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On the Hill Spring 2020 • Vol. 59:2 Saint Meinrad takes precautions amid COVID-19 Reunion events finalized Cover: Fr. Christian Raab, OSB, leads seminarians on a pilgrimage to Monte Cassino Shrine to pray for those affected by the coronavirus on March 13, 2020. Seminarians made a similar pilgrimage in 1871 when smallpox threatened the community.
On the Hill Spring 2020 • Vol. 59:2
FEATURES
2-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monastery News
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Books
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monks’ Personals
6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Martin Marty
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Celibacy Formation
ALUMNI
9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni Reunion 2020
10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Distinguished Alumnus
12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Student Profile
14-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni Eternal and News
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni Board Slate
On the Hill is published four times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and School of
Theology. The newsletter is also available online at: www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill
Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, lights the incense before seminary
Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Jeanne Schumacher
Mass in St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on the Feast of the
Copywriters: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Krista Hall & Tammy Schuetter
Presentation of the Lord.
Send changes of address and comments to:
Find more photos at http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com.
The Editor, The Development Office, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology,
200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, (812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759, news@saintmeinrad.edu
www.saintmeinrad.edu, © 2020, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Saint Meinrad takes
precautions amid COVID-19 pandemic
The Saint Meinrad campus is quieter than are able to offer our seminarians,” regret having to close our place of prayer
it usually is this time of the year. As the explains Fr. Denis. “We here at Saint to the public, we assure all of our
COVID-19 virus continues to spread and Meinrad remain united to our dioceses continued prayers for their health and
affect people around the country and and religious communities in prayerful well-being.”
world, Saint Meinrad is taking precautions. support during this difficult time.”
Saint Meinrad has canceled all public
On March 17, 2020, Fr. Denis Robinson, On the same day, Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, events, retreats and tours until further
OSB, president-rector of the Seminary OSB, announced that the Archabbey notice. The Archabbey Guest House, Gift
and School of Theology, announced that Church is closed for public prayer until Shop and Scholar Shop are also closed.
the seminarians would return to their further notice. This decision follows the
dioceses and religious communities, and directives of Archbishop Charles “If there is a positive outcome to this
classes would be completed online for the Thompson, leader of the Archdiocese of crisis, let us hope that it will be in the vast
rest of the spring semester. Indianapolis, in which the Archabbey is outpouring of charity and love on the part
located. In his statement, Thompson of many in our community,” says Fr.
Students who cannot return home at this noted that public celebrations of the Mass Denis. “I have stressed with our
time, such as international students, will in Indiana were suspended until further seminarians that, as they leave Saint
remain on campus in a cloistered area as notice. Meinrad, they go as ambassadors and
long as necessary. servants of the Church. I know these men,
“The monastic community will remain and I know their quality.”
“This is a difficult decision, especially as faithful to our commitment to daily
it affects the quality of formation that we prayer,” said Archabbot Kurt. “While we
2
Monastery News
Br. Michael Reyes
professes temporary vows at Saint Meinrad
Novice Dennis a master’s degree in music composition descent and one of two composers based
Reyes professed and theory from the University of in the United States to receive that year’s
his temporary Nevada. He received a Doctor of Musical honor.
vows as a Arts in composition from the University
Benedictine of Illinois in May 2019. Reyes received the President’s Research
monk in a in Diversity Travel Award from the
ceremony on His work has received numerous awards University of Illinois, an award bestowed
January 20, 2020, in international competitions and concerts by the university president to 15 high-
at Saint Meinrad by juries comprised of experts in the performing faculty and graduate students
Archabbey. field. In 2016, he won the grand prize at across the three campuses of the
Br. Michael Reyes the 6th Sond’Ar-te Electric Ensemble university conducting research in their
He has completed Composition Competition, where he respective fields.
his novitiate, a year of prayer and study bested composers from 18 countries.
of the Benedictine way of life. As is the Most recently, his home parish was St.
custom during the profession of vows, he He is also one of five composers from John’s Catholic Newman Center in
chose a religious name. Novice Dennis is around the world to be invited by the Champaign, IL.
now Br. Michael. University of London’s School of
Oriental and African Studies to write a Temporary vows are typically for three
Br. Michael, 43, is a native of Manila, new electroacoustic piece for its annual years. This period offers a continuing
Philippines. He is studying for the Composer’s Conference and Festival. opportunity for the monk and the
priesthood at Saint Meinrad Seminary monastic community to determine
and School of Theology. He also participated in the International whether monastic life is, indeed, the right
Electroacoustic Music Festival hosted by vocation for this individual.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in music the Conservatorio Santa Cecilia in Rome.
from the University of the Philippines and Reyes was the only composer of Asian
Novice Simon Holden joins monastery
In a brief He earned a bachelor’s degree in music may be permitted to profess temporary
ceremony, from the University of Louisville in 2019. vows of obedience, fidelity to the
Novice Simon As a student, he was also a music theory monastic way of life and stability in the
Holden was and music history tutor. community of Saint Meinrad.
clothed in the
Benedictine habit He is the son of Katrin and Roger Holden
at Saint Meinrad of Frankfort, KY, and attended Western
Archabbey on Hills High School in Frankfort. Most
January 19, 2020. recently, his home parish was St. Leo
He begins a year Parish in Versailles, KY, where he was a
Novice Simon Holden of monastic volunteer in the parish’s Alpha program.
formation, Order your CareNotes today!
including study of the Rule of St. Benedict As a novice, he takes a year off from
and monastic history. formal studies and trades. The novitiate is For info or to order:
a time of prayer and learning intended to Call us at 1-800-325-2511
Novice Simon, 23, is a native of
Lexington, KY.
help a novice discern his vocation as a
monk. At the end of this year, a novice
or visit www.carenotes.com.
3
Events Book exploring
on theHill
Carmelite spirituality published
Guest House Retreat: “Contemplative
May 1-3
Fr. Mark O’Keefe, lives of these saints: the events that shaped
Christianity” by Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB, published a their writings, their lives, and the Carmelite
OSB. book in February on reform they initiated.
the lives of Carmelite
reformers St. Teresa Fr. Mark is professor of moral theology at
Guest House Retreat: “Way Stations
May 15-17
of Ávila and St. John Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of
and Homecomings of Forgiveness” by of the Cross. In Theology. He also serves as chaplain-in-
Fr. Colman Grabert, OSB. Context: Teresa of residence to the Discalced Carmelite nuns in
Ávila, John of the Terre Haute, IN. He is the author of 11
Cross, and Their books on Christian ethics, the priesthood
The Einsiedeln Society annual dinner.
June 14
World explores the and Carmelite spirituality.
social, cultural, intellectual, and religious
themes that prevailed in 16th-century The book is available through the publisher
Guest House Retreat: “Peace, The
June 16-18
Spain, the time in which St. Teresa of Ávila (https://www.icspublications.org/), on
Benedictine Way” by Br. Maurus and St. John of the Cross lived. amazon.com, and at Saint Meinrad’s
Zoeller, OSB. bookstore, The Scholar Shop.
The book is not only a thematic overview,
but also visits particular situations in the
Guest House Retreat: “The Image as a
June 19-25
Window to the Spiritual: An Artist’s
Six-Day Hands-On Workshop and
Retreat” by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB,
and Br. Michael Moran, CP. New book
Guest House Retreat: “The Ghent
June 26-28 aims to strengthen Church
Altarpiece” by Fr. Noël Mueller, OSB. We Will Serve the reforms for a new generation, the domestic
Lord, Prayers and church must be strengthened and
Blessings for the encouraged.
Guest House Retreat: “A Step 11 Domestic Church was
July 10-12
Retreat for Recovering Alcoholics and co-authored by Fr. Fr. Denis has served as president-rector of
Alanons” by Dave Maloney and team. Denis Robinson, the Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of
OSB, and Agnes M. Theology since 2008. He is also associate
Kovacs. It was professor of systematic theology in the
released in January. school and a chaplain for Monastery
Guest House Retreat: “The ‘Little
July 17-19
Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN.
Rule’ of St. Benedict and the ‘Little According to the
Way’ of St. Thérèse” by Fr. Meinrad authors, what is done in the home can lead Kovacs serves as assistant director of
Brune, OSB. to a deeper recognition of God’s presence Graduate Theology Programs and director
throughout the day. God is in the home, the of continuing formation at Saint Meinrad
neighborhood, the school and the Seminary and School of Theology.
Guest House Retreat: “Bringing to Life workplace as much as in the church. The
July 20-24
the Word of God in Song” by Saint book of rituals and prayers aims to provide We Will Serve the Lord, Prayers and
Meinrad liturgical musicians. strength and renew a sense of connection Blessings for the Domestic Church was
to God. created to support the work of the Young
Adult Initiative, a program of the Seminary
As young adults drift away from the and School of Theology to help religious
Celebration of monastic and
July 26
traditional practice of Catholicism, there is leaders reach young adults and work with
priesthood jubilees. a need to reinvigorate the domestic church them to create new ministries.
For more information, beyond the institutional understanding of
call (812) 357-6611 or visit our Church. Cultural norms are changing and
website www.saintmeinrad.org growing. As the institutional Church
4
IRA charitable gift Monks’ Personals
may save you money on taxes Fr. Mateo Zamora preached at the
Mass for his 25-year high school
As part of the new tax structure put in So, if you don’t need all of the minimum reunion at Holy Angel University in
place by Congress a few years ago, the distribution, or just want to make a Angeles City, Philippines, on
standard deduction when filing federal positive impact on your taxes, once you December 28.
income tax was significantly increased. reach age 70½ you can designate a
This has caused some donors to search for portion of your IRA distribution (up to Fr. Thomas Gricoski wrote a book
other ways to make charitable impacts $100,000 in most cases) to charity. When that was released in February. It is an
while still enjoying a tax benefit. you do this, the charitable distribution is academic philosophy book titled
not taxed as income. This lowers your Being Unfolded: Edith Stein on the
If you will not be making charitable gifts taxable income before your standard Meaning of Being, published by
that exceed your standard deduction, you deduction. Catholic University of America
may gain a significant tax advantage by Press.
exploring a Qualified Charitable How do you make this happen? Simply
Distribution (Charitable Rollover) from contact your IRA administrator and they Archabbot Kurt Stasiak and Fr.
your IRA. will lead you through the process. Prior John McMullen attended the
annual Abbots and Priors Workshop
Here’s how it works. After the passage of This tool can be used to support your at Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside,
the SECURE ACT in 2019, each year favorite charitable organizations, such as CA, February 12-14.
after you turn 72, you are required to take Saint Meinrad. For more information,
a minimum distribution from your IRA. contact Deacon Michael Shumway at Fr. Julian Peters presented a Lenten
This can cause other income to be taxed at mshumway@saintmeinrad.edu or 812- Day of Prayer for the priests of the
a higher level. However, the ability to 357-6501. Diocese of Belleville on March 3.
make a Qualified Charitable Distribution
from your IRA once you turn 70½ did not Fr. Guerric DeBona gave the
change. keynote address for Faith Day 2020
in the Diocese of Evansville, titled
“Imagine a World…Where Hope
Abounds,” at Holy Rosary Parish,
Evansville, on March 7.
New ‘Voices’ issue
Fr. Denis Robinson presented a
highlights alumni ministries mission at Little Flower Parish in
Mobile, AL, March 7-10.
The new issue of Voices from the Vineyard The issue also looks at current methods in
is now available. Published on January 20, Catholic high school ministry and offers Br. Simon Herrmann spoke on
2020, the online alumni magazine an update on the Young Adult Initiative, a “Christian Witness” to St. Pius X’s
highlights stories of how Saint Meinrad grant-funded initiative at Saint Meinrad confirmation group in Indianapolis,
alumni do ministry around the world. that seeks better ways to minister to IN, on March 8.
Catholics ages 23-29.
“Sometimes, the most important ministry Fr. Justin DuVall and Fr. Mark
is happening just down the road, at local Alumni are encouraged to reach out to the O’Keefe were elected as the delegate
parishes,” says Joe Oliveri, Voices editor featured alumni to gain more insights and alternate to the General Chapter
and director of alumni relations. “I hope about their ministries. If you know of any to be held at Westminster Abbey,
British Columbia, in June.
VOICES Vineyard
this issue inspires, challenges and alumni with a story to be featured, contact
advances the ministry being done by our Joe Oliveri at joliveri@saintmeinrad.edu.
alumni.”
Featured in this issue is Fr. John Grace from
O’79, of Hampton, VA, who led a project the
to make his parish 100% solar powered.
Go online to alumni.saintmeinrad.edu/voices
Dr. Sharon Schuhmann MTS’11, in
for the latest issue
Prospect, KY, talks about her journey with
Saint Meinrad, motivating her to use her
gift of preaching and sharing the Gospel.
5
Martin Marty:
Early leader guided Saint Meinrad to abbey status
Editor’s note: In this year of Saint Meinrad’s 150th anniversary of being raised to the rank of abbey, On the Hill will feature
occasional stories of significant people or events in our history.
Two years later, he There was much to do, but historians
completed his credit Fr. Martin with putting Saint
theological studies and Meinrad on the path to success. He
was ordained a priest at reopened the school, took on teaching
the age of 22. The duties, increased the productivity of the
abbot assigned Fr. farming operation, and improved the
Martin to teach the community’s financial situation.
upper classes of
Einsiedeln’s monastic In addition, he strengthened the spiritual
school, work he did for practices in the community, insisting that
nearly five years. the monks strictly observe the Divine
Office and Mass. He also undertook some
During these years, the building projects, increasing the space for
foundation at Saint the college, and building a convent and
Meinrad was school rooms for the Benedictine sisters
struggling. The new who located in nearby Ferdinand.
community was in
debt, understaffed and By the late 1860s, there was talk of
in need of leadership. seeking independent abbey status for
The United States was Saint Meinrad. Fr. Martin returned to
approaching a civil
war, and the monks
often found
themselves spread
thin as they
attempted to staff
parishes, begin a
school and generally
serve the needs of
the Catholics in
1850s Indiana.
Martin Marty was one of the pioneer Einsiedeln’s abbot, Henry Schmid,
monks of Saint Meinrad who played a decided to send Fr. Martin to Indiana to
significant role in ensuring the survival of assess the situation. He told Fr. Martin
the new foundation. to get the priory on solid ground or
liquidate its assets.
Born in 1834 in Switzerland, he was
educated first by the Jesuits and later by the At only 26 years old, Fr. Martin and his
Benedictines at Einsiedeln Abbey. Marty confrere Fr. Fintan Mundwiler (who
entered the monastery at Einsiedeln in later became Saint Meinrad’s second
1854, just a few weeks after two Einsiedeln abbot) traveled to Indiana, arriving on
monks had established a foundation in September 28, 1860.
Indiana called Saint Meinrad.
Above, one of the last portraits of Saint Meinrad’s first abbot, Martin Marty. At right, Abbot
Martin, who served nine years as abbot.
6
Einsiedeln in October 1869 to report on of Vincennes, presiding over the election,
the improvements made in Indiana. The the 14 monks of the new abbey chose Fr.
Einsiedeln monks agreed that Saint Martin Marty as its first abbot on January
Meinrad should ask the Holy See to 23, 1871. But before the results could be
elevate the priory to an abbey, allowing sent to Rome, Saint Meinrad received
it to be independent of its Swiss notice that the Holy Father had chosen the
motherhouse. first abbot – also Fr. Martin.
Fr. Martin supplied the necessary Abbot Martin served as the abbot until
paperwork to Rome, and the document September 1879, at which time he was
granting Saint Meinrad status as an named a bishop and became the first vicar
independent abbey was signed by apostolic of the Dakota Territory.
Pope Pius IX on September 30, 1870.
Sources for this article were “Martin
There was some confusion about the Marty: Founder, First Abbot and
wording of the papal brief regarding Missionary Bishop” by Joel Rippinger,
the election of Saint Meinrad’s first OSB, in To Prefer Nothing to Christ, Fr.
abbot. The Saint Meinrad monks Cyprian Davis, OSB, editor, 2004; and
assumed that they had authority to History of St. Meinrad Archabbey by
elect the abbot. With Bishop Alfred Kleber, OSB, 1954.
Maurice de St. Plais, of the Diocese
Top photo: A Saint Meinrad Archives photo of “foot washing April 14, 1870.” Martin Marty is in the back row, second from left. Below, a prayer
card of Bishop Martin Marty following his death in 1896.
7
Celibacy Formation
Monk’s book offers model for seminaries, religious communities
crisis in the Catholic Church, including
the lack of celibacy formation in the
seminary.
Not long after Br. John Mark joined the
monastery, the leadership in the Seminary
and School of Theology sought his help to
strengthen its program for celibacy
formation. The depth and breadth of the
offerings increased. Learning about
celibacy and related topics was
incorporated into each year of priesthood
study.
As Br. John Mark began to develop and
use a model for celibacy formation, he
noticed that most celibacy formation takes
place within the seminary. For those who
Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB
are non-ordained monks (brothers) and
women religious, no published models
Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, did not existing research did not yield much were available.
plan to write a book on celibacy helpful information. Instead, Br. John
formation. He didn’t plan to teach classes Mark decided to use a statistical approach About that time, Saint Meinrad and the
on it or give talks about it. called cluster analysis to identify subtypes Saint Luke Center in Louisville, KY, were
of offenders within the clergy child sex discussing ways to collaborate. They
But after 15 years of doing work in that abusers and that became the basis for his decided to co-sponsor the first Conference
area, he realized he had a book’s worth of dissertation. on Human Formation on “Practical
information. Last year, How We Love: A Models for Celibacy Formation” in 2015.
Formation for the Celibate Life, was That research led Br. John Mark into work (The third joint conference will be held
published by Liturgical Press. on psychosexual development and next spring on “Mental Health Matters.”)
celibacy for clergy and religious. That
Br. John Mark is a monk of Saint Meinrad might seem unrelated to child psychology, About the same time, he also began a
Archabbey and a clinical psychologist. but there is a common thread, he says. series of webinars on celibacy for the
Before entering the monastery in 2002, he When you work with kids, you focus on Saint Luke Center for formation directors
had completed his master’s and doctoral their development. “Someone who is 5 is at seminaries and religious communities.
degrees at St. Louis University and had different when they’re 12, is different This led to invitations to speak on
been working in pediatric psychology at a when they’re 17,” he explains. The celibacy to religious communities,
hospital. objective is to help someone grow toward dioceses and others, both in the U.S. and
a particular goal. internationally.
As a research assistant in the 1990s, he
was asked to do a review of the scholarly It’s the same idea for celibacy. “How do When he took a sabbatical in 2016, Br.
literature on clergy sex offenders for a we help someone to develop into a John Mark decided to spend the time
newsletter. This led to a research topic for healthy, celibate person?” he says. writing the book, basically laying out the
his doctoral dissertation. “The little bit of model for celibacy formation he had been
research that had been done on sex Anecdotally, he learned that older priests developing and teaching over the past
offenders at the time was comparing and members of religious communities several years.
offenders to non-offenders or comparing had received very limited if any formal
clergy offenders to offenders out in the formation for celibate living. “There’s a real movement toward
general population,” he explains. wanting to do it better,” he says.
That was affirmed by the John Jay Report, Formation directors in dioceses and
But because the groups being compared a study of sexual abuse of minors by religious communities are searching for a
had so many differences within each Catholic priests in the U.S. between 1950 good model of celibacy formation. “The
group (it turns out that not all clergy and 2002. The report identified a number only celibacy formation they know is
sexual offenders are the same), the of contributing factors to the sex abuse Continued on Page 11
8
Alumni Reunion
Reconnect with classmates, recharge your ministry
OSB, will lead a session on “Praying with
Icons.” She is director of the Graduate
Theology Program at Saint Meinrad and
the author of Icons in the Western Church:
Toward a More Sacramental Encounter
(Liturgical Press, 2016).
Dr. Kimberly Baker will lead a session
titled, “Global Friendship: The Story of a
Well in Togo,” an exploration of her
current ministry with a village in Togo,
Africa. She is associate professor of
Church history at Saint Meinrad.
On both Monday and Tuesday afternoons,
tours will be given of the newly renovated
Monte Cassino Shrine, Abbey Caskets
workshop, and the grounds of Saint
Events planned for the 92nd Alumni He has participated in “One Bread, One Meinrad.
Reunion will include time for celebration Cup” summer youth conferences at Saint
and plenty of opportunities to learn, Meinrad for the past several years and he Most Rev. Mark J. Spalding C’87 (‘83-
reflect and pray. The 2020 event will be graduated in May 2019 with a master’s 87), bishop of the Diocese of Nashville,
held August 2-5 at Saint Meinrad degree in theology. TN, will preside and preach at the
Archabbey. Reunion Mass on Tuesday afternoon.
Alumni and friends are invited to attend
The events include a keynote speaker, Angrisano’s conferences. For those A native of Kentucky, Bishop Spalding
breakout sessions, various tours, prayer wishing to attend only the conferences was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese
and socializing, a celebration of the and lunch, the cost is $20. If you plan to of Louisville in 1991. He served as
UnStable, and the honoring of the bring a group, please contact the Alumni associate pastor and pastor of several
Distinguished Alumnus Award to Saint Office. Registration is required to attend parishes and in various roles in the
Meinrad’s late vice president of this event. Metropolitan Tribunal, including his
development, Michael A. Ziemianski. appointment as vicar general in 2011. His
The anniversary class banquet will be held appointment as the 12th Bishop of
On Sunday evening, August 2, alumni are Monday evening honoring the classes of Nashville by Pope Francis was announced
welcome to join the monastic community 1970, 1980, 1995, 2010 and 2015. Also in November 2017.
for Compline, with a social to follow. gathering for special anniversaries will be
There will also be a showing of the movie the ordination classes of 1960 and 1975. At the banquet Tuesday evening, Michael
Knives Out (2019) in St. Bede Theater. A. Ziemianski C’87 (’83-87), of the
The UnStable will celebrate its 50th
Archdiocese of Louisville, will be
Monday, August 3 anniversary on Monday night following
posthumously honored with the
A golf scramble at Christmas Lake Golf the banquet. All are welcome to gather
Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Course in Santa Claus will take place and share half a century of memories.
Ziemianski passed away on June 25,
Monday morning, along with a reception 2019, from lung cancer. He led multiple
Tuesday, August 4
for Graduate Theology Program alumni in fundraising efforts for Saint Meinrad over
the Alumni Commons. On Tuesday, Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB,
20 years of service in the Development
will offer a morning conference during the
Office, leaving a lasting impact on Saint
Keynote speaker Steve Angrisano MA’19 Day of Recollection, titled “Cardinal
Meinrad and its alumni.
(’16-19) will give morning and afternoon Newman: A Saint for our Time.” Fr. Denis
conferences in St. Bede Theater on Monday. is the president-rector of Saint Meinrad
More reunion details and online
Angrisano is a popular Catholic musician, Seminary and School of Theology and
registration can be found at
worship leader and speaker. He travels the associate professor of systematic theology.
http://alumni.saintmeinrad.edu, and on the
country and the world, performing at
Two engaging breakout sessions are Facebook page, www.facebook.com/
events such as World Youth Day and the
planned for the afternoon. Sr. Jeana Visel, SaintMeinradAlumni.
National Catholic Youth Conference.
9
Distinguished Alumnus
Mike Ziemianski served Saint Meinrad, his community, his parish
When the Saint Meinrad Distinguished
Alumnus Award is given posthumously to
Michael Ziemianski this August, it’s
almost guaranteed that the speaker
introducing the award winner will use the
word “service.”
Ziemianski had a distinguished career at
Saint Meinrad. A 1987 graduate of Saint
Meinrad College, he worked at Mercy
Academy in Louisville, KY, providing
retreat experiences for students. By 1989,
he was back at Saint Meinrad working in
the Development Office.
Except for an 18-month stint as director
of development at the Kentucky Center
for the Arts, Mike was devoted to Saint
Meinrad until his unexpected death in
June 2019.
Mike Ziemianski
He served in nearly every fundraising role
at Saint Meinrad – director of annual
giving, director of capital support He recalls that Mike often worked behind to make it happen,” he told a reporter in
programs, director of development and, the scenes, especially at events that Saint 2001.
finally, vice president for development for Meinrad hosted. At the annual Alumni
the last 11 years. Reunion, Mike could be found hauling His volunteer work included selling
supplies, helping to Pegasus pins, helping with ESPN’s B3
clean up, and making Games and X-Trials, and chauffeuring
H“
e certainly was a doer, a
problem solver, who was not afraid
sure everyone was
where they were
supposed to be.
“Another
special guests. In 2003, he was named the
Volunteer of the Year for the festival. He
also was a member of the festival’s board
of directors, and he was to serve as chair
of the 2020 festival.
characteristic of Mike
to roll up his sleeves and do whatever is that he was Mike was also a generous volunteer for
extremely loyal,” District V of CASE, the Council for
was necessary to get a job done.” Schipp says. “No Advancement and Support of Education.
matter what your In 2007, he received the Distinguished
relationship was, you Service Award for his dedicated service in
always knew that Mike would be there for CASE’s District V. He had served for a
Dan Schipp, senior counsel at Johnson, you.” number of years on the board of directors,
Grossnickle & Associates in Greenwood, including as district treasurer and board
IN, and former vice president for Mike’s many qualities showed up outside chair. Shortly after his death, CASE V
development at Saint Meinrad, hired Mike his work as well. In 1997, he began renamed that award as the Mike
to work for Saint Meinrad in 1989. “He volunteering for the Kentucky Derby Ziemianski Distinguished Service Award.
certainly was a doer, a problem solver, Festival – the two weeks of events that
who was not afraid to roll up his sleeves lead up to the famous horse race. “The A member of Cathedral of the Assumption
and do whatever was necessary to get a greatest weeks in Louisville are around Parish in Louisville, KY, Mike served for
job done,” he says. Derby time, and I thought I’d do my part more than 20 years as an extraordinary
10minister of Holy Communion. In addition,
he was a member of the Bishop Flaget
Society; served on the organizing
committee for “Let’s Dance Louisville,”
an annual fundraising event for the Feed
My Neighbor program; and could be
found tending bar when needed.
Schipp noted that Mike was a leader by
example. “He generously gave of his time
and his talent and his treasure,” he says.
“Certainly, Saint Meinrad was the
beneficiary of that, the Kentucky Derby
Festival, his parish…. People saw in him
someone who was willing to not only talk
the talk, but walk the walk and really give
of himself.”
The Distinguished Alumnus Award will
be given on Tuesday evening, August 4,
during the Alumni Reunion. Mike Ziemianski
H “
e generously gave of his time and his talent and his treasure.
Certainly, Saint Meinrad was the beneficiary of that, the Kentucky Derby
Festival, his parish…. People saw in him someone who was willing to not
only talk the talk, but walk the walk and really give of himself.”
Continued from Page 8
what they received,” he explains, and that better policies in place and, in general, One decision Br. John Mark made when
was probably a generation or more ago. our culture and our laws are different,” he writing the book was not to adopt either a
says. “I hope it’s a contribution that Saint conservative or liberal interpretation of
The focus on better celibacy formation, Meinrad is making, through me, to the celibacy formation, but rather to draw
along with better screening of those larger Church – and not just the seminary from objective, research-based
entering seminary and religious world, but religious communities as recommendations.
communities, is working, according to Br. well.” u
John Mark. “I tried very hard to take a non-
In his book, author ideological approach with this book,” he
The John Jay Report shows that the Br. John Mark says. “I’ve tried to study the science as
incidence of sexual abuse by clergy starts Falkenhain, OSB, well as I could – and the theology as well
to decline significantly about 1985, he looks at four themes as I could – and then be very non-
says. “The question is: is that just delayed of celibacy ideological in putting it together and
reporting?” he asks. It doesn’t appear so. formation: motives saying, ‘This is what we know.’”
The Center for Applied Research in the for choosing a
Apostolate continues to track allegations celibate life, While most celibacy formation is aimed at
and results indicate that the incidence has theological priesthood students, Br. John Mark
continued to decline over the last three dimensions of intentionally developed a model of
decades, he says. celibate living, formation that is useful for seminary
sexual identity and integration, and skills settings as well as men’s and women’s
“We’re doing better screening, we’re for living the celibate life. religious formation programs.
doing better formation, we also have
11[Meet the Student]
Garrett Braun
Hometown: Newburgh, IN
Diocese: Diocese of Evansville and Archdiocese for the Military Services
Q. Hobbies?
I love playing all kinds of sports, fishing,
and reading, but my favorite hobby is
cycling. There’s nothing better than a
challenging group ride on a beautiful
summer day.
Q. What aspect of seminary life has
been most rewarding?
Living a life completely structured to
growing in relationship with the Lord
through prayer, study and brotherhood.
Q. What aspect of seminary life has been
most challenging?
Realizing that a vocation to the
priesthood is a profound gift of God’s
grace and not something I can earn or
deserve based on my own efforts.
Q. What attracted you to the priesthood? lieutenant and now owe a minimum of Q. Best advice you’ve heard in
five years of active-duty service in the Air seminary?
Spiritual leadership. In a particular way,
Force. I am currently in a service
Christ allows priests to continue and deferment program that allows me to “The most important part of prayer is
participate in his ministry. To me this serve in the Air Force Reserves until I can showing up.” In a conference on prayer,
means recognizing the profound dignity fulfill my active-duty commitment as an Fr. Noël Mueller, OSB, explained to my
of others and striving to love them as ordained priest and military chaplain. This class that if we simply remain faithful to
God loves us. will start three years after my ordination. spending time in prayer, then God will do
the work.
Q. Who or what influenced you to begin Q. Favorite saint and why?
study for the priesthood?
Right now, it’s St. John Vianney and St.
The seeds of my vocation were planted Thérèse of Lisieux. St. John Vianney
throughout my life by family, teachers, inspires me by his radical witness of
and priests who may have never realized priestly self-gift, and St. Thérèse by her
the effect they were having on me. These life of total abandonment to the love and
came to fruition in a particular way when mercy of God for everything.
I was challenged to be the lay director of
the TEC retreat at the Air Force Academy. Q. Favorite Scripture verse and why?
1 John 4:9-10: God’s love was revealed
Q. What were you doing before you among us in this way: God sent his only
came to the seminary?
Son into the world so that we might live
Before seminary, I attended and graduated through him. In this is love, not that we
from the United States Air Force loved God but that he loved us and sent
Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. As a his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for FIND NEW EPISODES AT
result, I was commissioned a second our sins. www.saintmeinrad.edu/echoes
12Photos, beginning at top, left to right: Fr. Tim DeCrane participates in
a discussion about marriage prep and ministry during the Institute for
Priests and Presbyterates Associate Pastor program on February 12.
Deacon Peter Grodi provides music during the seminary community’s
50th-anniversary celebration of the UnStable on March 10.
Second Theology seminarian Brent Thayer of the Diocese of Nashville
was commissioned as a second lieutenant by Garrett Braun in the
Heritage Gallery on March 10.
Dr. C. Vanessa White presents the inaugural Fr. Cyprian Davis Lecture
on “Journeying with the Saints: Black Catholics on the Road to
Sainthood” in St. Bede Theater on February 11.
Archbishop Charles Thompson, of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,
prays during the ministry installation on February 13 in St. Thomas
Aquinas Chapel. Sixteen priesthood students received the ministry of
acolyte and 21 received the ministry of lector.
13Mr. Franklin W. Berg O’58 (’46-48), of ALUMNI ETERNAL Mr. John E. Wells O’58 (’52-55), of
Warsaw, IN, died on January 25, 2020. Rock Island, IL, died on July 2, 2019.
Fr. Edward F. Rupp O’60 (’52-54), a
Fr. Colin J. Boor O’50 (’39-46), a priest priest of the Diocese of Cleveland, OH, Mr. Paul F. Wiesler O’56 (’49-52), of
of the Diocese of Wichita, KS, died on died on March 29, 2019. Sandusky, OH, died on January 2, 2020.
January 16, 2020.
Mr. Thomas D. Schell O’68 (’62-67), of Br. Stephen B. Wilke, CAA, C’87 (’83-
Mr. Alfred E. Carson O’54 (’44-52), of Louisville, KY, died on December 15, 84), of Tamarac, FL, died on December
Indianapolis, IN, died on February 6, 2019. 31, 2019.
2020.
A key to the initials behind the names
Fr. Raymond C. Sheperd O’57 (’49-53),
a priest of the Diocese of Toledo, OH,
Mr. Ralph E. Cortas O’60 (’54-60), of of alumni:
died on December 21, 2019.
Elkhart, IN, died on December 20, 2019. C: College
Dr. Albert P. Steiner Jr. O’64 (’52-62), GTP: Graduate Theology Programs
Fr. Walter W. Foley O’78 (’73-76), a
priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, GA, of Indianapolis, IN, died on January 6, HS: High School
died on January 11, 2020. 2020. MAT: Master of Arts (Theology)
MAPT: Master of Arts (Pastoral Theology)
Mr. Anthony J. Umbdenstock Jr. O’65
Mr. William M. Gibson O’57 (’51-57), MTS: Master in Theological Studies
(’54-56) died on June 7, 2019, in Green
of Mendocina, CA, died on November 1,
Valley, AZ. O: Ordination
2019.
PD: Permanent Deacon Formation Program
Dr. Bernard Hartman O’60 (’50-52), of Mr. Robert L. Vogt O’56 (’52-56), of S: Sabbaticant
Santa Ana, CA, died on February 9, 2019. State College, PA, died on March 30, SPH: St. Placid Hall
2019.
SS: Summer Session
Mr. Thomas E. Head O’53 (’49-51), of T: Theology
Louisville, KY, died on December 31,
2019.
Fr. Lawrence Kew O’66 (’60-62), a
priest of the Diocese of Gary, IN, died on
December 16, 2019.
Fr. Gerald J. Kirkhoff O’69 (’61-65), a
priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,
IN, died on December 30, 2019.
Mr. Thomas A. Mauro O’67 (’61-63), of
Grand Rapids, MI, died on July 21, 2017.
Mr. Dan L. Mundy O’74 (’62), of
Jasper, IN, died on December 26, 2019.
Mr. Dennis J. Niebrugge O’78 (’70-72),
of Indianapolis, IN, died on December
19, 2019.
Mr. George E. O’Bryan O’52 (’48-52),
of Louisville, KY, died on December 30,
2019.
Fr. Robert Olivier O’57 (’51-57), a
priest of the Diocese of Jackson, MS,
died on October 8, 2019.
Mr. Scott Rennels PD’22 (’18-19), of
Jonesboro, AR, died on January 9, 2020. The sun begins to rise behind a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the monastery’s Placidium
on March 9.
R
14Dr. Glendon J. Bogdon O’61 (’55-56), a ALUMNI NEWS St. Lawrence Parish in Sandoval, both in
retired orthodontist of Franklin, WI, was the Diocese of Belleville, IL. He was
named the 2019 recipient of the and Paul Parish in Hortonville, WI, since ordained a priest in 2018 after serving as a
Community Outreach Award by the 2008. He was featured in the February 6, permanent deacon for the diocese since
Wisconsin Dental Association. His 2020, issue of The Compass, newspaper 2008.
community service included providing of the Diocese of Green Bay.
dental exams and fluoride treatments to Fr. Richard Puetz O’45 (’39-44), a priest
schools and to the Madre Angela Dental Ms. Kim Mandelkow MAPT’16 (’12- of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana,
Clinic, as well as volunteering for the 15), of Milwaukee, WI, is a celebrated 75 years as a priest on February
Give Kids A Smile program. pianist/member of the Bernadette Garza 2. He turns 101 on April 26.
Duo, which performed at the St. Joseph
Sr. Carol Jean Curtis, OSU, GTP (’17- Center in Milwaukee on February 8. Archbishop Charles Thompson T’87
19), a former discalced Carmelite Sister, (’83-87), of the Archdiocese of
transferred her vows to the Ursuline Fr. Eusebius (Douglas) Martis, OSB, Indianapolis, IN, received the first
Sisters of Louisville, KY, on November T’89 (’83-85; ’87), made his three-year Archbishop Buechlein Award. The award
15, 2019, following the closing of the profession of vows as a Benedictine was given by Archdiocese of
Carmelite monastery in Louisville. monk of Marmion Abbey in Aurora, IL, Louisville/Diocese of Owensboro Section
on August 6, 2019. of the Equestrian Order of the Holy
Mr. Charles Etienne O’61 (’49-53), on Sepulchre on November 2, 2019.
November 29, 2019, closed his Charlie’s Mr. Kenneth Morgan-Schleuning C’95
Auto Parts Store in Tell City, IN, after 52 (’90-95), of Orlando, FL, has joined The Mr. Gilbert Verkamp O’65 (’53-55), of
years. He continues to operate a small Walt Disney Company as a public Jasper, IN, will be inducted into the Junior
beef farm in his retirement. relations manager for some of the Disney Achievement of Dubois County Business
properties. Hall of Fame on May 7. He is the
Fr. James Flynn O’55 (’51-55) was
chairman and CEO of MasterBrand
honored by Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Fr. Steven Pautler PD’08 (04-08) is Cabinets Inc.
Louisville, KY, at its Legacy Dinner and pastor of St. Mary Parish in Centralia and
Celebration on February 8. He served as
pastoral associate at the parish in the
1960s. Currently, he serves Latino
communities in and around Louisville. Alumni and Friends Phonathon
Mr. Charlie Hardesty MA’10 (’06-10; raises over $50,000
’13-16), a youth and young adult minister
in the Diocese of Owensboro, KY, was a In February and early March, students “The phonathon isn’t only about asking
keynote speaker on February 29 at the participating in the annual Alumni and for financial support,” added Hopf. “It’s
Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Youth Friends Phonathon manned the phones also to let our benefactors know we are
Conference. for a few hours of calling on seven holding them in prayer. The seminarians
evenings. were able to share many prayer requests
Dr. Lanny Hollis T’86 (’76-80; ’82-86) with the monastery in addition to raising
begins a new position in July as The result was another successful a record-breaking total in support of
superintendent of schools for the Diocese phonathon. Students spoke with more their education.”
of El Paso, TX. Currently, he is finishing than 370 alumni and 208 friends of
his position as headmaster and president Saint Meinrad and received gifts and Gifts to the phonathon help provide a
of St. John Paul II Catholic High School pledges totaling $50,355. Each quality education and formation for
in Huntsville, AL. evening, they talked with either alumni seminarians as well as those studying
or friends from across the country. for the permanent diaconate and lay
SSgt. Ryan Klobassa MAPT’16 (’14- ministry. Gifts help fund financial aid,
15); T’13 (’08-11), a staff sergeant in the “I am grateful to the alumni and friends spiritual formation programs, and
USAF National Guard, has accepted a who generously supported Saint ministry opportunities for students.
position in the Chaplain Corps as a Meinrad through this year’s phonathon.
chaplain assistant – religious affairs Our student callers were blessed to Alumni can make gifts to the 2019-2020
airman. He recently earned an AS degree have many meaningful and enriching Alumni Annual Giving Program until
from the Community College of the Air conversations that will be with them June 30. To give online, visit
Force. He is completing training at throughout their time in formation,” donate.saintmeinrad.edu.
Maxwell AFB in Alabama. says Brandon Hopf, associate director
of annual giving, who organized the
Mr. Greg Layton C’83 (’81-83) has event.
served as the pastoral leader of SS. Peter
15Non-Profit
Organization
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St. Meinrad, IN 47577
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Alumni Board Slate:
Two new members seeking to serve
Six alumni are seeking approval as He earned a bachelor’s degree from the and Latin teacher at Bishop McGuinness
members of the Saint Meinrad Alumni University of Detroit in 1973 and Catholic High School.
Association Board of Directors. Two of master’s degree in pastoral ministry from
which are seeking their first term on the Saint Meinrad School of Theology in He earned a bachelor’s degree in classical
board. Candidates are presented as a slate 1985. In 2004, he was ordained as a studies from Saint Meinrad College in
for approval. Alumni can submit their permanent deacon for the Diocese of 1997 and a master’s degree in educational
approval or disapproval by email to Nashville, where he remains leadership, school administration from
alumni@saintmeinrad.edu, by calling the incardinated. Oklahoma State University in 2006. He
Alumni Office at (800) 682-0988 or by currently is a doctoral student in Catholic
voting on the alumni website at He and his wife Pamela have two leadership through Saint Louis University.
http://alumni.saintmeinrad.edu. Voting children and two grandchildren. They
ends August 4. live in Wildwood, MO, where they attend He and his wife Melisa have two children
St. Alban Roe Parish. and live in Oklahoma City, where they are
parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo
Catholic Church.
PRE-1983
Deacon Mark H.
Mr. Todd B.
1984-1998
Desmond O’77
(’73-76) retired in Gungoll C’97 Four current board members, Dr. Jared
2016 as vice (’93-97) is Bryson (vice president), Christopher Carr
president of principal of St. (president), Kevin McNamara and Carrie
mission Charles Williamson, have agreed to seek a second
integration for Borromeo term on the board. Monsignor Frederick
Mercy Health Catholic Grade Easton and Joe Pfennig have chosen not to
(formerly School in return to the board for a second term.
Catholic Health Oklahoma City,
Deacon Mark H. Partners), having OK. His previous
Desmond served in several Mr. Todd B. Gungoll work includes
capacities. His prior manager of
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