PRIESTS FOR TOMORROW FALL/WINTER 2018 NEW SEMINARIANS SEMINARIAN REFLECTIONS WHAT TURTLES TEACH US VOCATIONS FOCUS GROUPS

Congratulations to Deacons Ethan Hokamp and Brandon Guenther. WITNESS TO CHRIST SAVE THE DATE Welcome to the Fall Seminar- again. Please read the article Priests For ian Newsletter! This year our Teresa Brown, the Coordinator Tomorrow theme is “Witness to Christ”. I of Safe Environment, wrote for Friday, know you will find many ex- the newsletter. In it she details July 26, 2019 amples of how your 26 semi- the efforts to keep children narians have witnessed Christ’s safe in parishes, schools and at love and service this summer to diocesan events. people throughout the diocese and in various places around You will notice how much is the world. happening in the vocation of- The continuing emergence of fice, especially over the past details regarding child sexual four months. I am continu- abuse has been on the minds ally impressed with how the and hearts of all of us in the seminarians embrace their vocation office as well as the formation and education. We seminarians. We keep all vic- couldn’t do any of it without tims of abuse and their families your prayers, your financial in our prayers. Since 2002 assistance and kind support – there are stringent background Thank you! checks and psychological evalu- ations completed on the semi- Rev. Alan Wierzba narians to ensure that no abuse Director of the Office ever occurs in the Church for Vocations

1 conduct are taught to every- SAFE ENVIRONMENT one with a position of trust with our children. afe Environment – What those people who will spend Safe Environment doesn’t is it and why does the hours with them are suitable just happen at the Diocese SDiocese of La Crosse and qualified. We don’t al- of La Crosse, but is done mandate that it is used in all ways have the luxury of know- throughout the country. The Parishes and Schools? ing all the people that work or USCCB - United States Coun- We entrust our most pre- volunteer as well as we would cil of Catholic Bishops has cious gift from God, our chil- like. How often have you created guidelines that are dren, to those that teach, work said to yourself, “Who is that used across the United States. and volunteer in our parishes, person, do they belong here The focus is for a consistent, schools, and churches. We or are they a visitor?” Many of ongoing, and comprehensive will invest more of our time, our parishes have hundreds approach to creating a secure money and often tears into of families and as much as we environment for young people our children than any car we would like to know everyone, Safe Environment. It has throughout the Church. There will drive or house we live in. we just can’t. established a way for us to should never be a doubt or Often, we don’t have the abil- As the Diocese of La be accountable. All clergy, hesitation about the people ity to shop around for a Catho- Crosse, we need be able to seminarians, paid employees involved with teaching our lic school or church and “test give each family the reassur- and volunteers who work with children. drive” several until we decide ance to know that paid em- children and youth as part of The Diocese of La Crosse on the correct fit for our fami- ployees and volunteers have their ministry must submit to has the best interest in every- ly, simply because there might been trained and screened to a background check and have one and this is why we care only be one school or church the best of our ability prior to annual training. Paid employ- enough to follow the guide- in the community in which we even beginning their assign- ees also have fingerprinting lines to ensure the safety of live. ment within the Diocese. done. Part of the annual all involved within our diocese. When we drop our children This is why the Diocese training consists of recogniz- at the doors of school or of La Crosse has a set of ing child abuse and how to Teresa Brown church, we must know that measures in place called report it. Standards of good Safe Environment Coordinator

DIACONATE ORDINATION - THE PROMISES

By Deacon Brandon Guenther ment in the journey towards world pays so much atten- of prayer is a great duty of the priesthood we make the prom- tion to the vow of celibacy, so ordained, but it is also When thinking about becom- ises that shape our daily life does the Church, especially sustenance. We promise to ing a priest for the first time I and identity and prepare and during seminary formation. It pray for the People of God didn’t know what I would be dispose us to celebrating the is important to remember that and to offer them the sacra- getting into. In fact, even being sacraments in their fullness, celibacy is not merely a crucible ments; the Liturgy of the newly ordained to the diacon- especially Holy Mass. necessary to be a priest, but a Hours is a natural continua- ate I still don’t know exactly “Since you are prepared to gift and calling from God that tion of these sacraments and what God has in store for me, embrace the celibate state: also, in a way, requires sacrifice. offers the priest special times throughout the day to re-cen- but these years in seminary do you resolve to keep forever Jesus was the perfect model of celibacy and it is to this celibacy ter himself in Christ. Again, have been a great start! We this commitment as a sign that we are called to strive for we use Jesus as our model are able to study philosophy of your dedication to Christ and the gift we participate in. working tirelessly for the and theology, take numerous the Lord for the sake of the A celibacy that ends in perfect kingdom, but always making workshops on pastoral minis- Kingdom of Heaven, in the love and union with the Father time for intimate prayer with try, learn how to celebrate the service of God and man?” has perfect love and sacrifice the Father. sacraments, and most impor- The promise of celibacy has for others. With hands joined between tantly, spend time in prayer perhaps been the most fre- “Do you resolve to maintain those of the Bishop: “Do you with our Lord, the one who quently asked about aspect and deepen the spirit of prayer promise respect and obedi- calls us in the first place. One of my call to the priesthood. that is proper to your way of life ence to your ordinary?” Again particular aspect that we learn In the eyes of the world there and, in keeping with this spirit the model for obedience is about and reflect upon are the seems to be nothing quite as and what is required of you, to unsurprisingly Jesus Christ promises that are taken at the radical as giving up the natural celebrate faithfully the Liturgy who “humbled himself, diaconate ordination; namely, goods of a spouse, spousal of the Hours with and for the becoming obedient to death, celibacy, obedience, and love, and the possibility of People of God and indeed for even death on a cross” prayer. At this important mo- children. I think because the the whole world?” The promise Philippians 2:8. 2 This verse, the nucleus of in free, full, filial, transparent, promises all at once it can the larger context of Christ’s and heroic obedience. A seem daunting, but it is a Incarnation, relationship sense of duty remains, but consolation that in seminary with His heavenly Father, only duty to a Father who we essentially live the and with us, gives the loved us so much that He promises; further, God always greater hermeneutic of how sent His only Son so that gives us the grace sufficient to understand obedience. we too may call Him “Abba.” to follow His call. Please pray An obedience that as St. This obedience extends to for Ethan, myself, and the John Paul II says can only be legitimate superiors who are nearly 40 others ordained at understood in the context and will be placed over us St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. of: “Father, child, love.” by God’s will. Obeying them Know of my prayers for you! Obedience is rooted not in a is obeying the Father and “master-slave” relationship, though not always easy or Deacon Brandon Guenther but the relationship between pleasurable in the moment, was ordained to the a father and his beloved child; is in the end a delight to have diaconate in Rome at but not just any father, the given everything to the Father. St. Peter’s Basilica on Father, who calls us to Himself When looking at these September 27, 2018.

Congratulations Deacons Guenther and Hokamp!

By Deacon Ethan Hokamp community and assist the the Church what we have apostles. Through ordination, so generously been given in “Receive the Gospel of Christ, a deacon becomes one with seminary formation. whose herald you have Christ the servant as he as- We will spend this year become. Believe what you sists the priest at Mass and finishing our studies in Rome read, teach what you be- does works of charity among and serving as deacons here lieve, and practice what you the community. He is to be a in our seminary community at teach.” These are the words living embodiment within the the Pontifical North American the ordaining bishop says to community of the service of College and at our apostolic a newly ordained deacon as Christ, who came not to be outreaches here in Rome. I the deacon is presented with served but to serve. myself look forward to serving the Book of the Gospels at the On September 27, 2018, as a deacon this year at St. end of the Rite of Ordination. Brandon Guenther and I were Patrick’s Parish, the American The act of handing on the Gos- ordained as deacons in St. parish in Rome, which is my pels shows what characterizes Peter’s Basilica in Rome along apostolic outreach and which the Order of Deacon: he is a with thirty-nine of our class- will give me invaluable parish herald of the Gospel of Christ. mates from the United States experience for when I return A deacon is able to preach the and Australia. It is exciting to the Diocese of La Crosse Gospel at Mass and give the One of the readings in for us after so many years of next summer. I hope to use homily; thus, he becomes a the Mass of Ordination of a seminary formation to be so this year as a deacon well in herald of the Gospel both by Deacon comes from the Acts near to dedicating our lives preparation for ordination to his words and by his actions in of the Apostles and tells of to the Church through ordina- the priesthood next June in everyday life. He ought to be the days in the early Church tion. Countless hours of study, order to better serve the dio- a living example and witness when the apostles chose preparation, and prayer have cese as a priest. Please keep to the Gospel. Along with as- men from the community been spent in forming us well us and our classmates in your sisting the priest at Mass, a to be the first deacons. The to be able to receive fully the prayers as we seek to com- deacon is also able to exercise reading speaks of how the grace of ordination; yet, we mit our lives as deacons in his ministry of service among community of Christians had know that all of the effort, service to the Church in order the community by presiding grown to such an extent that time, and resources that the to spread the Gospel over public prayer, administer- the apostles could no longer Church has put in to forming of Christ. ing Baptism, assisting at and adequately balance serving us is not just for us but for blessing marriages, bringing the community and dedicat- the betterment of the whole Deacon Ethan Hokamp was the Eucharist to the sick and ing time to worship. Seven Church. As deacons, God will ordained to the diaconate in dying, and conducting funeral men were then chosen as ask us through our service Rome at St. Peter’s Basilica rites. the first deacons to serve the to share with the faithful of on September 27, 2018. 3 MEET OUR NEW SEMINARIANS Hello! on Easter of 2015, I had the victed that I needed to pursue My name is Joseph Culligan. incredible opportunity to con- Christ through discerning the I am just entering seminary for vert from being a nondenomi- priesthood. One thing led to the Diocese of La Crosse as national Christian to joining another and at the end Bishop a student in Pre-Theology 1. the Catholic Church! Callahan accepted me to be The beautiful city of La Crosse I spent the year after col- a seminarian for the diocese. has been my home for most of lege graduation working as a I am extremely honored to be my life. My three older broth- missionary for FOCUS in Aber- part of this wonderful diocese ers and younger sister went deen, South Dakota. FOCUS and am greatly looking for- through the Onalaska school is the Fellowship Of Catholic ward to my upcoming years at system After graduating from University Students. While in St. Francis de Sales Seminary! Onalaska High School I had Aberdeen I was able to help Please pray for me!! the opportunity to go to UW-La spread the Gospel to many Crosse for my undergraduate college students at Northern where I double majored in State University. I also had a to where God was calling Joseph is a seminarian Finance and Economics. Also, lot of time for prayer, giving me. It was during this time at St. Francis de Sales as a sophomore in college, me the chance to truly listen that I became more con- Seminary near Milwaukee.

My name is John Regnier. great idea, and my dad even away from Jesus Christ in the I am a six foot eight pianist, offered to buy me three dogs monstrance, and it hit me writer, proud Catholic, and if I ever was ordained. Now that He was more real than now, the tallest seminarian I further convinced of my call, I I could ever imagine. From know. I grew up in Prescott, went on with my life as a busy then on, I started to order my Wisconsin in a big grey house seven-year-old and quickly life around God and desired surrounded by corn fields and, forgot about it. to grow closer to Him. As I fell because of that, I will forever Six years later, I had my deeper and deeper in love be in love with God’s rural heart set on owning and with my God, I began to pray, creation. I am the middle child running my own horse-racing “My Jesus, I love You so much. of seven, and I love my three facility. I didn’t quite know how I am willing to suffer anything brothers and three sisters to I was going to make it happen, for You.” And one day, around pieces. but I figured that the details Junior year, God answered I remember acknowledg- would work themselves out. with, “Then why won’t you be ing the beginnings of a call Around that time, I began to Thankfully, God didn’t give My priest?” to the priesthood when I was experience a quiet call during up. As I progressed through This time, I answered, seven years old. I marched prayer. Once I realized that high school, I attended vari- “I will.” downstairs and announced it pointed towards the priest- ous conferences and retreats to my family that I was seri- hood, I quickly shut it out. I that brought me into contact John is a seminarian at ously considering becoming a had my plan, and I didn’t want with Christ. I will never forget Immaculate Heart of Mary priest. They thought it was a God interfering with it. the first time I was inches Seminary in Winona.

tolic, or a brother Knights of been great. Each speaker has PRIESTS FOR Columbus member. It is great brought an inspiring message to hear about what is happen- to us about their experience in TOMORROW ing in their lives and the lives the priesthood, the Church, or of their family members. simply how to better live our By Daniel Buchal love the Priests for Tomorrow Meeting new people may lives as Catholics. It is a beau- dinner. First, I get to recon- be fun for me simply because tiful thing to hear someone I always look forward to the nect with many people I know. I am an extrovert but it is re- talk about the way they have ally awesome to get to know Priests for Tomorrow dinner. Second, I get to meet new impacted the lives of others. the people I will be serving as What is not to love? The food people from different parts of I love the Priests for Tomor- our diocese. Third, I enjoy the a future priest. The individuals row dinner. I always leave is always great, the music is I have met in the diocese are speakers that we have heard inspired and joyful to serve wonderful, and it is a won- at the dinner. incredible. The stories I have the people of this diocese. I derful start to the summer I love seeing familiar heard about the work they do gathering for the seminarians faces at Priests for Tomorrow for the church and others are am sincerely looking forward of our diocese. Besides the whether it is a priest friend I inspiring. to the next dinner. reasons I just mentioned, know, someone I met during a The speakers at Priests for Dan is a 2nd year College there are three reasons that I volunteering event or apos- Tomorrow dinner have always Seminarian at IHM Seminary. 4 WHAT TURTLES TEACH US foxes come out at night to scavenge. But the most amazing time of the year has to be the months of May and June, when the turtles come up from the Mississippi River to lay their eggs. Come May, the turtles can be seen everywhere around the grounds, and I mean everywhere. You can hardly go anywhere outside without seeing one, and often you can see them in clusters of three or four. They come to find good well-hidden places to lay their eggs so that they can hatch safely. Because of this, we have to always make sure all the garages in the building are shut, otherwise a turtle might try to lay its eggs somewhere in the building! However, the eggs aren’t very safe. The foxes around the area like to pilfer the nests for food, and they’re very good at it, evidenced by the many empty nests and few baby turtles. It seems strange. The eggs are the turtles greatest treasure, so why are they so bad at guarding it? It might seem quite stupid to us, to leave your greatest treasure where any robber who wants to destroy it is free to do so, but as Christians our greatest treasure is our faith in Jesus Christ. It is ADVICE FROM because of our faith that we A TURTLE are able to hope for eternal Swim with the current. life in Heaven. How often do we simply neglect it, and By John Duranso Be a good navigator. leave it at the mercy of the Be well traveled. world and the devil before it can The Holy Cross Diocesan Center ia a place where Think long term. even mature, and we can discover how humans and animals are able to coexist much Age gracefully. beautiful it really is? We must defend more peacefully than many other places. At least, Spend time at our greatest treasure from those wily that’s how it seems to me, having grown up in the foxes who would take it from us, and we the beach. suburbs of the urban metropolis known as Wausau. must not keep it buried, we must let it shine. Birds have man-made birdhouses located all over the John is a 3rd year College Seminarian grounds, a doe and her two fawns freely roam the at St. John Vianney. grounds without fear of predators or hunters, and VOCATIONS FOCUSED GROUPS LA CROSSE VOCATIONS SOCIETY By Richard Bottelberghe leases, campus ministry, pastoral ministry present the office with about $10,000 in hospitals and the jail, Catholic Charities each year from this event. We also The La Crosse Vocation Society (formerly activities, duties of the Curia offices, pil- remember all our diocesan seminarians Serra Club) is devoted to encouraging grimages including World Youth Day, and at Christmas time with a card and gift. vocations to the priesthood and religious others. It is an enrichment for our mem- In addition, you will find our membership life. It was founded over 50 years ago in bers to know what the Universal Church is involved with the televised Masses, and La Crosse and has continuously been doing. However, our major emphasis is on with assistance at Priest Unity Days and meeting at least monthly to keep informed vocations, both encouraging consideration with the Seminarians’ Christmas Party. of the training of seminarians. In addi- of service, and in continued support. Each Our monthly gatherings include prayer for tion, members hear a topic relevant to year our group hosts a fund-raiser golf our seminarians, plus we have a yearly our times from guest speakers covering a outing to financially support the Vocations Evening of Reflection with our seminarians broad range – mission activities, book re- Office’s activities. We have been able to and Religious to nourish our own souls. 5 the fund, which usually adds up to about SERRA CLUB $100 per member per year. This past Au- Phil Parker is the President of the Wis- gust they gave a check to the Vocations consin Rapids Serra Club. They are the Office for $4,000 and a $1,000 check to only remaining SERRA club in the diocese Mater Redemptoris House of Formation and they meet every 1st and 3rd Friday. for Woman. Because they are an aging group (one Phil says they keep their luncheon member is 100 years old and has been meetings fairly informal, but each meet- involved with Serra Club for 67 years!), ing centers around vocations in some they no longer hold fundraisers so a por- form. They have speakers, show videos, tion of dues each member pays goes into or share stories. They always say special a seminarian fund. Each member also prayers for priests, seminarians, and donates whatever extra they can towards those who are discerning.

Bill Jaekel of Assembly 1195 explained the differences in councils and assemblies. 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree Knights are Councils. The councils are more focused on parishes. The Knights of Columbus have always been big supporters of our seminarians. 4th Degree is an assembly. To become a 4th degree Knight Many seminarians are Knights them- you go through an exemplification process. The assembly selves. This past year over $28,000 is more patriotic. They try to line up with the Bishop’s was donated to our men from the RSVP calendar and support the work that he is doing. program. Below is a description of the RSVP program from Fred LeSavage. “Through the Refund Support Voca- tions Program (RSVP) the Knights of living expenses. Knights provide more 4125 notes that his council has dinners Columbus has cultivated spiritual soil for than financial support though; members and other fundraising events asking for a more than 30 years. While the order has write letters to students, sponsor dinners free will donation. They also have a trust a number of vocations programs, RSVP for them, invite them to join the council fund and the interest from it provides 4-8 is the primary program through which and, most importantly, pray for voca- scholarships each year. This fund has councils, assemblies and circles provide tions.” been active for about 15 years. financial and moral support to men and Usually someone from the one of the The 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus women preparing for the priesthood or re- KC councils contacts the Vocations Office has a wonderful fundraising program ligious life. Every council, assembly and regarding which seminarians could use called “Sentiments For Seminarians.” circle is encouraged to participate. extra help at the time. Some groups They used to collect toiletries to distribute RSVP allows councils, assemblies and have a connection to a particular semi- to the seminarians and in the past few squire circles to “adopt” one or more narian and want to give financial support seminarians and provide them with finan- to him. Sometimes they request semi- years it is gift cards (mostly for gas). It’s cial assistance and moral support. narians from their area, and other times a great way to help out the men as they Money provided by RSVP is used by they ask who is most in need. travel between parishes and all over the seminarians and those in religious forma- In talking with some of the Knights I diocese. tion for tuition and books, car insurance asked how these funds are raised. There Whoever you talk to about the Knights and maintenance, travel during vaca- are Chicken Q’s, pancake breakfasts of Columbus, you will always get the tions, emergency expenditures and other and more! Dennis Koranda of District same kind of response….. “The Knights of Columbus was “RSVP program and the semi- “The Knights of Columbus stand founded by a priest in 1882. narians are really sacred to the proudly for our priests and pray Its primary reason was to councils. As difficult as it is for their ministries. By partici- support clergy. We get great sometimes to raise funds, we pating in RSVP, we trust we satisfaction from doing this will do whatever we can to help will reveal to seminarians that and are happy that we can them! They are critical to the they are not alone in their aid in the development of longevity to our church.” journey and have the support their calling.” Bill Jaekel, Assembly 1195 and prayers of our entire — Dennis Koranda, District 4125, membership.” — Fred LeSavage, Tomah Comptroller, District Deputy District 4125, Tomah 6 SUMMER GATHERING By David Nowicki

For us seminarians, the summer gather- ings evoke an anticipatory familiarity, a nostalgia of expectation. Most of our time is typically spent at the Holy Cross Dioc- esan Center in fraternity with each other, Fr. Wierzba, and Bishop Callahan. We get to catch up with our brothers who attend other seminaries, playing card games, board games, and sports. The week is restful and refreshing. If there is a trip associated with the gathering, it seldom lasts longer than a day or two. Imagine our surprise when we received the email from Fr. Wierzba that read, “For the seminarian gathering this year, we are looking at taking a bus trip - to the Badlands!” Thanks to the generosity of a beloved benefactress, our preconcep- tions about this year’s seminarian gather- ing were quickly tossed out the window. Instead of spending most of our time in La Crosse, we would now spend four of our five days together in western South Da- end of our time with Bill White, he took us back to La Crosse. This time, the land- kota, surrounded by Black Hills, Badlands, to the grave of Nicholas Black Elk. To pray scape slowly morphed back to familiarity, and bison. New excitements arose of at the final resting place of such a witness and the joy from our days of fraternity adventure and of the unknown. to Christ was powerful and unforgettable. filled the bus. As with any seminarian After a Monday at the Diocesan Center, At the end of the day we traveled to a clas- gathering, prayer was an essential part of we departed for South Dakota early on sic symbol of America, Mount Rushmore. our trip, and nowhere was that truer than Tuesday morning. The eleven-hour bus Against a dusky sky, the relief carvings during our pilgrimage detour to the Ca- ride was the perfect prelude to our des- of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and thedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, South tination, amplifying our anticipation. We Roosevelt became aglow with spotlights. Dakota. Fr. Wierzba celebrated Mass for watched the familiar forests of Wiscon- Here, visiting veterans were honored in the seminarians, and we prayed our holy sin and Minnesota give way to the wide a beautiful reminder of the freedom they hour in the tranquil cathedral. It was the fought for. swaths of field and pasture in eastern perfect opportunity to thank God for the The next day we explored the natural South Dakota. These expanses became blessing of this trip. Spiritually nourished, beauty of the Black Hills, both high and drier and more rolling the further we we boarded the bus for the final stretch of low. We began our day underground as progressed. Toward the end of the day’s the journey. In a few hours we departed drive, we witnessed the Black Hills rising we ventured into Wind Cave National Park, a twisting maze of subterranean passages the bus for the last time in the parking lot and the valleys of the Badlands descend- of the diocesan center, filled with memo- ing to the place God had appointed them. with an alien beauty unknown to the ries of our four-day experience. It was at the Diocese of Rapid City’s Terra ground above. The park ranger leading This year’s seminarian gathering of- Sancta Retreat Center that we would our tour was knowledgeable about both fered us a new chance to grow in fraterni- spend the rest of our seminarian gather- the cave formations and the way out—all ing. the hallmarks of a good cave tour guide. ty, virtue, and love of Christ. The backdrop The next day we set out for the Pine Following Wind Cave was an above ground of the Black Hills was a beautiful repose Ridge Native American Reservation. bison sighting and exploration at Custer between summer assignments and the There we met diaconal candidate Bill State Park, a favorite outdoor recreation return to seminary life. The activities were White. Bill introduced us to the life of spot in the Black Hills. Our day ended refreshing opportunities to share a com- Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, a with time to spend with our seminarian mon experience with each other. Lakota medicine man who was received brothers at the retreat center. Many used The journey truly was an example of into the Church in 1904. Black Elk’s life this time to gather in fraternity, playing “How good and how pleasant it is, when of catechesis to the Lakota was inspiring ultimate frisbee and gathering around a brothers dwell in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). in the face of great hardships endured on campfire. David is a 2nd year Pre-Theologian the reservation, even today. Toward the The next day we retraced our steps at Mundelein Seminary. 7 8 9 NICHOLAS BLACK ELK By Timothy Reither vision he had in which he came to understand that all This year for the annual summer seminar- peoples must learn to come ian gathering, a benefactor took all of us together and live as one. After out to a retreat center in Rapid City, South visiting the church, we walked Dakota. It is a testimony of the grace of about a quarter mile to see the Holy Spirit that after an 11 hour bus his grave. The poverty of the ride we would still be enjoying each other’s area showed in the cemetery company and I very much continued to en- as all the graves were over- joy the time spent with my brother seminar- grown with weeds and there ians for the remainder of our trip. We would were horses grazing among go on to see all the greatest sights of South the monuments. Towards the Dakota, including some heads carved into back of the cemetery, in a small a rock and some buffalo which were mak- clearing of the weeds, was set a ing Fr. Wierzba a little nervous that one of sign with the words “Black Elk’s us would be gored, but my favorite part of Grave” and little tombstone to the trip was our visit out to the Great Sioux mark the spot. After spending a Reservation. year studying in Rome, it was After a slight mix up as to which end of by far the humblest grave the national park we were going to meet of a future saint that I had at, we arrived at a ranger station where ever seen, and yet, there we met our guide, a deacon candidate for was something there that the Diocese of Rapid City who was also the united him to all the great pray for the kids in a neighboring house promoter of the cause of canonization of cathedrals and monuments of who were struggling with substance abuse. the new Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk. the saints of Europe. His faith in We said we would and he shook our hands We followed our guide as he led us into the Christ was no different than theirs. with a smile on his face. heart of the reservation to the little country After taking some time in silent prayer Our pilgrimage to the tomb of Nicholas church of St. Agnes, where Nicholas Black we returned on the way back to the church. Black Elk I will remember as I begin my Elk had once lived and worked. Black Elk Along the way, we met a man who was vis- second year of theology studies in Rome. was known as a medicine man and a vi- ibly agitated at the sight of all of us strang- The great “oneness” of our faith is treasure sionary among the natives. After the death ers walking around the cemetery where his wherever it is found, and I pray that one of his first wife, he converted to Catholi- relatives were buried. Our guide explained day he will be raised among the company cism and served as a lay catechist to teach that we were there to pray to Nicholas Black of our saints. the faith to his native people. His zeal for Elk for the union of all peoples. On hearing Timothy is a 2nd year Theologian at teaching the faith came from an earlier this, he calmed and even asked if we would Pontifical North American College. DARE AND THRESHOLD RETREATS By Isaac Wolfe similar to theirs. I remember when I went to the Dare to Follow retreat, while at the The vocations retreats that we hold over time I was still working on accepting my the summer are an essential part in the own call it helped me to understand a bit process of having young men be open better what seminarians and priests were to the call of priesthood. The first retreat like. They do all sorts of physical activities that we hold over the summer is called and have different hobbies. “Dare to Follow”. The retreat is for boys We also have our “Threshold” retreat, from grades six to ten. It is a very forma- which is for those who have done some tive time especially for cultivating voca- discerning and are on the threshold of these retreats, as I have said, have a big tions. The retreat, while of course being being able to apply to be a seminarian impact on shaping and cultivating the focused and looking at the possibility of for the diocese. It is typical for those future priests of the diocese. It is a time a call to priesthood, is also very influen- who are juniors or seniors in high school. for them to step away from the normal tial for the kids to understand a little bit This retreat is more focused on the typi- everyday life of the summer and to look more about priests and seminarians. We cal life of seminary and on more focused deeper into whether or not they feel they are able to show them that priests and discernment on whether or not to apply. have a calling to be a shepherd. seminarians are normal people too and This is usually a smaller group of guys Isaac is a 2nd year College Seminarian at we come from places and situations very so it is far more individualized. Both of IHM Seminary in Winona. 10 PRIESTLY ORDINATION - WE ARE A LIVING SACRIFICE By Steven Weller At Mass, the priest makes a promise away from him with sins forgiven, and of this sacrifice. He takes the chalice with God Himself within us. Yet we also Fathers Kyle Laylan and Barry Saylor are saying that it is Jesus’ Blood which “will help him bear the cross by involvement our two newest priests for the Diocese be poured out for you.” He then raises with the parish, we wipe his face when of La Crosse! Praise God for His gra- the chalice. How humbled he must be to we tell him thank you; we receive God cious gift to us, and please pray for our see his reflection as the person of Christ when he offers the sacraments. priests. This article I offer as a reflection who just consecrated the wine! A priest’s I cannot help but wonder what all for all to marvel at the profound mystery schedule, breaks, work, relaxation, and those characters did after witnessing the in the priesthood. For if we marvel at it everything are no longer his own because passion of Jesus. They must have done and understand it a little, then we who he promised to be united to Christ, a what many of us do after interacting with work with priests can marvel at our own sacrifice who offers everything for the the priest. They saw Jesus give up every- profound role in salvation history. I will salvation of souls. His collar declares to thing for salvation: so too the priest. They begin with the ordination rite itself from the world that his work is not schedules proclaimed the Good News to the world this summer. or balancing budgets all day. Rather it because they met God in a man and re- The priest candidates made several declares that he works on God’s time; he ceived His divine love. So also do we see promises in the ordination Mass before works for the interruptions, the ordinary the priest and the love of God bursting the bishop ordained them. Each promise and extraordinary of life where and when forth through him that we invite others to bound the priest to do something, such that same love. Simon Cyrene must have as obey, pray, and celebrate sacraments. God needs him. seen how Christ sacrificed every ounce Yet, one promise stole my attention God has graciously given us His because it was a promise to be some- priests to bring us closer to Him through of energy to carry the cross. It must be thing. The priest candidates promised to their whole lives. Perhaps we would do similar to seeing the priest who offers all “be united” to Christ the High Priest, a well to remember them not only as our his time and energy, even his weakness- pure Sacrifice for the salvation of all. This spiritual fathers, but also to remember es and struggles, for those daily visits to promise reflects not so much what the that they are another Christ as a sacri- the man dying of cancer. For the priest, priest does, but rather who he is. He is fice. They are, in a mysterious way, carry- like Christ, gives up everything to give us another Christ, a sacrifice offering his life ing the cross up Calvary for the salvation God. When he gives up everything and and giving it up in every way for the salva- of the world. We who are not priests are we receive God, we go out and bring our tion of others. His identity as sacrifice will Simon Cyrene, Veronica, and the Centu- loving God to the world. help us understand his ministry and by rion transformed by that witness through Steven Weller is a 2nd year Theologian extension part of our ministry. the sacraments the priest offers. We walk at St. Francis de Sales Seminary 11 HOW DID YOU ENCOUNTER THE LORD THIS SUMMER? BRANDON GUENTHER when another parishioner would pull up STEVEN WELLER I encountered the Lord this with a gift (especially fresh produce, I I encountered the Lord summer during pastoral LOVE fresh produce), or a word of en- this summer when visit- visits to the hospital. Jesus couragement, or even a story about how ing people in the hospital. is truly present to those God had worked something out for them. Oftentimes, people need who suffer and their fami- Those were pointed reminders of his someone to talk with, and lies in unique and often Providence. the Lord especially uses invisible ways. those moments to mani- DANIEL WILLIAMS fest His peace. A suffering patient can ETHAN HOKAMP I encountered the Lord have Jesus’ peace and joy simply from a At my parish assignment in the sick and the suf- visit. this summer I had the fering that I was blessed opportunity to accompany to minister to through my MATTHEW BOWE a group of high schoolers hospital ministry, called I encountered the Lord from St. Agnes in Weston Clinical Pastoral Educa- this summer in two main and St. Florian in Hatley tion, in Sioux Falls. It was areas. The first area is in down to a Life Teen Camp in these encounters that I experienced solitude. I can easily fall in Georgia for a week. While there, we how the Lord is close to those who are into “measuring” how “suc- did a lot of fun outdoor activities, but we suffering. At the same time, I was able to cessful” my prayer went. also heard great talks from one of the co- experience how God used me to bring His Thus, prayer becomes very founders of Life Teen and we had many presence into each hospital room. I was difficult when you are constantly expect- opportunities to pray together. I encoun- able to pray with them and listen to their ing to get something. Around the end of tered the Lord in many of those young stories which is a very humbling experi- June, I finally heard the Holy Spirit tell me people as I saw that, even in the midst of ence. I will never forget these unique that I was very focused on my “expecta- the difficulties they face from growing up experiences that I had and have drawn tions.” Thence, I asked Jesus, “What do in our world today, they too are search- me ever deeper into relationship with the You desire for me?” He simply wants me ing for the truth and know that only God Lord as he calls me to be His minister. to be happy to be with Him. The second can provide them with it. It gave me great encounter was my visits to the local as- hope for the future of the Church. ERIC MASHAK sisted living facility and the hospital. At One instance in which I the nursing home, the people were very SAMUEL MCCARTY encountered the Lord this grateful to simply receive a visitor and I encountered the Lord summer was through the were very delighted when I gave them Je- this summer through many death, Vigil Mass, and sus in the Holy Eucharist. At the hospital deep and life-giving friend- funeral of a beloved parish- to distribute Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, ships. I was able to see ioner at the parish I was it seemed that I encountered either friends in St. Paul much living at. The faith of the people who were happy that I was there more often than usual deceased family members, even in this and very appreciative or people who were while I was there for hospi- terribly difficult time, was something I will content to be by themselves that day. tal ministry, and I am incredibly thankful never forget. Either way, Jesus was there. for the many great people in my life who call me to holiness and are just fun to TIMOTHY REITHER BRADLEY HAAS hang around with! I really experienced I encountered the Lord in This summer I was at Ss. the Lord’s care for me through others this the many different oppor- Peter and Paul parish summer. tunities I had working at All in Independence and I Saints Parish this summer. encountered the Lord in JOSEPH RICHARDS Whether it was bringing the people of the parish. At In my whole time in Communion to the sick or seminary you do not have Ellsworth this summer serving at Mass or RCIA much interaction with the and last semester I en- meetings, I was constantly reminded that people of God, the people we seminari- countered God regularly wherever two or three are gathered in ans hope to serve one day as priests. The in parishioners--usually Jesus’ name He is present. ability to be with God’s people this sum- when I was least expecting mer and helping Fr. Woody with various or disposed to receive his ministries was a good reminder of what Grace. At the end of a long day I would be seminary is really all about, preparing us tired, impatient, ready to grill something to serve God’s people. and kick back, and more than once that’s 12 LEVI SCHMITT His mother, Veronica, and the women of ANDREW DUSHEK Because summer is more Jerusalem must have been of great con- I encountered the Lord this relaxed than other times solation to Christ. Encountering Him in summer a few times when of the year, I was able to the ill and homebound this summer has working as the Chaplain encounter the Lord in quiet encouraged me to provide similar conso- for Camp Phillips Scout prayer and reflection. lation to others. Reservation. I met Him upon arrival, welcoming me ARTURO ISAAC PECHA and easing the anxiety of VIGUERAS Saint Paul exhorts us, “Be transitioning into the new position. I saw I encountered the Lord imitators of me, as I am of Him in many of my fellow staff members this summer in the Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). This and in the troops we hosted every week. homebound parish- summer, I found the Lord ioners that I visited especially in one such ALEX KREN in the nursing homes imitator: the pastor at my I encountered the Lord and in the hospital. To summer parish assignment through my coworkers at me, the visits allowed in Chippewa Falls. Despite his erudition, Subway, and the people of me to see the face this priest never regarded anything as be- Uganda on my trip to Af- of Christ through their different joys and ing ‘beneath him’ if it benefited his flock. rica. The trip to Africa was struggles. The homebound parishioners It was like watching a rocket scientist the highlight of my summer to me are my heroes because they bear help a child with his homework, without encountering Jesus in a gentle witness to the love and mercy of being bored or overbearing, but simply profound way. Christ by the way in which they embrace being joyed to assist in the process of the the different cross that they carry in their child’s learning. God is so good, to give JOHN ZWEBER lives. us such faithful exemplars! I was very fortunate to One particular homebound parishioner have spent this summer that I enjoyed visiting this past summer is DANIEL SMYTH at Notre Dame Parish in Ruth Schmidt. Ruth would always be full I encountered the Lord Chippewa Falls. Meeting all of Joys. One of my favorite things that I in the poor and suffering the parishioners there was like to do with Ruth is to laugh about the people of Peru. I was re- truly an enriching experi- most insignificant things that were going minded of a profound truth ence, and I was able to on in our lives. I think that the picture in Catholicism, exemplified experience God’s presence at work in the above does a good job a capturing the well by the life of St. Moth- sacramental life of the parish. joys and happiness of our visits. er Teresa. We encounter Christ intimately in His Blood and Body JARED CLEMENTS DAVID NOWICKI at the Eucharist. Then we encounter the This summer, I encoun- During my parish assign- same Christ, wounded and abandoned in tered the Lord through my ment, I got to experience the poor. coworkers at Perkins in Christ in those who were Onalaska. I waited tables homebound. The people JOSEPH CULLIGAN and I was amazed at the I encountered had a deep I had a wonderful en- pastoral experience that love for the Eucharist, and counter with the Lord I gained by working with it gave me so much joy to this summer through my average people. I made some amazing deliver Holy Communion to them or to spiritual director Father Jor- friends and had some wonderful discus- assist them in participating in the Mass. dan Samson. We had the sions about the faith with them. It was af- Conversely, the Lord showed Himself to chance to both attend a six firming to witness Christ’s love spreading me in those who most needed love in week training program put around the work place. I also had many their lives. Many homebound people on by FOCUS. During this six-weeks we conversations with customers on a daily receive few to no visitors during a given had the opportunity to navigate different basis about the Priesthood and the Cath- week. To hear about their isolation im- prayer experiences, pray with random olic Church. I had a few conversations mediately brought me to the suffering of people that would ask for his blessing, with women from Blessed Sacrament and Christ, mocked and scorned during His and also just spend time together. Fr. from the Cathedral that showed me just journey up to Calvary. Samson really became a spiritual father how generous our diocese is. It was an The consolation that the ill and home- to me and his amazing witness to priestly honor to witness these holy families and bound receive by the presence of another holiness and humanness is something I people coming to eat a meal at Perkins person is invaluable. We cannot be wish to carry into my life as a priest if God and wearing their faith on their sleeve by witnesses of Christ to others if we are not wills it for me to become one. praying before their meals. I thank God present in their lives. During His ascent for making this summer so amazing. to Calvary, the sparse encounters with

13 PHILIP GRYGLESKI lenged me to grow. I count them as a center this summer and while not only I encountered the Lord great blessing and an inspiration. having a lot of time outside for the work while working with youth at I also had plenty of time to go around La a Catholic summer camp JOSEPH PYKA Crosse and visit a lot of the parks and called Camp Tekakwitha This summer I worked at beautiful sights - especially Goose Island near Shawano, WI. I had the Holy Cross Diocesan and Grandad Bluff. It’s amazing when the privilege of talking to Center down in La Crosse. you look at nature and creation how a guy who was getting in I worked under three dif- much serenity it can bring and how much trouble at camp. He opened up with me, ferent departments mostly peace is in it; a lot like the serenity and and shared with me his own struggles, doing maintenance and peace we have and get from the Lord. and I had a lot of compassion for him, grounds keeping but I also even as he was getting into trouble. The helped out in the Vocations Office. There JOHN REGNIER Lord let me see this guy with the Eyes of were two other seminarians working with This summer I worked in Christ. me and it was through them that I really the dairy department of encountered the Lord. Every day was a grocery store. There’s JOHN DURANSO a new challenge and there were many nothing particularly glamor- ous about placing yogurt John is in Rome for a se- times when we did not see eye to eye, on shelves, but, once I mester. With travel he had but through the help of the Holy Spirit stopped and realized that limited access to email so and some great guidance from Father Jesus was right beside me, it became was not able to comment Wierzba, we started to develop a beauti- much easier for me to do my work hap- for this newsletter. ful friendship. With this new friendship pily and well. As I went about my work, developing we started to be more open I had the opportunity to witness to my DANIEL BUCHAL with each other which made it possible co-workers. Many of them wondered at I encountered Jesus this for us to start praying with each other the cheerful Catholic dairy clerk, and a summer in the new friends and for each other. It was truly a great few puzzled over why any teenager would that I have made in the summer, and It was through those two ever want to enter a seminary. I didn’t Chippewa Falls area and great men that I encoun- have any person beg to enter the Catholic the men I worked with over tered the Lord. Church, but I did leave my job with quite a the summer. In both cases few friends. I don’t know if my co-workers the people I met are very ISAAC WOLFE could see Christ in me, but I saw Christ in willing to open up about their lives and I encountered the Lord This them, and I thank God for giving me the are not afraid to ask tough questions. I summer in nature. I was opportunity to work alongside Him at the felt at home around them as they chal- working at the diocesan local grocery store.

WHEN I HAVE AN AFTERNOON FREE I LIKE TO…. BRANDON GUENTHER ticular I enjoy hosting people - good food When I have an afternoon and good conversation is a near perfect ERIC MASHAK free I like to brew beer! recipe. Play sports, read a good book, or write a letter to JOSEPH RICHARDS someone. On a given free afternoon you can probably find me in a canoe or fishing or in ETHAN HOKAMP the woodshop making a TIMOTHY REITHER I like to go running, play paddle to canoe out for When I have a free after- some sort of sport out- some fishing. noon I like to read books side, read a book, or play that are not required for a a board or card game with DANIEL WILLIAMS class. friends. When I have a free after- noon I enjoy a few differ- STEVEN SAMUEL MCCARTY ent hobbies. Lately, I have WELLER When I have an afternoon been digging into my fam- When I have an afternoon free I like to cook dinner. ily’s genealogy which has free, I like to read a good I don’t often have time to been fascinating to see book do this while I’m at school, where my family comes but really enjoy it when I from. Other hobbies include reading get the chance. In par- and visiting with friends 14 MATTHEW BOWE Milwaukee. A great perk of seminary is PHILIP GRYGLESKI When I have an afternoon that everybody here is actively invested When I have an afternoon free, I like to either relax, in promoting fraternity, so it’s easy to find free I like to sit down, play read, exercise, or enjoy fel- company. In fact, I have a free afternoon guitar, and sing songs to lowship with others. today, so once I finish writing this news- the Lord. Praising the Lord letter update, I’m going to put on my simply gives me peace and cheesehead, march downstairs to the life. common room, and watch the Packers- BRADLEY HAAS JOHN DURANSO I am more of an introvert Bears game with the Chicago seminar- ians. Go Pack Go! John is in Rome for a se- so I do enjoy spending mester. With travel he had some of my free time DANIEL SMYTH limited access to email so watching TV/movies or was not able to comment When I have an afternoon playing video games. for this newsletter. of free time, I enjoy making good coffee and reading. I LEVI SCHMITT DANIEL BUCHAL When I have an afternoon also enjoy catching up with When I have a free after- free I like to work out, read friends and family on the noon I like to play guitar a book and meet with phone. Other times, I like in the sun (granted I could friends. planning dream fishing trips. probably play just as well in the rain but some of the JOSEPH CULLIGAN enjoyment is lost there.) ARTURO VIGUERAS Now that I am in Seminary Music is really soothing Going on a long bike ride I don’t have many after- and I love to use it to pray. I can’t think of and enjoying my afternoon noons free! Although on a bad time to play music. soaking in the sun espe- the rare occasion that it cially in the summer. does happen I enjoy spend- JOSEPH PYKA ing that time either playing When I have an afternoon the piano, reading, run- free, I like to do many DAVID NOWICKI ning, or spending time with other people. things, but it usually de- Go for a run! I can’t cover pends on where I am at. If as much ground as a bicy- ANDREW DUSHEK I am at seminary, I enjoy clist, but I enjoy exploring When I have a free after- going for hikes, playing new places while relying noon I like to go for a nice racquetball and ultimate solely on my own two feet. long walk or watch a good frisbee with my brothers. If I am home, I Not only does it give me movie. enjoy riding horses and sitting down with the excitement and adven- a good book. ture of exploration, but it also provides ISAAC WOLFE a prayerful backdrop. Being on my own ALEX KREN When I have a free after- on the trail proves excellent for Scriptural When I have an afternoon noon, I enjoy sleeping but mediations or a Rosary. It also is very free I like to go golfing. on the occasion of me refreshing and energizes me for the eve- being well rested and not ning and next day ahead. tired, I also like to go into JOHN the outdoors. I like to go ISAAC PECHA ZWEBER fishing and spend time hiking around. I In a letter to St. Peter Spend time with a friend. also can be found in a hammock. When Faber (dated December in seminary though I tend to look to play 5, 1542), St. Ignatius racquetball with my brothers as it has Loyola impels St. Peter to quickly become one of my favorite sports. write letters “directed to JARED CLEMENTS the greater service of His ... Play sports with friends JOHN REGNIER Divine Goodness and the like Ultimate Frisbee, bas- I would pack a lot into a greater advantage of our neighbor.” I am ketball, or football. I also free afternoon. I could be a big fan of both St. Ignatius and of let- like to play video games adventuring with my sib- ters—especially letters in correspondence with my brother and cous- lings or taking a quiet walk. with parishioners in our diocese—so I ins, not to mention talking I might ride a horse, hunt, often include letter-writing in my free af- with my sister and those I am around. swim, or hike in God’s ternoons. I also enjoy spending time with creation. On rainy days, I my fellow seminarians, particularly if we would either play the piano, read a good have enough time to take a day trip up to book, or write a few lines of poetry. 15 PRIESTS FOR TOMORROW October 2 - Bradley Haas 6 - Timothy Reither SAVE THE DATE 8 - Daniel Smyth FRIDAY December JULY 26, 2019 3- David Nowicki 12- Andrew Dushek

Keynote Address by January 2- Deacon Brandon Guenther Cardinal James Michael Harvey 8 - Samuel McCarty 19 - John Regnier 24- Isaac Wolfe

You are encouraged to write to our semi- February narians as a way of showing your support 7- Philip Grygleski and prayers throughout the school year PRAYER FOR using the addresses provided below. March 13 - Eric Mashak ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SEMINARY VOCATIONS 3257 South Lake Drive Heavenly Father, Bless your St. Francis, WI 53235 Church with an abundance of holy PONTIFICAL NORTH and zealous priests, deacons, AMERICAN COLLEGE brothers, and sisters. Give those Vocations La Crosse Diocese Via del Gianicolo, 14 you have called to the married Rome, Italy 00165 state and those you have chosen to live as single persons in the Diocese of MUNDELEIN SEMINARY 1000 East Maple Avenue world, the special graces that La Crosse Mundelein, IL 60060 their lives require. Form us 3710 East Avenue South all in the likeness of Your Son, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004 IMMACULATE HEART so that in Him, with Him, and Phone: 608-791-2667 OF MARY SEMINARY through Him, we may love you 750 Terrace Heights more deeply and serve you more Winona, MN 55987 faithfully, always and everywhere. ST. JOHN VIANNEY SEMINARY With Mary we ask this through 2115 Summit Avenue Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Paul, MN 55105 www.diolc.org/vocations

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