1920-2005

Leaven, Spring 2005 Volume 13, Number 2
Spring 2005 Volume 13, Number 2
is published by Saint Vincent
Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650-2690
724-537-4592, Fax: 724-532-5052
http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/seminary/
Publisher
Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
Rector
Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.
Vice Rector, Dean of Human Formation
Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B.
Academic Dean
Rev. Cyprian G. Constantine, O.S.B.
Director of Spiritual Formation
Rev. Charles A. Byrd, Jr.
Director of Pastoral Formation
Rev. David T. Brzoska
Director of Development
William P. Malloy
Director of Seminary Public Relations
Kimberley A. Metzgar
Alumni Director
Rev. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B.
Contributors:
Rev. Omer U. Kline, O.S.B.
Chuck McGinnis
Vanessa Shepherd
Seminary Board of Regents
Very Rev. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B.
Most Rev. Lawrence E. Brandt
Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield
Mr. Frank V. Cahouet
Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon
Rev. Msgr. George R. Coyne
Rev. Msgr. Raymond G. East
Most Rev. Roger J. Foys
Rev. Thomas J. Kram
Hon. Maureen E. Lally-Green
Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory
Rev. Msgr. Paul A. Lenz
Rev. Edward M. Lohse
Dr. James V. Maher, Jr.
Dr. John C. Marous, Jr.
Mr. Harry F. Murray
Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades
Most Rev. Bernard W. Schmitt
Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Siffrin
Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl
Chairman’s Column
“A Total Quality Seminary Education”
Dear Friends,
As we prepare to celebrate the 150th
anniversary of the official establishment
of Saint Vincent Seminary later this year,
it is my pleasure to report to you on the
great progress that has been made since
my last report.
First of all, we continue to be blessed
with a faculty that is second to none.
From the experience and wisdom of Fr.
Demetrius Dumm, O.S.B., to the teaching
and counseling expertise of Fr. Tom
Acklin, O.S.B., to everyone in between,
we offer the highest quality instruction
available at any seminary anywhere in the
world. The addition of Dr. Scott Hahn as
the inaugural Chair in Biblical Theology
Dr. John C. Marous, Jr.
and Liturgical Proclamation, beginning in
the Fall of 2005, will only solidify our reputation as one of the best seminary
faculties in the United States.
Secondly, our curriculum not only meets but exceeds the requirements set
forth for American seminaries. We have completed the second year of our
Pastoral Stewardship Program – the only one of its kind – which we designed to
develop strong leadership skills in our seminarians. This cutting edge program
continues to surpass even the highest expectations due largely to the quality of
our speakers. (See page 8)
Thirdly, we have completed a substantial renovation of our classroom
facilities renamed The John and Annette Brownfield Center. In addition to
typical improvements, each classroom has been equipped with state-of-theart
technology that facilitates teaching and learning utilizing the most effective
tools available today. Our faculty and seminarians describe the improvements
to the learning environment as dramatic.
Fourthly, the enhancements to our program will continue. We have identified
one final component – Hispanic Ministries – which, when implemented, will
produce priesthood candidates who are better prepared than at any time in
history. While Hispanics currently account for 36% of the Catholics in this
country, by 2020 the number will rise to 50%. This demographic shift has
already had a major impact in most of the dioceses served by Saint Vincent
Seminary. For this reason, we are committed to establishing a comprehensive
Hispanic Ministries curriculum to meet this important need in the Church.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we are blessed with board and
administrative leadership that is committed to excellence. I want to extend a
hearty welcome to our new Board of Regents members — Archbishop Gregory,
Bishop Bransfield, Bishop Rhoades and Fr. Lohse. We look forward to working
with them to take Saint Vincent Seminary to new heights!
As we go to press, we are saddened to learn of the death of His Holiness
Pope John Paul II. While we all mourn his passing and celebrate his amazing
life, it is my great pleasure to announce the establishment of The Pope John
Paul II Scholarship Fund. Through this scholarship, Saint Vincent Seminary
pays tribute to our Holy Father’s great love of the priesthood and his tireless
service to the poor. (See page 36)
On behalf of the Board of Regents, I thank all who, through their prayers and
support, make these achievements possible.
3
Dr. John C. Marous, Jr.
Chairman, Board of Regents