Faculty & Building Report

Gratitude for Things Big and Small

REV. DAVID A. SCHUNK ‘10, VICE RECTOR

Every so often, we look back and review a period of time, thinking about the big things, the major events and milestones that have occurred. This gives us a sense of our accomplishments and what we have done. In priestly ministry, this can be something like a building that has been built or remodeled, or a successful event like a parish’s centennial celebration. We are able to look back with our teams and say with gratitude: we did it! Over the past several years at the College, we have had several major projects that have changed campus and community life dramatically. We can look back to the building of the new tower, a new seminary gym, room renovations at the Casa Santa Maria, and most recently, renovations to the seminary kitchen. We can look back with gratitude on many great things that have been accomplished at the College over the past several years. Of course, there is also the greatest work that has been done and cannot be found in stone or shingle—the men who have finished their priestly formation here and returned home to preach the Gospel. Still, while we all know big events and milestones are great moments, our lives are filled with smaller and more ordinary day-to-day tasks. It is often these moments which fill us with daily gratitude. This past year, we had a pause in major projects with time to focus on smaller things that, though more ordinary, still require attention: we refurnished the Good Shepherd Chapel and Pope Paul VI Parlor on the seminary campus, replaced some of the old washing machines and clothes dryers for the seminary laundry room, and installed a new ventilation system for the Casa Santa Maria Rare Book Collection. Our Economo and Director of Personnel have also been working hard to finish and put into place updated labor contracts and agreements for our Italian lay personnel who faithfully serve the College. As one may imagine, this is no small task, since new benefits are presented along with plans for updated safety training, so we can continue to provide a healthy work environment for all the members of our community. Then there is the cleaning, food preparation, facilities maintenance, gardening and grounds work, and business office support, all of which occur on a daily basis, allowing our community members to focus on the work of priestly formation.

Certainly, there are major projects on the horizon, and as those come into focus, we will be sharing those plans and what they mean for the community. In the meantime, we are thankful for the daily bread that our Lord provides for all of us, and we look back on the moments of our life at the College, both big and small, with gratitude in our hearts.

2022 Rector's Dinner Honorees Mr. Denis and Mrs. Lynne Jilot (second and third from the right), enjoy the evening with His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey '75. The Jilots came to know the College through the the Busch family. Karen Busch is on the left and Isaac Pecha '23 (La Crosse) on the right.