The Institute for Priestly Formation a Public Association of the Faithful in the Archdiocese of Omaha

Vol. XII, No. 2, 2014

The Institute for Priestly Formation A Public Association of the Faithful in the Archdiocese of Omaha

Veni, Vidi, Benedictus I came, I saw, I was blessed.

Over 2000 seminarians from the past 20 confront the human minister. I return to years could use this slightly altered famous my seminary work, renewed with hope saying to explain their participation in the and purpose,” was the way Fr. Frederick Summer Program for Spiritual Formation Chung, from the Archdiocese of Toronto, for Diocesan Seminarians at Creighton Canada, expressed his appreciation for the University in Omaha. This year’s par- Seminar for Seminary Spiritual Directors. ticipants are no exception. The 168 men Not only have those who have partici- shown below from 66 dioceses and arch- pated in the programs the past 20 years dioceses, from Albany to Allentown, La been blessed, but the Church as a whole Crosse to Lafayette, St. Louis to St. Paul, Classroom Instruction: an integral part has as well. May the Lord continue to carried the blessings from their experience of the summer program. bless the work and mission of IPF and this summer into their next year of study at bring seminarians, priests, and seminary 31 different seminaries across the country. Spiritual Exercises, the Seminar for Semi- nary Spiritual Directors, and the Retreat for Seminary Faculty, programs offered concur- rently with the Seminarian Program, can say the same. These participants also left Oma- ha to return to their parishes and seminaries with a renewed, pastoral spirit and a deep appreciation of their experience with IPF. “Through theory and practice, I was able to get insights into the art of Spiritual Di- rection. The instructors have a deep love for Sacraments: remaining close to the Listening: to instruction and to the the church and the priesthood of Christ. sacraments is essential to the program. promptings of the Holy Spirit. They brought out the beauty of priestly ministry and spirituality without shying faculty more deeply in communion with Seminarian Anthony Astrab, from away from the wounds and challenges that Christ for another 20+ years. the Diocese of St. Petersburg, currently studying at St. Vincent dePaul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, defined his experience this way: “IPF has been an enormous blessing. I am willing to say it is the single greatest thing a seminarian can do during the course of his formation. It certainly has been for me. Thank you, IPF, for helping me grow in a deep relationship with the Trinity, one which I never realized was possible. The program has enliv- ened my faith and I am truly grateful.” 1 It is not only seminarians who can claim, Veni, Vici, Benedictus. More than 550 others over the past 20 years including 40 from this summer who participated in the 30-Day Participants of the 2014 Summer Seminarian Program. Bishops Advisory Council The fall months have found our staff His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo “on the road” for a variety of reasons, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, OMI including double sessions of our Spiritual Archbishop of Chicago Direction Training Program in Chicago. His Eminence Sean Cardinal O’Malley, OFM Cap Archbishop of Boston In addition to the “usual” travels, we Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila eagerly anticipate our 20th Anniversary Archbishop of Denver Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Novem- Archbishop of New Orleans ber 9-18. If you are not among those Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of Saint Louis Rev. Richard Gabuzda able to join us on the pilgrimage, please Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap accompany us with your prayers. All Archbishop of Philadelphia Executive Director Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley of our alumni, staff and friends will be Archbishop of Oklahoma City Dear Friends, remembered at all the holy places we’ll Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Although we are surrounded these visit along the way. Most Reverend Felipe J. Estevez days by many Creighton freshmen who In all of our programs we provide Bishop of Saint Augustine Most Reverend José H. Gomez are beginning their college adventures, the time and place for seminarians and Archbishop of Los Angeles we still have treasured memories of priests to encounter the Lord in a deeper Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz Archbishop of Louisville many IPF seminarians, staff, and other Most Reverend George J. Lucas program participants walking along the Archbishop of Omaha Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades campus mall during this past summer. Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend Those memories include a variety of “I invite all Christians, Most Reverend David L. Ricken special summer events including Friends Bishop of Green Bay everywhere, at this very Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain Night, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Archbishop of Seattle Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron Award, Saint John Paul II Fund for Priest moment, to a renewed personal Archbishop of Detroit Memorial Mass as well as our “A Reason Mission Advancement Council for Your Hope” gathering with Cardi- encounter with Jesus Christ, Mr. Douglas J. and Mrs. Susan M. Barrett nal George. All of these have helped us Mr. Richard J. Bené • Mr. Chris D. Berens th Mr. Jay B. and Mrs. Luci B. Bolding continue the 20 Anniversary celebration or at least an openness to Mr. David J. Ciaccio of the Institute—look inside this issue for Deacon Michael J. and Mrs. Valerie H. Conzett Mr. Timothy O’Neill • Dr. Michael H. Sketch many images of those wonderful times. letting him encounter them.” Mr. James A. Taphorn This past July marked the arrival of a Mr. Patrick K. and Mrs. Sue M. Tucker – Pope Francis Mr. Thomas F. and Mrs. Jane F. Werner new staff member, Mr. Kevin Armshaw. Mr. Christopher and Mrs. Kathy Wheeler Kevin joins our Mission Advancement Finance Council team as the Director of Mission Ad- Mr. Michael F. Lawler • Mr. John L. Maginn Mr. Herman D. Weist vancement, serving alongside Tom Pogge way. The theme of “encounter” appears who remains the Executive Director frequently in the talks and writing of IPF Foundation Mr. P. Thomas Pogge,Executive Director of the IPF Foundation. Kevin worked Pope Francis, including his apostolic Mission Advisory Council with us as a consultant for a few months exhortation on evangelization, The Joy Board of Electors several years ago and we are delighted he of the Gospel. The opening words of that Co-Chairs Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila now joins us as a fulltime staff member. document were given to our seminarian Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson participants this summer. I share them Fr. George A. Aschenbrenner, S. J. here with you as well: “I invite all Chris- Msgr. John A. Esseff • Dr. Edward M. Hogan tians, everywhere, at this very moment, to Fr. John P. Horn, S. J. • Deacon James F. Keating Fr. Joseph J. Kelly • Mrs. Trudy McCaffrey a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Teresa Monaghen, A.O. • Dr. Margarett A. Schlientz Christ, or at least an openness to letting Fr. Scott S. Traynor him encounter them. . . . No one should Ex-officio Members Fr. Richard J. Gabuzda • Fr. Richard J. Hauser, S. J. think that this invitation is not meant for Kathy A. Kanavy • Mr. Timothy O’Neill him or her, since no one is excluded from Fr. James A. Rafferty • Mr. Herman D. Weist the joy brought by the Lord.” Members Mr. Mark C. Conzemius Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens • Dr. Karen L. Dwyer Gratefully in the Lord, Lawrence A. Dwyer, J. D. • Mr. George J. Esseff Deacon George J. Jr. and Mrs. Sherrie Esseff Mr. Gerald E. and Mrs. Suzanne I. Ganse 2 Fr. Patrick J. O’Kane • Msgr. Robert J. Panke Mrs. Anne M. Pogge • Mr. James A. Taphorn Msgr. David L. Toups • Fr. Mark A. Toups Rev. Richard J. Gabuzda Msgr. Daniel J. Trapp • Fr. Brian Welter Welcome, Kevin Armshaw, to the IPF Staff! Executive Director The Gift You Have Been Given, Give as Gift

By KRISTI COUGHLIN

On July 16th and 17th the Institute host- Institute’s twenty year history by Kathy ed 70 new friends from around the coun- Kanavy, one of the founders of the In- try for an event entitled, “A Reason for Your stitute. Her theme was, “The Gift you Hope.” The gathering helped acquaint have been Given, Give as Gift.” Bishop people with the Institute and its mission Andrew Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of St to assist Bishops in the spiritual formation Paul Minneapolis, shared the gifts and of diocesan seminarians and priests. It was graces he received after his IPF Ignatian my job to help plan this event. 30 Day Retreat experience. His mother, New to IPF, I had to decode the title Mrs. Judy Cozzens, passionately affirmed and meaning of the event which I was the changes she saw in her son’s priest- about to help coordinate. hood resulting from her son’s involve- I Peter 3:15: “…Sanctify Christ as Bishops Lucas and Kemme concelebrating ment with the Institute. Lord in your hearts. Always be ready Mass with Cardinal George. Thursday the group was given a for- to give an explanation to anyone who mal presentation including the “What is asks you for a reason for your hope.” Our guests arrived and learned about IPF?” video and heard testimonies from Hmmm… I would have to dig out my the programs the Institute offers for a current summer seminarian and a sum- bible commentary. I read the commen- priests and seminarians. They were in- mer staff member. Mass was celebrated tary, and then reread the scripture. And vited to experience Evening Prayer and by our special guest, His Eminence then I read it again. What came to me is Eucharistic Adoration with the sum- that we, through our living and our suf- fering, must always burn as a beacon of light so that others might through our liv- “Diocese and their seminaries do a wonderful job of preparing our seminarians to serve in the diocese. After ordination, we need places and enrich- ment to retain and amplify Guests attending the event enjoyed a luncheon with local supporters of Fr. Gabuzda interviews Cardinal George. the joy of being a priest. This the Institute. ing example, become drawn, attracted… is essential for healthy priests Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of or merely curious, about just what it is Chicago. After a luncheon at the Skutt that keeps us engaged and committed which, in turn, is essential Student Center, attendees were treated to to our faith. But… was that right? I had “A Conversation with Cardinal George,” to ask Fr. Gabuzda. He, in turn, asked for healthy dioceses.” including a question and answer session. me, “Why do we carry this hope in our The Cardinal answered questions posed hearts… as Christians, as Catholics, as – Brian Wenger, St. Paul, MN by Fr. Gabuzda, offering reflections on believers? Romans 5:5 tells us… ‘Hope various subjects including his experience does not disappoint, because the love of God at the papal election. has been poured out into our hearts through mer seminarian community. An elegant Guests were asked if they were left the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.’ dinner was graciously hosted by a local with a reason for your hope after their What God is doing through the work of benefactor. In celebration of our 20th experience in Omaha. Mr. Wenger’s 3 IPF is raising up seminarians and priests anniversary, guests were presented with quote in the center column says it all. who are growing in holiness.” I got that. a brief yet truly moving history of the Securing the Diocesan Available From Priestly Identity through IPF Publications the Study of Theology

by DEACON JIM KEATING

Each year an internationally renowned scholar of IPF conducts a first- through eighth-century Christian research seminar thinkers as Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine on some aspect of Hippo and Maximus the Confessor. of priestly forma- The papers presented in this seminar tion. On Sep- will culminate in a book to be published tember 12-14, by IPF Publications. It will be intended Deacon Jim Keating eight theologians for use by seminary formators nationally from around the and internationally. The days of study country participated in a Seminar on the were enveloped in prayer, silence and fra- theme of “Securing the Diocesan Priestly ternity. These days were also ones of deep Identity through the Study of Theology.” conversation between the theologians This theme was inspired by the mis- and humility, as the participants helped sion of IPF to better secure the diocesan one another bring clarity to their ideas. Spousal Prayer priestly identity within the theological IPF’s mission is to promote the inte- and scriptural tradition of the Church. rior life of diocesan priests as an essential Now available in Spanish Included within the participants of part of their lives of ministry. IPF invited this seminar was Fr. Brian Daley, S.J., the guest theologians, who honored our the winner of the 2012 Ratzinger Prize Institute by agreeing to come and be with for Theology. Pope Benedict presented us, to help diocesan seminary theologians Fr. Daley with the Prize for Theology, to understand the role that theology and nicknamed the “Nobel Prize in The- spirituality (“intimate and unceasing com- ology.” In remarks before the award munion with The Trinity”,Pastores Dabo presentation, Pope Benedict said Father Vobis, n.45) play in their own teaching Daley was “exemplary for the transmis- and study; and secondly the seminar theo- sion of knowledge that unites science logians were encouraged to assist seminary and wisdom, scientific rigor and pas- faculty in deepening their understanding sion for humankind.” A member of the of how spirituality can remain a more University of Notre Dame faculty since permanent reality within the study of 1996, Father Daley, a Jesuit priest, is theology for diocesan seminarians.

Spousal Prayer (Spanish)

To order an IPF Publication, contact Catholic Word at CatholicWord.com, From l to r: Dr. Paul Griffiths (Duke University), Fr. Joseph Koopman (St. Mary Semi- 4 800-932-3051, or nary), Msgr. Joseph Betschart (Mt. Angel Seminary), Dr. Mary Healy (Sacred Heart [email protected] Seminary), Rev. Msgr. Michael Heintz (University of Notre Dame), Fr. Robert Imbelli (Boston College), Fr. Thomas Weinandy, O.F.M., Cap (Gregorian University), Fr. Brian Daley, S.J. (University of Notre Dame). That’s IPF

By KEVIN ARMSHAW Director of Mission Advancement

Here in Omaha, we frequently hear in a small way, the change taking place our lay friends talking about their favor- in the lives of their parish priests. At the ite “IPF priests.” For those close to the end of the evening, parishioners are pro- Institute, “IPF priest” is a short-hand, for vided resources that will help to deepen a priest with a deep communion with their own prayerful experience of God. Christ who has made staying in love with There are opportunities to join in the the Trinity the priority of his life. Outside mission of IPF and a renewed commit- of Omaha, folks are much less likely to ment to pray for our priests on the front have heard of IPF. This is about to change! line of the New Evangelization. IPF Information Nights are a new ef- IPF plans more informational events fort, from the IPF advancement team, to Frs. Stanganelli, Mangano and Gabuzda and welcomes invitations by “IPF priests” raise awareness among lay people about pose with Fr. Mangano’s parents and sisters to help organize one at his parish. A the impact and importance of the In- at the conclusion of the IPF Information priest’s love for God is contagious. When stitute for Priestly Formation. The short Night at the Curé of Ars Church in Mer- we see it, we want it too. program shares the IPF video (available at rick, New York. www.priestlyformation.org), a brief history of the Institute and includes testimo- ing. You can just sense God’s presence nies from IPF Alumni and those that love when he speaks. It is like God is right them. Attendees gain an understanding of there with you pointing out exactly what what it means to be an “IPF priest.” More you need to hear.” importantly, it helps them know that the The Spiritual Director Training course deep communion with Christ their pas- equips participants to provide spiritual tor is experiencing is available to them as direction to diocesan priests. In the pro- well. God wants to be with us always. cess, participants encounter the Lord at Recently, at the Curé of Ars parish, a level many previously never considered My experience with IPF was in Merrick, New York, IPF rolled out possible. They also learn how to maintain its first Information Night. Fr. Charles and further the depth of that relationship. one of strengthening, heal- Mangano, an IPF alumnus, shared with Fr. Tony Stanganelli, who brought seventy interested people, how IPF had members from his parish to the informa- ing, and revitalization. It transformed his ministry. “I had heard tion night, said, “I was awakened to Christ’s has taken what I had known others say IPF saved my priesthood and desire for constant communion. I have frankly, I thought that a little extreme.” an awareness of Jesus all the time and it is intellectually and deepen it He continued, “Then, I experienced it.” amazing! I live my priesthood with Christ Fr. Charles went on to explain how in all of my day to day responsibilities.” into the core of my being, my he and Fr. Tony Stanganelli, both 2014 Helping diocesan seminarians and graduates of the 3 year IPF Spiritual Di- priests fall in love and then stay in love heart. I feel the joy at being rector Training course, encountered Jesus with God is the purpose of IPF. For many in a new and deeper way. IPF programs like Fr. Charles and Fr. Tony, it is dis- a newly ordained priest but are designed to create an environment that covering a greater depth of God’s loving enables the participants to escape the noise presence. The Church, in her wisdom, with a heightened awareness of their busy lives and encounter the Holy has discovered tools that can be used to Trinity. Kathy Kanavy, an IPF founder, deepen the interior union with the Trin- of my identity as a beloved is fond of saying, “We just help create the ity. IPF makes those tools available to son, chaste spouse and as a space and the Holy Spirit does the rest.” program participants, who in turn bring One attendee of the information night them home to the parishes in which they spiritual father. said she came because she wanted to work; so that the faithful can also experi- know what had changed Fr. Charles. She ence the depth of love that Jesus wants ev- – Fr. Keith Laskowski, 5 said, “He has always been a great pastor, ery believer to experience on a daily basis. but in the last few years there is some- These Information Nights are de- Diocese of Allentown thing different. His homilies are amaz- signed to help parishioners understand, 20 Years of Helping Priests and Seminarians Fall More Deeply in Love with God

Throughout this year, memories of light” to conduct a program of spiritual at the Cedar Brake retreat house in the people, places, events and programs have formation for diocesan seminarians in the Diocese of Austin. led us to lift up our hearts in praise and summer of 1995—if we could find six In time, we began to gather together gratitude to the Lord for his gifts to the seminarians as participants! God provided groups of advisors including the Bishops mission of IPF. As we share some of them, and the seminarian program was off and Advisory Council, the Mission Advance- we invite you to join this chorus of praise running—along with a Seminar for Semi- ment Council and the Finance Council. rising up to the Giver of all good gifts. nary Spiritual Directors led by Fr. Joseph These councils continue serving IPF today. The seeds of what became the Insti- Kelly, then-spiritual director at St. Joseph’s By 2003, the Summer Seminarian tute for Priestly Formation were first Seminary, Dunwoodie, New York. Program had reached over 100 partici- planted in July 1992 when Fr. John As numbers in the seminarian pro- pants. At that same time we assembled a Horn, S.J., directed Kathy Kanavy and gram began to grow steadily, and Fr. group of seminary formators to discuss Fr. Rich Gabuzda in the Spiritual Exer- John, Kathy and Fr. Rich moved to the question, “How can spiritual forma- cises of St. Ignatius Loyola on the cam- Omaha as a “full-time” operation, we tion be more at the heart of priestly for- pus of Creighton University. The intent began praying about what more the Lord mation?” These gatherings gave birth to was simply to “make the Exercises.” But desired for the mission. Along the way, a a symposium, held at St. John Vianney God had other ideas in mind! second summer program began as a way Theological Seminary, Denver, in March Prayerful conversations among Fr. to develop what had taken place during 2005; the topic was, “Interiority for Mis- John, Kathy and Fr. Rich over a period the first summer. However, that program sion: Spiritual Formation for Priests of of time (often over Italian dinners!) led lasted just two years as we were led in the New Evangelization.” to the important question, “If you could the summer of 2000 to begin offering That year also brought many other write your own ticket and do something the full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius graces to the IPF mission. The Sum- good for the Church, what might that (30 day retreat). In addition, we began mer Seminarian Program welcomed be?” As ideas began to emerge for “doing to hold Symposia on the Spirituality and 118 seminarians; the Mission Advisory something” for diocesan seminarians and Identity of the Diocesan Priest. Council was created from its predecessor priests, Fr. George Aschenbrenner, S.J., After a “pilot” program in Florida, we bodies, the “Advisory Board” and the was drawn into the conversation, bringing opened a Training Program in Spiritual “Mission/Curriculum Council”; and, for his expertise to bear in refining the vision. Direction for diocesan priests. The three the first time, all IPF offices were located By 1994 the outline of a summer pro- year program, which meets three times a in the same space, the Campion House, gram for seminarians had been created and year, began and continues at the confer- where we remain to this day. the Institute was formally incorporated at ence center of the University of St. Mary The celebration of IPF’s tenth an- the end of that year. Conversations with of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. As niversary was marked by a pilgrimage Creighton University resulted in the “green the program grew, we offered one series to Rome and Assisi in November 2004.

IPF Timeline 1995 1997 2000 2003 2004 2008 2011 2012 2013

e original group of six One of the first groups of e first group of seminar- Spiritual Fatherhood: Living IPF’s 10th Anniversary IPF became a Public is year’s group of seminar- Fr. John Horn, S.J. named e Community of IPF Supporters of IPF come seminarians. Not exactly Seminary Spiritual Directors ians to number over 100. Christ's Own Revelation of the Pilgrimage took a group to Association of the Faithful, ians was the first covered by a Rector of Kenrick-Glennon Priests is formed with the together for the 8th annual a formal gathering, but it to gather for the summer Enrollment reached the Father was the theme of IPF’s Rome and Assisi. e group an officially recognized body “dome of grace” provided by Seminary in St. Louis leaving first (of hopefully many) Celebration of Priesthood was a start! Fr. George seminar. e seminar maximum of 175 in 2009 Symposium held at Mount was blessed by an audience in the Roman Catholic their Spiritual Mothers, an Omaha after 17 years. He priests, Fr. Rich Gabuzda Banquet in Omaha. Pictured Aschenbrenner, S.J., one of continues to be directed by and has remained close to St. Mary's Seminary. with now- Saint John Paul II. Church which receives a initiative which has contin- continues to serve the and Fr. Jim Rafferty, who guests include honoree, the founders of the Institute, Fr. Joe Kelly, Fr. George that number ever since. Pictured here, among others Fr. Gabuzda is about to mission within the Church ued ever since. Pictured here Institute in a variety of ways move into the community’s Msgr. Richard Wolbach, is pictured instructing the Ashenbrenner, S.J. and Fr. is now-Archbishop Paul present the 2003 Sympo- to achieve the purposes of its is Anne Pogge, Spiritual including as a Spiritual first residence. A chapel is Archbishop George Lucas, 6 group of seminarians from Vinny Fortunato pictured Coakley (Oklahoma City) sium proceedings to the “charism” (the gift which the Mom Coordinator, and her Director for the Seminarian created in the duplex and and Msgr. Joe Hanefeldt, the the Dioceses of Denver, in the front row, from center and now -Bishop Felipe Holy Father. Holy Spirit has given to it). first seminarian son, now Fr. Program eight day retreat and bedrooms are furnished speaker for the evening. Washington, Ft. Worth, to the right. Estevez (St. Augustine). Kregg Hochhalter, from the as a member of the national for priest and seminarians and Scranton. Diocese of Bismarck, ND. Mission Advisory Council. on retreat.

Please remember IPF in your estate planning and help with the spiritual formation of future priests. 20 Years of Helping Priests and Seminarians Fall More Deeply in Love with God

A highlight of that event was gathering in the summer of 2008. It has grown so that Having attempted numerous times for a photograph of our group with now there are currently over 700 women who to find a replacement for Fr. Horn but Saint John Paul II. have made themselves available to pray for without success, the IPF staff and others In the summer of 2006 we participated a seminarian individually or for the group began to pray about what the Holy Spirit in an Apostolic Visitation of our Institute. at large. Other “cells” of Spiritual Moms might be revealing to us. The end result This visitation was part of a broader visit have begun to develop in different parts of of this prayer and consultation was the of United States seminaries, conducted the country. A “Spiritual Dads” group was permission granted by Omaha’s Arch- under the leadership of then-Archbishop begun in 2009. These men pray for the bishop George Lucas in 2012 to begin Edwin O’Brien. The team members were: summer faculty and spiritual directors. the formation of a Community of IPF Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz (Lincoln, Ne- In collaboration with the Cenacle of Priests, i.e., diocesan priests with a “call braska), Bishop Carlos Sevilla (Yakima, Our Lady of Divine Providence in Clear- within a call” to focus on building up Washington) and Fr. Brendan Cahill (St. water, Florida, IPF began offering alumni the interior life of diocesan priests, chief- Mary’s Seminary, Houston). Their report retreats in September 2009. The initial ly through service to the IPF mission. was quite favorable. silent directed retreats have featured presen- With the permission of the bishop of An additional summer program was tations by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, Scranton, the arrival of Fr. Jim Rafferty added when Deacon Jim Keating began a on the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. in July 2013 allowed the Community Retreat for Seminary Faculty in the summer The retreats continue and are offered twice of IPF Priests to begin and added, once of 2007. This grant-funded program has annually for any IPF program participant. again, to the availability of full-time staff provided seminary faculty an opportunity A long-held desire was realized in Janu- for IPF programs throughout the year. to share in the silence of the seminarians’ ary of 2010 when, at the invitation of the In this quick run through highlights of silent retreat while focusing on the unique National Conference of Diocesan Voca- IPF’s history, and allowing all these peo- nature of their vocation as seminary faculty. tion Directors, we conducted a retreat spe- ple, places, events and programs to fill the A long-held desire became a reality in cifically for vocation directors. Originally imagination, brings to mind the beautiful March 2008 when, through the gracious a bi-annual event, we now provide this phrase from Psalm 136, “For his great support of Omaha’s Archbishop Elden retreat for vocation directors each year. love is without end!” We ask all of our Francis Curtiss, IPF became a Public As- In the spring of 2011, Archbishop dear friends, alumni and staff to pray to sociation of the Faithful. Robert Carlson announced that Fr. John the Lord in gratitude for all that he has One of the many graced outcomes of Horn, S.J., had been appointed to become accomplished. And to pray in intercession becoming a Public Association was the be- Rector/President of Kenrick-Glennon that we remain faithful to the gifts given ginning of the “Spiritual Moms” program. Seminary in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and so continue to serve seminarians, This pairing of a local woman with each effective July 1st. Needless to say, this an- priests and seminary personnel with and seminarian in the summer program began nouncement came as a surprise to us all! in the Heart of the Good Shepherd.

IPF Timeline 1995 1997 2000 2003 2004 2008 2011 2012 2013

e original group of six One of the first groups of e first group of seminar- Spiritual Fatherhood: Living IPF’s 10th Anniversary IPF became a Public is year’s group of seminar- Fr. John Horn, S.J. named e Community of IPF Supporters of IPF come seminarians. Not exactly Seminary Spiritual Directors ians to number over 100. Christ's Own Revelation of the Pilgrimage took a group to Association of the Faithful, ians was the first covered by a Rector of Kenrick-Glennon Priests is formed with the together for the 8th annual a formal gathering, but it to gather for the summer Enrollment reached the Father was the theme of IPF’s Rome and Assisi. e group an officially recognized body “dome of grace” provided by Seminary in St. Louis leaving first (of hopefully many) Celebration of Priesthood was a start! Fr. George seminar. e seminar maximum of 175 in 2009 Symposium held at Mount was blessed by an audience in the Roman Catholic their Spiritual Mothers, an Omaha after 17 years. He priests, Fr. Rich Gabuzda Banquet in Omaha. Pictured Aschenbrenner, S.J., one of continues to be directed by and has remained close to St. Mary's Seminary. with now- Saint John Paul II. Church which receives a initiative which has contin- continues to serve the and Fr. Jim Rafferty, who guests include honoree, the founders of the Institute, Fr. Joe Kelly, Fr. George that number ever since. Pictured here, among others Fr. Gabuzda is about to mission within the Church ued ever since. Pictured here Institute in a variety of ways move into the community’s Msgr. Richard Wolbach, is pictured instructing the Ashenbrenner, S.J. and Fr. is now-Archbishop Paul present the 2003 Sympo- to achieve the purposes of its is Anne Pogge, Spiritual including as a Spiritual first residence. A chapel is Archbishop George Lucas, group of seminarians from Vinny Fortunato pictured Coakley (Oklahoma City) sium proceedings to the “charism” (the gift which the Mom Coordinator, and her Director for the Seminarian created in the duplex and and Msgr. Joe Hanefeldt, the 7 the Dioceses of Denver, in the front row, from center and now -Bishop Felipe Holy Father. Holy Spirit has given to it). first seminarian son, now Fr. Program eight day retreat and bedrooms are furnished speaker for the evening. Washington, Ft. Worth, to the right. Estevez (St. Augustine). Kregg Hochhalter, from the as a member of the national for priest and seminarians and Scranton. Diocese of Bismarck, ND. Mission Advisory Council. on retreat.

Please remember IPF in your estate planning and help with the spiritual formation of future priests. Saint John Paul II Fund for Priests Continues to Grow

Is there a special priest in your life you would like to honor?

Will Buttarazzi, who attended the An account can be opened for any Summer Program of Spiritual Forma- priest whether he is a Diocesan or reli- tion for Diocesan Seminarians in 2002, gious priest, living or deceased. A brief wanted a way to honor his beloved uncle, biography of the honored priest and a list Fr. John Nacca, a deceased priest from of all donors to his account are perpetu- the Diocese of Rochester, New York. So ally inscribed in a Book of Remembrance he wrote a letter and sent it to his family once the fund reaches the perpetual level members. of $5000. Every summer, a Mass is cel- In the letter, Will explained his inspiration. ebrated in remembrance of all honored “Earlier this year, Uncle John was on priests and their donors. my mind a lot, how sublime his daily To date 89 priests have been honored witness was, and how incredibly blessed with 419 donations. There is no limit as we have been to have him in our lives. I to how much can go into an account. heard it said recently that when we are Donors can contribute to an existing ac- young, we tend to seek and follow many count or open a new one. “heroes” whom, when we grow older, By contributing to an account in nearly always fade in importance; but honor of a priest of your choice, you will as we get older, those who truly are our be part of the Mission of the Institute in heroes and have forever influenced our mission of the Institute and at the same the spiritual formation of seminarians lives, never leave us. With this came the time honor his uncle. “This fund will and priests while at the same time rec- inspiration to do something that would serve to perennially form diocesan semi- ognizing the service and generosity of a allow us to express our love and appro- narians and priests to be men of prayer, priest like Fr. John Nacca. priately commemorate Uncle John.” living in unceasing union with Christ, so Is there a special priest in your life Will told his family that his summer that they can help the laity do the same. I you would like to honor? Additional experience with IPF “changed his life” believe this was Uncle John’s gift, and, as information is on the IPF website www. and when he learned about IPF’s Saint family members, we are given the chance priestlyformation.org, or phone 402- John Paul II Fund for Priests, he knew it to be his legacy in faith, God willing, for 546-6384. was a perfect way to support the work and generations to come,” his letter stated.

My experience at IPF has made me fall in love with Jesus Christ in ways I never imagined were possible. – Howard Jankowski, Seminarian, Diocese of 8 Fort Wayne-South Bend Saint John Paul II Fund for Priests Accounts have been established in honor of the following priests: Fr. Thomas Adams Fr. Daniel E. Galas Archbishop George J. Lucas* Fr. John M. Rozembajgier Archbishop Leo C. Arkfeld* Msgr. Robert J. Gass* Msgr. William J. Lyons* James Ryan, S.J. Fr. Greg P. Baxter* Fr. Terence Gordon FSSP John McCarthy, S.J.* James Sampson, s.P. Fr. John A. Brancich Fr. Gregor Gorsic Fr. Jim McCormick Msgr. Edward J. Schad* Fr. Mark M. Bridgman Msgr. Ernest G. Graham* Richard D. McGloin, S.J.* Fr. Douglas P. Scheinost Msgr. Charles F. Brodersen* Fr. Donatus Grunloh, O.F.M. Msgr. Andrew H. Meister Fr. Robert E. Schmidz Msgr. James C. Buckley* Fr. Melvin Grunloh, O.F.M. Fr. Gerald P. Melchior Fr. James F. Schwertley* Fr. Harold J. Buse* Thomas J. Halley, S.J.* Fr. Melvin J. Merwald* Fr. Donald W. Shane* Msgr. James R. Cain Msgr. Joseph Hanefeldt* Bishop Anthony M. Milone* Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Fr. Oliver Lee Hightower Fr. Michael F. Murphy Fr. Steven J. Stillmunks* Fr. Patrick A. Carroll* Fr. Paul C. Hoesing Fr. John J. Nacca Fr. Joseph C. Taphorn* Fr. Martin P. Conley* John Horn, S.J.* Fr. Herman J. Niebrugge Fr. James R. Tiegs* Fr. Francis P. Conway* Fr. Norman F. Hunke* Fr. Richard W. Niebrugge Fr. Mark A. Toups* Fr. Damien J. Cook Fr. Mark R. Ivany Fr. Kizito R. Okhuoya Fr. Scott Traynor Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss* Fr. Frank E. Jindra William O’Leary, S.J.* Fr. Michael B. Voithofer Fr. Gerard M. Dewan* Fr. Daniel J. Kampschneider Bishop Dennis P. O’Neil* Fr. Leo A. Walsh, S.T.D. Fr. Lawrence J. Dorsey* Msgr. Francis P. Kenny* Fr. Thomas O’Neill* Fr. Patrick Walsh Msgr. Peter F. Dunne* Msgr. Eugene H. Kerwin Msgr. Paul Peter* Abbot Raphael Walsh, O.S.B. Msgr. John Esseff Fr. Thomas Krupski, O.F.M. Fr. An Duy Phan Fr. Thomas R. Ward Fr. Thomas M. Fangman Msgr. Francis E. Kubart Fr. Robert F. Preisinger Fr. Thomas W. Weisbecker Msgr. William F. Fitzgerald* Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. Fr. James A. Rafferty Msgr. William S. Whelan* Msgr. John A. Flynn Fr. Dan Lenz, O.S.B. Fr. David G. Reeson Fr. Carl J. Zoucha Fr. Richard J. Gabuzda* Fr. Ryan P. Lewis Fr. Chad A. Ripperger

* These accounts have reached the “Perpetual” level of $5000 and above.

Now Available from IPF Publications

Entering into the Mind of Christ: The True Nature of Theology Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

Entering into the Mind of Christ: The True Nature of Theologyis a compilation of essays that were written to address the question: “How does spirituality supply theological study with the correct method?” Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph. D., these essays affirm the fact that the study of theology necessarily involves spirituality. The essays explore the definitions of “theology” and “spirituality,” recognizing that the two concepts are often defined incompletely.

To order an IPF Publication, contact Catholic Word at CatholicWord.com, 800-932-3051, or [email protected] 9 Spiritual Moms Pray for Seminarians During IPF Formation Program

By DAVID GOUGER The Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Voice, August 8, 2014 (edited for length)

They had never met before, but they program’s faculty and spiritual directors, were far from being strangers. whom they also meet at Friends Night. So seminarian Andrew Natali smiled Local dads also attend one of the holy broadly when he spotted Mary Dulac hours held each Wednesday during the and her 6-month-old son, Louis. summer program. This year, 50 men from And the two adults hugged and five states served as spiritual dads, a record quickly began chatting as the seminarian number, said Larry Dwyer who helped from the Diocese of Green Bay for the organize the initiative and is a member of first time met the woman who had been IPF’s Mission Advisory Council. praying for him as a “Spiritual Mom”. Friends Night begins with adoration Taking chairs July 23 at the Friends of the Eucharist at St. John Church on assigned one seminarian and are given his name, diocese and hometown as well as his photo. The seminarians are told there is a woman in Omaha praying for them and are given her name. They are encouraged not to meet, as a way to avoid distracting the men during their studies. At the same time, other women from the local area as well as others around the country pray for all of the seminarians. More than 300 spiritual moms this year provided a “dome of grace” around

Night gathering, Dulac balanced Louis Creighton’s campus. It continues in the on her lap, showed Natali a family photo nearby student center ballroom with hugs, and told him her husband and nine smiles and laughter as seminarians and children also prayed for him. spiritual moms visit and enjoy a program “That was such a grace and a joy to of priests and seminarians talking about hear,” Natali said. their IPF experiences – and the impact For 10 weeks, spiritual moms from the women’s prayers had on their summer. across the archdiocese and around the At their table, Natali and Dulac talk- country prayed at least one Hail Mary ed about his family, background and IPF each day for the seminarians attending experiences. IPF’s summer program. “It is a joy to see the face of the person Spiritual Moms in the Omaha area are I have been praying for,” Dulac said. the men through prayer. Beyond the 10 weeks, there is no commitment for the women, but many continue to pray for and stay in touch with their seminarians. Spiritual moms began in 2008, inspired by 14 women associated with IPF who wanted to respond to then-Pope 10 Benedict XVI’s call for spiritual mothers for all priests and seminarians. Spiritual dads were added the next year, daily saying a prayer to St. Joseph for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Award Upcoming Events The Institute for Priestly Formation grants its highest award, the medallion of October 16 -19 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Spouse of the Federation of Seminary Holy Spirit, to women and men who have Spiritual Directors Meeting given witness with their lives to the value St. Louis, MO of listening for and responding to Mary’s call to live Jesus’ own life in our day. This November 3-10 is made possible through exercising in IPF Alumni Retreat practical ways the great gift of a humble Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence, faith. Exercising the gift of faith incarnates Clearwater, FL the Living Word every day in a wide vari- November 8 ety of ways for the Church and the world. program, a staff member for the Spiritual Bishops Advisory Council Meeting This summer the award was bestowed Direction Training Program and he has Baltimore, MD upon Msgr. John Cippel, priest of the Dio- assisted with other programs such as our cese of St. Petersburg and Mike and Suzie annual alumni retreat. Msgr. Cippel is a November 9-18 Lawler of Omaha, in profound gratitude for man in love, a man in love with the Lord, 20th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Italy their generous response to Mary’s call to live a man with a burning desire to help oth- Jesus’ own life through acts of charity and ers come to know that love as well. December 6 lives that give witness to Christian hope. Mike and Suzie Lawler have generously Advent Morning of Reflection Msgr. John Cippel, on the “books”, shared their Catholic faith with many indi- Christ the King Church, Omaha, Nebraska is listed as “retired”, but his own bishop viduals, groups and causes throughout their For the Laity and the Clergy refers to him as “a hyper-active retired married lives. Mike attributes his survival priest.” Very beautifully, his bishop also in the Viet Nam War to his daily recitation January 11-16 describes him as “Every bishop’s dream— of the Rosary, a practice which both he and (Section A) a priest in love and on fire with his priest- Suzie continue daily. Suzie has been an IPF February 8-13 hood.” Msgr. Cippel has spent the last Spiritual Mom praying for seminarians (Section B) two years of his active retired life as spiri- since the program began. Mike has brought Training Programs in Spiritual Direction tual director at St. John Vianney College his expertise as a financial officer at Tenas- Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, IL Seminary, Miami and presently serves as ka, an energy company headquartered in administrator of a large parish in his dio- Omaha, to the service of IPF as a member January 25-February 3 cese; previously he served as a seminary of our Finance Council and Long Term NCDVD Vocation Directors Retreat professor, hospital chaplain, college his- Financial Sustainability Committee. Both Bethany Center, Lutz, FL tory professor, parish pastor and retreat Mike and Suzie support the mission of IPF master. Since 2005 he has been actively in countless other ways, including drawing February 2-9 involved with the mission of IPF, serving others into this mission, a testimony to their IPF Alumni Retreat as a spiritual director in the seminarian deep love for the Church and her priests. Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence, Clearwater, FL

A special THANK YOU… February 19-21 Christ the Foundation and Center: …to IPF’s $20/Month Club Members! The Integration of Human and Spiritual Formation Symposium Your monthly gift of $20 (or multiples St John Vianney Seminary, Denver, CO thereof) is one of the most important factors in sustaining IPF and assuring M arch 14 future seminarians and priests the oppor- Lenten Morning of Reflection tunities to grow in their spiritual forma- Christ the King Church, Omaha, NE tion and relationship with the Trinity. For the Laity and the Clergy To make a tax-deductable donation, complete and return the enclosed enve- April 9 lope, visit our website at www.priestly- Celebration of Priesthood Banquet 11 formation.org, or call our office at 402- St Robert Bellarmine Church, Omaha, NE 280-3901. Thank you for your generous For the Laity and the Clergy financial and prayful support! Non Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit Number 227 Omaha, Nebraska

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Celebrating 20 Years of Helping Priests and Seminarians Fall More Deeply in Love with God