September 2022
Rev. Richard E. Senghas, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Class of 1998 serving in the Diocese of Portland, passed away on September 10, 2022. Fr. Senghas was 94 years old. As shared by his diocese, he was “known for both his keen mind and kind heart. Fr. Senghas was a respected orthopedic surgeon before feeling called to the priesthood later in life.” Fr. Senghas served at St. John the Evangelist and Holy Cross Parishes in South Portland and at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Jay. He also served as the Director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Diocese of Portland and served on the board of the Maine Council of Churches. Together we pray for the repose of his soul. May he now rest in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Notice from the Diocese of Portland website:
Father Richard Senghas
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Richard Senghas, a priest of the Diocese of Portland, who died on September 10, 2022, at the age of 94.
Father Senghas was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1928 to Erwin William and Lydia Senghas. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1950, married a medical school classmate in 1955, and then went to serve as a medical officer for the U.S. Navy in Yokosuka, Japan, and as a pediatrician on the Army base there. After returning, he and his wife completed their medical internships, and Richard then furthered his medical training in orthopedic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital in Boston, Mass.
He would serve as an orthopedic surgeon for 25 years, but after his wife passed away, he felt a call to the priesthood and entered the seminary. He was ordained in 1998 and went on to serve at St. John the Evangelist and Holy Cross parishes in South Portland and at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Jay. He was also director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Diocese of Portland and served on the board of the Maine Council of Churches.
Please pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family members and friends, including his seven children.
Funeral Services:
Reception of the Body at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough
Mass of Christian Burial – Friday, September 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley.
Published obituary: https://www.pressherald.com/2022/09/14/obituaryrev-richard-e-senghas-m-d/
August 2022
Rev. Peter Scheffer ’21 has been re-assigned and is now co-pastor with another PSJS alumnus, Rev. Paul Bernier ‘00. Together, they are co-pastors at St. George Church, St. John the Baptist Church, and Our Lady of Grace Church in Westport, Massachusetts, serving in the Diocese of Fall River.
July 2022
We are saddened by the recent passing of Deacon John O. Scott, member of the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Class of 2015. Deacon John was a wonderful member of the community during his formation years. His obituary can be found here: Obituary for Deacon John O. Scott
Upon reflection on his time at the Seminary John wrote: “I am so very grateful for God’s love and Providence as experienced through my fellow brother seminarians, faculty and staff…I will most miss my ‘Canadian/Nova Scotian Table’ where I hosted, with a fellow Canadian from Newfoundland, table fellowship with our American brothers. I will also miss the music program and minor role I was able to play in that ministry.”
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Congratulations to…
Rev. Joseph Maalouf ’17 of the Diocese of Miami has recently been named pastor at St. Jerome Catholic Church and School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Rev. John A. Maksym ’18 of the Diocese of Detroit has recently been named pastor at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mount Clemens, Michigan
Rev. Francis Pham ’14 of the Archdiocese of Boston has been installed as pastor of Saint Andrew Phu Yen Parish in Medford, Massachusetts.
…May God be with you and give you strength as you shepherd the people of your parishes!
On July 12, 2022, Rev. Douglas Barrett of the Class of 2016 passed to the Lord after a brief illness. Fr. Doug was serving in the Archdiocese of St. John’s Newfoundland in Canada. His obituary can be found here: Obituary for Rev. Douglas Barrett
Upon entering the Seminary, Fr. Doug was introduced to the community with the following words: “Doug is a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, who was ordained an Anglican priest in 1980. He earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from Atlantic School of Theology (Halifax, N.S.). He was married for 39 years to Gwendolyn, who died of breast cancer in 2013. David and Gwen had three children; sons (David, Robert) and a special-needs daughter, Angela Marie, who died of degenerative brain disease in 2010. Doug served five years in the Canadian Armed Forces.”
After his final year in formation at the Seminary, Fr. Doug shared the following for the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary (PSJS) spring newsletter: “I came to PSJS on a condensed program. The friendships, both faculty and students I have made here over the last two years have been awesome. I will never forget Fr. Miceli's warm initial greeting, so welcome after the immigration delay I experienced at the U.S. border. In just a month's time I will again be back to cooking for myself! I will miss the hearty and delicious seminary meals, for sure. The Seminary faculty, students and staff will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.”
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
June 2022
Rev. Russ Mower ’15 has a new home! Starting July 1, Fr. Russ will be serving at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX (www.holytrinityseminary.org). He will be part of the formation staff as the Associate Director of Formation. Congratulations, Fr. Russ!
Rev. Ken Gill ’14 will be transferring on July 1 to the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach, Florida (basilicaofsaintpaul.com). Fr. Ken reports that he is grateful for this opportunity as it will allow him to be closer to his mom and brother. May all God’s blessings be with you in your transition, Fr. Ken!
In Memoriam…
- Rev. Martin Carter, S.A. ’75 passed to the Lord in December 2021, on Christmas Day. He was a longtime leader in Brooklyn, New York. This article was written about Fr. Martin at the time of his passing: https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.com/remembering-fr-martin-carter-sa/.
- Rev. Casimir Stanis ’01 passed to the Lord on June 11, 2022. He was the pastor emeritus of Saint Brigid Parish in Friendsville, Pennsylvania. Obituary: https://keystonegazette.com/the-rev-casimir-m-stanis-obituary-2022-the-times-tribune/
- Rev. Richard A. Jakubauskas ’99 passed to the Lord on June 09, 2022. Fr. Dick served for many years with the Alumni Council at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He served faithfully in the Diocese of Worcester and was beloved by many. Obituary: https://www.worcesterfuneral.com/#prettyPhoto[iframes]/1/
- Rev. Raymond Kiley ’96 of the Archdiocese of Boston passed to the Lord on June 7, 2022. An obituary for Fr. Raymond can be found here: https://www.patriotledger.com/obituaries/pneo0231405
- Rev. Kurt Fohn ’01 of the Diocese of Charlotte passed home to the Lord on June 6, 2022. An obituary for Fr. Kurt can be found here: https://www.hayworth-miller.com/sga/obituary/RevKurt-Fohn
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
May 2022
We are saddened by the recent passing of two alumni priests. We ask that you pray with the Seminary community for the repose of their souls, that they now rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Thomas B. Corcoran, Class of 1997
Fr. Tom was recently retired and serving as a senior-priest-in-residence at St. Catherine of Siena parish in Norwood, Massachusetts. He entered the Seminary near the age of forty and had a wonderful life of service ministering to many of God’s people. We thank him with deep gratitude. You may read his full obituary here: Rev. Thomas B. Corcoran Obituary
Rev. Thomas J. Powers, Class of 1995
As Fr. Tom was working in the secular world, he began deepening his involvement as his local parish. This led him to take classes in theology at the Weston School of Theology, where he earned a master’s degree, and was when he recognized a deeper calling to serve as a priest. He was last serving in Woburn, Massachusetts at the Woburn Catholic Collaborative. We are grateful for his service to God and His Church and grateful for the many lives he touched in so many ways, always from the heart of Jesus and from his love of saying the Mass. You may read his full obituary here: Rev. Thomas J. Powers Obituary
April 2022
Rev. Mark Brantley of the Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas, and of the Class of 2017 passed away on April 20, 2022, after a brief illness.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 11 am at St. Boniface Church in Sharon, Kansas.
St. Boniface - 412 N Main St., Sharon, KS 67138 | Office: 620-294-5526
Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/william-brantley-obituary?id=34398396
When Fr. Mark was a Deacon at the Seminary, he helped launch the Seminary YouTube channel with a brief video sharing his background and the reasons why Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary is worth considering. You can view the video here: Deacon Mark Brantley on Why Pope St. John XXIII Seminary
Excerpt from Fall 2013 Newsletter when Fr. Mark entered the Seminary:
Mark Brantley began his life’s journey right down the road from Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Waltham, MA. As an Air Force pilot and the son of an FBI agent, Mark lived and worked in all parts of the world. After retiring from the Air Force, he flew for a number of years as a commercial airline pilot. He admits hearing God calling him many times to the priesthood and always thinking “I’m too old.” It was while on a parish mission trip in what he calls his “perfect storm.” Mark met the daughter of Class of 2015 seminarian Russ Mower and learned about Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. The “I’m too old” excuse no longer applied, and God’s whispers turned into shouts. “In January 2013, my life’s journey took a 180 degree turn,” he says that turn brought him to Pope St. John XXIII Seminary.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
March 2022
Rev. Larry Love is a member of the Class of 2014 and serving in the Diocese of Tyler in Texas. He was recently featured in Catholic East Texas Magazine, speaking about his unique path to priesthood that includes marriage, fatherhood and a successful career as an ophthalmologist. He was ordained at the age of 69.
“By Easter of 2009, he found himself researching seminaries and the priesthood after work. He wondered what this was, so he took it to spiritual direction with his pastor, Fr. Morgan White. He did not fight the call to the priesthood but knew it was going to be a huge change for him, as well as for everyone in his practice.”
Read the full story in Catholic East Texas Magazine:
February 2022
We congratulate Rev. Guy Dormevil, Class of 2021, who was appointed by Bishop Frank Caggiano as Episcopal Vicar for Haitian Catholics for the Diocese of Bridgeport. The appointment is a term of three years and also makes Fr. Dormevil a member of the Council of Vicars that meets quarterly with the Bishop to discuss areas of pastoral ministry and concern.
Fr. Guy shares his journey to priesthood in his own words: “I am a native of Haiti where I worked as an Immigration Inspector for many years. Upon my arrival in the U.S., I earned my degree and lived in Connecticut for some 30 years. I was married for twenty-nine years, until my wife lost her battle to cancer in 2015. I am a devoted father of two grown children, a son and a daughter. I have always been active in the Church serving as an altar server, youth minister, prayer group leader, liturgical minister, Eucharistic minister and charismatic group leader. I also served on my Parish finance council, advisory council, and as a trustee. After the death of my wife, just as the Risen Christ petitioned Peter for a second time to care for His sheep, He came back to me. When my Pastor invited me to consider a priestly vocation, I felt I couldn't delay any longer. Two months after I met with the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Bridgeport, I resigned my job of 26 years to follow the will of God. PSJS has provided a warm welcome and the camaraderie of brotherhood. I pray that God will bless me and my brother seminarians with the grace needed to be the Lord's voice for the New Evangelization Initiative of the Catholic Church.”
January 2022
Effective January 18, 2022, Rev. Steven Cartwright of the Class of 2015 and the Diocese of Portland has been assigned pastor of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist (Falmouth, Freeport, Gray, Yarmouth). Congratulations, Fr. Steven! May you know God’s grace and guidance in your new role.
We are saddened at the sudden passing of alumnus Rev. Paul M. Williams, O.F.M. on January 3. Fr. Williams was a member of the Class of 1986 and served in Maryland for a number of years. Please join us in prayer for him and his family. You can read more about Fr. Williams by following this link: Rev. Paul Williams OFM - Rest In Peace
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
December 2021
PORTLAND---Bishop Robert Deeley has announced two pastor assignments, effective on January 18, 2022.
Fr. Philip A. Tracy (pictured, below) has been appointed pastor of All Saints Parish (St. Charles Borromeo Church in Brunswick, St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick, St. Mary Church in Bath, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Boothbay Harbor, St. Ambrose Church in Richmond, St. Patrick Church in Newcastle, and St. Katharine Drexel Church in Harpswell). The South Portland native is currently pastor of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Martyrs of North America Church in Falmouth, Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth, St. Gregory Church in Gray, and St. Jude Church in Freeport). Since his ordination to the priesthood in 1988, Fr. Tracy has also served in Bangor, Brunswick, Limerick, Rockland, Rumford, Sanford, Skowhegan, Springvale, St. Francis, St. John, Waterville, and Winslow. Fr. Tracy succeeds Monsignor René Mathieu, who was appointed temporary administrator of All Saints Parish following the death of Fr. Tom Murphy on September 20.
Fr. Steven G. Cartwright (pictured, below) has been appointed pastor of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Martyrs of North America Church in Falmouth, Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth, St. Gregory Church in Gray, and St. Jude Church in Freeport). The Boothbay Harbor native is currently parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish (St. Anne Church in Gorham, Our Lady of Sebago Church in Sebago, St. Anthony of Padua Church in Westbrook, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham). Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2015, Fr. Cartwright has also served in Lewiston, Lisbon Falls, and Sabattus.
Rev. Edward Serena, member of the Class of 1981 and retired priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, was peacefully called home to the Lord on December 5, 2021. We are grateful to Fr. Edward for his ministry to the Archdiocese of Boston and pray that he now rests in peace with Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Obituary for Rev. Edward Serena, 1936-2021
SERENA, Rev. Edward Retired priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, died peacefully on Sunday, December 5th in Plymouth. Born in Derry, PA, November 20, 1936, son of the late Lawrence A. and Gertrude (Berkmeyer) Serena. He was educated in Derry and a graduate of Derry High School and St. Vincent's College. He went on to graduate from Blessed John XXIII Seminary in Weston. He was ordained at Holy Cross Cathedral in June 1981 by Humberto Cardinal Medeiros. Father Serena had been assigned at several archdiocesan parishes. Following ordination, he was named associate at St. Joseph, Medway. In March 1983, he was named parochial vicar at St. Augustine, South Boston, and in 1985, as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Stoughton. Between 1986 and 1993, he served as parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas in Bridgewater. Father Serena went on to become Pastor at St. Ann by the Sea Parish in Marshfield, where he served until his retirement in 2006, after 13 years of service. After his retirement, Father Ed moved to Carver, MA, where he helped out in the local parishes of St. Peter Parish, in Plymouth and St. Bonaventure Parish, in Manomet. Father Serena had a great love of the ocean and spending time at the beach, he was also an avid skier. He enjoyed sketching and painting and was in the process of writing a book. He had done extensive traveling to the Holy Land, Medjugorje and Italy. He is survived by his brother Ernest Serena and his wife Barbara of Norwell. He was the brother of the late Nora Diamond, Barbara Kendall, Lawrence Serena, Patricia Stouffer, Sue Ann LeVay, and Kathy Schultz. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours for Father Serena will be held on Wednesday, December 8th from 2 pm – 5 pm, at St. Bonaventure Church, 803 State Rd., Plymouth. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 9th at 10 am. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Plymouth. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Fund for the Needy at St. Bonaventure Church, P.O. Box 996, Manomet, MA 02345.
November 2021
Rev. Charles T. Nelson, member of the Class of 1987 and of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, passed away to the Lord on October 27, 2021. We are thankful for Fr. Charles' ministry to his diocese and pray that he now rests in peace with Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Obituary for Rev. Charles T. Nelson 1935 - 2021:
Springfield, IL—Rev. Charles T. Nelson, 85, of Springfield, died at 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at St. Joseph's Home in Springfield.
Fr. Nelson was born November 24, 1935, in Springfield, the son of LeRoy Francis and Clara Elizabeth Jackman Nelson.
Fr. Nelson served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958. He completed his studies at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA in 1987.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank Nelson and Errol Nelson; and a sister, Mary K. Smith.
Fr. Nelson is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visitation and Funeral Mass: Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Monday, November 1, 2021, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave. Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki, celebrant, Rev. Tom Meyer, Homilist, and priests of the Springfield Diocese, concelebrating. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
Memorial contributions may be made to Office of Institutional Advancement, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, 558 South Ave., Weston, MA 02493.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
Rev. Raymond P. Benoit '89 retired on July 1, 2021. His status changed to "Senior Priest in Residence" with The Holy Rood Collaborative and he is now residing at:
St. Mary Rectory
25 North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Congratulations, Fr. Raymond! May you enjoy your continued ministry under your new status as senior priest.
Three alumni of Pope St. John XXIII were installed Deputy Chaplains for the Order of Malta at the Investiture held at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York on November 4, 2021. They will assist in the spiritual care of the Knights and Dames of Malta. The Chapters and Alumni are:
Boston, Massachusetts - Rev. Msgr. Kevin O’Leary ’94
US Virgin Islands - Rev. Eduardo Ortiz Santiago ’11
Vero Beach, Florida - Rev. Nick Zrallack ‘20
August 2021
Fr. Shawn Simchock, Class of 2020, has been assigned assistant pastor at St. Ignatius Parish in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
Fr. Kevin Miller, Class of 2020, has been made Pastor at St. Brigid Parish and St. Francis Xavier Church in Friendsville, Pennsylvania.
July 2021
OBITUARY: FR. VICTOR WESOLOWSKI, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Class of 2008
Reverend Father Victor Ray Wesolowski died on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the age of 64 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Ohio.
Father Wesolowski was born on October 14, 1956, to the late Raymond and Odell (Webb) Wesolowski. Father Victor was a lifelong Catholic who received his sacraments of initiation at Immaculate Conception Church in Kenton, Ohio and St. Anne Church in Saginaw, Michigan. Before answering his call to the Priesthood, he worked as a title agent assisting in real estate closings and transactions before serving as an investigator in the Knox County Public Defendant’s Office. He was involved in his community which is evident by his service on Mount Vernon City Council from 1998-1999. He cherished the deep and lasting friendships he formed while working in Mount Vernon. Father Victor received his seminary formation at Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA. He was ordained on May 24, 2008 by the Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio. In his 13 years as a priest, he ministered in many parishes in the Diocese of Columbus. Father Victor served as Parochial Vicar of the Perry County Consortium of Catholic Parishes, including St. Bernard, Corning; St. Patrick, Junction City; Church of the Atonement, Crooksville; and St. Rose, New Lexington. He served as Pastor of St. Luke, Danville and Sacred Heart, Coshocton. Our thanks to those who provided care for Father Wesolowski, including the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm and staff at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, and the physicians, nurses and staff at Mount Carmel East Hospital, especially in CCCU 2E.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 30 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with the Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 805 Main St. Coshocton, OH 43812. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31 at St. Vincent de Paul Church 303 E. High St. Mt. Vernon, OH 43050 with Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan as the main celebrant, priests of the Diocese of Columbus concelebrating, and Father Dan Olvera delivering the homily. An additional hour of visitation will precede the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be immediately following at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart School, 39 Burt Ave., Coshocton, OH 43812. Arrangements are being handled by Miller Funeral Home in Coshocton www.themillerfuneralhome.com.
On July 8, Fr. Steve Garza ’19, became Pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in The Dalles, Oregon.
Fr. Chris Koehn, Class of 2018, has been named Pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex, North Carolina. http://www.stmm.church/welcome/pastor.cfm?fbclid=IwAR22q4a-V6YFbOUR7m6rBJP8q6BvV9rwdutZV9EyikRu9hUkSCzuUZWhnqo
Fr. Guy Sciacca, Class of 2010 is now senior vicar at Beverly Catholic Collaborative in Beverly, Massachusetts to include St. John the Evangelist, St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Margaret of Scotland.
Effective July 1, Rev. Kevin T. Hickey ’14 has been assigned temporary administrator of the Parish of the Transfiguration, Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Fr. Rendall R. Torres, Class of 2010, has accepted a new assignment at St. Joseph the Worker in West Winfield and Richfield Springs, NY. Read his announcement letter to his previous parishioners in Whitehall here: https://www.hulettscurrent.com/index.php/archives/6788
JUNE 2021
On June 29, Father Hage and Father Celentano from the Diocese of Syracuse interview Father Daniel Caughey, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Class of 2021, and parochial vicar at St. Mary's in Cortland, New York about the burning question of whether or not discernment ever ends in the life of a disciple. He shares his moving story of once being married for 25 years before his wife unexpectedly passed away, serving as a permanent deacon, and now serving as a ministerial priest. In his story, we learn that we can never stop discerning where God is leading us because the life of a disciple is always full of unexpected surprises and new beginnings. Listen to the interview here:
Fr. Bob Hoffman, Class of 2019, has been appointed as Pastor of Epiphany Catholic Church in Lake City, Florida.
Rev. Gerald Thomas Hanley, Class of 1973, is Called Home to the Lord.
Fr. Gerald was a native of Michigan. He ministered in the Diocese of Reno.
May 2021
Fr. Mike Fragoso ’13 shared that on May 22, Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate Mass at St. Mary of Mount Virgin in New Brunswick, New Jersey and will install Fr. Mike as the second pastor of the Parish of the Visitation which encompasses St. Mary’s, St. John the Baptist and St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
Per Fr. Mike, the administrator of their sister parish - Our Lady of Mount Virgin in Middlesex, NJ - is Pope St. John XXIII alumnus Fr. David Skoblow ‘15.
April 2021
Rev. Ron Cattany, Class of 2013, has been named Pastor of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Mead, Colorado. Fr. Ron served as Pastor for the last six years at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and its Mission, St Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Denver. In a message reflecting back on all the improvements accomplished at the Cathedral and the great friendships created, Fr. Ron concluded, “My Grandparents were buried from the Cathedral in 1919 and 1920, my Cousin was baptized here in 1939 with my Dad as his Godfather, and my Parents celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary at St Elizabeth in 1966. What a blessing to serve at the two Churches of historical significance to my Family!”
Fr. Ron’s transition as Pastor to Guardian Angels Catholic Church will occur on July 7 – 8.
March 2021
Rev. Daniel Pacholec, Class of 1996, named Diocese of Springfield Director of Pro-life activities.
“I ask for prayers and support for the pro-life efforts and activities here in western Massachusetts, to pray that amid the perceived challenges life always holds, that all people might see life as a gift to be cherished, and not a burden. I believe that is the whole of the work of the pro-life movement." Read about Fr. Pacholec’s assignment and his work in western Massachusetts on iObserve.org HERE
Rev. Corey Bassett-Tirrell ’19 of the Archdiocese of Boston begins a new assignment as parochial vicar at St. Bridget Parish in Framingham, MA as well as Campus Minister at Framingham State College..png)
Rev. Richard A. Jakubauskas ’99 has retired! It came to our attention recently that Fr. Richard Jakubauskas retired in July of 2020 after 21 years in service to the Diocese of Worcester.
Fr. Richard A. Jakubauskas, son of Leopold and Eugenia (Mirozcikas) Jakubauskas, was born on Nov. 29, 1943, in Kaunas, Lithuania. He graduated in 1961 from St. Peter High School, Worcester, where he was a three-sport athlete. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Clark University in 1966, and a master’s degree in 1968, and certificate in advanced graduate studies in 1972, both from Assumption College. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at various posts in the United States. He also worked for several years as an advertising representative for The Catholic Free Press.
Fr. Jakubauskas studied for the priesthood at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston and received a master of divinity degree in 1999. Bishop Daniel P. Reilly ordained him a transitional deacon in June 1998 and a priest on June 5, 1999. Both ordinations were at St. Paul Cathedral. Following ordination, Fr. Jakubauskas became associate pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster. From there, he continued on to serve many years as pastor, chaplain, administrator and assistant chaplain in parishes throughout the Worcester diocese and at UMass/Memorial Hospital. We congratulate him on his wonderful service to God’s church. May his blessings continue in his retirement and may he enjoy well-deserved rest!
February 2021
Rev. Charles Ruoff ’16 has been named Parochial Vicar at St. Maximilian Kolbe in the Diocese of Venice. You can reach him at: St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 1441 Spear St., Port Charlotte, FL 33948.
January 2021
Rev. Rick Lesser ’15 has been named pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar and St. Matthew's Church in Voorheesville in upstate New York. Read an interview with Fr. Rick in The Evangelist, where he was featured in FATHER FIGURES
Rev. Patrick Grode ’18 has been named pastor of Pius XII Newman Center in Brookings, South Dakota.
Rev. John Cronin ’17 was named pastor in November 2020 of The Church of the Holy Trinity in Cohoes, New York.
October 2020
Rev. Jim Bates ’18 has a new role as Parochial Administrator of St. Maurice Parish in Stamford, CT.
Rev. Fred Bayler ’09 - Fr. Fred has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Big Bend Natural History Association. It has been 20 years since he last worked at this location as a National Park Ranger, and he will now support the park’s mission as its premier cooperating association. In Fr. Fred’s own words: “Y’all have an open invitation to come visit the beauty of West Texas! Blessings!”
The Right Reverend Abbot Vincent Rogers, OCSO ’10 - The abbatial blessing of Dom Vincent Rogers at St. Joseph Abbey, Spencer, Massachusetts was held on October 1st. He entered the monastery in 1977, made his solemn profession in 1986 and was ordained a priest in 2010 after four years of formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary.
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July 2020
Rev. Kevin Mulligan ’15 has moved to Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Media, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Patrick Wendler ‘08, has recently been made pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and School in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Rev. Vincent Rogers, Class of 2010, was elected and installed as the Abbot of St. Joseph Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts on Thursday, July 24th. Our prayers and congratulations to The Right Reverend Abbot Vincent Rogers, OCSO.
In the Diocese of Columbus, Rev. Ed Shikina, Class of 2018, has been named the Pastor of two parishes: Our Lady of Lourdes in Ada, Ohio and Immaculate Conception in Kenton, Ohio.
June 2020
Watch Rev. Peter Okajima’s story that brought him to the priesthood. Rev. Peter is from the Diocese of Brooklyn and a member of the Class of 2020
May 2020
Rev. Peter Adamski, Class of 2019, found a new way to celebrate Mass during lockdowns – Mass on the Church roof.
The joyful ordination of Rev. Nick Zrallack, Class of 2020, was captured in this article for Florida Catholic
https://thefloridacatholic.org/2020/05/06/ordinations-bring-joy/
April 2020
Rev. Kevin Mulligan, Class of 2015, reflects on the impact of the corona virus on Easter this year.
March 2020
Fr. Corey Bassett-Tirrell, Class 2019, one of the first local priests hearing Confessions in the parking lot at Saint Mary Parish in Chelmsford, Massachusetts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2020
Rev. Philip Schulze ‘16 from the Diocese of Hartford has been appointed Pastor at Saint Margaret Parish in Madison, Connecticut.
Rev. Peter Adamski ‘19 from the Diocese of Bridgeport has been appointed Pastor at Saint James Parish in Stratford, Connecticut.
November 2019
Rev. Ed Anderson ’08 was recently featured in the Bishops Bulletin in Sioux Falls, SD (Bishop Paul J. Swain). The article details the Church’s teaching on human dignity. It presents examples of different populations and how they are supported by the Church. Father Ed Anderson provides pastoral care at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community in Sioux Falls, supporting the elderly and their continued contribution to society and the Church. Read the article about the great work that Fr. Ed is doing in his ministry. Not only was he featured – he made the cover! Thank you, Fr. Ed, for all that you do!
http://www.sfcatholic.org/bishopsbulletin/human-dignity-the-ultimate-gif...
October 2019
Rev. Darrick Leier '18 has recently been appointed pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church on East Main Street in Aspen, CO. Fr. Leier whole-heartedly accepts Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila’s call to serve in this new parish and starts in short time, taking over pastor duties on November 8th. Congratulations, Fr. Leier! Here is a link to his new assignment website: https://stmaryaspen.org/
Alumnus Rev. C Timothy Corcoran ’12 has written and been published in the July/August 2019 issue of The Bencher, The Magazine of the American Inns of Court (www.innsofcourt.org). Fr. Tim currently serves as pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida.
"After work one afternoon in 2008, I was catching up with a colleague over a drink. I shared with her that our bishop was encouraging me to go to the seminary to study for the Roman Catholic priesthood. “That’s no story,” she said. “The story would be if you did it.” Read the article here.
July 2019
Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Alumni travel to France for retreat
Fr. Russ Mower ’15, Pastor at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Dallas, Texas traveled with a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land in April 2018
The archbishop of Washington has allowed Rev. Andrew Morkunas ‘09 to seek an assignment in the Diocese of Cleveland. Starting July 2, 2019 he will be the hospital chaplain at Hillcrest Hospital, Gates Mills, Ohio with pastoral responsibilities at St. John of the Cross, Euclid.
Rev. Ken Gill ’14 has been named pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons, MD. He started his post on July 10th. Click here for the link to the parish website and to follow the great ministerial work at his parish: http://www.olss.org/
June 2019
Rev. Andrew Messina '09 will be adding St. Rita's Church in Oakland Beach, RI to his pastoral duties. Fr. Messina has been the pastor at St. Timothy's in Warwick since 2013, and the two parishes will be "yoking" starting July 1st. Read more here.
December 2018
Rev. Gregory Piatt ’14 was appointed as Administrator of St. John XXIII Parish, Redford, Michigan effective December 2, 2018. Link
November 2018
Rev. Aidan McDermott ’15 from the Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis, MO, has been named pastor for St. Anselm Parish in Creve Coeur, MO. See story here.
August 2018
Rev. Mark Brantley ’17 from the Diocese of Dodge City, KS has been named pastor for St. John the Apostle, St. Boniface, and Holy Rosary in Barber County.
July 2018
Rev. David Rosenberg ’11 (Diocese of Lansing) published his second book "Praying With The Heart Of The Church: Lectionary-Based Lectio Divina". View his book here.
June 2018
The Rev. Emile H. Dubé '12 - Diocese of Portland, has been appointed pastor of the Parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Holy Redeemer Church, Bar Harbor; St. Peter Church, Manset; St. Ignatius Church, Northeast Harbor; Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Little Cranberry Island), Stella Maris Parish (St. Vincent de Paul Church, Bucksport; Our Lady of Holy Hope Church, Castine; St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Stonington), and St. Joseph Parish (St. Joseph Church, Ellsworth; Blue Hill Mission, Blue Hill; Our Lady of the Lake Church, Dedham; St. Margaret Church, Winter Harbor).
The Rev. Robert L. Lupo '08 - Diocese of Portland, has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Snows Parish (St. Anne Church, Dexter; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Dover-Foxcroft; SS Francis Xavier & Paul the Apostle Church, Milo) and St. Agnes Parish in Pittsfield.
The Rev. Steven G. Cartwright '15 - Diocese of Portland, has been appointed parochial vicar of St. Anne Parish, Gorham, which includes Our Lady of Sebago Church in Sebago; St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Windham.
The Rev. Matthew Gregory '16 - Diocese of Portland, has been appointed parochial vicar of Prince of Peace Parish (Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston; Holy Cross Church, Lewiston; Holy Family Church, Lewiston), Holy Trinity Parish in Lisbon Falls, and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Sabattus, which includes St. Francis Church in Greene.
May 2018
Rev. Steve Matthews ’16 from the Diocese of Albany is pastor of St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville and Sacred Heart in Cairo (with Our Lady of Knock Shrine). He had been serving as parochial vicar (associate pastor) of St. Pius X parish in Loudonville, NY.
Very Rev. Ivan Olmo ’13 from the Diocese of Orlando has a new assignment as Parochial Administrator at St. Mary Parish in Rockledge, Florida.
Rev. Jorge Rocha ’16 from the Diocese of Providence has been named Pastor at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in East Providence, Rhode Island.
April 2018
Rev. William Jacobs, Jr. ’03 from the Diocese of Kalamazoo has a new assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Portage, Michigan 49024.
Rev. John McVoy, '10 from the Diocese of Wilmington, DE vocation story is featured in Delaware Today Magazine April 2018 issue.
Fr. Russ Mower ’15, Pastor at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Dallas, Tx traveled with a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land in April 2018