vows on August 6, 1986.
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He was ordained to the priesthood on May4, 1991. He has a bachelor’s degree inhistory from Saint Meinrad College and aMaster of Divinity from Saint MeinradSeminary and School of Theology.
He earned a master’s in English literaturefrom Middlebury College and taughtEnglish at Saint Meinrad College from1992-98. He then earned a doctorate inspeech communication at SouthernIllinois University.
He served as associate pastor at St.Benedict Parish in Evansville and aspastor of St. James Parish in Chicago, IL.He returned to Saint Meinrad in 2014 toserve as director of Saint Meinrad’sInstitute for Priests and Presbyterates.Currently, he is director of internationalBenedictine formation at Collegio Sant’Anselmo in Rome.
Fr. Patrick is a native of Evergreen Park,IL. After earning degrees in electronictechnology at Purdue University, heentered the Air Force as a research anddevelopmental engineer for five years.
He then studied for the priesthood at SaintMeinrad School of Theology. He earned aMaster of Divinity in 1991 and wasordained to the priesthood for the Dioceseof Belleville on June 1, 1991. He laterearned a licentiate in canon law from TheCatholic University of America.
In 1994, he decided to join the monasteryat Saint Meinrad and made his firstprofession of vows on August 6, 1995. Hehas served as director of academic andadministrative computing, and associateformation dean, director of humanformation, director of pastoral formationand assistant professor of canon law in theSeminary and School of Theology.
He also served as a chaplain (lieutenantcolonel) in the Kentucky Air NationalGuard, retiring in 2014 after 21 years ofactive duty in the Air Force and AirNational Guard. He currently is assignedto the Archdiocese of IndianapolisTribunal as the defender of the bond.
Fr. Joseph, a native of Peoria, IL, earneda bachelor’s degree in internationalbusiness from Quincy University and aMaster of Divinity from Saint Meinrad
School of Theology. He was ordained apriest on May 25, 1991, for the Diocese ofPeoria, where he served as assistant pastorand pastor in parishes until 1997.
In 1997, Fr. Joseph joined the monasteryat Saint Meinrad and made his firstprofession of vows on August 6, 1998. Hethen earned a master’s degree in libraryscience from Indiana University.
He is the library cataloger in theArchabbey Library, assistant director forthe Benedictine Oblate community, andserves as secretary for the Archabbot’sCouncil and the Archabbey Chapter. �
Former abbotnamed vice rectorat Bruté CollegeSeminary
Following theelection, formerabbot Fr. JustinDuVall, OSB,began a shortsabbatical. Whenhe returns laterthis summer, hewill take up workin the Archdioceseof Indianapolis.
Most Rev. Joseph Tobin, CSsR,archbishop of Indianapolis, has appointedFr. Justin as the vice rector of thearchdiocese’s Bishop Simon BrutéCollege Seminary in Indianapolis. He willreplace Fr. Joseph Moriarty, who willbecome the seminary’s rector.
The founding rector, Fr. Bob Robeson,has stepped down after 12 years as thehead of the seminary to begin a newassignment.
Before his election as abbot in 2004, Fr.Justin served as vice rector of SaintMeinrad Seminary and School ofTheology for eight years. �
The monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbeyhave launched a podcast, “Echoes fromthe Bell Tower.” The podcast’s firstseason begins with an episode about,logically enough, the bells of theArchabbey Church.
Hosting the audio talk show are two youngmonks, Br. Joel Blaize, OSB, and NoviceTony Wolniakowski, OSB. Both are fairlynew to the Benedictine monastery, havingjoined in 2015.
The idea behind the podcast is to bringstories from the monastery to the rest ofthe world, demystifying some of thenotions of monastic life and sharing thewit and wisdom found among the monkswho have lived in southern Indiana formore than 160 years.
“In this podcast, you’ll get to know usmonks. You’ll get to hear our stories, andthings you just may not hear any otherway,” the hosts explain in the trailer thatintroduces the new podcast. “We’rehoping to give you a chance to learn whatmonks are like by hearing from us monks– and not from Hollywood.”
The podcast’s first season contains fiveepisodes. Find the episodes, as well asextras, on the podcast blog, at:www.saintmeinrad.edu/echoes. Listenerscan subscribe at iTunes, Stitcher orwherever they find their podcasts. �
Saint Meinradmonks launch newpodcast
continued from p. 3
Fr. Justin DuVall, OSB
The RightReverend KurtStasiak, OSB, waselected archabbotof Saint MeinradArchabbey by theBenedictinemonks of thecommunity onJune 2, 2016.
He becomes the10th abbot and seventh archabbot in thecommunity’s 162-year history, succeedingArchabbot Justin DuVall, OSB, whoannounced in January that he wouldresign the position upon the new abbot’selection. He had served as abbot sinceDecember 31, 2004.
Archabbot Kurt, 63, has served as prior ofSaint Meinrad Archabbey since July 9,2010. The prior is the second in leadershipin the monastery.
Born in Rüdesheim, Germany, on October9, 1952, Archabbot Kurt professed vowsas a Benedictine monk on August 15,1975, and was ordained a priest on April27, 1980.
He received a Bachelor of Science inbiology from Saint Meinrad College in1974 and a Master of Divinity in 1980from Saint Meinrad School of Theology.
He later earned a licentiate (1986) and adoctorate (1993) in sacramental theologyfrom Pontifical Anthenaeum of Sant′Anselmo, Rome.
From 1978-81, Archabbot Kurt served asadministrative assistant to the president-rector. In 1980 he was appointed associatespiritual director for Saint Meinrad Schoolof Theology for three years.
From 1986-90, he taught sacramentaltheology in the School and was assistantto the novice/junior master in themonastery. Also during that time, he
served as secretary to the archabbot(1986-89) and as vocation director for themonastery (1986-90 and 1992-98).
Archabbot Kurt taught sacramental/liturgical theology in the Seminary andSchool of Theology from 1986-2016. For10 years, he also served as the director ofspiritual formation. Other assignmentshave included provost-vice rector of theSchool of Theology (2005-08) and chairof the Archabbey Church RenovationCommittee (1993-97).
He is the author of several books,including A Confessor’s Handbook (arevised and expanded edition waspublished in 2010); SacramentalTheology: Means of Grace, Ways of Life;Return to Grace: A Theology for InfantBaptism and his most recent, FromSinners to Saints: A Guide toUnderstanding the Sacrament ofReconciliation. He has written numerousarticles and book reviews for a variety ofpublications.
Saint Meinrad monks electFr. Kurt Stasiak, OSB, as new archabbot
He has also given days of retreat andrecollection for clergy and laity. He hasbeen serving as the monastery’s master ofceremonies.
The election of Archabbot Kurt followed acenturies-old process. The monks of SaintMeinrad gathered on the morning of June 2to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit,seeking guidance and wisdom prior to theelection.
Following Mass, the monks met privatelyin the monastery’s Chapter Room to selecttheir next leader. Presiding at the electionwas the Right Rev. Vincent Bataille, OSB,president of the Swiss-AmericanCongregation of the BenedictineConfederation, to which Saint Meinradbelongs.
The blessing of the new archabbot isplanned for July 26, in the ArchabbeyChurch, with the Most Rev. Joseph Tobin,CSsR, of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,presiding. �
Some of his confreres lead newly elected Archabbot Kurt Stasiak into the Archabbey Church on June 2. From left are Fr. Julian Peters, Fr. Luke Waugh (partially hidden), Br. Matthew Mattingly, Br. Francis Wagner, Abbot President Vincent Bataille and Archabbot Kurt.
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Archabbot Kurt Stasiak
Q. What attracted you to the monasticlife?
When I first visited the monastery, I wasattracted to the community aspect ofmonastic life. I grew up in a family ofeight boys, so I was very interested injoining a religious order that had a strongsense of community and fraternity.
Q. Who or what influenced you to entermonastic life?
The biggest influence on my decision toenter the monastery was Fr. CecilDonahue, who is a monk of mycommunity. I got to know Fr. Cecilthrough the Knights of Columbus and oneday he asked me if I ever consideredjoining the monastery. From that dayforward, that question was always on mymind and was the seed that grew duringmy discernment period.
Q. What were you doing before youentered the monastery?
Before entering Saint Anselm, I was apolitical reporter for the websitePolitickerNH.com. I was also the websiteeditor for a civic engagement group inNew Hampshire called the Live Free orDie Alliance.
Q. Favorite saint and why?
I have a special devotion to St. Thérèse ofLisieux. During my freshman year ofcollege, I read her book The Story of aSoul, which was a major factor in meconsidering joining a religiouscommunity. I also say a prayer every dayto St. Stephen the Martyr, who is my
seminarian, I live in the monastery, butstill need to attend various events in theseminary.
Q. Best advice you’ve heard inseminary?
My spiritual director once told me, “Themost powerful prayer is to simply say thename Jesus.”
Q. Other comments?
Join the Benedictines! �
Religious Community: Saint Anselm Abbey, Manchester, NHHometown: Holyoke, MA
Br. StephenLawson, OSB
[Meet the Student]
patron, and to Our Lady ofGuadalupe. Of course, I cannotforget to mention St. Benedict, whois pretty awesome.
Q. Favorite Scripture verse and why?
I like the Letter to the Romans Chapter 13,especially verse 11, “It is high time for usto awake out of our sleep.” This verse isone of the first verses in the Rule of St.Benedict, and serves as a call to action forChristians.
Q. Hobbies?
I like to read historical nonfiction books,particularly about the Civil War or CalvinCoolidge. During my summer vacation, Ilike to spend time at the New Hampshireseacoast and visit historical sites.
Q. What aspect of seminary life has beenmost rewarding?
The most rewarding part of seminary lifehas been getting to know future priestswho will be working in parishes. Thisexperience has opened my eyes to thechallenges that my diocesan brothers willbe facing. I also like any class with Dr.Keith Lemna, especially his elective“Theology in History,” which forced meto expand my thoughts on man’srelationship with the world, the purpose ofmonastic life, and the role the angels playin my life.
Q. What aspect of seminary life has beenmost challenging?
The most challenging part of seminary lifeis balancing my monastic duties with myseminary obligations. As a monk-
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Events on the Hill
August 1-3Alumni Reunion
August 16-18Guest House Retreat: “Pray Your Way toHappiness” by Br. Maurus Zoeller, OSB
August 19-21 Guest House Retreat: “Discovering theSpiritual Richness in the Letters of St.Paul” by Fr. Eugene Hensell, OSB
August 26-28 Guest House Retreat: “Living MonasticValues in Everyday Life” by Br. MartinErspamer, OSB
September 2-4Guest House Retreat: “Simplicity: To Haveis Not to Be” by Fr. Vincent Tobin, OSB
September 13Dolle Lecture, Fr. Dick Sullivan
September 16-18Guest House Retreat: “Aging Gracefully: ARetreat for 60s and Over” by Fr. NoëlMueller, OSB
September 23-25Guest House Retreat: “Cultivating aDiscerning Heart” by Fr. Adrian Burke,OSB
October 4 and 5Marten Lecture and Workshop, Fr. Greg Heile, OP
October 7-9Guest House Retreat: “Beauty as aPathway to God: Religious Art and Symbolin the Spiritual Life” by Br. MartinErspamer, OSB
October 17-21Guest House Retreat: “Biblical Reflectionson Pastoral Leadership” by Fr. EugeneHensell, OSB
October 29Abbot Martin Marty Guild Day ofRecollection
For more information, contact Mary Jeanne Schumacher at (812) 357-6501 or visit our website www.saintmeinrad.org 7
Fr. DamianSchmelz, OSB,monk and priestof Saint MeinradArchabbey, diedon June 12, 2016,in the monasteryinfirmary. Hewas 84 and ajubilarian of bothprofession andordination.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
Born in Georgetown, IN, on May 7,1932, to Aloysius William and Grace(Miller) Schmelz, Fr. Damian was giventhe name Vincent Eugene at his baptism.After completing his elementaryeducation at St. Mary School inLanesville, IN, he entered the MinorSeminary at Saint Meinrad in 1950, andjoined the novitiate two years later. Heprofessed his simple vows on July 31,1953, and was ordained to the priesthoodon May 3, 1958.
Fr. Damian earned a bachelor’s degree inphilosophy from Saint Meinrad College,and then a baccalaureate in sacredtheology from Saint Meinrad School ofTheology and The Catholic University ofAmerica in Washington, D.C. He beganteaching biology at Saint Meinrad HighSchool seminary immediately after hisordination.
During summers, he pursued graduatestudies at Purdue University, earning amaster’s in plant ecology in 1964 and adoctorate in that field in 1969. He taughtbiology at Saint Meinrad College until itsclosing in 1998.
Fr. Damian also served as assistant deanof students for four years, as academicdean for 18, and as provost and vicerector for five years. He also served asthe manager of The UnStable, the campuspub, for over 25 years.
He also was well known in the IndianaAcademy of Science, of which he was amember since 1966, serving twice aschairman of the Academy’s Plant
Taxonomy Section. Fr. Damian alsoserved terms as the Academy’s treasurerand then president, was the Academy’srepresentative to the Indiana NaturalResources Commission, and was theAcademy’s Speaker of the Year in 1979-1980.
Fr. Damian was named a fellow of theAcademy in 1973, and received theirOutstanding Service Award in 2003. Hewas known for his research in Indianaold-growth forests, and was chairman of ablue-ribbon committee assigned to studycontrolled deer hunts in Brown CountyState Park. He and a colleaguespecialized in the area of Donaldson’sWoods; in 2000, an addition to theDonaldson’s Woods Nature Preserve wasdedicated in his honor.
Fr. Damian served for 33 years on theIndiana Natural Resources Commissionand was co-author of Natural Areas ofIndiana (1969), which served as a guidefor the creation of Indiana’s NaturalPreserves.
In 2007, he was awarded a LifetimeConservation Achievement Award by theIndiana Wildlife Federation. Two yearslater, he was a member of the inauguralclass named to the Indiana ConservationHall of Fame.
In 2015, Fr. Damian was named aSagamore of the Wabash, the highesthonor bestowed by the Governor ofIndiana.
His membership in other professionalorganizations included Sigma XI, theEcological Society of America, and theIndiana Natural Resources Commission.
Most recently, he served as pastor of St.Henry Parish, St. Henry, IN, from 2001 to2015, when declining health led to hisretirement.
A memorial Mass was celebrated on June18 in the Archabbey Church. Fr. Damianarranged for his body to be donated to theIndiana University School of Medicine.Burial will be held at a later date. �
Fr. Damian Schmelz, OSB
Fr. Damian Schmelz, OSB, served as pastor, teacher and scientist
62 earn degreesfrom Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
St. Meinrad, IN;Jenny Koch, Evansville, IN;J.P. Masterson, Cordova, TN;Jennifer Morris, Murfreesboro, TN;Bradford Nilsson, Lexington, KY;Carl Ritzel, Naperville, IL;Gary Ryan, Gettysburg, PA;Andrew Wood, Muncie, IN.
Receiving Master of Theological Studiesdegrees were:
Cynthia Heckmann, Louisville, KY;Holly McGuire, LaGrange, KY;Andrew Miller, Columbus, IN;Steven L. Rhodes, Whitesville, KY.
Receiving Master of Arts (PastoralTheology) degrees were:
Tammy Becht, Floyds Knobs, IN;Willard Braniff, Whitestown, IN;Sean Caveny, Gillespie, IL;Richard Cooper, Corydon, IN;Beth Gootee, Luke Reese, Kathryn
Scoville and Mary Kay Summers, Indianapolis, IN;
Ryan Klobassa, Sioux Falls, SD;Kimberly Mandelkow, Red Wing, MN;Matthew Mescall, Fishers, IN; Marco Rajkovich, Nicholasville, KY;Paul Root, Lexington, KY;Cheryl Zoldak and Richard Zoldak,
Crestwood, KY. �
Graduates of Saint Meinrad Seminary andSchool of Theology were awardedmaster’s degrees on May 14. Graduatesaccepted their diplomas from the Rt. Rev.Justin DuVall, OSB, archabbot of SaintMeinrad Archabbey and chairman of theschool’s Board of Trustees.
The graduation address was given by theMost Rev. Thomas J. Rodi, archbishop ofthe Archdiocese of Mobile.
Receiving Master of Divinity degreeswere:
Nicolás Ajpacajá Tzoc, James Brockmeier, Douglas Hunter and Kyle Rodden, Archdiocese of Indianapolis;
Basilio Az Cuc and James Dennis Jr., Diocese of Owensboro;
Christopher Boutin, Archdiocese of Mobile;
Joseph Chan, Mario Jacobo, Norman McFall and R. Taryn Whittington, Diocese of Little Rock;
Terrence de Silva and John Lijana, Diocese of Lexington;
Charles Dunn, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau;
Braden Maher, Diocese of Springfield, IL;
Kyle Neterer, Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana;
Adam Royal, Diocese of Knoxville;Jude Meril Sahayam, Diocese of
Palayamkottai, India;Tyler Tenbarge and Ambrose
Wanyonyi, Diocese of Evansville.
Receiving Master of Arts in CatholicPhilosophical Studies degrees were:
Michael Batz and Jonathan Hilber, Archdiocese of Indianapolis;
George Jose, Diocese of Memphis;Grant Monnig, Diocese of Jefferson
City;Weston Pickhinke, Diocese of Sioux
City;Br. William Sprauer, OSB,
Saint Meinrad Archabbey;Dan Taylor, Diocese of Lexington;Daniel Velasco, Diocese of Little Rock.
Receiving Master of Arts (Theology)degrees were:
Stephen Benningfield, Ellettsville, IN;Dawn Dye and Matthew Hilton,
Indianapolis, IN;Tammy Flippo, Louisville, KY;Logan Haire, Owensboro, KY;Stuart Hamilton, Bardstown, KY;Victor Ippoliti and Laura McFall,
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Soon-to-be graduates process to St. Bede Hall for commencement on May 14.R
Graduates Tyler Tenbarge, left, and MerilSahayam share a laugh after thecommencement ceremony.
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Donated seedlingscould provide ‘giant’ returnDr. Matthew Auman, a family practicephysician from the Indianapolis area,spent a morning at Saint MeinradArchabbey this spring planting 20 smalltrees. Although there are lots of trees oncampus, these were the first GiantSequoias planted.
Auman had never been to Saint Meinradbefore, but he had heard about it fromsome friends at his church. He has apassion for planting trees, especially theGiant Sequoia, and based on descriptionsof the Hill from his friends, he thoughtSaint Meinrad might be the perfect spot toestablish a few small groves of what maysomeday be the largest trees on the planet.
It’s unclear whether Giant Sequoias arenative to Indiana. Auman said it isbelieved they once thrived here thousandsof years ago. There are no concerns thatthe tree will become an invasive species tothe area. In fact, they could be threatenedby extinction someday due to the uniqueconditions they require to reproduce.
In nature, tightly packed seed conesrequire a forest fire to initiate thedispersal of the seed from the cones.Then, with sufficient moisture, the seedsgerminate on the clear and freshly burnedforest floor.
Auman has tried with limited success tosprout the seedlings. Of the 500 seeds hepurchased, he could get only 50 to sprout.Of those 50, only 10 survived to beplanted. Although he continues toexperiment with his methods, Aumanbuys healthy seedlings from a friend in theSierra Nevada Mountains in California.
Giant Sequoias, once established, growwell in the Midwest. Getting them startedis the hard part. Auman attributes hissuccess to the use of a watering systeminvented and manufactured in Hollandcalled the Groasis Waterboxx. The systemprovides a constant source of moisture to
the young trees by harvesting dew andrainfall and then slowly distributing itthrough a wick like that of an oil lamp.
In addition to donating the 20 seedlings,he also donated 20 of these unique dewharvesting systems. The system holdsabout four gallons of water and, onceinitially filled, never needs to be refilledexcept during severe drought conditions.
“That’s the trick,” he said. “Sequoiasneed that constant sip of water until theirlong taproot can reach deep enough totake care of themselves.” This usuallytakes 18 to 24 months. By next fall or thefollowing spring, the water boxes can beremoved and repurposed for plantingsomething else.
Auman also donated and installed greenplastic screens around the trees to protectagainst deer and wildlife. The green“collars” also make the seedlings easy tospot around campus.
Because of the potential size of the trees,sites were selected that would notinterfere with buildings or undergroundutilities. Another benefit is that GiantSequoias, once mature, can absorb atremendous amount of carbon dioxide, agreenhouse gas attributed to climatechange.
Giant Sequoias can live more than 2,000years and reach heights of 300 feet anddiameters over 25 feet. �
Br. Philip Ripley,OSB, a monk ofSaint MeinradArchabbey, diedon Saturday,April 16, 2016,at his residencein Evansville, IN.He was 83 and ajubilarian ofprofession.
Br. Philip was born in Paducah, KY, onAugust 6, 1932, and was given the nameClarence Henry at his baptism.
After completing his elementaryeducation at St. Mary’s Academy inPaducah, he attended high school at theAcademy for one year, and then enteredSaint Meinrad Seminary High School,where he graduated in 1950.
He then began a period of candidacy,assuming work in the monastery tailorshop. He was invested with the monastichabit the following year. He professedhis simple vows on August 10, 1952,and his perpetual vows on August 10, 1955.
After working in the tailor shop for fiveyears, Br. Philip began work in theseminary high school library, anassignment he held for five years.
In 1977, he began nearly 40 years ofservice to St. Mary Parish in Evansville,working as housekeeper and launderer,assisting in the sacristy, and caring formany of the parish’s sick and elderlythrough his ministry as Eucharisticminister.
The funeral Mass and burial were held on April 23. �
Br. Philip Ripleydies at age 83
Br. Philip Ripley, OSB
For more photos of Saint Meinrad events, visit:
http://saintmeinrad.smugmug.com
Smugmug
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New books feature
Conversations in the Abbey
Conversations in theAbbey, Volume 2: TheNext Generation ofSenior Monks of SaintMeinrad Reflects onTheir Lives featuresin-depth interviewswith 11 monks ofSaint MeinradArchabbey.
The book’s author/editor is Ruth CliffordEngs of Bloomington, IN, a retiredIndiana University professor and aBenedictine oblate of Saint Meinrad.
She spoke with the monks about theirearly years in the monastery, their varyingwork assignments, changes they’ve seenin the Catholic Church and reflections onliving as Benedictine monks for 50-plusyears.
Both books are available at SaintMeinrad’s bookstore, The Scholar Shop,or its website,www.saintmeinrad.edu/shop.Conversations in the Abbey is alsoavailable at the Archabbey Gift Shop. �
Carmelite, Benedictine spiritualityThe Way of Transformation
Fr. Mark O’Keefe,OSB, associateprofessor of moraltheology at SaintMeinrad Seminaryand School ofTheology andchaplain to theDiscalced Carmelitenuns in Terre Haute,IN, has published a
second book exploring Carmelitespirituality.
The book is The Way of Transformation:Saint Teresa of Avila on the Foundationand Fruit of Prayer, published by ICSPublications in June 2016.
The book offers a fresh perspective on St.Teresa of Avila’s thoughts about prayer.Fr. Mark draws attention to the centralfact that she considers the virtues –especially love of neighbor, detachmentand humility – as the essential and relevantfoundation for her spirituality of prayer.
His previous book on Carmelite spiritualityis Love Awakened by Love: The LiberatingAscent of Saint John of the Cross.
On each Sunday in May, visitors to Monte Cassino Shrine participate in a rosary pilgrimage and prayer service.R
Saint Meinrad Seminary and School ofTheology is participating in a project toexplore its educational models andpractices. It is one of seven seminariesthat are focusing on their schools’formation programs for permanentdeacons.
Saint Meinrad’s Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB, andDr. Patrick Cooper attended the initial peergroup forum in Pittsburgh, PA, inFebruary. Visel is dean of School ofTheology Programs and Cooper is directorof the Permanent Deacon FormationProgram.
The forum is a project of the Associationof Theological Schools, of which SaintMeinrad is a member. Funded by a majorgrant from Lilly Endowment Inc., theEducational Models Project will assesscurrent and developing practices amongATS member schools, identify their mostpromising aspects, assist member schoolsin implementing new and innovativemodels, and integrate promising modelsinto the work of the Association.
Each of the peer groups in the project willcollaborate to develop, implement, andassess innovative models and practices. �
School participatesin educational forum
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Photos clockwise, from top left:
Br. David N’Djam, OSB, waits for the deacon ordinationceremony to begin on April 2.
Seminarian Chaz Dunn (back to camera) congratulatesfellow students and team members following a softballtourney on April 16.
A crew of students did landscaping work at the Marianshrine on campus on May 4.
Deacon Braden Maher smiles at a comment during classwith President-Rector Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB.
Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB, receives good wishes from Carl Wolford following a banquet on April 29. The Board of Overseers honored Archabbot Justin for his service asarchabbot. At far left is Deacon Mario Jacobo.
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Igniting the FireTwo alumni share story of friendship, conversion and evangelization
Mary Ortwein MAPT’15 (’11-15) andRachel Forbes Kaufman MAT’14 (’11-14) met at Saint Meinrad while both werestudying in the Graduate TheologyProgram.
“We got to know each other because wewere in the group that was always goingto prayer [in the Archabbey Church] andtherefore we came from prayer, hadsupper together and formed a group,” saysOrtwein.
The pair began to speak about faith,evangelization and conversion – acommon interest born out of verydifferent experiences – experiences thatled them to Saint Meinrad and eventuallyto a passion for sharing with others whatthey’ve learned.
The Journey to Saint Meinrad
Ortwein, a marriage and family therapistfrom Frankfort, KY, came to SaintMeinrad after experiencing a rebirth offaith in her own life. “I was tepid in myfaith for a while. I never quit going tochurch, but my heart did. And as I cameback and had a conversion, I wanted tostudy and know all I could know.”
Kaufman, however, as a former hospitalexecutive from Evansville, IN, wasstudying theology to learn how to re-energize the faith lives of those aroundher, especially the physicians and otherhospital staff she worked with. Shedeveloped a passion for this after herexperience on 9/11.
On September 11, 2001, Kaufman wokeup in her hotel room at a large medicalconference in California. After seeing thenews, she immediately ran down to theconvention floor.
“When the plane hit the first tower, peoplethought it was an accident,” saysKaufman. “When the plane hit the secondtower, we knew we were under attack. Atthat moment, everyone dropped to theirknees in prayer. It didn’t matter if theywere Catholic, Muslim, agnostic, atheistor Sikh.”
That was a surprising moment forKaufman. She had worked in the medicalprofession her whole career and rarelysaw others she worked with fall to theirknees in prayer. “I went to a variety ofprayer services that day throughout the
convention center and, no matter where Iwent, people were comforting each other.
“I witnessed people caring for each otheras human beings who were hurting. Thatwas one of the key moments in my life,”she recalls. “I wanted to see that kind ofcare and comfort in hospitals all of thetime.”
Kaufman came to Saint Meinrad severalyears later, hoping to help physiciansbecome more engaged in their faithtradition. She believes this will help themlive more fully and enjoy a better sense ofwell-being.
As a capstone to her studies, shechanneled that passion into a thesis ondiscipleship and physician formation, aproject that led to a deeper relationshipwith Ortwein and a clearer understandingof the power of evangelization.
Igniting the Fire
During her thesis research, Kaufman cameacross Sherry Weddell’s book, FormingIntentional Disciples: The Path toKnowing and Following Jesus.
“One day I was sitting in a pew at myparish and I noticed in the bulletin thatSherry Weddell was coming to Evansvilleto give a workshop for the priests onevangelization,” explains Kaufman.
That afternoon, she wrote to her parishpriest explaining her familiarity withWeddell’s work and offering to help whenhe started his discipleship project.
“I told him I have a friend who is alicensed marriage and family counselor inthe Lexington Diocese. I said she couldbring to the table a lot about how wecommunicate with one another – how wecan be welcoming to one another and howwe can truly listen.”
According to Kaufman and Ortwein, therest was history.
Rachel Forbes Kaufman, left, and Mary Ortwein.R
August 1-3, 2016Alumni Reunion
August 7, 2016Louisville Alumni & Friends Dinner
August 17, 2016Gary Alumni & Friends Dinner
September 26, 2016Indianapolis
Alumni & Friends Dinner
September 29, 2016Evansville Alumni & Friends Dinner
October 3, 2016Sioux City Alumni & Friends Dinner
October 19, 2016Jasper and Lincoln Hills Area
Alumni & Friends Dinner
October 25, 2016Toledo Alumni & Friends Dinner
March 23, 2017Pittsburgh Alumni & Friends Dinner
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We have closed the books on the 2015-16Alumni Annual Giving Program. It wasanother very successful year with giftstotaling $712,682. The overallparticipation rate among alumni was 25%.
“Once again, Saint Meinrad’s alumni havedemonstrated their dedication andcommitment to their alma mater,” saysDuane Schaefer, director of development.
“We are blessed to have loyal alumni who understand the importance of givingback. Their support helps to ensure that
benefits today’s studentsAlumni Giving Program
Saint Meinrad’s work will continue forgenerations to come.”
The amount Saint Meinrad charges astudent covers only about 49% of thecosts of his or her education. Annualunrestricted gifts help make up thedifference. In addition, those gifts helpSaint Meinrad keep its tuition ratescompetitive with other seminaries.
Alumni can look for the 2016-17 AlumniAnnual Giving Program to kick off in lateAugust, Schaefer says, when the firstmailing goes out. �
The workshop, “Igniting the Fire:Becoming a Parish of Joyful Disciples,”focused on helping parishes buildpractical and sustainable evangelizationplans and equipping parish teams with thetools to become highly effective witnessesto the joy of the Gospel.
Over 40 catechetical leaders from acrossthe Diocese of Evansville attended theirtwo-day workshop in October andNovember of 2015.
While planning the workshop, Kaufmanand Ortwein focused on a few keyconcepts to enable participants to becomesuccessful evangelizers. One of thoseconcepts – hospitality and service – issomething both women feel passionateabout.
“It is all about establishing trust,”explained Ortwein. “Pope Francis talksabout service in plentitude. How do youtrust a Christian? Through service. That’ssomething we don’t often talk about interms of the new evangelization, but that’ssomething Pope Francis makes veryclear.”
In addition to service, Kaufman andOrtwein emphasized the concepts ofvulnerability and empathetic listening.
“One of the things we found is that to besuccessful in discipleship, we have towelcome people just the way they are. Weare to engage with them and not be fearfulof it, which requires us to be vulnerableand open,” said Kaufman. “We have totell our own stories of faith andconversion and we have to recognizethem.”
The Road from Saint Meinrad
They carried the lessons they learned inthe classroom and while at prayer into theworkshop.
“I took pieces of everything I am at thispoint in my life to that workshop, whichincluded my education at Saint Meinrad,”explained Kaufman. “Even though I wasnot an expert on evangelization, God hadthings He could bring to the table throughme. And if I live my life open to God,there will be good that God can dothrough me.”
For her part, Ortwein found, at least inpart, a model for conversion – somethingshe came to Saint Meinrad to discover.
“For me, the most profound piece of theworkshop was its place in my ongoingstudy of conversion. I was able to put it alltogether and discover that outreachcomponent, which really is mercy. Mercyis not the outgrowth of conversion, but thebeginning. For me, the process of beingmerciful is a conversion experience againand again.”
Kaufman agrees. Their workshop helpedparticipants open their eyes to what Godwas calling them to do and how theycould do it.
“In terms of impact of our program, thevulnerability piece was an eye-opener forpeople. We don’t need to do anything toearn God’s love. With God, we areperfect, so we do not need to be afraid tohelp others – to be merciful.” �
Savethe Date!
PRAYFOR
VOCATIONS
Mr. Nelson G. Baker O’77 (’73), ofLouisville, KY, died on April 6, 2016.
Mr. Al Bosemer O’50 (’46-47), of SouthLouisville, KY, died on May 15, 2016.
Deacon Rodrick “Benny” BroussardPD’12 (’08-12), of Alexandria, LA, diedon May 8, 2016.
Mr. David L. Chambliss C’93 (’89-90),of Murfreesboro, TN, died on January 23,2015.
Msgr. Robert L. Charlebois O’57 (’51-57), a priest of the Diocese of Gary, IN,died on February 22, 2016.
Fr. John M. Hebert O’51 (’49-51), ofHot Springs Village, AR, died on January26, 2013. He was a priest of theArchdiocese of Omaha, NE.
Mr. Leo T. Hettich O’55 (’43-53), ofReno, NV, died on May 10, 2016.
Mr. Dennis M. Jarvis C’83 (’78-82), ofLawrenceburg, IN, died on May 11, 2016.
Mr. Thomas P. Klee O’59 (’47-55), ofFort Wayne, IN, died on April 6, 2016.
Mr. Dennis R. Kotara O’64 (’52-54), ofPanhandle, TX, died on October 4, 2013.
Mr. Harold A. Lundergan O’A’45 (’34-44), of Bradenton, FL, died on October 5,2015.
Fr. James McKay, SM, O’44 (’42-44), ofthe Siena Woods Community in Dayton,OH, died on October 15, 2015.
Fr. Michael McWhorter T’92 (’87-91), apriest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, GA,died on April 29, 2016.
Mr. Thomas M. Moore O’76 (’64-65), ofNiceville, FL, died on March 30, 2014.
Fr. William J. Raftery, SJ, S’96, ofWeston, MA, died on August 1, 2010.
Mr. Paul J. Rethinger O’68 (’60-64), ofTigard, OR, died on March 9, 2016.
Mr. Jerry C. Rowe O’66 (’54-55), ofGreencastle, IN, died on October 26, 2011.
Fr. Richard Slavish S’96, a priest of theDiocese of Peoria, IL, died at his home inMatherville, IL, on February 18, 2016.
Mr. Phillip H. Strahl O’64 (’52-53), ofGreenfield, IN, died on March 25, 2016.
Mr. John J. Sullivan O’66 (’65-66), ofSahuarita, AZ, died on May 16, 2015.
ALUMNI ETERNAL Fr. Joseph E. Swierczynski O’64 (’54-58), a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh,PA, died on May 12, 2016.
Mr. Don Weller O’65 (’53-57), ofLouisville, KY, died on April 17, 2016.
Fr. William D. Willett O’79 (’75-79), apriest of the Diocese of Owensboro, KY,died on April 20, 2016.
Mr. Francis H. Wolfla O’64 (’52-61), ofIndianapolis, IN, died on March 31, 2016.
A key to the initials behind the names of alumni:
C: College
GTP: Graduate Theology Programs
HS: High School
MAT: Master of Arts (Theology)
MAPT: Master of Arts (Pastoral
Theology)
MTS: Master in Theological Studies
O: Ordination
PD: Permanent Deacon Formation
Program
S: Sabbaticant
SPH: St. Placid Hall
SS: Summer Session
T: Theology �
14
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[email protected]! Monks process to the cemetery for the burial of Br. Philip Ripley, OSB, on April 23.R
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ALUMNI NEWSMr. Dan Conway O’75 (’67-75), ofLouisville, KY, has written A Man of FewWords: Remembering Jack Conway, abook about his father. It is available onAmazon.
Mr. Keith Fritz C’99 (’95-97), ofFerdinand, IN, is getting nationalattention for his company’s line of high-end furniture. A unique console wasfeatured in The New York Times, TheWashington Post and on ArchitecturalDigest’s website. It was then put ondisplay in the Kips Bay Show House.
Mr. Walter Glover MTS’06 (’00-05), ofColumbus, IN, has published a bookabout his mountaineering experiences.Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro:Seven Mountain Story, Book 1 is availablefrom Amazon.
Mr. Logan Haire MAT’16 (’14-16), ofOwensboro, KY, married KathrynThompson on May 28, 2016.
Mr. Brian Holtz C’91 (’88-’91) has beennamed the executive director of theEvansville (IN) Department of Parks andRecreation.
Fr. J. Ronald Knott O’70 (’64-70), ofLouisville, KY, spoke in April to thebishops of the Antilles EpiscopalConference in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Hespoke about diocesan presbyterates and
also gave a talk on the topic to a class ofseminarians there.
Fr. John McCaslin T’02 (’97-02), apriest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,was honored in March with the “Lead.Learn. Proclaim. Award” from theNational Catholic EducationalAssociation. He was honored for his rolein reopening St. Anthony Catholic Schoolas Mother Theodore Catholic Academyafter five years as a public charter school.
Fr. Joseph Merkt S’00, a retired priestof the Archdiocese of Louisville, hasbeen honored by the national Associationof Graduate Programs in Ministry with itsCalled and Gifted Award. The awardrecognizes his extensive work indeveloping and shaping the nationalstandards for lay ecclesial ministers.
Fr. Rick Nagel T’07 (’02-07), pastor ofSt. John the Evangelist Church inIndianapolis, IN, and campus minister atIndiana University-Purdue UniversityIndianapolis, was guest speaker at a dayof renewal for parish staffs in the Dioceseof Lafayette-in-Indiana. He spoke on theYear of Mercy.
Mrs. Melinda Prunty MTS’10 (’06-09),of Belton, KY, received the 2016 BishopJohn J. McRaith Catechetical Award on
If you haven’t visited the Saint MeinradAlumni website recently, you may havemissed:
• Online registration for the August 1-3 Alumni Reunion
• Information about the 2017 Saint Meinrad Day of Service
• Alumni resources, such as online access to academic theology journals through the Archabbey Library
• Details on how to nominate a classmate for the Distinguished Alumnus Award
Stay ConnectedAlumni website offers better ways to stay connected
• The list of upcoming tours and pilgrimages hosted by Saint Meinrad’s Br. Maurus Zoeller, OSB
• The online alumni directory, where you can search for classmates.
Some items on the website are open toall, but make sure to register for fullaccess. Just follow the on-screen promptsto sign up.
To get started, visithttp://alumni.saintmeinrad.edu. �
May 16. She is the director of youthministry for the Diocese of Owensboro,KY.
Mrs. Sharon Schuhmann MTS’11 (’08-11), of Louisville, KY, received herdoctorate of ministry in preaching degreefrom Aquinas Institute of Theology onMay 6, 2016.
Judge Timothy J. Sullivan O’62 (’57-62), of Blairstown, NY, has been chosenfor inclusion in the New York LawSchool Hall of Judges. A member of theLaw School’s class of 1971, he haspracticed law in New Jersey for manyyears.
Most Rev. Charles C. Thompson T’87(’83-87), bishop of the Diocese ofEvansville, IN, received the BronzePelican award in March for his activesupport of Catholic scouting.
Fr. Joe Weigman T’91 (’85-91), a priestof the Diocese of Toledo, has a newministry. In addition to being residentchaplain at the Little Sisters of the Poor inOregon, OH, he is a part-time chaplain atMercy St. Charles Hospital in Oregon.
Deacon Clete Yochum PD’13 (’09-13),of Vincennes, IN, was honored for 35years of service for his work at NiehausCompanies. He works at WholesaleBuilding Materials in Vincennes. �
has been set forMarch 11, 2017.Watch for more details!
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Three ordained deacons at Saint Meinrad
Three seminarians received the order ofdeacon from the Most Rev. JosephTobin, CSsR, archbishop of Indianapolis,at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Churchon April 2.
The newly ordained deacons are JosephLee and Joseph Park, both of the Dioceseof Busan, South Korea; and Br. DavidN’Djam, OSB, of Monastère del’Incarnation in Togo, West Africa. They
are students at Saint Meinrad Seminaryand School of Theology.
Others in their class will be or have beenordained deacons in their respectivedioceses.
In the Catholic faith, a deacon can preach,baptize, witness marriages, offerCommunion to the sick and aged, andperform other ministerial duties. Thenewly ordained deacons are transitionaldeacons, meaning they are preparing forordination to the priesthood. ManyCatholic dioceses also have permanentdeacons, who carry out the same role, butare not studying for the priesthood. �
200 Hill DriveSt. Meinrad, IN 47577
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From left, Br. David N’Djam, OSB, Joseph Park and Joseph Lee were ordained deacons in theArchabbey Church on April 2.
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