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Fall 2020/Winter 2021 Forming priests in a Pandemic Mundelein Ministry Donor Profile In Memoriam A Socially Distanced Ordination Kathryn Marilyn “Kay” Dickholtz Msgr. Charles R. Meyer, S.T.D.
Rector’s Notes Building Bridges Amidst a Pandemic BY FAT HE R J OHN K A RTJ E “In order that his ministry may be humanly as credible and acceptable as possible, it is important that the priest should mold his human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of humanity.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 43). With these words, Pope St. John Paul God do not lose hope in the One whose II drew upon a powerful image of the love is ever present even within the priest as a “bridge” to help others cross midst of the chaos—is what we seek to over into a deeper relationship with Je- grow and develop through our seminary sus Christ. But a careful reading of this formation program. text indicates that it is the man’s person- In these pages of The Bridge, you will shortcomings at his ordination and pre- ality, in particular, which is the bridg- encounter numerous witnesses to this pared him to help his people transcend any ing element. The supernatural grace of a bridging process at work. As the semi- similar shortcomings in their own lives. priest’s ordination is received and com- narians departed campus early in the I particularly encourage you to encoun- municated by his natural humanity— spring semester, they were challenged to ter the myriad examples of “priestly bridg- and that humanity can be either a bridge find ways to remain connected to their ing” that are so evident in the ministry of or a chasm, depending on how the priest classmates, faculty, formation advisors, one of our alumni, Fr. Sergio Rivas. He views himself, his pastoral environment, and spiritual directors. That meant yeo- shares with us his pastoral mantra which and the people whom he engages. That is man efforts by everyone to quickly adapt was forged by his formation at Munde- why a priest’s human formation is one of to off-site learning, with the sometimes- lein: “Lord, let me look at people the way the most critical aspects to be developed painful moments that any quick change you did”. But he also shows us how that during his time in seminary. His mastery necessitates. Beyond the academics, the simple phrase continues to inspire him to of the Catholic Church’s rich intellec- seminarians had to find new ways to melt away the COVID barriers that might tual tradition, or his deep contemplative reach out to the people of their home otherwise take root between his people prayer life, will be of little help to his pa- dioceses where most of them were now and the love of Jesus Christ. rishioners unless he can embody those living. How does one make pastoral con- While he may not have foreseen the gifts within a compassionate heart, a nections with nearly empty churches, pandemic of 2020 when he penned the perceptive mind, and a willingness to elderly and infirm parishioners who can- quote cited above, Pope St. John Paul sacrifice his own agenda in service of the not be readily visited in person, and the II certainly knew the deep need for a needs of his people. usual vast array of parish gatherings (in priestly ministry that could bridge the As the COVID-19 pandemic has pro- classrooms, RCIA sessions, parish coun- pain and confusion of global crises. gressed throughout the year, it has been cil meetings, marriage and baptism prep- Drawing on his life experience, the Spirit highly evident to me just how resource- aration, etc.) now relegated to Zoom? In inspired him to craft a vision for priestly ful and resilient our students, alumni, these pages you’ll see how! formation that was designed to achieve faculty and staff have been. They have Perhaps few moments within the life of that end. At Mundelein FAT H E R found new ways to negotiate the unique a priest or deacon provide a more intimate J OH N Seminary we are the ben- challenges and needs which surfaced connection with his diocese than his Ordi- KARTJE eficiaries of his vision and from a society that has been limited by nation Mass. Those liturgies are generally is the president in the following pages social distancing, quarantining, off-site celebrated within a packed parish church and rector you’ll see what that looks learning, restricted access to the Sacra- or diocesan cathedral. While a pandemic- of the like in action. University of ments, and devastating spiritual, finan- era Ordination Mass might look very dif- Saint Mary Together with you, in cial, emotional, and physical crises. The ferent, you’ll read about how the grace of the Lake/ Christ, we are Mundelein. seminarians’ capacity to help bridge of the Holy Spirit allowed one newly-or- Mundelein We form parish priests. these struggles—so that the people of dained deacon to transcend any apparent Seminary. God bless you 2 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
Inside this Issue donor profile Kathryn Marilyn “Kay” Dickholtz 8 academic update 26 alumni reflection 2 Rector’s Notes Building Bridges Amidst a Pandemic 16 Cover Story 24 Forming Priests in a Pandemic BY FAT HE R J OH N K A RT J E B Y J O S E PH N G U Y E N 4 Campus Life 19 Internship Reflection Familiar Faces Join Reorganized Not Your Average Internship B Y M AT T H E W O C K I N G A Formation Team 10 campus life BY DE AC ON M IC H A E L K E L LY 20 Mundelein Ministry Sister Nadiya Levchenko 6 Mundelein Ministry B Y DA N KOR E N C H A N A Socially Distanced Ordination BY K YL E T I E T Z 22 Student Art and Poetry 8 Academic Update 24 Donor Profile The seminarian-authored magazine of Pandemic Academics Kathryn Marilyn “Kay” Dickholtz BY DE AC ON JA K E DU N N E 26 Alumni Reflection 10 Campus Life Seeing with the Gaze of Christ Fall 2020/Winter 2021 Come to the Water B Y FAT H E R S E RG IO R I VA S BY M AT T H E W O C K I N G A Very Rev. John Kartje 28 MundeLines RECTOR/PRESIDENT 11 Faculty Profile Matthew Ockinga 30 in memoriam Dr. Kevin Magas EDITOR Msgr. Charles R. Meyer, S.T.D. BY L E E NOE L Seth Arnold FAITH Catholic BY VERY REVEREND THOMAS A. BAIMA Very Reverend Thomas A. Baima Patrick M. O’Brien 12 Faculty Profile Deacon Jake Dunne PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr. Juliana Vazquez Krivsky Matthew Gembrowski Deacon Michael Kelly BY SE T H A R N OLD On the cover: Seminarian Alex Elizabeth Martin Dan Korenchan Solsburg Lorang (Diocese of Joliet) genuflects Joseph Nguyen Lee Noel VICE PRESIDENT AND 13 Faculty Profile before the Blessed Sacrament in the Matthew Ockinga EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Dr. Mark Therrien vestibule of St. Mary Immaculate Father Sergio Rivas Parish in Plainfield, Ill., where “drive- Richard Rivera Lynne Hsu BY M AT T H E W G E M B RO WS K I Kyle Tietz GR APHIC DESIGNER up Adoration” had been organized for WRITERS parishioners. Throughout the early days 14 From the Diocese of the pandemic, seminarians returned Matt Paolelli DIRECTOR OF MARKETING On A Mission to Serve to parishes in their dioceses and assisted & COMMUNICATIONS, STAFF ADVISOR BY R IC H A R D R I V E R A with creative ministries to maintain the spiritual lives of their parishioners. The BridgeTM is a membership publication of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, 1000 E. Maple Ave., PHOTO BY JOSEPH SOLOMON, DIOCESE OF JOLIET Mundelein, IL 60060. Published twice a year by the students and faculty of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. Subscription requests and address changes can be sent to Mundelein Seminary, 1000 E. Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060. www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Facebook at facebook .com/mundeleinsem 3
Campus Life Familiar Faces Join Reorganized Formation Team BY DE AC ON M IC H A E L K E L LY | 4 T, DIO C E S E OF YA K I M A This year of 2020 has brought changes to many organizational time constraints, it is not always easy for teams, and Mundelein Seminary is one of them. The Father Kartje to travel. Nurturing those relationships is really important to us.” selection of Father Brian Welter to be the new executive Originally from Kenya, Father Waithaka director of the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) in began his work at the seminary last year Omaha, Nebraska, precipitated new faces in the formation as director of the Tolton Teaching Parish Program, and now he assumes the role of and administrative leadership at the seminary. Welter, a dean of formation. priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, had been serving as “The dean of formation oversees the en- vice rector and dean of formation at Mundelein. His tireless tire formation program and deals with all facets of student affairs. In addition, I meet work brought many positive changes to the seminary, from with bishops and vocation directors about launching the Tolton Teaching Parish Program to overseeing their seminarians and we discuss both the the creation of a new brick barbecue patio for campus. life of the seminary and the readiness of their candidates for priesthood. That is the bulk of my work,” Waithaka said. In the wake of Welter’s new position, maintain and build relationships with Though that may be the bulk of his work, rector Father John Kartje has appointed dioceses and vocation directors. In a way, the bulk of his play is crushing seminarians Father Edward Pelrine as vice rector and the vice rector is the face of the seminary at soccer. Any spectator can tell that he is Father Maina Waithaka as dean of forma- alongside the rector.” quite a force to be reckoned with. tion. Both men are priests of the Archdio- Having been pastor of Our Lady of the “I hope to work with the seminarians, cese of Chicago. Rosary Parish in Elk Grove Village, Illi- focusing with them on why they are here, Pelrine has been at Mundelein for 5 nois, for seven years before coming to who they are, and God’s will for their lives,” years, serving both as a spiritual director the seminary, Pelrine is good with people he said. “Before God can call us, we have and the director of spiritual life. and with administration. He teaches the to know who we are.” “The vice rector helps the rector with seminary’s “parish administration” class. Joining Maina this year as assistant dean a number of top-level administrative de- “I plan to travel to visit bishops and of formation is Deacon Pat Quagliana. cisions,” he said. “In addition, he helps vocation directors,” Pelrine said. “Due to Coming to Mundelein in 2017 from the 4 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
Let us continue to Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, Qua- gliana has served as both a formation ad- visor and cam director. In his new role, pray for the future he will be able to help facilitate a deeper spirit of accompaniment of the formation of our Church. leadership among the seminarians. “By my assuming some of the adminis- trative duties from Father Maina’s office, Thank you for supporting the next we all can have more fruitful interactions with the seminarians,” Quagliana said. “No generation of holy parish priests. one person has to be locked up with all of the meetings and office work.” www.usml.edu/give “This community fosters priestly formation. The outcome of living, studying and praying together produces holy, happy, integrated priests.” With his classic New Jersey accent, no- nonsense attitude and mischievous grin that lets the seminarians know when he’s working on something good, Quagliana brings experience and perspective to the formation team. “I hope to foster our life together here in community as brothers,” he said. “This com- munity fosters priestly formation. The out- come of living, studying and praying together produces holy, happy, integrated priests.” Reflecting on the multiple hats that Welter wore around the seminary, Pelrine characterized Welter as “a very hardwork- ing and serious priest.” “He had a sense of striving to be excellent, arete in Greek, and he sought to bring out that excellence from the seminarians,” Pel- rine said. “But it was a lot for one person to do. Father Welter did a really good job with all of it, but there was a lot on his plate.” Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the col- DEACON laboration of Fathers Pel- MICHAEL rine, Waithaka, and Deacon KELLY Quagliana will help guide is a fourth- Mundelein in the forma- year theolo- tion of coming generations gian studying for the Diocese of holy and joyful parish of Yakima. priests. www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Twitter @mundeleinsem 5
Even more, I thought to myself, Wow, procrastinating on sending out ordination invitations might be paying off! Gratefully, Archbishop Michael Jack- els and our vocations director met with us. We talked through various scenarios, but, ultimately, we were given responsi- bility to reach a decision. My classmates and I agreed that being ordained on time, whatever it looked like, would be prefer- able. We decided that individual ordina- tions would take place over the course of a week, one per day, at the cathedral, with 10 people maximum present. In total, almost a novena of ordinations! There was little planning to do, as the liturgies would be standardized and aus- tere. I was able to divvy up the 10 people fairly easily; I know it was more difficult for those with larger families. I got on A Socially Distanced social media to announce that I would be ordained on May 20 and that it would Ordination be livestreamed. Many people reached out and some expressed their regret that it would be a subdued affair due to the BY DE AC ON K YL E T IE T Z | 4T, A RC HDIO C E S E OF DU B U Q U E restrictions. I was not very concerned about this; rather, I was grateful to be ordained on time. Also, I anticipated that priesthood ordination next year would look a little more normal. The week came and my classmate Jake Dunne was to be ordained deacon first. Unable to attend in person, we tuned The liturgy began unceremoniously, catching me off guard. in to the livestream in the basement. One minute we were in the sacristy, the next we had processed There he was! It was a joyful experience in and begun. It was strange without any opening hymn or noise to watch the ordination. Meanwhile, I was keeping a mental list, OK, what do I from the congregation. As I approached my seat, I realized that need to remember for tomorrow? several people had not noticed us enter. I gave my best “Hey, It was difficult to wait all day to be we’re going!” look, which was met with a bit of surprise. The ordained in the evening, but I took the day normally. I prayed early and had a ordination was under way. Holy Hour full of consolation. I came back to the chapel in the afternoon to pray to My classmates and I were finishing our seminarians had left campus already, Mary, the Holy Spirit and St. Francis de Holy Land pilgrimage in March when we though, and we soon followed suit. Sales, one of my favorite saints. Suddenly, began to hear about the pandemic and I returned to stay at our diocesan semi- it was time to go to the cathedral. travel restrictions. As Jerusalem began to nary, St. Pius X, in Dubuque. There, we I gathered with my family and the few empty out, we were one of the few groups joined our brothers in minor seminary others for a small supper before the or- remaining. In one sense we were grateful and finished our classes online. Soon, dination. We distanced ourselves and to be able to visit the uncrowded Holy however, we began to wonder what dia- ate Jimmy Johns in the cathedral hall. I Sepulchre every day. Yet we soon became conate ordination would look like with had suggested Taco Bell (yum!), but that anxious to return home. Finally, after a the COVID-19 restrictions. Would we be was shot down for inexplicable reasons. rerouting, a missed flight and a late-night ordained on time? Could we invite peo- Someone likened this subdued ordina- bus ride, we arrived at Mundelein. Most ple? Where would we hold the liturgy? tion to priests in Russia being ordained 6 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
Mundelein Ministry “Sometimes, God works with grand gestures and ceremony. Other times, he is more subdued, and we may not recognize that his work has begun. In either case, we trust in his grace and know that he calls us into service.” what you believe, and prac- was very grateful to minister as a deacon, tice what you teach.” an ordained servant of Christ. A little bit uncertainly, I I am continually grateful for how things proceeded with the liturgy, played out over the past few months with preparing the altar and as- ordination and my summer assignment. sisting during the Eucharis- The greatest challenge was to continually tic Prayer. There was a lot wait to see what conditions would be like to think about between the week after week. I was able to approach Mass parts, wearing a bulky these changes with a peaceful heart, a dalmatic and operating a face grace of the Holy Spirit. It was a bless- mask and hand sanitizer. It ing to be ordained for the service of the was a blessing to give Com- Church, and I look forward munion to my family as I saw with excitement and hope the joy upon their faces. Soon for priesthood ordination. enough, I declared, “Go and Sometimes, God works announce the Gospel of the with grand gestures and Lord” and we were done. We KYLE ceremony. Other times, he underground during the Communist era. had some cookies in celebration. TIETZ is more subdued, and we As I ate my ham and swiss sandwich, I did The next day, I led Exposition of the is a fourth- may not recognize that his year theolo- not feel particularly akin to those who had Blessed Sacrament and did Benediction work has begun. In either gian studying given so much more. for the seminarians. I was deacon for for the case, we trust in his grace The liturgy began without ceremony. My daily Mass and gave a real barn burner Archdiocese and know that he calls us brother and sister-in-law read the Scrip- of a homily, I’m sure. That weekend, I re- of Dubuque. into service. tures. I had joked with my dad that he turned to my home parish would have to cantor, but I asked another to assist at the Mass, which seminarian instead. Overall, the liturgy was livestreamed. It was the proceeded quickly, and it came time for feast of the Ascension and I the ordination. I was elected and made was grateful to be with my the promise of obedience. home parish, though mostly Soon enough I was “hitting the marble” virtually. (or in my case, the carpet), lying down for I was able to be at my the Litany of the Saints. It was a beauti- summer assignment, St. ful moment as the company of saints was Francis in Marshalltown, invited into the liturgy. Unexpectedly, my for 10 weeks. Certainly, I was arms fell asleep and I realized that I should blessed to assist at Mass, lead have practiced lying prone beforehand. Benediction and preach. I had Next was the laying on of hands, and I seven baptisms, all of whom felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit as the were girls, and all in Span- archbishop brought his hands down. The ish! An unexpected grace was prayer of consecration flew by and soon proclaiming the Gospel read- enough I was a deacon. Standing, I went ing at Mass, which feels dif- over to be vested in stole and dalmatic by, ferent — weightier — than a priest I had known since high school. I proclaiming the other read- then received the Book of Gospels and ings. It was difficult with the heard these important words: “Receive continued COVID-19 restric- the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you tions to be unable to meet have become. Believe what you read, teach many people in person. Yet, I www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Insta g ram @mundeleinsem 7
Academic Update men will need to sanitize the desks once class is over, coronavirus fades into the background as we listen to and discuss important topics such as the nature of priesthood and the seal of confession. Normally, the entire seminary takes all their classes in the same building, which sits between the residence hall and the library. Due to the space limitations that social distancing requires, however, we have utilized new classrooms, including rooms in the Conference Center and the Faculty Building. While the in-class experience has re- mained largely normal, some professors have begun using an educational meth- od known as asynchronous learning. In classes taught by professors who have opted to teach according to this method, one class a week is in-person and an- Pandemic other class is taught online. The online component can be accessed each week at a time of the student’s choosing. Academics In Dr. Steven Smith’s “Psalms and Wisdom” course for the men in fourth theology, we are in class at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesdays as normal. The next class of the week, which traditionally would BY DE AC ON JAK E D UNNE | 4T, A RC HDIO C E S E OF DU B U Q U E have been on Friday at 10:45 a.m., is of- fered as a series of videos, audio record- Instead of walking in and plopping down in the normal spots ings, charts and texts on two Microsoft as we have for the last few years, the seminarians in fourth platforms, Teams and Sway. Most of the material is on Sway and consists of vid- theology cautiously walked through the door of classroom 201, eos and audio recordings set in a presen- known to most as the Music Room, and immediately looked tation that the student can go through left and right, as if they were about to cross the street. They at his own pace. The student has from Tuesday evening to Sunday night to lis- were scanning the room to see if this space in which we have ten to the audio, watch the videos, read sat countless hours would look like it always had or if we were the readings and then blog on the Teams entering the bridge of the USS Enterprise. page in a classwide discussion on the topic of the Psalms. Last spring, online classes consisted A pleasant sigh. There is only a tele- entire seminary at the Paluch lectures, of logging into Teams at the usual class vision unit to the left, with a camera rector addresses, and other events, is time and watching a lecture and engag- mounted underneath. Moving towards now three-quarters full of just fourth- ing in virtual class discussions, which is the tables, we notice some wires running year theologians. an identical experience to Zoom meet- across the front row connecting a series Once class has started, the men sit at ings and sessions on other virtual plat- of circular microphones set on the desk- their desks, taking notes and listening forms. It amounted to a lot of time spent tops. Each person looked for the large to the professor as we have always done, on screens. During March and April, the round blue sticker with a golden cross, only now with masks (and for those faculty were working hard just so that which we have come to know is a spot with glasses, they see their professors we could finish the semester. While we we can sit in. One chair at each desk. The through fogged lenses). Other than the were watching live lectures in the spring, Music Room, which regularly hosts the announcement prior to class that a few Marie Pitt-Payne, director of intellectual 8 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
formation at Mundelein, and other fac- ulty members began researching better methods with two goals in mind: to be physically present on campus in the fall and to create a better balance on the cognitive load of the seminarian. Physi- cal presence was accomplished by the in- credible work of Pam Helminski-Devitt, senior director of events and guests services, and the staff of Environmental Services who coated the campus with stickers, informing seminarians and faculty how to space themselves, and provided innumerable dispensers of hand sanitizer. Asynchronous learning solved two aspects of the cognitive load problem. First, it acknowledged the complexity of seminarians’ lives, as they are not only studying but serving in parishes, par- fects the brain in the ticipating in a robust community life, same way as stress and and striving to become humanly and overwork. Asynchro- spiritually deep individuals. By allow- nous learning avoids ing the student to engage the different staring at screens and platforms and types of content, asyn- uses technology more chronous learning provides a level of creatively, decreasing freedom while trying to achieve learning the stress from exces- outcomes. Another problem solved by sive screen time. asynchronous learning is screen fatigue. So what would hap- Experience from the spring at Mundelein pen if a student were and research done during this year show to be sick? What if he that too much time spent on screens af- wanted to remain sep- arate out of caution? The television set lurk- ing to the left in the front of the room and the microphones on the desks would serve their part. An ill Mundelein’s seminarians are grate- or quarantining student could join the ful to be present on campus and able to class from his room by logging onto the study, since we are not merely taking class through Teams. He would see the classes but engaging with the Faith that professor and watch anything that the we love, and ultimately professor puts on the screen. The micro- the person of Word made phones on the desk allow him to hear flesh. Therefore, we will discussion or questions being posed by be sad when we must be fellow students. If he wants to contrib- DEACON off campus in December ute, he is able to do that by communicat- JAKE (as many campuses are do- ing through the television set. Therefore, DUNNE ing), but we will continue even if a student was forced to isolate in is a studies through online his room due to exposure to coronavi- fourth-year and asynchronous learning theologian rus, he would not miss out on any of the studying for methods, very appreciative class work and would continue to move the Diocese to continue our journey to- forward virtually unhindered. of Dubuque. ward the priesthood. www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Facebook at facebook .com/mundeleinsem 9
Campus Life “A lot of my discernment occurred in a kayak, either peaceful quiet mornings or really vigorous, hard training sessions,” he said. “That’s where I was able to chew on things, process things, so it was large- ly between the adoration chapel and the Come to the Water lake that I discerned to enter seminary.” After his board interviews for Munde- lein, De Palma walked around the lake BY M AT T H E W O CK ING A | 3T, DIO C E SE OF YA K I M A and felt a sense of peace. While honing his kayaking technique, he simultane- ously views the lake as an aquatic chapel where prayer and paddle meet. “For most of my life, getting off of land Water contains a fluid spirituality. and being in the water puts me in a dif- Catholics use it for baptism. Priests bless it. Jesus walked on it. ferent perspective of life that often helps There is something sacred about any body of water, and me to let go of those worries that I car- ry when I’m walking,” he said. “Here in when such an entity is called St. Mary’s Lake, that seems to seminary, being on the water helps me to elevate the water’s sanctity. see life from a different perspective in a way that is very freeing and allows me to come back to my studies and my prayer “I think the lake is one of the biggest of many, common carp and grass carp. with a different perspective.” draws and one of the greatest blessings Cotta recalls his first semester of sec- Other seminarians simply enjoy the we have on campus,” said Deacon Robbie ond theology being especially grueling lake’s beauty and complete Cotta from the Archdiocese of Atlanta. with classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on cer- Holy Hours and rosaries “It usually puts me in a position interi- tain days. After class, he found physical on the three-mile walking orly of gratitude, just enjoying creation and spiritual renewal in casting. path around its perimeter. in its simplicity and its goodness.” “Sometimes, I have to check myself to Some even use it as a set- In many ways, St. Mary’s Lake is the remind myself that fishing doesn’t take MATTHEW ting for homily prepara- defining asset of a campus full of distinct the place of prayer time,” Cotta said, OCKINGA tion. Water contains a is a third-year beauty and aesthetic delights. A spring- laughing. “But I think there is a spiritual theologian fluid spirituality, and the fed lake, it covers approximately 106 aspect to it; sometimes the bite will slow studying for seminarians of Mundelein acres and ranges in depth from a few feet down … I can just sit down and pray and the Diocese of find St. Mary’s Lake to be to as much as 18 feet. Originally dubbed do a Rosary.” Yakima. life-giving waters. Mud Lake due to its swampy nature, it In addition to anglers, paddlers of dif- became a popular point of recreation be- ferent strokes glide on the lake’s waters. fore Mundelein Seminary existed. Busi- The boat house that sits on the east edge nessman Arthur Sheldon purchased the of the lake shelters various vessels, in- property and changed the name to Lake cluding canoes, rowboats, a sailboat, Eara. When George Cardinal Mundelein a pontoon boat and kayaks. Two such purchased the property from Sheldon kayaks belong to John De Palma, a third- in 1920, he renamed the water to honor year theologian studying for the Arch- Our Lady. With myriad academic, pasto- diocese of Seattle. De Palma worked as ral and spiritual duties on their plates, a physical therapist for many years and seminarians consider the lake’s waters a fell in love with competitive kayaking in refuge of recreation and prayer. Cashmere and Wenatchee, Washington. For fishers of men looking to be fishers In 2003, he moved to Gainesville, Geor- of fish, the lake provides many catch-and- gia, to pursue his kayaking career. He release candidates. Besides largemouth owned a home on Lake Lanier, where he bass, St. Mary’s Lake houses catfish, blue- trained as the thought of the priesthood gill, crappie, sun fish and, to the chagrin entered his heart. 10 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
Faculty Profile DR. KEVIN MAGAS BY L E E NOE L P T2, DIO C E SE OF C HE YE NNE This fall, the University of St. Mary of the Lake faculty is excited to welcome Dr. Kevin Magas to its ranks. Magas is teaching “Principles of Sacraments/Sacraments of Initiation” and “Sacraments of Healing and Vocation” for the seminary, while also leading two classes for the Liturgical Institute branch of USML: “Liturgical Movement/Liturgical cal and spiritual renewal that shaped How has your Catholic faith Year” and “Liturgy of the Hours.” Magas, the vision of the Second Vatican Coun- formed you into the person you who is the father of two boys with his cil. I study how these movements re- are today? wife, Victoria, recently graduated from trieved these foundational sources of This is ultimately the mystery of grace the University of Notre Dame with his the Christian life. I am more interested that Paul attempts to describe when he Ph.D. in theology/theological studies. He in the questions: Do we really live from talks about life in and with Christ. “It is no taught at Holy Family College and Silver the liturgies we celebrate? What are the longer I who live, but Christ who lives in Lake College before arriving at Mundelein. implications for our lives if we took the me” (Gal 2:20) is a favorite verse of mine. From theological interests and academic words, gestures and prayers of the litur- When I have been incorporated into Christ inspirations to family life, Magas brings gy seriously? What does the “eucharistic through baptism and live out the promises a balance of valuable experience to form” of the Christian life actually look of my baptism in the world, then Christ is Mundelein’s faculty. like lived out in my time, place, culture? the lens through which I see the world and live my day to day life. When Christ takes What interested you about being a Do you have any fun hobbies with away the cataracts of sin from my eyes, I professor at Mundelein? your family? can see the world rightly and live doxologi- Theology for me has always been more My children are small (4 and 2) and cally “for the praise of his glory.” (Eph 1:6) than an academic exercise. I see it above all we enjoy taking them to the usual places: I suppose this is just a theological way of as an invitation to build up the Church in zoo, library, going on walks, biking, go- saying that it has formed me at the deep- love and share the fruits of one’s contem- ing to the beach … But more than “doing est levels of my being, shaping my out- plation. The seminary context of USML things” with my kids, I just like being in look and way of living in the world and makes explicit the fact that theology is at their presence and “wasting time,” so to loving others. service of the pastoral life of the Church. speak, with them. It’s a place which facilitates the integra- Outside of time spent with my family, Cubs or White Sox?! tion between theological study and the I enjoy lifting weights/strength training. I am tempted to an- spiritual life. I find the relationship between the spiri- swer with the Catholic tual disciplines of the ascetical life and L E E N OE L “both/and” here. But my Do you have specific areas of study the rigors of physical training to be mu- is a second- family and my wife’s year pre- within Liturgical Theology that tually enriching. theologian family have roots in the pique your interest? studying for south side of Chicago, My main area of study is in the 20th the Diocese of which I cannot betray. century movements of biblical, liturgi- Cheyenne. White Sox. www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Twitter @mundeleinsem 11
Faculty Profile introspection with spiritual discernment and prayer greatly interests her. Dr. Juliana While she is new to Mundelein, Vazquez Krivsky is familiar with the professorial role Vazquez Krivsky and the territory of teaching philosophy and theology. Before joining the faculty at USML, she had experience teaching an “In- troduction to Theology” class and a class in BY SE T H A R NOL D | 3T, DIO C E SE OF W IC H I TA “Prayer and Mysticism” at Marquette. This past spring, she taught Catholic “Social Teaching” and a philosophy class on “know- Although life is all but mostly normal at Mundelein Seminary, ing and being” to master’s level lay leaders in the Cor Unum program at Sacred Heart one thing that has been different is the lack of opportunity for Seminary in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. students to engage with new faculty and staff members. Dr. Growing up in the western suburbs, Juliana Vazquez Krivsky is one of the new faces who, despite the Vazquez Krivsky was always aware of importance she plays in Mundelein’s mission of forming parish Mundelein’s presence as one of the na- tion’s largest Catholic seminaries, so she priests, may be unfamiliar to the seminary community. Vazquez is honored to participate in the formation Krivsky has spent her first semester on staff at Mundelein teaching of future priests, which she sees as an op- philosophy via Microsoft Teams to the men in the Pre-Theology portunity to “touch the very heart and program. Nevertheless, she is thrilled to be a part of the Mundelein future of our Church and our world.” She was attracted to the “vision of education community and is grateful for the warm welcome and sincere as a path to wisdom and happiness rather kindness she has received. than a mere repository of factual infor- mation.” Vazquez Krivsky is very excited Vazquez Krivsky hails Vazquez Krivsky about “the idea of intellectual formation from the Chicago suburb went to school in as it intersects with the human, spiritual, of Lombard, Illinois. She neighboring Milwau- and pastoral dimensions of formation.” describes herself as “a sub- kee, receiving both a In her experience so far at Mundelein, urban girl at heart” and has master’s and doctor- Vazquez Krivsky is elated by her students’ many fond memories of ate degree in system- thirst for knowledge and their ability to growing up in western Chi- atic theology through collaborate, to critically discuss pastoral cagoland. During these nov- Marquette University. and practical implications of philoso- el times, she enjoys drink- While studying at Mar- phy, and to make connections between ing coffee, going for walks quette, she developed philosophy and the life of faith. She has in the park, catching up a specialization around been impressed by the charity and pa- with friends and browsing the 20th century Je- tience displayed by all members of the petfinder.com for a possible “...she is honored to suit thinker Bernard University of Saint Mary of the Lake and pet dog. She has also used participate in the Lonergan, as well as is looking forward to being back on cam- these months to dive into formation of future Aquinas, philosophical pus as soon as possible. “To think that I Joseph Pieper’s Leisure: The priests, which she sees anthropology, Trinitar- could contribute in even a Basis of Culture. She has a as an opportunity to ian theology and grace small way to the comfort a love for poetry and Russian and conversion. Cog- parishioner might receive “touch the very heart literature and would enjoy nitional theory is of a from their pastor during and future of our getting back into horse- particular interest to a crisis, the wise counsel back riding, something she Church and our world.” Vazquez Krivsky, and a penitent might benefit SETH greatly enjoyed in the past. she hopes to explore ARNOLD from in the confessional, There are many Midwestern landmarks further how current theories of trauma in- is a or the conversion experi- third-year she would like to visit, including Starved tersect with various theologies of healing ence of someone who may theologian Rock State Park, the Dunes State Park in and conversion narratives. The strong con- studying for have felt abandoned by God Indiana and Devil’s Lake and the Apostle nection between the human sense of awe the Diocese is incredibly rewarding and Islands in Wisconsin. and wonder produced by philosophical of Wichita. humbling,” she said. 12 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
Faculty Profile Building Bridges, Forming Pastors: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Therrien BY M AT T HE W G E M B RO WS K I | 2 T, DIO C E S E OF S AG I N AW In any intellectual discipline, there is the danger of keeping that is Jesus Christ. It will embed in him a deep, personal relationship with Christ one’s knowledge so wrapped up in high language and abstract from which his entire ministry will flow. philosophy that it never becomes accessible to a wider audience. Lastly, it will equip him with the tools Theology is no different. There’s a certain skill set that’s necessary necessary to skillfully shepherd his peo- ple through life’s journey. to translate sometimes archaic patristic teachings or lofty Church All of this is impossible, however, if the doctrines into concrete formulae that can be used in everyday life. manner of delivering Church teaching As he enters his first academic semester at Mundelein Seminary can’t be tailored to the needs of parish- ioners, that “bridge work” Dr. Therrien is as assistant professor of dogmatic theology, Dr. Mark Therrien so passionate about. “The seminary,” he sees plenty of opportunity to do just that. said, “is kind of a natural place to contin- ue that work. I’m now training men who “I don’t like the ivory tower, in the are going to be on the front lines of our sense that oftentimes theology can parishes, and its good to know that I can seem rarified and divorced from Church take what I’ve gained from the Church life,” Therrien said. “I’ve always been Fathers and tradition and distill that very attracted to working as a bridge to people who are on the front lines so between the two.” they can have the resources they need to Having received his doctorate in the his- think theologically for the pastoral care tory of Christianity from the University of of God’s people.” Notre Dame in August of 2019, Mundelein During his first academic year at Mun- Seminary will be Dr. Therrien’s first full- delein, Dr. Therrien will be teaching cours- time teaching appointment — but he’s no es in “Spiritual Theology,” “Philosophy and stranger to ministry in the Church. “Even Religion,” “The Principles of Vatican II,” when I was at Notre Dame, I was working and an “Introduction to the New Testa- with the McGrath Institute for Church Life, ment.” He belongs to the Ukrainian-Greco which has lots of programs that interact Catholic Church and attends Immaculate with dioceses and parishes. So, in the sum- Conception Parish in Palatine, Illinois. He mer, I was training people how to teach and his wife recently welcomed their first catechetics in their parishes, how to use the daughter in October. Please pray for Dr. Catechism as a document.” For him, the field Therrien and the seminarians he will be of theology cannot remain an intellectual teaching. In his own words: pursuit. Theologians have the responsibil- Here at Mundelein, as in every Catho- “The need to train men as ity to “build bridges” and be able to answer lic seminary, every aspect of a seminar- parish priests, equipping the question of the discerning Christian: ian’s life is geared toward the four di- them with the fullness of “What does this mean for my life?” mensions of priestly formation: Human, the tradition and being Having spent two years in a seminary Intellectual, Spiritual and Pastoral. The MAT THEW able to pass that on in a himself after college, Dr. Therrien knows a seminarian must grow in all areas of his GEM- way that is coherent in the thing or two about the intricacies of semi- life so as to be a true model of Christ to BROWSKI modern world, could not nary life. “You’re not just here for intellec- his future parishioners. When taken se- is a be greater than right now. second-year tual formation, there’s also the spiritual riously, formation will enhance his hu- I consider myself a man of theologian formation, the human formation and the man personality and make it a bridge for studying for the Church and am hon- integration of these things. I know that others to encounter Christ. It will shape the Diocese ored to work with her in my class fits within a wider trajectory.” his mind and conform it to the Truth of Saginaw. such an intimate way.” www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Insta g ram @mundeleinsem 13
From the Diocese With its vast space and topographic diversity, it is no wonder such a diverse community calls the Diocese of Tucson home. An area of almost 43,000 square miles, with more than 300,000 Catho- lics, Tucson is both large and incredibly diverse. The Diocese of Tucson is the fifth-largest in the geographic United States and borders California on the westernmost edge the Diocese of Phoe- nix to the north, New Mexico to the east, and Mexico to the south. The entire southern border happens to sit on the U.S./Mexico border and contains six of On A Mission the state’s 10 “ports of entry,” as well as three military installations. Additionally, Tucson is home to several Native Ameri- to Serve can communities, including the Akimel O’odham, the Tohono O’odham, the Pi- ipaash and the White Mountain Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Reservation. BY R IC H A R D R I V E R A | 3T, DIO C E SE OF T U C S ON Missionary roots Around 1687, Father Eusebio Kino, SJ Waking up early one morning, I sat in near silence as established his first mission among the rural people of Sonora at Nuestra Se- the sun rose over the copper-colored beams that form the nora de los Dolores. Eventually, that site wall between Arizona and Mexico. As the colors of the became the home base for his explora- sky changed, life started moving and the warmth of the tions, as well as for the establishment of other missions, including Arizona’s San sun seemed to make itself present in the smiles of people Xavier del Bac, Tumacacori and Guevavi walking past. It was as if an old friend was greeting me, over missions. While it was common for mis- and over. That is when I recognized that I had fallen in love sionaries to impose the faith on others, Kino took a different model, one of pro- with the Diocese of Tucson. posal. The commonly named “accomo- dationalist model” used by Kino made Talk to enough people about what him a friend who emphasized the good drew them to Southern Arizona, and in their native cultures. Through loving someone will usually mention the dra- service, Kino shared the Gospel with the matic landscape, with its impressive native people. mountains, and the almost alien quality Today he is often called the “Apostle the desert displays at sunrise or sun- of the Southwest” because of his great set. Getting out into the desert, with its service and ministry to the people he splendor and harshness, looking up at lived with and encountered. Famously, the evening sunset, the star-filled sky at Kino defended the native people and night or just staring at the magnitude of even risked his life for their good. He a saguaro, can almost be a religious expe- introduced new ways of living, adapting rience. Yes, it’s a cliche,’ but 10 months their culture and understanding of the out of the year the weather is amazing. world around them. For Kino, mission While it does get brutally hot, I’ll gladly was found in a simple question: What take 115 degrees and dry over 95 with 90 if Christ was incarnate today, here to percent humidity. these people? 14 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
where two worldviews are still colliding and yet live in harmony. “While the landscape Mundelein has a tradi- draws me into awe of tion of sending men in pre- God’s transcendence, theology to serve at the To- the people humble me hono O’odham Reservation, in Tucson, for a week during as they remind me of spring semester. During my His immanence.” internship, I had the op- portunity to visit a group of my brother seminarians on migrants. I have experienced ministries Life of mission their mission trip. As I walked around like this in the past, but never with such Kino’s style is still the root experience the grounds and became familiar with intentional compassion. The comedor, or of anyone serving the diocese today. the Franciscans dedicated to that com- dining room, filled every hour with a wave Someone can dedicate their entire lives munity, I was impressed to find modern of new people, and each time it was the serving in one of our many reservations, “Father Kinos” at work. Their first con- same: The volunteers had the same wel- caring for those who first called this cern was to care for the needs of others, coming spirit, the same high energy, the place home. In the Tucson desert, we building bridges through service. Their same intentional care for each individual. still find a dynamic experience of faith, example stirred in my heart a deeper Each wave of people had the same experi- understanding of what it means to lay ence as the first. Every hour was served as down one’s life for a friend. if it was the only hour of the day. Just a few weeks later, a member of I’ve fallen in love with the Diocese “I found myself the seminary faculty arrived to perform of Tucson. While the landscape draws most humbled, and a “mid-term checkup.” More than just me into awe of God’s transcendence, inspired, during an evaluation, this visit provided an op- the people humble me as the two days we portunity to participate in service out- they remind me of His side my parish boundaries. I found my- immanence. Someone spent working with self most humbled, and inspired, during once told me, “You know the Kino Border the two days we spent working with the you love someone when Initiative, which Kino Border Initiative, which focuses on RICHARD you see their face every- focuses on service service to those seeking to immigrate to RIVERA where you look.” Thanks the United States. is a to the missionary zeal of to those seeking third-year to immigrate to the The missionaries perform their min- Father Kino, I see Jesus theologian istry in the spirit of Kino. Everything studying for in the faces I meet, in a United States.” from food to clothing and even tempo- the Diocese landscape that proclaims rary shelter is provided for displaced im- of Tucson. God’s glory. www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Facebook at facebook .com/mundeleinsem 15
Forming priests in a Pandemic BY J O SE PH NGU Y E N | 3 T, DIO C E S E OF S A N JO S E In early March of 2020, Mundelein Seminary faced a challenge On Friday, March 13, the decision was that the world had never seen before: the COVID-19 pandemic. made to send the seminarians back to their home dioceses. The third theology As the seminary developed ways to respond, it stayed focused class, which was still on pilgrimage in the on its mission to form priests who could react to the changing Holy Land, returned to the United States pastoral dynamics across the country. the week after the decision. The other institutes on campus — the Institute Throughout the early months of 2020, “It was a big decision to send people for Pastoral Leadership, the Liturgical Father John Kartje, rector/president of home, but we were from such a large Institute, the Instituto de Liderazgo Mundelein Seminary, kept a close eye on geographical area, I knew that if an Pastoral and the Institute for Diaconal the developments of the coronavirus as ultimate lockdown order for everybody Studies — also simultaneously suspended it made its way into the United States came out, it would be hard for guys to get in-person classes. All classes changed and especially when it arrived in Chicago. home,” Kartje said. from the in-person format into online 16 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
Cover Story social media for the “I didn’t see bitterness or a sense of parish and enhancing disappointment,” Kartje said. “Sure, its digital presence, they may have had hopes or thoughts helping with religious that it would have looked different, but I education at the did see a profound sense of what it really parish, and home visits means to be Church. At the core of this to deliver groceries. life they’re called to, it’s not about how Seminarians also many people are in the cathedral on their learned other aspects ordination day.” of rectory living such as Reflecting on first Masses he witnessed, how to live in Christian Kartje was similarly encouraged. community with the “I found particularly moving a number priests they were with of first Masses where it would be just and making use of the priest and a concelebrant or two, the time in shelter in and maybe 20 people in the church, place for deeper prayer an incredible joy and gratitude for and interiority. Many living into that new charism, and as I seminarians found this witnessed each one of those, I felt even learning. A brief hiatus time to be fruitful in personal growth more encouraged and grateful for the was made so that the and a better vision of what it meant to be Church that these men were going out seminary faculty could a parish priest, as well as gaining more to live their vocation … that manifested adjust to the new format formation in pastoral service. the fullness and the glory of what the of teaching. Then, the The pandemic also affected ordinations. Church is all about.” week of March 23, classes Due to uncertainty about how the Mundelein Seminary continued to resumed for the seminary situation would affect large Masses, many reach out to the community throughout as well as for the other dioceses chose to postpone ordinations, the summer. Kartje held an online Bible institutes online. Using or hold them with fewer people present. study dealing with how to live in the the Microsoft Teams Deacon Joby Joseph, studying for the St. midst of uncertainty. Father Bradley software, seminarians Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese Zamora, director of worship, recorded and students of the other of Chicago, had his diaconate ordination musical reflections as a way of doing institutes connected with postponed from May to July. In spite of online ministry. The May Crowning their professors from having to wait longer, Joseph found in was moved to the virtual platform, across the country and this time the ability to prepare more for with many seminarians from across the continued their studies his ordination. Staying at a parish during country taking part with music, prayers online. shelter-in-place and during the summer, and readings. The fundraising event was “It was a challenge,” the deacon spent his time in prayer, held online as well on July 16, honoring Kartje said. “We were reflection, and study as he was trying to get up to waiting for the day to come. speed with remote learning.” “Our (ordained) life won’t In spite of the seminarians being necessarily be comfortable, but spread across the country, and the will still be beautiful,” he said, faculty having to teach without students adding that he was “able to in the physical classroom, a spirit of ground myself in Christ, and to generosity and patience was present really ask myself the question of among all. Many seminarians now spent whether or not I believe this is much of their time living in parishes. something important to give my One benefit of this arrangement was the life to going forward.” ability for seminarians to do more hands- Kartje noted that the on pastoral work, and to find new ways ordinandi had an attitude of of doing ministry creatively. Some of greater understanding of what it these methods included helping parishes meant to be a priest for the Body with livestreaming Masses, posting on of Christ. www.usml.edu | br id ge@usml.edu | Follow us on Twitter @mundeleinsem 17
Cover Story in the Chapel of were established to ensure the safety St. John Paul II. of the students. Microsoft Teams now Masses would be supplements the classroom experience, held simultaneously providing a means for students or in both chapels, and faculty who need to quarantine to seminarians would continue to participate in class where be seated with their it becomes necessary. A new style of cams. Masses for teaching developed as well. Teachers have the whole seminary “synchronous days” where the traditional community were to in-person class was held, while offsetting be held within the it with “asynchronous days” where the auditorium. The teacher would teach online and post a Cardinal Mundelein lecture for the students to watch. In these Auditorium, which ways, the learning experience has also “For the faculty and had the most capacity of any building on changed in a unique and flexible manner. administration, the summer was campus, was transformed from a theater In looking back at the past few months, also a busy time planning for into a sacred space, with the stage turned both seminarians and faculty found that and preparing for the return of into a sanctuary and the historic Wurlitzer this was an experience of creativity and theater organ finding a new purpose as service, and that it proved the formation the seminarians to the campus. a liturgical instrument. In addition, the at Mundelein Seminary bore fruit. Changes were being made, seminary created new sanitizing protocols “Watching what the seminary especially in the liturgy, dining and added hand sanitizer stations and community did as they were sent to and classroom experience.” socially distant seating. Spots were their home parishes in their home marked with blue stickers with a cross on dioceses I think prove that we have a it in the chapels and the auditorium. As program in which we want our men Msgr. Michael Boland and featuring the semester began, the community was to be creative, to take the tools, the speeches by Cardinal Blaise Cupich and able to adjust smoothly and successfully to formation that we give them and to put Kartje. Throughout the summer, the the new schedule. it into practice in real settings,” Zamora priests who remained on campus prayed Dining also changed at the seminary. said. “And I think from at Mass for the intentions and prayer The refectory continues to provide what I’ve seen, both requests submitted online. The seminary food for the community, though it now from the seminarians also continued to provide resources and comes in the form of takeout. Boxes of who now have returned prayers for those who needed them. entrees and salads are now standard, as to Mundelein Seminary, For the faculty and administration, the well as carry-out drinks and utensils. J O S EPH and from priests who are summer was also a busy time planning There is some limited seating within the NGUYEN in their home dioceses is a third-year for and preparing for the return of the refectory itself, though outdoor seating theologian across the United States, seminarians to the campus. Changes is available across the campus including studying for creativity is something were being made, especially in the at the recently made patio on the north the Diocese of they’ve really leaned liturgy, dining and classroom experience. side of the Theology Building. San Jose. into in this moment.” In planning the new liturgy and Resuming seminary life procedures, Zamora looked for ways to involved preparation for follow the guidelines of the state of Illinois any situation that might as well as the Archdiocese of Chicago. turn up within the semester. One of the main concerns in doing this Returning to the physical was balancing the need of having the classroom meant taking seminary community pray together necessary precautions. One while maintaining use of the chapels on classroom was assigned campus. A solution was found in having to each cohort as their liturgies in three spaces. During most main meeting space. days of the week, seminarians would be Mundelein staff socially split into two cohorts, one in the Chapel distanced the desks and of the Immaculate Conception, the other disinfectant procedures 18 T he Br id ge | Fall 2020/Winter 2021
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