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ST. BERNARD'S MAGAZINE NEW FACULTY & STAFF HIGHLIGHTS INTRODUCTIONS
& TO
NEW
FACES
GRADUATION 2020 CELEBRATING STUDENTS
OUR
AMIDST
THE
PANDEMIC
FALL SEMESTER UPDATES NEW
CAMPUS,
PROFESSORS, CERTIFICATES,
&
COURSES
www.stbernards.edu
Inside This Issue
Rochester Campus:
120 French Road
3
A Year in Review
(585) 271-3657
4
Message from the President
Albany Campus:
5
Faculty & Staff Highlights
6
Message from the Board Chair
7
Celebrating Over Three Decades
8
Our COVID-19 Response
Rochester, NY 14618
40 North Main Ave Albany, NY 12203 (518) 453–6760
Administration & Staff:
Stephen Loughlin, Ph.D. | President Matthew Kuhner, Ph.D. | Academic Dean Deacon Frank Berning, D.Min. | Former Director of Albany Campus Matt Brown | Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Sophia Zdanowski | Registrar & Coordinator of Development Corinne DerCola | Office Manager
10 11
Your Life is No Longer Your Own
Graduation 2020
12
Academic Year Updates
13
Student Spotlight
14
2019 Donors
Jim Pudetti | Controller Caterina Lucke | Administrative Assistant at Albany Campus Bernadette & Mike Bobrowski | Marketing & Communications Coordinators Pat Sweeney | Facilities Manager Daniel McAndrew-Greiner | Library Assistant at Rochester Campus
St. Bernard's Magazine is a publication Follow us!
of St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
A YEAR IN REVIEW STEPHEN J. LOUGHLIN
We
W
have
continued
media
to
grow
(Facebook,
St.
Bernard’s
Twitter,
presence
Instagram),
on
e have had another amazing year here at St.
social
and
our
Bernard’s:
Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy program now shows on page one of a Google search!
We continue to operate during the COVID-19
We
launched
four
new
certificate
programs
that
have
pandemic, teaching all our students by way of Zoom
already drawn great interest and enrollment
and
and
Our first group of out-of-state and international students
made
have been enrolled and are taking classes via our distance
Canvas,
student
our
learning
videoconferencing
system
(both
of
software
which
were
possible by your generous support: thank you!)
learning systems and software
No employees have been furloughed during the 2020
We
pandemic response
successfully migrated our “Theology and Culture” lecture
We have reopened in a limited capacity (staff is back
series to an online format during the pandemic
in the building and those students who wish to take
The 2019 Otto Shults Lecture featured the nationally known
advantage of in-class engagement have been safely
and respected theologian, Fr. Dennis J. Billy, who
accommodated)
presented on “The Way of Discernment: Living the Gospel
We entered into a teach-out agreement with Christ
in the Present Moment”
the King Seminary to take over teaching responsibility
We are working with the Strategic Planning Committee of
of
the
the
deacons
and
lay
students
in
the
Diocese
of
initiated
Board
a
new
(and
its
online
Chair,
series
Dr.
“Words
Richard
with
Wine”
DeMartino)
and
in
our
Buffalo
work up to our 5-year Strategic Plan, an updating of the
Together with the Diocese of Buffalo, we established
plan in place since the 2013 accreditation visit by ATS
a physical presence in Buffalo, utilizing the 1st floor
Several marketing initiatives were implemented and many
of the Catholic Center for instruction
additions where made to our website that have resulted in
Several grant applications were submitted, including
our highest number of credits attempted in 10 years
one to the Lily Foundation’s “Thriving Congregations
We
Initiative”
Federal Government
applied
for
and
received
CARES
funding
from
the
We witnessed the continued growth of our service to
We hired a full-time faculty member to take the place of
the
Dr.
pre-seminary
program
and
the
St.
Isaac
Jogues
Roslyn
Karaban
who
retired
after
more
than
three
House of Formation in Albany
decades of service. We are also in the midst of a search
We have an exciting new group of adjunct instructors
for
from across the United States
reitrement of Deacon Frank Berning
a
new
Director
of
the
Albany
Campus,
following
the
As you can see here and also in the pages to come, God has blessed us abundantly, and we so look forward to the challenges that face our School especially in these turbulent times. We pray that we might be found worthy not only of these graces, but also of your support. Together, we stand ready, willing, and able to do God’s work, honored that we have been entrusted with the great gift that is St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.
3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT It is with great joy and thanksgiving that my team and I present to you, our supporters, this edition of the St. Bernard's Magazine and all the accomplishments of this year. To say that this year has presented us with challenges not seen before is a great understatement! Not only have we built upon the work started in the first year of my presidency, but we have also met with determination, hope, and charity the crises that have befallen society as a whole and the Church herself. I have said many times what a great treasure St. Bernard’s is and that we have a special responsibility to make this wealth available to all those who stand in need of it, particularly in these turbulent times; a brief review of the achievements listed on the prior page demonstrates just how blessed we are by God and your continued prayers and financial support. Of particular note there is, first, our growing relationship with and service to the Diocese of Buffalo. We have been entrusted with the intellectual formation of their deacons and lay students, something that we have joyously taken up since the summer. Secondly, we are maturing in our delivery of courses through our distance learning software, something that has allowed us not only to continue teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to welcome students from the rest of the nation and even, for the first time, from outside the United States. Clearly, our marketing and recruitment efforts have effectively spread the word about our School and are now beginning to bear great fruit! Our light is certainly not hid under a bushel but now begins to shine forth increasingly for the benefit of all.
We welcome with joy our newest theologian, that we say farewell to
Dr. Roslyn Karaban
Dr. Charles Hughes Huff,
into our family. It is with profound sadness
who retires from St. Bernard’s after over 3 decades of service to the
Faith and to every student that was fortunate to cross her path. We welcome
Mrs. Sophia Zdanowski
capacity as our Coordinator of Development and Registrar. And lastly we bid a fond farewell to
Berning,
in her dual
Deacon Frank
our Director of St. Bernard’s Albany Campus, who will be very much missed by the students in Albany but
particularly by me. I could easily write for pages concerning St. Bernard’s and the fine community that makes possible our activities on behalf of the people of God. Our gratitude is immense but so too is our need for your continued financial and spiritual support. For it is only through your support that we can continue to donate the beauty that is St. Bernard’s to all to whom we have been entrusted. May God bless you this day and always. Sincerely,
Stephen J. Loughlin, Ph.D. 4
President
FACULTY & STAFF HIGHLIGHTS The recent months at St. Bernard’s have been filled with comings and goings. The community was greatly honored to add a new member, already cherished, to the faculty, and the community was greatly saddened to say farewell to a revered member whose contributions to the Albany campus will not be soon forgotten.
It is with delight that the St. Bernard’s community welcomes
Dr. Charles
Hughes Huff to our faculty as Assistant Professor of Sacred Scripture. Dr. Hughes Huff earned his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East at the University of Chicago in 2019. He studies how ancient authors portray social practices in narratives and use technical and metaphorical language to make ritual authoritative. He is also interested in how scholars rely on modern ethical stances to evaluate ancient Middle Eastern social practices, particularly punishments. Dr. Hughes Huff is an experienced teacher and he cares deeply about pedagogical method. He has taught courses in Bible, the reception of the Bible in popular culture, ethics and moral theology, social justice, and philosophy. He also has experience as a member of a formation team for those preparing for the permanent diaconate. He is most excited at the prospect of joining the St. Bernard’s community and to work on behalf of its mission and that of the Catholic Faith. Outside the classroom, he enjoys wine and cycling, but not at the same time.
It is with sadness that the St. Bernard’s community bids farewell to
Deacon Frank Berning,
who has resigned as Director of St. Bernard's
Albany Campus effective September 12, 2020. It is heartening to know that this will allow him to concentrate more solidly and joyfully upon his pastoral duties on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Nevertheless,
Deacon
Berning
has
been
an
incredible
gift
to
St.
Bernard's and has been integral in its growth; he will be greatly missed. Not
only
has
he
accompanied
the
students
in
their
day-to-day
difficulties and in their day-to-day victories, he has also contributed indispensably to the increase of enrollment at the Albany campus and to the greater utilization of St. Bernard’s formation by the Diocese of Albany. The collaboration between St. Bernard’s and the Diocese of Albany
for
the
development permanent
of
sake St.
of
pre-seminary
Bernard’s
diaconate
will
be
role
in
lasting
formation
the
and
formation
markers
of
of
the men
Deacon
further for
the
Berning’s
dedication. The St. Bernard’s community bids him every blessing. 5
L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
Board Chair The year 2020, little more than half over at
our graduates to become exemplars of the
this point, may be remembered as one of the
our School’s mission, and, yes, our donors to
most
continue to provide the support that helps us
difficult
nation’s
and
history.
contentious
There
is
so
years much
in
our
to
be
concerned about, and even angered by, that
move
forward
and
for
which
we
are
so
grateful.
takes place seemingly everywhere we turn. Thank But
even
are,
in
amidst
the
President
many
points
H.
of
nurturing
give
the
words,
that
offer
all
in
Volunteers
enforcement
officials
and
who
every
member
of
the
St.
us better.
And
the
a
special
thank
you
to
Professor
Roslyn Karaban, who is retiring after 33
who
years
give their time and attention to the less fortunate. Teachers, soldiers,
to
Bernard’s community who continue to make
inspiration.
their
sick.
there
Bush’s
and
who
of
W. light
encouragement Caregivers
turbulence,
you
of
distinguished
service
to
our
School. Roslyn is a perfect example of
law
someone who dedicated her career to
dedicate
making
their lives to serving others. And people
St.
Bernard’s
a
better
institution. I can tell you firsthand that
who take on adversity with a smile and
she made me a better Chair with her
resolve, and not hostility and resistance.
intellect, critical thought, and, it must
For all of our faults as a nation, we are
be said, directness. Thank you, Roslyn,
a lucky country indeed that there are so
for all that you have done for us. As we
many who rise to the occasion to make
bid
their surroundings and institutions — and
good-bye
and
thank
you
to
Dr.
Karaban, we also welcome Dr. Charles
themselves — better.
Hughes Huff to our faculty. Dr. Hughes Huff comes to us from the University of
And
that
is
where
I
see
St.
Bernard’s.
Chicago and we are so very thrilled to
We
seek to provide instruction and inspiration to
have
those
School.
who
want
to
know
their
faith
better,
him
join
the
mission
of
our
who want to become better leaders in the Catholic community, and who want to serve God in a more informed and inspired way.
And thanks to all of you in the St. Bernard’s community who serve, care for, and support
By most measures, we are a small institution, but we aspire to be bigger, better, and more dynamic every day. And
all
of
St. Bernard’s
constituencies play a role in that aspiration. We look to our Chancellor to guide us with wisdom with
and
love,
vigilance,
our
our
Trustees
President
to
to
oversee
lead
with
vision and compassion, our faculty to serve with
dedication,
our
staff
to
execute
with
excellence, our students to think critically,
6
who we are. And here’s to better days ahead for all of us. Sincerely, Edward W. Kay, Jr. Chair, Board of Trustees
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE: THE RETIREMENT OF DR. ROSLYN KARABAN, PH.D. It is with sadness that the St. Bernard’s community bids farewell to Dr. Roslyn A. Karaban, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling and Director of Pastoral Formation, as she transitions into retirement. Dr. Karaban
has
been
a
pillar
of
the
School
during
a
career
that
has
spanned over three decades, totaling 33 years of distinctive service in
teaching,
countless
advising,
other
buildings, different
under
overseeing
contributions. several
academic
and
pastoral
She
has
different pastoral
placements,
worked
in
several
administrations,
contexts.
Her
as
and
impact
well
as
different in
many
inside
and
outside the classroom was immense, and her zeal and dedication are a cause of great admiration.
Professionally
speaking,
Dr.
Karaban
is
a
Claretian
Social
Justice
grantee,
Mexico-American
Cultural
Center,
San
Antonio (1980); she is the 19th recipient of the Helen Flanders Dunbar Award for Significant Contributions to Clinical Pastoral Training, awarded by the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (2019); and she is a member of the
American
Association
of
University
Women
and
the
Society
for
Pastoral
Theology.
Dr.
Karaban
received
her
Bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) at Stonehill College in 1975; she completed her Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School in 1978 and her Doctor of Philosophy at the Graduate Theological Union in 1984. She is the author of numerous
publications,
including
Responding
to
God's
Call:
A
Survival
Guide,
and Complicated
Losses,
Difficult
Deaths: A Practical Guide for Ministering to the Grieving, and Crisis Caring.
You
have
given
much
to
St.
Bernard’s,
and
I
am
I
remember
my
diaconate
humorous lessons. She gave us practical strategies centered on
- one of the few remaining texts on my shelf after
whenever I wanted to use the word “empathetic,” I
science and faith. Without
over a decade post graduation.
For some reason I
somehow instead kept using the word “emphatic.”
this knowledge I would have not
remember a working session from one of your classes
My spell check would never catch it, and of course,
been able to perform my ministry
where we worked in groups. You came into our little
being “empathetic” is a big part of pastoral care.
to
group and offered insight about the helper needing
So I used that word A LOT. Roslyn, with her great
confidence and success.
to wait and give time for the person to think. It is a
sense of humor, pointed out to me the error of my
God bless you today and always,
reminder
my
ways (and she didn’t let my big gaffe affect my
my dear professor. Retirement is
ministry, and a voice that reminds me of the role of
grade). To this day we both still laugh about that
a beautiful thing, and you
silence. Thank you again for sharing your expertise.
paper.
deserve it.
Blessings on your future.
“empathetic” is an important part of my diaconal
ministry. And I owe it all to Roslyn!!
Marianne Katz
Deacon Eric Bessette
has
carried
with
me
through
I
can
now
“emphatically”
say
that
thing:
being
the
years
ago.
People
I
from
a
one
Roslyn
Theology
in-depth analysis of pastoral interaction, and it was for
her
Pastoral
to the textbook from the Intro to Pastoral Counseling
except
to
took
chaplain were planted. From time to time I still refer
–
“verbatim”
I
much from her wise, gentle and
too
first
of
(which I was a little nervous about). It included my
analysis
my
year
taking your classes, the seeds of my second career as
that
submitted
2nd
formation
good
I
during
happy I benefited personally from your training. While
of
learned
God
so
with
Mary A. Bills
Chaplain, Unity Hospital 7
A G U I D I N G S T A R I N T U M U L T U O U S T I M E S : O u r
As
of
2020,
C O V I D - 1 9
R e s p o n s e
February
pandemic
St.Bernard’s
both
to
response,
troubleshoot
administration,
any
technical
issues
faculty,
and
to
be
staff,
students
were
enjoying
a
lively were
and
simply
present
rather
semester:
to
the
community
there
and
of
faculty
students.
15
in-person
Ultimately,
no
courses
unfolding
scheduling
changes
were
to
across there for
a
our
campuses,
was
a
search
full-time
stages,
would
When
the
into
accomplished honored
and
did
not
classrooms placed pivot our
us
towards
the
sessions of
already
administration join
each
session
8
class
during
survive
at the
St.
under
the
ways,
School’s
2018
of
position
Zoom
for
mid-Spring faculty in
staff the first
and
semester
and
all
took
the
beginning weeks
of
dearly to
be
of via
the
the
many
Spring everyone
was the
a
the
to
each
times.
our
strength
this
our
of
felt
blessed
the
throughout
time
formation
and
will
be
creative
remembered
of
lives
upended.
School
lack
encounter.
Bernard’s
in
of
cross was
foster
moment
of
abruptly
assist
for
the
a
of
were
forms
While was
new
2020
as
rhythm
St.
to
Field
became
other
continuation
opportunities
that
Bernard’s
community
through
the
St.
position
at
this
time
all,
a
calendar
circumstances
with
community
by in
our
the
our
cancelled.
engagement.
in-person
of
the
of
under
supplemented pastoral
were
placements
uninterrupted
students
of
classes
to
2020.
utilizing
no
impossible
the
campuses
Members and
these
God,
The
Fall
proficient
technology.
to
be
videoconferencing
use
our
these
already
under
excellent
in
all
semester
be
all
the
experience
struck,
work
the
thrived.
across for
were
uncertainty:
many
Zoom
an
Many were
in
in
class
just
–
in
technology
in
and
pastoral
during
the
Thanks
truly
investment
of
concluded
circumstances community
Would
earlier
circumstances? Bernard’s
state
final
experience
continue
times?
its
various pandemic
a
formation
unsettling
field
across
thrown
in
students
in
assignments
were
member
some
participating
contexts.
academic
faculty
and
made
By
team
was
a
trial
our
God’s
hopes
experience
navigating
deep
and
of
as
society grace,
that
the
community
guiding these
by
star
to
tumultuous
This past summer, St. Bernard’s opened our virtual doors to many new and returning faces due to our first
ever
“
Summer 2020 Free Audit ”
initiative.
In
fact,
over
100
people
audited
our
Summer
2020
courses. What an amazing gift for our community! These students expressed interest in our institution across
our
Bernard’s
country
also
and
made
globe
this
due
decision
to
our
courses
knowing
the
being
fear
made
and
available
turmoil
that
via
Zoom.
COVID-19
The
has
staff
caused,
at
St.
and
is
continuing to cause. We wanted to give back to our community in a way that would allow us to keep sharing the gifts of our faculty, without putting any unnecessary burden on those who may be struggling right now. A few of our auditors have already decided to enroll in a program with us for the Fall 2020 semester. Take a look at our Summer auditor enrollment and read what some of them have to say about their experience!
Summer Session I: 91 auditors
Summer Session II: 38 auditors
"I took the Philosophy of God course as
"Auditing a course this summer gave me
"I thoroughly loved the Political Theology
an audit student with Dr. Loughlin this
the wonderful opportunity to experience
course with Dr. Kuhner and Dr. O'Neill.
summer. I enjoyed the course immensely
a
as
enrolled
the
material
was
demanding
but
St.
Bernard's
rewarding, and Dr. Loughlin was superb
class,
as
provided
an
experienced
through course more
the has
of
Aquinas
works
we
motivated
the
writings
and
especially
and
as
the
affable
studied. me
of
The
and
practical
the
me
course
firsthand.
Sacraments material
with
knowledge
I
This course occupies a niche of thought
RCIA
that is hard to come by, and I am very
presented
grateful I had the chance to audit it. The
and
theological that
I
use
and on
a
remote impair
format the
of
richness
the of
course the
did
material
not or
to
re-visit
daily basis as a Pastoral Associate for
discussion, and I found myself reframing
Thomas
Faith Formation and Youth Ministry. I'm
the ideas I had previously encountered in
grateful
historic political texts. As I continue to
addressed,
relate
to
spirituality." -
The
Saint
themes
they
guide
in
Ken Wightman, Markham, Ontario
my
that
the
course
online.
My
course
encouraged
experience
was
with
me
offered
auditing
even
more
a to
pursue my studies, I hope to use what I learned
in
this
course
to
apply to St. Bernard's for this fall to earn
analysis of state governance."
my MAPS degree."
-
-
build
my
Arina Dmitrenko, Toronto, Ontario
Lisanne Jensen, Albany, New York
A Day in the Life of Thalia Hadley, M.Div. Class of 2020 Each workday I pull my hair through the plastic straps of my N95 and tuck it behind my ears, I stretch the band of my face shield over my head. I cannot cross the threshold onto any unit of the long-term care facility without full precautions. As far as I know I’m negative for COVID-19, having been tested earlier this week, but none of us want to jeopardize another’s health. With the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, we can’t be too safe. Residents have not seen their loved ones since March. I bring communion to a resident while her family prays on the other side of a screen, read the 23rd Psalm to another with her daughter outside the window, speak on the phone with a niece assuring her I will visit her aunt again tomorrow. After a year and a half working as a chaplain at St. Peter’s Hospital, I have transitioned to working at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. While the hospital has allowed for limited visitors, nursing homes are still restricted because of COVID-19. Staff have become family as well as caregivers.
In the chapel I have a basket filled with folded multicolored paper, an encouraging word on each small piece. Today, my random selection read the word “community.” Community is a word I would use to describe my time at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, a place that allowed for sharing of ideas and growing together in mutuality. Fred Boehrer, Ph.D. taught me the phrase, "participatory eschatology." In light of this, I have to believe that my work now, donning my gray scrubs, smiling behind my N95, rubbing sanitizer into my hands, is for the greater good, for the community, for honoring the dignity and worth of every person and bringing about the Kingdom of God. 9
When we commit our lives to God, our lives no longer belong to us. For they have been put at the service of our Lord to dispose of as He sees fit.
YOUR LIFE IS NO LONGER YOUR OWN STEPHEN J. LOUGHLIN
O
ne of the exhilarating yet terrifying aspects of a life lived in
dedication to the things of God is that one never quite knows where one will end up from year to year. For instance, if people had told me while I was still an undergraduate philosophy student at St. Jerome’s University in Ontario, Canada, that I would: study in Rome at the Angelicum; return to Canada and get married the following year; pursue my Masters and Doctorate at the University of Toronto; teach as an adjunct at both St. Jerome’s University and Niagara
University;
move
to
America
to
teach
philosophy
at
DeSales University; experience all manner of moving adventures and
tenancies;
live
again
in
Rome
for
four
months
as
part
of
DeSales’ Study Abroad Program; and now act as President of St. Bernard’s – I surely would have disbelieved them. Clearly, there is much I have left out here. Nevertheless, the stage is set for this
when we commit our lives to God, our lives no longer belong to us. For they have been put at the service of our Lord to dispose of as He sees fit.
You can expect to be called out of the familiar, and maybe even out of your own country, much as Abraham had been, and drawn into something unknown to you but has nonetheless been promised to and prepared for you. You can expect to be asked to become gift to others in what you say and in what you do. Your
light,
so
beautifully
kindled
within
you
and
admired
longingly by you over the years will no longer be for you alone, will no longer be kept under a bushel but will be asked to shine for all to see. You need not worry about what you will say; our Lord will give you His words at that time. All that you will need will be given to you, and even some of what you want will be granted: “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38).
piece’s simple and rather common point:
In this regard, I often think of that very touching scene between
Peter
resurrection
and
(John
Jesus
21:15-19)
by
the
where
Sea
of
Jesus,
Tiberius upon
after
Peter’s
His third
You will never suffer the want, decay and abandonment that afflicts the irreligious, but will
declaration of his love of the Lord, tells him: “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying
always be full, experiencing that joy particular to the Christian that begins here and now, but awaits its
by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had
consummation in the life to come.
said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” This prophecy, directed to Peter, applies in like manner to all who love the Lord, to those who love Him above all others, have
And so, as I sit here in my office alone during this time of
placed their lives in His hands and are ready to take up His burden
quarantine, I contemplate that fact that I have always lived my
and His cross. Personally speaking, although my wife and I have
life not knowing where I will be next year. I have never set down
left our country, home, family and friends in response to God’s
roots, as the saying goes. For although I am in this world, I am
call,
be
not of it, and I find myself ever ready to shake the dust off my
extraordinary. We tell it in much the same spirit that St. Augustine
feet, take up my staff, don my cloak, and travel down the road
we
do
not
consider
our
situation
and
story
to
that it might give testimony to the work of God in our lives as Christians, and offer clues, perhaps, to the anatomy of Christian conversion and of living in the world. relates his early life in his Confessions, namely,
If our lives are any indication of the character of the Christian journey, you can expect in your walk to be led where you do not want to go. You can expect no longer to do the things you used to do, to enjoy the things of your former days, or even to dress as you once did. 10
to the next place to which God calls. There is but one land that I seek, one place that I call home, one Lord for whom I am ready to pour out all that I am in imitation of what He has done for me. My prayer is that you continue in this way.
found the only life worth living.
For in this is
2020
GRADUATION Graduation our
together, the
at
academic it
St.
brings
academic
catechetical, graduation great
Bernard’s
calendar. such
and
concern or
to
the
opting
in
may
together
come
was
held
minor hoods spread
hopes
their
on
of
community
deep
and
of
culinary
and
in
it
28
accord
delights
at
joy
at
at
with the
the
final
Heart
were
social
reason, pandemic
time
the
distancing
celebration
after
pastoral,
question
of
in
cancelling
the
Class
guidelines,
the
ceremony
of
of
2020
ceremony NY.
Some
degrees
and was
to
community
Rochester,
conferral
of
brought
decided
Commencement
Cathedral
worn,
celebrate
response
the
on
God
in
the
wherein
of
and
committee
before
The
events
face
instead
and
event
the
leaders
Ultimately,
Bernard’s.
venerable
together
and
President
in-person
one
Sacred
masks
our
and
seeking
come
this
during
an
St.
to
For
committee.
galvanized
special
learners
students,
ministry.
virtually,
made:
most of
profound
arranging
be
the
friends,
studies
August were
of
scheduling
hold
still
and
Friday,
done
of
planning
to
formal
adjustments was
one
a
theological
postpone,
concludes
is
achievement
preparation
graduation
As
the
and
usual
distributed
But the joy and grandeur of the occasion remained the same, thanks be to God, and the celebration of the beloved Class of 2020 took place at long last. via
individual
portions
upon
exit.
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry Class of 2020 Jennifer Abdalla - Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Studies - Director of Faith Formation for the Brighton Catholic Faith Formation Program
Ashley Blank - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Coordinator of Faith Formation for St. Catherine of Siena Church in Ithaca, NY
Deacon Johan Engström - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies - Director of Faith Formation and Parish Deacon at St. Pius X Church in Chili, NY
Deacon Vincenzo Franco - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies - Deacon assigned to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport, NY
Luke Gabello - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Thalia Hadley - Master of Divinity - Chaplin at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center
Deacon Roger Loucks - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
Lisa Vignogna - Master of Divinity Pamela Walpole - Master of Arts Theological Studies Pursuing areas of Pastoral Ministry and Chaplaincy
Tricia Wilder - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Director of Catholic Campus Ministry for SUNY Cortland
Regina Wright - Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
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2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR UPDATES
S
t. Bernard’s has kicked off the 2020-2021 academic year with an array of new offerings and academic developments.
It is our privilege to welcome two new adjunct professors to our talented and dedicated faculty: Mr. Apolonio Latar III, M.Ed. will be teaching a new course titled, "The Whole Breadth of Reason: Faith, Science, and Technology." Mr. Latar brings with him a profound grasp of the theological, philosophical, and scientific issues that are implied in such a course, and he is deeply interested in helping our students navigate these difficult waters.
Mr. Ian Buterbaugh, LCSW,
will be teaching
Pastoral Care. Mr. Buterbaugh has a tremendously rich background, with significant clinical experience, considerable theological formation, and a real concern for the human person and the ways in which pastoral care may be extended in any and all situations. As always, our adjunct faculty members bring a great richness to our offerings and enable us to provide our students with a more complete and comprehensive formation; we are so grateful for their expertise and their dedication to the students at St. Bernard’s!
The team of administrators and staff at St. Bernard’s, led and inspired by Dr. Loughlin, has been reflecting for some time about how to draw more people into our educational community and share more widely the gifts we have to offer. We are thrilled to debut a significant development that arose from this line of reflection! This Fall 2020 semester, St. Bernard’s is launching
four Certificate Programs,
specifically designed to enrich those wanting to learn more – who desire to be
formed and informed so as to offer a well-formed witness to the world – but who may not desire to commit to a graduate degree program. We have selected four areas of focus that are deeply consonant with the mission and vision of St. Bernard’s, and which also will assist the pastoral and ministerial efforts of those who enroll. These four certificates are: (1) Catholicism and Fine Arts, (2) Catholic Philosophy, (3) Catholic Bioethics, and (4) Catechetical Leadership. These programs require anywhere from 4-6 courses, and they are priced competitively and affordably. The curricula for each program is designed so that the graduate will have a broad and deep understanding of the topic, with a richness and vividness that could not be obtained from other free or open-sourced platforms. We look forward to welcoming even more people into our community of learning disciples through the addition of these Certificate Programs!
Finally, be on the lookout for our
Fall Theology and Culture events, all available via Zoom and Facebook Live. We have
decided to have each of these events this Fall take up an issue that will become more and more pressing as the weeks pass: they will form a three-part series on “faithful citizenship” in the lead-up to the presidential election. St. Bernard’s is eager to join this conversation, not through partisanship and political maneuvering, but by reminding us that the search for the good, the true, and the beautiful rests at the heart of authentic politics.
A YEAR OF TRANSITION One of the most distinctive aspects of Christianity is the assertion that, even in the most trying circumstances, the loss of beloved people and beloved institutions will never have the final word. In this sense, while the loss is often more than we can bear, the assurance that God will draw all things to the good grants the Christian ballast and bravery in the face of all things. Earlier this year, the people of God in the Diocese of Buffalo lost a beloved institution that they have known and cherished for over a century and a half. Christ the King Seminary, the academic and pastoral heart of priestly, diaconate, and lay formation in the Diocese, ceased operations at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 academic year. St. Bernard’s main campus is located in the Diocese of Rochester on the eastern border of the Diocese of Buffalo; we mourn deeply with our neighbors during this time of transition.
12
Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Buffalo, appointed a Steering Committee to ‘reimagine’ and provide recommendations for the future of formation in the wake of the Seminary’s closure. The community of St. Bernard’s was thrilled to hear that the Committee accepted its proposals to provide the intellectual formation for the diocesan diaconate formation program and to provide those lay men and women who had begun a degree program at the Seminary with a means to complete their degree at St. Bernard’s. The first course offered for all men in diaconate formation was offered in Summer 2020, with a full outlay of courses being offered for different cohorts beginning in Fall 2020. Many lay students have also taken up coursework at St. Bernard’s in the Summer and Fall 2020 semesters.
It is an understatement to say that all of
these students have greatly enriched the St. Bernard’s community! In accord with St. Bernard’s commitment to subsidiarity, the establishment of a location to hold on-site classes in Buffalo is in development, as is the hiring of local adjunct faculty members to provide students with the same excellent education and formation they can expect from faculty members at our other campuses.
BUFFALO STUDENT SPOTLIGHT The transition back to school after years of marriage and family life was certainly a challenge, but the support of Deacon Tim and the CKS professors helped them ease back into student life. As relatively new Master’s students, it was somewhat of a shock to learn that CKS was closing after the 2020 school year. This, coupled with the COVID pandemic, transformed “normal” life into chaos. Mike and Lauri’s final class at CKS was handled professionally
under
the
circumstances.
By
the
time
the
partnership with St. Bernard’s was announced, both had come
the Lord never promises simplicity or ease once you respond to His call. So, with faith and curiosity, they to accept that
In 2013, Mike began to discern a call to the permanent diaconate. As is often the case when the Spirit taps one
moved
on the shoulder, he resisted at first. The concerns of family
leading them.
ahead
in
the
direction
the
diaconate
program
was
life, his professional career, and doubt initially ruled out following
the
call.
Over
time,
God
began
to
eliminate
Their first class at St. Bernard’s, Marriage and Holy Orders,
these perceived barriers and Mike committed to learning
was
more about the diaconate. Meanwhile, Lauri had recently
Matthew Kuhner and Fr. Peter Van Lieshout. As the initial shock
begun teaching at Chesterton Academy of Buffalo, which
of jumping into a remote class at a new institution wore off,
features a classical, integrated curriculum that teaches all
they
subjects through the lens of Catholic faith. After seeing
Although
the
the value of this education, the Hahns decided to dedicate
delivery
from
their time to helping it succeed and Lauri became the
completed their first course, Mike and Lauri are now looking
school’s Headmaster in the Spring of 2019.
forward
an
unexpected
both
especially When Mike decided to formally apply to the diaconate
became
to
summer
quite
coursework the
to
their be
taught
comfortable was
were
Master’s
part
of
the
by
with
demanding,
professors
continuing
excited
class
professors
the
the
transition.
content
exceptional.
program.
Dr.
Having
They
development
and
of
are St.
Bernard’s new campus in Buffalo!
formation program in the Diocese of Buffalo, the director of
the
program,
prospective students
Deacon
deacons’
alongside
Tim
wives
their
Chriswell,
were
explained
invited
husbands.
to
Because
that
enroll of
as her
involvement with Chesterton Academy, Lauri decided to pursue this opportunity. Both enrolled in the Masters of Pastoral
Ministry
program
at
Christ
the
King
Seminary
(CKS), and in the Fall of 2019, went back to school nearly
Mike and Lauri Hahn have been married for 27 years and have 6 children. They currently live in Clarence, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, and have attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Williamsville since 2005.
30 years after completing their undergraduate degrees.
13
2019-2020 Annual Donor Report Our
2019-2020
Annual
Donor
Report
recognizes
those
who
made
financial
or
in-kind
contributions to St. Bernard’s between June 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. We are deeply grateful to our friends listed here. Through your prayerful support, we are able to continue to provide outstanding facilities and resources to prepare our graduates for a lifetime of ministry.
ST. ISAAC JOGUES SOCIETY (2500-5000)
ST. JOHN NEUMANN SOCIETY CONT. (100-249)
CISTERCIAN SOCIETY CONT. (1-99)
Mr. James Weisbeck
Deacon Matthew Dudek
Ms. Rosalyn DellaPietra
Dr. & Mrs. David Gaesser
Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Devaney
Dr. & Mrs. William Grace
Deacon Patrick DiLaura
Dr. & Mrs. Cutberto Garza
Ms. Teresa Dunn
Ms. Margaret Churnetski
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Grosswirth
Mr. Robert Dylong
Rev. Charles Curran
Mr. Mark Greisberger
Ms. Carole Eilers-Lloyd
Mr. Paul Dinicola
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Holtz
Mr. Richard Emond
Rev. Thomas Erdle
Ms. Arlene Hughes
Mr. Vincent Emond
Rev. Dr. F. Richard Lesser
Ms. Catharine Kurz
Drs. David Felten & Mary Maida
Dr. Kevin Parker
Mr. Paul LaCour
Mr. James Flanagan
Dr. Norma Scavilla
Mr. Francis Lahr
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Goldstone
Rev. Paul Tomasso
Deacon Robert Lyons
Mr. George Gublo
Mr. Gerald Lynch
Joseph Hammond & JoAnn Crowley
Mr. & Mrs. James McCarthy
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Hart
Mrs. & Mr. Jeriann & Mike McEvoy
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Hosenfeld
Ms. Marianne Antczak
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Messina
Ms. Jeanette Housecamp
Deacon Peter Battisti
Ms. Eleanor Nasser, in honor of Rev. Lewis
Ms. Carol "Kitt" Jackson
Mr. Philip Gelsomino
Brown & Rev. Mathew Jones
Mr. David Jehle
Mrs. Elizabeth Gilges
Rev. Thomas Nellis
Gregory Hofmann & Kim Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. John Haefner
Ms. Anne Olek
Mr. Donald Keeley
Dr. Roslyn Karaban
James Robinson
Ms. Judy Klein
Ms. Carmen Ana Klosterman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rosdahl
Mr. Walter Krawczyk
Rev. John O'Connor
Ms. Patricia Schroth
Mr. Robert Lewis
Frank Thomas & Nancy O'Keefe
Ms. Jean Shafer
Mr. John Madden
Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Rosenberger
Deacon & Mrs. Patrick Shanley
Rev. Frederick Mannara
Mr. William Shafer
Paul Sheck, in memory of Lorri Sheck
Ms. Ann McCauley
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin McGann
Ms. Susan Storke
Ms. Gina McGrath
Mr. Robert Stowell
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Meyering
Rev. Daniel Tormey
Rev. William Michatek
Rev. Wilbur Votraw
James Williams & Elizabeth Milliken
Mr. Timothy Wood
Mrs. & Mr. Mary Muggleton & Gerard Strauss
Rev. Lawrence Wrenn
Ms. Helen Morone
Ms. Patricia Mousaw
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA SOCIETY (1000-2499)
ST. RENÉ GOUPIL SOCIETY (500-999)
ST. MARIANNE COPE SOCIETY (250-499) Ms. Margaret Benza Mr. Donald Bunk, in memory of Professor John Owen Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Muriel DeMartino Deacon David Kepler
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Nescot
Rev. Robert Schrader
CISTERCIAN SOCIETY (1-99)
Rev. Robert Werth
ST. JOHN NEUMANN SOCIETY (100-249)
Ms. Caroline Bailey Mr. & Mrs. George Bauer
Anderson Charitable Fund
Ms. Gail Bauerschmidt
Mulligan Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Mary Ann Bender
Mr. John Arrigan
Rev. R. Richard Brickler
Ms. Charlene Bantel
Mrs. & Mr. Marie & Donald Butts
Rev. Victor Bartolotta
Ms. Elaine Buzzinotti
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Kathleen Bauer
Ms. Elena Cambio
Mr. & Mrs. John Bazyk
Mr. William Carreo
of
Ms. Lois Cogovan Ms. Katherine Conlon
Mr. Timothy Clark
Ms. Rachelle Cotugno
Mr. Robert Conway
Dr. Timothy Davis
14
Dr. & Ms. Paul Rapoza Mr. Jose Rivera Mrs. Rosanne Russell Mr. William Schott Mr. & Mrs. Charles Steiger Mr. Robert Stratton Rev. W. Jerome Sullivan Ms. Mary Urzetta Deacon Paul Virgilio
Mrs. Joann Coan
Rev. Gerald Beirne
Fr. Sebastian Falcone
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Pieramico Deacon Joseph Placious
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Alfieri
Anonymous (3)
Deacon James Chappe ll, in memory
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Patane
GIFTS IN KIND Ms. Mary Leisner Mr. Vincent Lenti Rev. Loren McGrail
NEW DONOR TIERS
ST. RENÉ GOUPIL SOCIETY (500-999)
St. René Goupil was a French Jesuit lay missionary who traveled to the Americas in
CISTERCIAN SOCIETY (1-99) The
1640. He worked with St. Isaac Jogues,
Order of Cistercians was founded by
who ordained him a priest to care for the
our namesake, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, in
sick and wounded in present-day New
1098. This monastic order follows the Rule
York State. While traveling through the
of St. Benedict and lives by the motto "ora
state, he was captured, tortured, and
et labora," prayer and work. Just as the
murdered. He died uttering the Holy Name
Cistercians employ the value of manual
of Jesus, becoming the first canonized
labor to deepen culture and their
martyr in North America. Just like St. René,
community life, the gifts of the donors in
the generosity of the donors of this tier
this tier allow us to further our educational
allows us to profess the name of Jesus in
work.
all that we do.
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON SOCIETY ($5000-$9,999)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was born in New York City in 1774. Due to her husband’s tuberculosis, she moved to Italy where she was first introduced to Catholicism. When she returned to America as a widow she converted to the Faith. She went on to found the first Catholic school for
ST. JOHN NEUMANN SOCIETY (100-249)
St. John Neumann was born in Bohemia in 1811. He traveled to
New York where he was ordained a priest and was stationed in Buffalo. He was a fierce
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA SOCIETY (1000-2499)
St. Kateri Tekakwitha was the
first American-born citizen to
day upstate New York. She lived during
be canonized a saint. The
a very tumultuous period of the 1600’s
charity of the donors in this tier allow us to carry out St.
patient, and skilled worker. She is known
traveled, often on foot, to build churches and schools for German and Irish emigrant children. The
American congregation of religious sisters. She was the
daughter of a Mohawk chief in present
but was nevertheless a very diligent,
advocate for the poor and
girls in the nation and the first
Elizabeth Ann Seton’s zealous
as the “Lily of the Mohawks” for her
devotion to Catholic
purity and devotion. We thank God for
education.
the devotion of the donors of this tier.
charity of the donors in this tier allows us to further the ministerial and pastoral work of St. John Neumann.
ST. ISAAC JOGUES SOCIETY (2500-5000)
St. Isaac Jogues was a French educator, Jesuit priest, and missionary
ST. MARIANNE COPE SOCIETY (250-499)
St. Marianne Cope’s family emigrated to Utica, New York, after which she joined the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse. She “cheerfully accepted the work” of caring for leprosy patients in Hawaii and founded schools and homes for women and girls during her time there. The charity of the donors in this tier allow us to carry on God’s will in the cheerful spirit of St. Marianne Cope.
who traveled to the Americas in 1636.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux was an
He led a group of missionaries through present-day Canada and
adviser of popes, defender of the faith,
New York State with the sole goals of education and evangelization. He was captured and tortured but continued to baptize and minister to indigenous peoples and other prisoners
ultimately martyred. St. Isaac Jogues teaches us determination and selflessness in the pursuit of God’s work, which is made possible by the
healer of schism, reformer of a monastic order, scripture scholar, theologian, and an eloquent preacher. Despite his unfailing dedication to the challenging public work to which God called him, he always treasured
throughout his captivity. He escaped, returned to missionary work, but was
ST. BERNARD SOCIETY ($10,000+, PLEDGES, ESTATE AND SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION GIFTS)
the virtue of the hidden monastic life. Through the intercession of our namesake and the charity of the donors of this tier, we are able to carry on the zeal of St. Bernard in pursuit of our theological and ministerial mission.
charity of the donors in this tier.
Annual Financial Summary June 1, 2019 - May 31, 2020
REVENUES
EXPENSES Administrative and Marketing: $457,893
Net Tuition, Less Financial Aid: $590,903
Facilities, with Depreciation: $143,562
Diocesan Income: $42,461
Instruction (Rochester) and Admissions: $303,477
Donations and Bequests: $32,800
Other: $47,363
Distribution, Releases from Endowments: $354,064
Instruction and Facilities (Albany): $182,787
Other: $21,608
Total Expenses: $1,135,082
Total Revenues: $1,041,836
15
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