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What’s Inside 2 Letter from the Rector7 Vianney Cup
8-10 Cover Story12-13 Alumni Ordained 2017
2016-2017 Annual Report Enclosed
SJV!
newsFall 2017Saint John Vianney
College SeminarySt. Paul, Minnesota
Good Morning
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Rector’sRector’sRector’s Update Update UpdateMary’s Army
Fr. Michael BeckerRector
Seminarians Kevin Hufnagel (left) and Joseph Nguyen provide a glimpse
into their world as they discern the priesthood. See pages 8-10. onthecover
Update
Michael Becker
Every year it is a joy to watch the new seminarians grab hold of a vision
and desire to consecrate themselves to Mary. In other words, to find Jesus
through Mary.
From the moment of her conception, Mary was filled with seas of divine
power, wisdom and love. And from that superabundance she pours out grace
and affection upon all of her children - ennobling, teaching, protecting and
consoling them on a path of sanctification.
After nearly 20 years of priesthood and 30 years since my adult conversion, I
see that, all around me, Mary is raising up an army to fill the world with authentic love and peace.
Many seminarians wear a chain on their wrist, signifying that they made the consecration to Mary, while
others wear the Brown Scapular. These are a public witness and a personal reminder that Mary is always with
us as our Mother.
Michael E. Gaitley’s book 33 Days to Morning Glory is quite popular among the seminarians as well,
especially as we mark the 100th anniversary of Fatima in 2017.
Recently, I asked Alex Marquette, a new man from Maple Lake, Minn., what inspired him to make his
consecration to Mary. He responded, “I admire the devotion of Nathaniel Daubner, and I want to have that, too.”
Nathaniel has a contagious devotion to and love for Mary. The witness of holy souls, like Nathanial and Alex,
provides the inspiration which moves our hearts to deeper conversion.
Mary’s presence and activity should be highlighted on the nightly news. On October 7, coinciding with the
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, thousands of Polish Catholics gathered to pray for their own beloved country
and Europe in an event known as “Rosary at the Borders.” On October 13, our SJV seminarians and priest staff
processed through the University of St. Thomas campus as they prayed the mysteries of the Rosary, carried a
statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and interceded for our fellow students, teachers, Church and world. All around
us, Mary is raising up an army to fill the world with authentic love and peace.
I am so happy that our seminarians are whole heartedly captured by Mary’s maternal love and invitation. I
pray we can find for her more recruits.
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120 men from 22 dioceses
are currently enrolled.
24 SJV seminarians graduated in 2017; 16 continued on toward major seminary.
28 SJV alumni were ordained to the priesthood in 2017.
24 SJV seminarians will study in Rome in 2017-2018.
The 2017-2018 Academic Year Begins
Fr. Williams Joins Formation Staff
Fr. Peter Williams joined the SJV formation staff this fall as a part-
time formator and spiritual director. His previous assignments
include vice rector of The Saint Paul Seminary and pastor of
Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Paul. Fr. Williams has
served as director of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical
Institute since 2013 and has been an instructor since its founding
in 2008. In addition to his new role at SJV, he is the minister to
clergy for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Ordained
in 2004, Fr. Williams is a member of the Companions of Christ, a
fraternity of diocesan priests and
seminarians.
“I love Jesus and am beyond
privileged to be a priest,”
Williams said. “I am blessed to
share this with the young men
who are discerning a vocation to
the priesthood.”
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Updates from Abroad
For the past 19 years, a semester abroad in Rome has been a formative experience for the SJV seminarians - spiritually, academically and culturally. During the 2017-2018 academic year, 24 men will study at the Dominican Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum). The seminarians reside at the Pontifical Irish College along with Fr. Paul Gitter, SJV formator and spiritual director. Discernment and formation continue as they are immersed in more than 2,000 years of Catholic history and culture. They also take every opportunity to travel around Italy and beyond.
Eleven SJV seminarians are pictured in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. First row (left to right): Matthew Jakupco, Jeff Todd, Connor Orabut, Logan Obrigewitch and Mitchell McLaughlin. Second row (left to right): Zach Halloran, Ryan Anderson, Michael Gehrig, Andrew Morand, Chris Tibbetts and Jacob Toma.
Left to right: Intrepid travelers John Utecht, Jake Brownlee, Bobby Ernest and Zach Schaefbauer are pictured in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where they swam in the Mediterranean Sea and visited the
relics of St. Blaise, patron of the city.
Jake Brownlee explores Venice and meets a group of friendly pigeons along the way.
Seminarians Jacob Hornecker (left) and Dominic Shovelain capture a selfie in front
of the Tiara Fountain in Vatican City.
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Seniors Honored at Annual Lunch Accompanied by their families, 24 graduating seniors were recognized at the annual senior banquet on May 19. In keeping with tradition, each senior chose an underclassman to introduce him. Archbishop Bernard Hebda provided the closing remarks and benediction.
The Class of 2017 represented 12 dioceses. Sixteen men continue their priestly formation at major seminaries this fall, including: The Saint Paul Seminary, Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Detroit), Kenrick-Glennon Seminary (St. Louis), Mundelein Seminary (Mundelein, Ill.), the Pontifical North American College (Rome) and St. Francis de Sales Seminary (Milwaukee). Other graduates are pursuing graduate degrees, first jobs and missionary work.
Congratulations to the Class of 2017!
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Above: The Penisten family celebrates William’s graduation.
Below: Senior Connor Kerschinske is honored by a brother seminarian
at the annual banquet.
Seminarian Delivers Commencement AddressOn May 20, SJV senior Reed Flood delivered the commencement address to more than 1,300 undergraduates at the University of St. Thomas. Flood was nominated for this honor by the Class of
2017. His speech, titled “Beauty Amidst Suffering,” recalled the death of a close friend during his sophomore year and how beauty and love emerged.
Flood is studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome for the Diocese of Des Moines.
For the full address, visit the SJV Facebook page: facebook.com/SJVSeminary.
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Roberts Receives Fr. Smyth Award
Seminarian and standout running back Jordan Roberts received the Fr. Smyth Award at the 10th Annual Sports Faith Hall of Fame on June 3 in Lake Forest, Illinois. The evening began with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Thomas Paprocki (Diocese of Springfield), followed by a dinner and induction ceremony at Conway Farms Golf Club. Other inductees included professional, Olympic, college and high school athletes who are exceptional individuals on and off the field.
Sports Faith International is a Chicago-based initiative dedicated to inspiring and transforming our culture through the world of sports.
Roberts, the 2015 Division III Offensive Player of the Year, is playing his final season for the Tommies.
SAVE THE DATEThe 5th Annual
Spring Mass and May CrowningSunday, May 6, 2018
May Event Celebrates Our Lady of FatimaThe SJV community joined their prayers with the Catholic Church to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fatima during the 2017 Spring Mass and May Crowning on May 7. Music and worship filled the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas as friends, families and benefactors honored the Blessed Virgin Mary and recalled her appearance before three young children in Portugal in 1917.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens joined Fr. Becker and priest staff to celebrate the Mass for the annual event. A program and brunch followed in the Anderson Student Center.
Jordan Roberts and his mother Penny are pictured with the award’s
namesake, Fr. John Smyth.
Archbishop Hebda blesses those gathered for the annual Mass.
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Spirits and generosity were high even as the rains came down on the 13th Annual Vianney Cup on Sept. 18. In fact, this was a record-setting year, including the largest field of golfers and amount of money raised for the seminary since the tournament began.
Celebrity golfers Brian Bonin and Matt Birk signed hockey pucks and footballs for golfers, while SJV’s very own Fr. Jonathan Kelly provided a divine drive for each foursome on the course.
The event ended with a reception and dinner that included seminarian testimonials, beautiful choral music by the seminary schola, and remarks by Archbishop Bernard Hebda. A final blessing was given by Bishop Andrew Cozzens.
It was a great day to support the formation of the next generation of priests and future leaders of the church.
formation of the of the of next of the of the of church.
Vianney Cup Sets Records
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SAVE THE DATEThe 14th Annual
Vianney Cup Monday, September 17, 2018
Fr. Becker (far right) and Tizoc Rosales (second from right) join Brian Bonin (second
from left) and the golf foursome of Marc Terris, Mark Zeman, Berik Damberg and Pat Kocourek.
Andrew Hamilton shows off a hockey puck, signed by Brian Bonin (left), out on the course.
Fr. Spencer Howe is the proud owner of a football signed by Super Bowl Champ
Matt Birk.
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6:00 A.M. - Alarms go off all through the SJV building and a mass migration of seminarians begins. Not to the cafeteria, to the gym or to their screens, but rather to the chapel for an hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
That is how each day begins for 120 college seminarians who are discerning the priesthood. Then it is off to breakfast, class, exercise and fraternity, complemented throughout the day with Mass, spiritual conferences, confession, rosary and evening prayer.
Two among them are Kevin Hufnagel, a junior from the Diocese of Lansing, and Joseph Nguyen, a senior from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
The following photo essay gives you a glimpse into their worlds. Like their brother seminarians, each journey is unique yet shared as they discern their vocations and become the future leaders of our Church and our world. Come along as Kevin and Joseph pray, study and engage in the world around them. They are joyful examples of those who earnestly seek to do God’s will.
Good Morning SJV!
2016-2017
Saint John VianneyCollege Seminary
St. Paul, Minnesota
ANNUAL REPORT
Operat ing Financial Report
OPERATING EXPENSES$1,887,918
68%
18%
14%
53%33%
1%13%
Room$633,420
Other$14,666
Formation & Retreat Fees$240,600
Annual Giving$999,232
Programs$1,284,217
Administration$344,706
Communications and Fundraising
$258,995
OPERATING REVENUE$1,887,918
The Saint John Vianney College Seminary annual audit is conducted by Baker Tilly.
men were enrolled representing 20 dioceses; SJV is one of the largest
college seminaries in the United States 119
ImpactImpact
28
489 SJV alumni have been ordained to the priesthood
30 seminarians studied in Rome during the 2016-2017 academic year
SJV alumni were ordained to the priesthood in 2017
6,000 SJV seminarians completed more
than 6,000 service hours on campus and in the community during the academic year
24 SJV seminarians graduated in 2017 with 16 going on
to major seminary
43 seminarians received scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year, totaling $133,620
ChairMost Reverend Bernard A. HebdaArchbishopArchdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Vice Chair Reverend Michael BeckerRectorSaint John Vianney College Seminary
Chair of Board Affairs CommitteeBrian WengerFormer Executive Vice President andChief Legal O�cerOptum Health
Chair of Finance and Audit CommitteeJennifer WardPartnerPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chair of Formation and Program Development CommitteeMarilou Eldred, Ph.D.Trustee Emerita
Chair of Institutional Advancement Committtee�omas HurleyOwnerPreferred Management Services, Inc.
Monsignor Aloysius R. CallaghanRector and Vice President�e Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity
�erese Coons, J.D.Community Volunteer
Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, S.T.D.Auxiliary BishopArchdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Reverend Dennis DeasePresident EmeritusUniversity of St. �omas
Reverend Donald DeGroodPastorSt. John the Baptist Catholic Church
R. Jean GrayVice PresidentNuestros Pequenos Hermanos, Intl.
Paul HoedemanActing CFOWound Care Technologies
Duane R. Jacobs*CEOJacobs Marketing, Inc.
Kathleen Laird*Consultant, Special ProjectsArchdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Most Reverend John M. LeVoir, D.D.Bishop Diocese of New Ulm
William MalkowiakDirector, Trade MarketingGeneral Mills
Andrew NathExecutive Vice President and DirectorPremier Banks
Michelle PullesCommunity Volunteer
William ReilingChairmanSunrise Community Banks
Most Reverend Paul J. Swain, D.D.Bishop Diocese of Sioux Falls
TRUSTEES EMERITIMarilou Eldred, Ph.D.�omas E. Holloran, J.D.
*�e Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity board members in attendance
Saint John VianneyCollege Seminary
St. Paul, Minnesota
Board of Trustees
2115 Summit AvenueMail #5024St. Paul, Minnesota 55105(651) 962-6825vianney.net [email protected]
Brian C. MurrayRobert Strachota
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Kevin’s day begins with prayer, a quick breakfast and even a little baking in the seminary kitchen. Our photographer captured him assembling pastries before he left for morning class and a workout. Lucky are the seminarians and staff who smell homemade treats and feel right at home.
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Joseph's morning is also jam packed. After morning prayer, he grabs breakfast in his room before class, a game of racquetball and lunch. He even picks up his accordion when he has a few minutes to spare.
Kevin and Joseph have full afternoons ahead of them - more class, confession, rosary, Mass, and spiritual conferences and formation fill the rest of their days. Study hours and apostolic outreach fill their evenings.
Quiet hours begin at 9:30 p.m., lights go out at 10:30 p.m. and alarmsgo off again at 6:00 a.m. Another day begins. Good morning, SJV.
Photo Credit: Michael Murray Photography
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For the first time in four years, the Saint John Vianney College Seminary JAXX drenched their Rector with ice water and hoisted the coveted Rector’s Trophy high in the air with a 25-14 win over The Saint Paul Seminary Sons of Thunder. It was a decisive win for the young men in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Oct. 7. The trophy will reside at SJV until the two teams meet again next fall.
Rectors Bowl XVIII
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The Saint Paul Seminary Sons of Thunder. It was a decisive win for the young men in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Oct. 7. The trophy will reside at SJV until the two teams meet again next fall.
SJV JAXX 25 - SPS Sons of Thunder 14
Photo Credit: Michael Murray Photography
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Fr. Nicholas HagenSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Cole DailyLafayette-in-Indiana
Fr. John BaumgardnerMilwaukee
Fr. Nick LarkinDenver
Fr. Jordan DoschBismarck
Fr. Aaron BeckerLa Crosse
Fr. Greg LugerBismarck
Fr. Stephen DurkeeGrand Rapids
Fr. Michael BowerLafayette-in-Indiana
Fr. Tyler MattsonSioux Falls
Fr. Daniel EustermannDenver
Fr. Beau BraunDuluth
Fr. Nicholas FroehleSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Joseph CampbellLansing
Saint John Vianney College Seminary
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Alumni Ordained 2017
Fr. Nicholas NapolitanoMobile
Fr. David WebbTulsa
Fr. Scott SchilmoellerOmaha
Fr. Duy NguyenTulsa
Fr. Timothy WratkowskiSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Samuel SchneiderSuperior
Fr. Coady OwensLafayette-in-Indiana
Fr. Joseph ScholtenSioux Falls
Fr. Nicholas MishekOmaha
Fr. Andrew ThuringerSioux Falls
Fr. Matthew RapplGreen Bay
Fr. Anthony SmelaLansing
Fr. Timothy SandquistSt. Paul and Minneapolis
Fr. Brandon TheisenSt. Paul and Minneapolis
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Part of Something Big
Tizoc Rosales
Tizoc RosalesDirector of Development
Dear Friends,
Thank you for all you do to help Saint John Vianney College Seminary carry out its mission to provide essential training today for tomorrow’s Catholic priests. We could not do this important work without you.
As we look at the world around us, it is easy to focus on the bad news: natural disasters, division, acts of violence, and so on. However, as Christians we know that Christ died and rose for our sins and that He has a plan, a glorious plan, for each and every one of us.
The excellent priests on staff at SJV foster the seeds of vocations in 120 young men each day. Whether God’s glorious plan for these men is to become priests or husbands and lay leaders, they will serve as beacons of hope in our troubled world.
The stories in this issue of Vianney News illustrate the breadth and depth of experiences that SJV men have as they grow in their vocations, including opportunities for public speaking, a semester abroad in Rome or simply the daily routine of a college seminarian. Know that these experiences are coupled with and connected to a commitment to the four dimensions of formation: human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral.
Recently, I received a call from an SJV alumnus who graduated more than 10 years ago. He is blessed by a fruitful marriage and successful business career, but he longs to be a part of something even bigger than himself. As he reflected on his time at SJV, together we realized just how big the SJV mission is! He and his fellow alumni will serve the Church as priests or lay leaders for at least the next 50 years. He was amazed to think about the people they will impact in that time. He realized that, by applying what he learned at SJV and being involved in this great mission, he is in fact already a part of something big!
Of course, we could not do this without the grace of God, nor without you. Please continue to pray for these young men. Please continue to financially support this big mission. Please continue to share with others about this important work that will bring good news to all.
In Christ,
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Father Alex Carlson
Spotlight on Alumni
SJV Alumni - We like to hear from you! Please contact Tizoc Rosales, Director of Development:(651) 962-6843 or [email protected]
Father Alex Carlson’s journey to priesthood started early. “When I was in second grade, I wrote down a promise to God that I would become a priest and sealed it in an envelope,” he said. “I immediately threw it away and hoped no one would find it.” But, from that point on, priesthood was always a possibility for him.
An early influence on Father Carlson’s vocation was the youth group at the Church of St. Joseph in West Saint Paul. Along with two of his siblings, Father Carlson was one of seven original members of an active youth group that eventually helped foster a variety of religious vocations.
The Lord worked on him right through his senior year of high school at Cretin-Derham Hall, where Christian Brother Alphonsus Martel encouraged Alex to visit the seminary. Brother Martel was a great mentor, Father Carlson’s “priest hero” in fact, but he was still not ready.
During his freshman year at Bemidji State University, he decided to visit the seminary. He attended a class and went to Mass with the seminarians. Finally, he was ready and began at Saint John Vianney the following fall.
Father Carlson describes his time at SJV as “an opportunity to grow in my faith and discern my vocation with people and systems in place to help me do so.”
A pivotal moment in Father Carlson’s discernment occurred when his own father passed away. “I felt fully supported by the SJV community,” he recalls. “They gave me the time I needed at home with my family to deal with our loss.” This was a difficult time and he was filled with questions, but he devoted his prayers to Mary and turned to her for guidance throughout his discernment process.
After his ordination in 2010, Father Carlson served the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids and St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Community. He has been a pastor at St. John the Baptist in Excelsior since 2013.
Father Carlson is grateful that SJV helped him discern his vocation and “formed me into the man I am today.”
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SJV AlumniSJV AlumniSJV - Alumni - Alumni We like We like We to like to like hear from hear from hear you!Please contact Tizoc Rosales, Director of Development: of Development: of(651) 962-6843 or [email protected]
to Mary and turned to her for her for her guidance for guidance for throughout his throughout his throughoutdiscernment process.discernment process.discernment
After hisAfter hisAfter ordination in 2010, Father Carlson Father Carlson Father served theChurch of the of the of Epiphany in Coon Rapids and St. Ambrose of Woodbury of Woodbury of Catholic Community. He has been apastor atpastor atpastor St. at St. at John the Baptist in Baptist in Baptist Excelsior since Excelsior since Excelsior 2013.
Father Carlson is grateful that SJV helped him discern his vocation and “formed me into the man I am today.”
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Saint John VianneyCollege Seminary
2115 Summit Avenue - Mail 5024St. Paul, MN 55105-1095
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Caruso’s Crew Cheers Tommies on to Victory
(651) 962-6825www.vianney.net
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Are they lumberjacks? Are they construction workers? No matter, they are an enthusiastic group of SJV men who cheered the University of St. Thomas on to victory over rival St. John’s University on Sept. 23 at Target Field.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda joined Caruso’s Crew in the stands as the Tommies beat the Johnnies 20-17.
Caruso’s Crew raised the volume whenever the Tommies had the ball, especially when brother seminarian and star running back Jordan Roberts was on the field. In addition, they bowed their heads in prayer whenever a player went down with an injury.
Named for head coach Glen Caruso, the Crew covers every home game with good-natured school spirit.
