On the Hill Winter 2019 • Vol. 58:1 Preparing better preachers Peanut : A jar of goodness

Monk monikers: It’s all in the name

Cover: A dusting of snow covers the Meinrad campus on November 16.

On the Hill Winter 2019 • Vol. 58:1 FEATURES 3 ...... Fr. Mel Patton Obituary 4-5 ...... Preparing Better Preachers 6 ...... Student Profile 7 ...... New Development Office Staff 8-9 ...... Peanut Brother 10-11 ...... Monikers

ALUMNI 12 ...... Annual Alumni and Friends Phonathon 13 ...... Day of Service 2019 14-15 ...... Alumni Eternal and News 16 ...... Alumni Reunion 2019

On the Hill is published four times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and School of Theology. The newsletter is also available online at: www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill

Editor: ...... Mary Jeanne Schumacher Copywriters: ...... Krista Hall & Tammy Schuetter

Send changes of address and comments to: The Editor, The Development Office, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology, Seminarians Garrett Braun, right, and Brent Thayer run next to 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, (812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759, [email protected] www.saintmeinrad.edu, © 2019, Saint Meinrad Archabbey the lakes during the On the Hill 5K on September 15. Find more photos at http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com ’ Personals

Fr. Matthias Neuman presented a Fr. Adrian Burke attended the 6th Br. James Jensen attended the National program on “The Ecumenical Councils of Annual Fr. Michael J. McGivney Conference on Youth Ministry the ” at the Benedict Inn Vocations Dinner at the Event Center in in Tampa, FL, December 3-7, where the in Beech Grove, IN, on Tuesday evenings Huntingburg, IN, on October 30. “One Bread, One Cup” youth program in April and October. The presentations sponsored a pre-conference workshop covered the great doctrinal councils Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, Fr. Tobias titled “The Liturgy: Every ’s (Nicaea and Chalcedon), as well as the Colgan, Fr. Jonathan Fassero, Fr. Resource for Forming Life-Long major reform and updating councils of Julian Peters, Fr. Denis Robinson and Disciples.” Trent and Vatican II. He is the chaplain Fr. Thomas Gricoski hosted a reception of Our Lady of Grace in and dinner during the USCCB’s annual Beech Grove. bishops meeting in Baltimore, MD, on November 12. Fr. Julian Peters led a retreat for and their wives in the of Dallas at Br. Zachary Wilberding and Br. Simon Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Dallas, Herrmann attended and displayed at the TX, October 4-7. SEEK19 Conference in Indianapolis, IN, on January 3-6. The conference was CareNotes are available again! Br. Simon Herrmann was appointed to sponsored by the Fellowship of Catholic For info or to order: the Communications Advisory Board. University Students, and roughly 5,000 Catholic college students attended. Call us at 1-800-325-2511 Br. Joel Blaize was appointed webmaster or visit www.carenotes.com. for the Swiss-American Congregation.

2 Monastery News Fr. Mel Patton, OSB Musician, chaplain and teacher dies Sept. 6

Fr. Mel Patton, Marquette University, pursue doctoral After retiring from teaching, Fr. Mel OSB, 93, monk studies at Georgetown University, and began a series of assignments serving and priest of receive the Master of Divinity degree other religious communities. He was an Saint Meinrad from Saint Meinrad School of Theology. organist at Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, Archabbey, died SD, and St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman, AL. at about 6:30 p.m. Fr. Mel was invested as a novice of Saint He served as chaplain for the Olivetan on September 6, Meinrad on July 30, 1952. He professed Benedictine Sisters at Holy Angels 2018, in the his simple vows on July 31, 1953, and his Convent, Jonesboro, AR, for two years, monastery solemn vows on August 6, 1956. He was before serving 16 years as chaplain to the infirmary. ordained to the priesthood on September Benedictine Sisters, Sacred Heart Fr. Mel Patton 22, 1956. Monastery, Yankton, SD. He is survived by his brother, Manus J.T. Patton, of After his ordination, Fr. Mel had For almost 20 years, Fr. Mel provided Grafton, OH. assignments as director of retreats and weekend assistance to the soldiers at Fort director of public relations. He also Knox, KY. He returned to Saint Meinrad He was born in Fairview Park, OH, on served the community as an organist. in 2010 to reside in the monastery March 2, 1925, to Anthony John and infirmary. Josephine (Weber) Patton and given the He taught music and English in Saint name Raymond Anthony. Meinrad High School and Saint Meinrad The funeral was held September 10, College for 28 years and offered private followed by burial in the Archabbey After high school graduation, Fr. Mel lessons in piano, organ and singing. Cemetery. enlisted in the United States Army and served as an infantryman in the European Theater for the last two years of World War II. He received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

He was an accomplished pianist, studying at the Cincinnati Conservatory and Baldwin-Wallace College. He received certification from the Ohio State Music Teachers Association in 1947.

He accompanied the Little Theater, Severance Hall, Cleveland, for four years, during which time he also accompanied the Finnish Light Opera Company. He also served as organist and choir director at John Carroll University, Cleveland, and as organist at St. Gregory the , South Euclid, OH.

In 1949, Fr. Mel earned a bachelor’s degree in French from John Carroll University, and continued studies in

English and Latin. Over the years, he R Seminarians and faculty members process to the Marian Shrine by the Lake at Saint Meinrad would earn an MA in journalism from during a rosary procession for the Church in crisis on September 14.

3 Events on the Hill Communications expert February 12 helps new preachers give better homilies

Black History Lecture given by Dr. Shannon Dee Williams February 15-17 and March 15-17

Guest House Retreat: “Beyond First Impressions: A Couples Retreat” by Fr. Noël Mueller, OSB March 22-24

Guest House Retreat: “Freedom Through Forgiveness” by Br. Zachary Wilberding, OSB March 28

Thomas Lecture given by Dr. Brad Gregory March 29-31

Guest House Retreat: “A Weekend-long AA Meeting in 5 Sessions” by Fr. Colman Grabert, OSB

April 12-14 R Sean Aaron proclaims the Gospel during the seminary Mass on November 9. Guest House Retreat: “Spiritual Integration: Fitness, Health and Physical For seminarians, when it comes to skills arranges to meet with the parishioners Well-being” by Br. Nathaniel Szidik, OSB that will be appreciated by future later to talk through their feedback. April 17-21 parishioners, good preaching probably tops the list. This summer, another method of Guest House Retreat: “The Leaven of evaluation was added. Michael Parrett, a Christ: That in All Things God May be What is good preaching? There are plenty communications expert and self-professed Glorified” by Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB of possible answers. But last summer, the “Catholic nerd,” offered to evaluate a April 23-25 seminarians who were working in parish homily for each student in the deacon ministry before their final year of class and then meet with them to go over Guest House Retreat: “Peace, the priesthood study heard a few answers. his comments. Benedictine Way” by Br. Maurus Zoeller, OSB In Saint Meinrad’s priesthood formation Parrett works at the Indianapolis office of April 29-May 3 program, a seminarian is assigned to work Finance of America, a mortgage lender. in a parish in his diocese. For Deacon His job is to coach employees and help Guest House Retreat: “Reading the Gospel Andrew Thomas, that was Our Lady of them develop their communication skills. of Luke: Challenges for Contemporary Hope Parish in Washington, IN, in the His desire to help the seminarians Priestly Ministry” by Fr. Eugene Hensell, Diocese of Evansville. improve their homilies was a way to use OSB (Priests Retreat) his skills in service to the Church. When a seminarian is ordained a May 3-5 transitional deacon (meaning he plans to He asked each student to have someone Guest House Retreat: “Being Creative, continue to priesthood rather than remain videotape a homily as he was giving it and Being Divine: Freedom and an Ethics of a deacon), he can now preach homilies at then send him the video. Later, he met Mass. During his parish ministry, some of with each one, usually through video chat, Creativity” by Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB those homilies get evaluated. to view the homily together and offer May 7-9 feedback. Parrett said his goal was to offer Before some of the homilies he preached, practical advice to improve the student’s Guest House Retreat: “The Jesus Prayer” Thomas – like other deacons – distributed communication style, rather than critique by Br. Zachary Wilberding, OSB evaluation forms to various parishioners, the homily’s content. covering a range of ages. After the forms For more information, call (812) 357-6611 are returned, he gets an idea of how his Thomas said Parrett told him that he or visit our website www.saintmeinrad.org homily was received. Sometimes, he even noticed that Thomas spoke quickly in his 4 homily. “He said … that some people Deacon Sean Aaron is another of the sure everything in the homily connected love that because it shows you’re excited students who received homily feedback to that main point, Aaron said. “He about something.” However, when from Parrett. He was assigned to St. advised me to give clear and explicit Thomas shifted from a funny story to the Alphonsus Liguori Parish in Zionsville, in connections to make sure that your more serious message in his homily, his the Diocese of Lafayette-in-. audience is able to make those same voice sounded like he had lost energy. Aaron wrote out his homilies before connections that you are.” giving them, and he was afraid that his After some reflection, Thomas realized, delivery might come across as just Thomas and Aaron appreciated the “The area where it made me grow the reading the text. feedback from a communications expert. most was to say, ‘Okay, am I actually “It’s good to hear what’s going well, but I excited when I’m preaching about Jesus Parrett said that “reading is not such a bad also like to hear what needs to be worked Christ? Or is it still kind of an thing,” according to Aaron. The important on,” Aaron said. “Where are the rough entertainment value that I’m giving my point is to be sure your tone of voice and edges that need to be smoothed out?” homily?’” your delivery style enhance your homily message. By the end of the summer, Thomas said it was good to get feedback He realized it was important to decide: was Aaron felt comfortable enough to move that reinforced what he had learned in he was telling a funny story to get a laugh away from the ambo to give his homily. homiletics class at Saint Meinrad. “Once from the parishioners, or was he engaging you’re living it, you realize that it makes them to help them encounter Christ? Parrett also advised Aaron to identify the sense why that was part of our homiletics main message of the homily and make training.”

Top left, seminarians Matthew Millay, Garrett Braun, Hung Nguyen, Danny Taylor and Peter Grodi celebrate during the seminary kickball tournament on September 18.

Top right, fourth-year theology seminarians Vinny Gillmore, from left, Mark Schuster, Ross Caniglia, Aldrin Tayag and Marc Bentley perform a skit based on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” during the annual St. Nicholas Banquet on December 6.

Bottom right, Third-year theology seminarians declare their candidacy for Holy Orders during Mass on November 8. 5 [Meet the Student ] Steve Angrisano Diocese: Coppell, Texas Degree: Master of Arts (Theology) and Specialization Certificate in Liturgy and Sacraments

Q. When did you begin your studies? of the Saint Meinrad community. St. Anthony of Padua has a special place 2016 in my heart. He was Italian (a great Q. start!) and known for his homilies. What influenced you to begin studying People would come far and wide to for a master’s degree in theology? hear him speak. I have called on him, Mainly, the desire to deepen the well, so as many do, to find things. to speak. I think working in church ministry, ironically, can sometimes make But the reason he’s special to me is that I Also, I play the ukulele. It’s like therapy it harder to grow deeper in faith, was really brought to my knees in the for the heart. You can’t frown and play a spiritually and intellectually, because you search of something in particular, and it ukulele. I like finding a sweet tune to play find yourself basically doing the same was St. Anthony that I counted as a true for my wife. things every year. companion in that experience. Finally, I think St. Therese of Lisieux would be Q. What aspect of your coursework has This has been such a rich experience. I offended if I didn’t mention her. We been most rewarding? also chose Saint Meinrad specifically attribute the adoption of our third child to because I could study at a Benedictine her intercession and a sign of rose petals Honestly, with each semester I have been monastery. As a liturgical musician, I find from heaven that, indeed, this is our son. surprised how much I’ve enjoyed every the prayer, liturgy and chant at Saint class. I become pretty immersed in them! Meinrad brings so much richness to the Q. I have a much better grasp of the history experience. Favorite Scripture verse and why? and theology that serve as the underpinnings of everything we do in Q. Romans 5:3-5. “Not only that, but we What else are you doing besides practical ministry (I will never take the even boast of our afflictions, knowing that word consubstantial lightly!). I’ve loved seeking a master’s degree (work, family, affliction produces endurance, and volunteer work)? being challenged and stretched in this endurance, proven character, and proven way. First and foremost, I’m a husband to my character, hope, and hope does not Q. wife Jenni and father to three children: disappoint, because the love of God has What aspect of your coursework has Julia, 27, Joshua, 23, and Joseph, 17 (not been poured out into our hearts through been most challenging? to mention a brand new grandfather!). I’m the holy Spirit that has been given to us.” a music missionary, speaker and Making time for the studies in the midst composer published with Oregon Catholic This passage always reminds me that God of a fulltime working schedule. For sure, Press. At the heart, I use music, stories blesses our efforts and our desire to do his you have to really want to do it. and anything else I can think of to help will, and that hope is such a powerful and Q. communities to open their hearts to grace-filled virtue. God calls us to never What plans, if any, do you have after Christ. lose hope. you receive your degree? Q. Q. First, to continue to do what I do. To Favorite saint and why? Hobbies? speak and write music, hopefully enriched by this journey. I also hope to Our family genuinely takes on as We are a baseball family! All the time. We write some. In all that I have experienced family members! St. Benedict, of course, are true fans willing to get our hearts in the last 25 years, I have a few stories, because of the way prayer and balance broken over it. It’s been a wonderful, has been brought into my life as a friend healthy way for our family to be together. continued on p. 7 6 New staff members join Development Office at Saint Meinrad

Two new people have joined the staff of He and his wife Gillian have one son and has particular responsibility for the Development Office at Saint they reside in New Albany. promoting and coordinating the Saint Meinrad, and one staff member has a Meinrad Sunday Program in its current new position. Joseph Oliveri and expanding the program to will oversee the other dioceses. Christian Mocek planning, has been named execution and Hopf is a 2010 graduate of Oakland City the director of evaluation of University with a bachelor’s degree in annual giving for activities and business education. For five years, he the Archabbey programs worked at OFS Brands Inc. in and the Seminary designed to Huntingburg, IN, where he has been a and School of address the needs purchasing agent, assistant warehouse Theology. Since of Saint Meinrad manager and warehouse manager. July 2014, he has Joseph Oliveri alumni. He will served as the serve as the He also worked as a service writer for Christian Mocek director of principal liaison between Saint Meinrad Wright Stemle in Evansville, IN, and as alumni relations and the 6,700+ members of the Alumni a supervising agent for American for Saint Meinrad. Association. Income Life in Evansville. Joining the staff are Joseph Oliveri, the He formerly worked in campus ministry He and his wife Kayla live in Ferdinand. new director of alumni relations, and at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Brandon Hopf, the new associate director KY. He earned a bachelor’s degree in continued from p. 6 of annual giving. education in 2015 and a Master of Arts in pastoral ministry in 2018, both from the prayer and perhaps a little wisdom to Christian Mocek will be responsible for University of Dayton. share. I knew that taking myself on this organizing, planning and managing Saint journey was an important piece. Meinrad’s programs for inviting annual Oliveri worked at Saint Meinrad for three Q. support from individuals, corporations summers (2013-2015) as a college intern Other comments? and foundations. for the “One Bread, One Cup” liturgical I know that when people consider an leadership program. He also served as a endeavor like this, all they see is how He graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s catechist for the program in 2017. long it’s going to take. Sr. Jeana (Visel, degree in education from Bowling Green OSB) was great in helping me put one State University in Bowling Green, OH. In addition, he was a program assistant foot in front of the other and, honestly, He earned a master’s in educational for Upward Bound and served as a before you know it, a few years have policy and leadership in 2014 from the graduate assistant at the University of gone by and the end is in sight! University of Michigan. Dayton Campus Ministry from 2016 to 2018. He resides in Louisville. This experience has already changed me He is a member of the board of the and formed me in such surprising ways. I Portland Promise Center in Louisville, Brandon Hopf know that whatever opportunities and KY, and a member of the Stewardship is replacing John doors this might open for me, the Committee at Parish in New Huether, who important work is already being done Albany, IN. In addition, he is a regular retired in inside me. Thanks, Saint Meinrad, for contributor to the online award-winning January. Huether being such a rich and meaningful part of Young Voices column of the National had served in my life journey. Catholic Reporter . that position for 15 years, joining Before coming to Saint Meinrad, he the Development Mass Intentions worked as a program assistant for the Office in 2003. Center for Educational Outreach in Ann Brandon Hopf Arbor, MI, where he trained college Hopf will assist You can now request Mass students for outreach work in schools and Mocek in promoting, managing and Intentions online the community. He also served as an evaluating the efforts related to www.saintmeinrad.org/ educational specialist for Excellent acquiring, recognizing, and renewing mass-intentions Schools Detroit in Detroit, MI. Saint Meinrad’s annual fund donors. He 7 Peanut Brother Building a community one jar at a time

On a Friday afternoon in November, six suggested to Br. Nathaniel and Br. Kolbe so much that they decided to put a couple monks gathered in the monastery’s dining Wolniakowski that they should try to of jars in the Archabbey Gift Shop to sell. room to work on a common project – make their own nut butter. And the project grew from there. making peanut butter. At any given time, up to 20 monks have gathered to work The trio began to experiment until they Recently, the monks prepared 1, 300 jars together to make, jar or label the peanut found a recipe that worked and it quickly of Peanut Brother to sell at the butter the monks call Peanut Brother. became a hit with their brother monks. Christkindlmarkt, a craft show in The monastery now goes through about Ferdinand, IN. Groups of monks would “It is really made by the monks of Saint 30 pounds of Peanut Brother a month. work together for two-hour periods, Meinrad Archabbey,” says Br. Nathaniel Monks eat it on chocolate donuts, and mix telling stories and socializing. Szidik, one of the project organizers. “It’s it in their Greek yogurt or oatmeal. Some not one person, or two people or three monks microwave it on top of a banana “Peanut Brother’s been helping build up people. It’s a community effort.” with honey. the community because it’s giving an avenue where we have more community This community project began a little over “It’s not uncommon to see somebody with time together,” says Br. Kolbe. a year ago with three monks who really a spoon of peanut butter walking around like peanut butter. They were looking for a the monastery,” says Br. Nathaniel. “There’s a lot of joy,” Br. Nathaniel healthier option than the commercial continues. “There’s a lot of sharing when The peanut butter is described as a peanut butters that have added sugar and all of us monks come together to work on mixture between chunky and smooth, and other ingredients. Fr. Thomas Gricoski this common project.” not overly oily or sweet. The monks like it 8 “It’s not one person, or two people or three people. It’s a community effort.”

—Br. Nathaniel Szidik, OSB

Archabbot Kurt Stasiak says Peanut also, maybe encounter the Gospel Photos, clockwise from top left: Br. Kolbe Brother is a good example of a monastic message through the witness of our work Wolniakowski, left, and Br. Nathaniel Szidik work. It’s a very simple project that and the story behind the product.” man the Peanut Brother booth at the Christkindlmarkt in Ferdinand, IN, in November. almost every monk can do. It doesn’t take a specialized degree or training and the “There’s nothing that brings people The Peanut Brother jar includes artwork by monks come together as a team to do the together such as a common project,” he Br. Martin Erspamer and the Benedictine motto, work. It also gives the monks an avenue to continues. “In a certain way, this is Ora et Labora, Prayer and Work. share the story of Saint Meinrad helping us realize our humanity and the Fr. John McMullen, from left, Br. John Archabbey. Christ that is in each one of us.” Mark Falkenhain, Br. Kolbe Wolniakowski and Novice Christian Lumsden fill and label the jars. “The peanut butter itself is accidental,” Peanut Brother can be purchased for explains Br. Nathaniel. “Yes, it’s fun to $6.99 at the Archabbey Gift Shop and Novice Christian Lumsden, left, and Fr. Prior John McMullen tell stories while they jar peanut make. Yes, it tastes good. But if nothing Scholar Shop or by calling the Gift Shop else, it really opens the door for somebody at 812-357-8290. butter on November 9. else to be introduced to Saint Meinrad, but 9 Monk Monikers: A tradition rooted in scripture

Fr. Athanasius, Br. Thaddeus, Fr. The third rule is that the Eberhard, Br. Adelgott and Br. Balthasar name is kept a secret until are deceased monks of Saint Meinrad the first profession, when who, in the 1800s, chose their religious the novice announces his names. While those names may have new name to the whole fallen out of favor in the monastery, community. This adds a monks today still follow the tradition of little drama and excitement taking a monastic name that is rooted in to the profession ceremony. scripture. Novice Noel Zamora, OSB, Receiving a religious name symbolizes a is the most recent monk to new mission or calling from the Lord. It make first vows at Saint implies a death to self and rising to a new Meinrad. He chose the name life as a monk of Saint Meinrad. Mateo, from Matthew, changing it to reflect his Saint Meinrad follows the tradition of its Filipino heritage. Swiss motherhouse, where monks receive a religious name at the first profession of Fr. Mateo recalls his first vows. During the week leading up to the profession in August. “It profession, the novice submits three was amazing because at the names to the . He then meets with same time I was saying my the abbot to discuss his choices and the name, I was thinking to abbot chooses one of the names. myself, ‘I can’t believe that’s me now.’ It was so There are a few rules for choosing a new surreal.”

name. First, there cannot be two monks in R Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, created cutout artwork for Fr. the monastery with the same name. Monks choose their names Christian Raab, OSB, of Christian O’Conarchy, Fr. Christian’s for many different reasons. patron. The artwork was given to him on his feast day and hangs “We have a common vocation as monks, Some simply look for a in his cell (room) in the monastery. but then we all have something kind of name that sounds good with particular about us that we’re hoping to their last name. Others look for a patron The name “Christian” means follower of strive for and fulfill,” says Fr. Christian saint they admire or try to tie in their Christ, and Fr. Christian liked that his Raab, OSB. heritage or a family name. name would always be a reminder to follow Christ. “Getting that name is a way for a monk to Fr. Christian, who was Novice Daniel, express not only that they’re becoming a submitted “Christian” as his first choice He chose a 12th-century Irish monk who monk of Saint Meinrad, but that they to the abbot, partly because it was his became a bishop as his , have an idea of the particular kind of middle name from . He liked the Christian O’Conarchy. His patron has monk, the particular kind of ideal they’re idea that it was a name he always had but served as inspiration on how to balance striving for.” had never been known by, just as he’s his commitments in the monastery and always had a vocation as a monk. active ministry. The second rule is that the name must relate to a saint. “That name of a patron “Taking my middle name as my religious “He is somebody who brought together saint is very often somebody that you name connected the whole monastic the ideals of monasticism with priesthood look up to or have found a particular profession back to the moment of baptism and ecclesiastical service,” says Fr. significance in, somebody you’d like to when, for the first time, we are adopted Christian. “I pray to my patron to help imitate,” explains Fr. Christian. by God as his children and really keep those things in balance because I committed to Christ,” he says. see him as a model of that.” Most Common Monastic Names in Saint Meinrad’s History John – 9 Benedict – 7 Joseph – 6 Francis – 6 Meinrad – 5 10 Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB, was life of faith, but he had a spiritual baptized Walter. As he approached his reawakening and became interested in first profession, he was looking for a that church. name that would carry on his German One day he walked around to the front heritage. There were also two important and found out it was called St. Francis de people in his life named Kurt and he Sales Parish. It turns out that church was liked the name, so he set out to find a the original cathedral in downtown patron saint. Toledo and that St. Francis de Sales was the patron saint of the Diocese of Toledo. “There isn’t a St. Kurt,” says Abbot Kurt. “I was in a mad scramble to find how I Br. Francis became curious. He did some could suggest that Kurt was actually the research and learned that Francis de Sales name of a saint.” is the patron saint of writers and of the press. Finally, he found a baby book that said the patron saint of those named Kurt is “I thought, ‘Well that makes sense. It’s Constantine. Constantine was an early right across the street from the To hear more stories behind Church figure who was persecuted for newspaper.’” says Br. Francis. monastic names, listen to being Christian. He hid in a cave with seven of his followers, and their He also found out St. Francis believed in episode 3 of our podcast, persecutors sealed up the cave. the universal call to holiness. “Echoes from the Bell Tower,” at www.saintmeinrad.edu/echoes. “Lo and behold, 200 or 300 years later, “He was really ahead of his time in that people discovered the cave and these regard,” explains Br. Francis. “He View more photos of monks with people were still alive,” says Abbot Kurt. maintained that everyone, no matter what a reminder of their patron at “In the tradition of the early Church, they state of life they’re in, is called to were some of the early witnesses to holiness. That resonated with me. People https://saintmeinrad.smugmug. Christians’ belief in the .” choose their names for a lot of different com/Art/Monastic-Names/ reasons. For me it had Br. Francis knew he wanted the name to be someone that I Francis de Sales long before he came to could identify with, the monastery. Before he joined the someone that could monastery, his name was Craig and he inspire me, someone worked at The Blade newspaper in that could guide me, Toledo, OH. someone that could intercede for me. Every day he parked his truck in a lot Francis de Sales was across from the newspaper next to a brick that person.” church. At this time, he wasn’t living a R R Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB, holds the image used for the invitations for In 2010, Br. Francis Wagner, OSB, bought a statue of his patron, his solemn vows. A classmate designed the image, which features the five Francis de Sales, while visiting the region of France where monks who were solemnly professed together. Francis de Sales lived. 11 Calling all alumni: Student phonathon begins in February

The annual Alumni and Friends donors who have made gifts to Saint and talents,” says Associate Director of Phonathon will take place on seven Meinrad in the past. Annual Giving John Huether O’78 (’71- evenings in February. The event offers 74). “The student body is comprised of alumni and friends of Saint Meinrad an When students connect with an alumnus some really super guys, who look forward opportunity to talk to a seminarian during or friend, they have a chance to tell their to having conversations with our the annual appeal. story, bring them up to date on the latest benefactors,” he adds. news on the Hill, and thank them for their Each of Saint Meinrad’s five formation past support. Of course, they also invite Gifts from alumni and friends help make houses will take a night making calls. This them to make a gift or pledge to support possible classroom instruction, spiritual “team” concept sometimes results in a the Seminary and School of Theology. formation, ministry opportunities, library little unofficial, friendly competition that resources, upkeep of buildings and makes the evening fun. The remaining “Every seminarian participates in the grounds, wellness activities and many two nights will have students from all the Phonathon, and it’s always interesting to other day-to-day operations. formation houses calling non-alumni hear how each one uses his unique gifts Alumni whose gifts qualify will receive Alumni Board this year’s premium, a elects Chris Carr president black gel mouse pad with a wrist Chris Carr C’94 (’91-94), of Dublin, OH, was elected president of the rest, imprinted Alumni Association Board of Directors, at the October 2018 meeting. with the Saint Meinrad He will serve a two-year term beginning September 1, 2019. He Alumni logo. began his service on the alumni board in 2017.

Carr has worked at Cardinal Health in Dublin for 16 years. He Sign up for the currently serves as chief of staff / program manager in Customer Support Services. e-newsletter

In previous roles at Cardinal Health, he served in leadership in If you’d like to receive brief various areas: mergers and acquisitions, strategic initiatives for the updates on what’s happening at chief information officer, and business integrations. Saint Meinrad, you can sign up for a free e-newsletter. Every few weeks, you will receive a Also at Cardinal Health, Carr plays a key role in the college intern newsletter in your email’s inbox. program, supports a leadership development program for emerging leaders, and mentors numerous employees. To sign up, go to the “Newsletters” link on the front page of the Previously, he served in leadership with a Fortune 1000 technology website: www.saintmeinrad.edu. Or, send an email to company for six years, leading teams that build technology solutions [email protected] for large corporations.

In addition, he has been involved with the Boy Scouts, parish youth group, coaching sports and a volunteer worker with the marching Smugmug band. Carr is a member of the Knights of Columbus and was an executive board member of the Dublin Music Boosters. For more photos of Saint Meinrad events, visit: He and his wife Jennifer have two children. http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com

12 Day of Service: Save Projects set for March 9 the Date!

February 9, 2019 Saint Meinrad Alumni Retreat

March 9, 2019 Saint Meinrad Day of Service

April 8, 2019 Graduate Luncheon

July 21-24, 2019 91st Annual Alumni Reunion

R Projects for this year’s Saint Meinrad Day of Service include work at food banks and soup kitchens as well as projects cleaning, painting or helping with yard work.

Plans are set for the sixth annual Saint volunteers at each location will come Meinrad Day of Service. This year, the together and pray before or after their day of service will be Saturday, March 9. project, either by celebrating Mass or praying the Liturgy of the Hours proper 2019 Locations: The event, organized by the Saint to the time of day. Bloomington, IN Meinrad Alumni Association in partnership with the Alumni Office, is For details about projects in your area and Dayton, OH open to any participants, not just alumni. to register as a participant, visit the Saint Meinrad Day of Service registration page Evansville, IN “Volunteers will find many opportunities at: http://alumni.saintmeinrad.edu/dayof to serve their communities this year,” service/ Indianapolis, IN explains Christian Mocek, Saint Meinrad’s director of alumni relations. There is no cost to participate and each Kankakee, IL “We have projects at soup kitchens and volunteer receives a free Saint Meinrad food banks, as well as projects that Day of Service t-shirt, courtesy of the Los Angeles, CA require painting and yard work.” Saint Meinrad Alumni Association. Louisville, KY The Saint Meinrad Day of Service was Volunteers are asked to register by March begun in 2014 to develop more creative 1 to ensure an accurate count for lunch New Albany, IN ways for alumni to live out the mission of and t-shirts. Saint Meinrad in their communities with St. Louis, MO fellow classmates and friends. If you have any questions about the Day of Service in your area, contact the Toledo, OH As with the last six years, Ora et Labora , Alumni Office at (812) 357-6501 or Prayer and Work, is the theme of the email Christian Mocek at Register by March 1, 2019! event. In addition to the service activities, [email protected]. 13 ALUMNI ETERNAL Fr. Donald E. Baier O’75 (’71-75) , a Mr. Helmut J. Schaschwary O’71 (’59- priest serving in the dioceses of St. 61) , of Naperville, IL, died on July 10, Petersburg, FL, and Venice, FL, died on Mr. Thomas J. Lahey O’65 (’53-56) , of 2014. September 27, 2018. Indianapolis, IN, died on October 15, 2018. Mrs. Ethel S. Spacke MTS’98 (’94-98) , Mr. Dennis W. Barbeau O’73 (’69-73) , of Greenwood, IN, died on October 28, of Gainesville, FL, died on June 2, 2017. Mr. Richard W. “Dick” Mischler O’65 2018. (’53-55) , of Evansville, IN, died on Mr. William R. Brown O’82 (’74-76) , of November 5, 2018. Mr. Henry A. Strobel O’62 (’50-58) , of Forsyth, NC, died on November 16, 2009. Salem, OR, died on August 28, 2018. Mr. George R. Mountain O’52 (’41-46) , Fr. Lawrence “Larry” W. Coulter T’86 of Zionsville, IN, died on August 27, 2018. Fr. Ambrose M. Ziegler O’61 (’55-61) , (’81-83; ’84-86) , a priest of the Diocese a priest of the Diocese of Lafayette-in- of Grand Island, NE, died on November Dr. Ronald R. Nolan O’75 (’63-64) , of Indiana, died on October 22, 2018. 21, 2018. New Albany, IN, died on September 26, 2018. - Member of The Einsiedeln Society Judge Andy Devine O’48 (’40-44) , of Toledo, OH, died on November 16, 2018. Most Rev. Thomas J. O’Brien O’61 A key to the initials behind the (’49-61) , retired bishop of the Diocese of names of alumni: Phoenix, AZ, died on August 26, 2018. Mr. Robert Hallisy Sr. O’60 (’54-58) , of C: College Racine, WI, died on October 23, 2018. Mr. Paul S. Petrig O’71 (’59-61) , of San GTP : Graduate Theology Programs Fr. Kenneth Herr O’68 (’59-64) , a priest Diego, CA, died on October 20, 2018. HS : High School of the Diocese of Evansville, IN, died on MAT : Master of Arts (Theology) November 12, 2018. Mr. Howard Piper Jr. O’79 (’74-75) , of MAPT : Master of Arts (Pastoral Sandpoint, ID, died on June 2, 2006. Theology) Fr. Federico C. Higuera O’82 (’77-78) , MTS : Master in Theological Studies a priest of the Diocese of Belleville, IL, Mr. Louis F. Piskula O’75 (’71-75; ’93) , O: Ordination died on September 4, 2018. of Owensboro, KY, died on October 11, 2018. PD : Permanent Deacon Formation Dr. James A. Hill O’61 (’53-55) , of River Program Forest, IL, died on August 1, 2018. Mr. Glenn E. Powell O’64 (’55-58) , of S: Sabbaticant Centerville, OH, died on February 6, 2018. SPH : St. Placid Hall Deacon Francis H. Hillenbrand SPH SS : Summer Session (’36-37) , of Evansville, IN, died on Fr. John J. Savio O’67 (’63-67) , a priest T: Theology November 10, 2018. of the Diocese of Gary, IN, and later the Diocese of Cheyenne, WY, died on Sr. Mary Horgan, RSM SS’84 (’80-84) , October 22, 2018, in Casper, WY. a Sister of Mercy for 66 years, died on April 19, 2017.

Mr. Charles Hubbs O’59 (’47-51) , of Tell City, IN, died on September 11, 2018.

Mr. Howard H. Hyle S’01 died on July 14, 2018, in Williamsburg, VA.

Fr. Louis A. Koehr O’54 (’48-50) , a priest of the Diocese of Belleville, IL, died on November 2, 2018.

Mr. Gerald F. “Jerry” Kramer O’61 (’49-50) , of Indianapolis, IN, died on July 19, 2013.

Fr. Philip J. Kreilein O’74 (’62-70) , a priest of the Diocese of Evansville, IN, died on October 23, 2018. R Paul Lesupati, center, and Br. Justin Ayanou, OSB, right, rehearse a song with other students before the international seminarian Mass and outing at Monte Cassino Shrine in September. 14 ALUMNI NEWS Fr. John Appiah C’94 (’90-94) , a priest 7. He also became a Fellow of The of the Diocese of Knoxville, TN, is Burgon Society, an international society Mr. James Gill O’83 (’77-79) , of leading a ministry that is developing for the study of academic dress based in Greendale, WI, is the associate program permanent medical and educational the United Kingdom. A paper he wrote on director at Siena Retreat Center in Racine, facilities in his native village of Nkonya- academic dress at Nashotah House WI. Wurupong in the Volta region of Ghana. Theological Seminary is being published in The Transactions of The Burgon Mr. Donald Hale C’84 (’80-84) , of Port Mr. Bill Barrett O’78 (’70-74) has Society . Orange, FL, is the executive director of published a on photography, philanthropy for the Florida and worldwide “What Are You Looking At? The Mrs. Melinda Gibbons Prunty MTS’10 campuses of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Responsibility of the Gaze,” in Human (’06-09) , of Belton, KY, is serving as a University in Daytona Beach, FL. Rights in Higher Education: Institutional, state representative for the 15th Classroom, and Community Approaches Legislative District of Western Kentucky. Fr. Joshua Janko GTP (’05) , a priest of to Teaching Social Justice . He is a the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana who professor of electronic and photographic Mrs. Mary Schaffner MTS’10 (’06-09) , is serving with the Archdiocese for the media at Webster University in St. Louis, of Indianapolis, IN, is offering spiritual Military Services, USA, was a participant MO. direction at St. Pius X Parish. She in the V Encuentro Initiative for recently left a position at Our Lady of Hispanic/Latino Ministry. He is also Dr. Tony Bonta C’87 (’84-87; ’93) is Fatima Retreat House, where she had preparing to move to his next duty station principal of Andrean High School in worked for six years. at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Merrillville, IN, where he graduated in Springs, CO. 1983. Pastor Ken Vogler O’67 (’55-63) , pastor of Valley Lutheran Church in Los Lunas, Deacon Marc Kellams PD’08 (’04-08) Dr. Michael Conrad O’66 (’55-66) made NM, got two holes in one at two retired on December 31 from nearly four his final promises as a lay Cistercian at Albuquerque golf courses this summer, decades as a judge in the Monroe County Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Isleta and Sandia. Circuit Court in Bloomington, IN. He Conyers, GA, in May 2018. He has begins a new role as coordinator of founded a blog about lay Cistercian Fr. Brandon Williams T’10 (’02-06; Corrections Ministries for the Archdiocese practices at https://thecenterfor ’08-10) has been named co-coordinator of Indianapolis. contemplativepractice.org/. of the Diocese of Owensboro’s Office of Worship. He remains pastor of St. Leo Mr. J.V. Lamb O’68 (’56-57) , of New Fr. Michael Cronin T’15 (’09-15) Parish in Murray, KY. Castle, PA, was elected vice president of recently created a Mary Hallway in St. the Pennsylvania State Grange at the state Mary’s High School in Storm Lake, IA, conference this past October. showcasing images of the Blessed Mary from around the world. He is the Sr. Larraine Lauter, OSU, MTS’97 Online Store school chaplain and associate pastor of (’90-92; ’94-96) , a member of the St. Mary’s Parish. Ursuline Sisters of Mt. St. Joseph, received the Muhammad Ali Kentucky Visit the Scholar Shop’s Mr. Sam Eversman GTP (’03-05) , of St. Humanitarian award for her work as co- Louis, MO, is a partner in KsaUsaLegal, online store founder of the nonprofit, Water With a law firm specializing in Saudi Arabia Blessings, on September 20. On October business and legal issues. http://store.saintmeinrad.edu 9, she received an “Art of Social Deacon William Fielding PD’15 (’11- Innovation” Pyramid Award on behalf of Shop our website for Water With Blessings from the Center for 15; ’16-18) , of the Archdiocese of the latest books from Nonprofit Excellence in Louisville, KY. Nassau, published the final paper he wrote to complete his Master of Arts Saint Meinrad authors, Ms. Kimberly Mandelkow MA’16 (’12- (Theology) degree at Saint Meinrad in 15) was named the director of the Office clothing and other items. the International Journal of Bahamian for Worship for the Archdiocese of Studies . The article examined the Milwaukee, WI, in September. theology of the art and architecture of St. Paul’s Church in Lyford Cay. Very Rev. Steven A. Peay O’81 (’76-77) Like us on Sr. Rachel Geracitano, OSB, MA’17 was installed as canon residentiary and associate dean at the Cathedral Church of Facebook (’14-17) made her final profession as a All Saints in Milwaukee, WI, on October member of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, IN, on October 13.

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91st Alumni Reunion: Set for July 21-24

Theology. He entered Saint Meinrad Archabbey as a novice in 1992.

Since then, he has served in parish ministry, mission advancement, and seminary and lay ecclesial ministry formation. In July 2015, he became the 28th president-rector of Conception Seminary College at Conception Abbey in Missouri.

Bishop Joseph Siegel C’84 (’81-84), bishop of the Diocese of Evansville, IN, will preside and preach at Tuesday afternoon’s Reunion Mass in the Archabbey Church.

Ordained for the Diocese of Joliet in The 91st annual Alumni Reunion will The reunion kicks off on Monday, July 1988, he served in various pastoral and give former Saint Meinrad students the 22, with a golf scramble at Christmas administrative roles in the diocese until opportunity for fellowship with Lake Golf Course in Santa Claus and a his appointment as auxiliary bishop of classmates, relaxation, spiritual renewal, presentation by Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, Joliet by Benedict in 2009. In and learning. The 2019 event is planned president-rector of the Seminary and October 2017, appointed for July 21-24 at Saint Meinrad School of Theology. Bishop Siegel the sixth bishop of Archabbey. Evansville. The anniversary banquet will be held “Things are shaping up nicely for the Monday evening, honoring the classes of At the banquet Tuesday evening, reunion,” says Christian Mocek, director 1969 (50th anniversary), 1979 (40th), Deacon Frank and Mary Olmsted of the of alumni relations. “This year there are 1994 (25th), 2009 (10th), 2014 (5th). Archdiocese of St. Louis and William excellent chances for professional Also gathering for special anniversaries McGuire of the Archdiocese of development as well as opportunities to will be the Ordination Class of 1964 Indianapolis will receive the reconnect with friends and classmates.” (55th), the Theology Class of 1999 (20th) Distinguished Alumnus Award. A story and the High School Class of 1967. about the honorees will be in the next This year’s reunion will include a golf issue. scramble, workshops, time for prayer and On Tuesday, July 23, Fr. Brendan Moss, socializing, and the awarding of the OSB, will give a Day of Recollection. Find details about the reunion on the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Fr. website, http://alumni.saintmeinrad.edu, Brendan attended Saint Meinrad College and the alumni Facebook page, and the Seminary and School of www.facebook.com/SaintMeinradAlumni.