Dunwoodie Disciple Newsletter
“March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb” as the saying goes. That may work for the Farmer’s Almanac, but it is certainly not representative of life at the Seminary this month. March is ending just as it began - with a roar. In fact, if one were to put March 2023 to music, it would resemble something more like Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance”. (Take a moment to “Google” it and listen, and you will understand what we mean.) Just like any great piece of music, the notes, chords, dynamics and sometimes polyphony combine to form something beautiful, and beautiful is precisely what this month has been. Let’s take a look back.
FR. CHRISTIAN SANTIAGO, SCH. P.
Today we begin at the end, because the formation of priests is our mission. On Saturday, March 24, Fr. Christian Santiago, Sch. P., a member of the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools (also known as the Piarists), was ordained to the Priesthood. The Officiant was the Most Reverend Félix Lázaro Martínez, Sch. P., and the Ordination took place at St. Helena’s Church, Bronx, NY. He is the first of this year’s class to be ordained, and we are extraordinarily proud of him. Please keep him, and all priests and seminarians, in your prayers.
SJS SECOND ANNUAL GALA DINNER
Today, Thursday, March 30, 2023, St. Joseph's Seminary will celebrate its Second Annual Gala Dinner. As we've mentioned in past newsletters, the recipient of this year's Archbishop Michael Augustin Corrigan's Founder's Medal is William P. Harrington, Esq. He is being honored because of the tremendous generosity he and his family have shown to the seminary.
Next month's newsletter will feature the event, complete with photos and highlights. If you would like to take a look at last year's event, visit the Gala page on our website and scroll down for a video of the big day. This year's event promises to be just as special.
Next month's newsletter will feature the event, complete with photos and highlights. If you would like to take a look at last year's event, visit the Gala page on our website and scroll down for a video of the big day. This year's event promises to be just as special.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
You may have seen a familiar face or two... or thirty plus... on the Catholic Faith Network (CFN) if you watched the Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral on the Feast Day of its namesake. Many of our seminarians, a few of our resident professors and administrators, and Bishop James Massa, our Rector, were present at the Mass. Congratulations to Deacon Carlos Germosen who made many Irish - and not-so-Irish - eyes smile when he proclaimed the Gospel. Surely St. Patrick himself was smiling down on him.
Our St. Patrick's Day celebrations started early this year on Sunday, February 26, when the Yonkers Ancient Order of Hibernians held its Annual Communion Mass and Brunch at SJS. A great time was had by all, and Fr. William Cleary, Vice Rector, (who some believe may be Irish) was the Principal Celebrant.
Deacon Carlos Germosen proclaims the Gospel live from St. Patrick's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day.
OFFICIAL VISIT OF BISHOP FRANK CAGGIANO
On Thursday, March 2, His Excellency, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano visited St. Joseph's Seminary. On his first official visit of 2023, Bishop Caggiano met with the seminarians of the Diocese of Bridgeport, celebrated Mass, and joined the seminary family for lunch. Bishop Massa welcomed Bishop Caggiano, expressed his gratitude for his wonderful seminarians, and congratulated him on the recent elevation of Msgr. Donald Guglielmi.
VOCATIONS DAY FOR THE FEAST OF OUR PATRON
Each year, St. Joseph's Seminary holds it Vocations Day on or near the Feast or our Patron. We are so pleased to report that this year the seminary greeted over 200 students, chaperones, mentors and staff. His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, celebrated the Mass, and met with some of the students attending the event. Workshops were held on such topics as "Hearing God's Call" and "What is it like to be a seminarian?", while parents and chaperones attended others and spent time in Adoration. It was a different kind of Gala - a veritable feast of hamburger, chicken fingers, french fries and more - where everyone was well nourished in body and soul. Congratulations to Fr. George Sears and Rosemarie Bruno for pulling the event together, and to our Hospitality Team for making this outstanding day go so smoothly. Finally, thank you to the Serra Club for their unending generosity. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
LENTEN COLLECTION FOR CNEWA
This Easter, as you gather with your families to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, don't forget those whose opportunity to worship and celebrate have been taken from them.
Our seminary offering for this holy season of Lent will go to the support of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and its work through, with and for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. When you give alms to CNEWA, you’re bringing the hope and light of Christ to families in despair. CNEWA is near and dear to the heart of us, with Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari, Rector Emeritus of our great seminary, serving as President of the organization.
This Lent, bring Hope to the displaced.
CNEWA is a Papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support. Consider a donation to CNEWA.
MEET THE SEMINARIAN - ANDREW LAFLEUR
With Spring Break over, and the end of term quickly approaching, we are pleased to introduce seminarian Deacon Andrew LaFleur, a 4th Year Theologian, working feverishly on his thesis, and preparing for his own Ordination.
Where are you from, Andrew?
I was born and raised in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, Connecticut. I am from the Diocese of Bridgeport and my home parish is St. Ann's. My parent’s house was just a few minutes' walk from the Church.
Tell us about your background?
I went to Catholic school for most of my life, beginning at my home parish. I graduated from there after completing the eighth grade and then went to Fairfield College Preparatory School for high school. After graduating high school, I entered the college formation program for the Diocese of Bridgeport, St. John Fisher Seminary, and completed my studies there, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Sacred Heart University. After college seminary, I entered St. Joseph’s Seminary.
When did you discover you had a vocation?
My vocation was truly discovered at my home parish. I had excellent priests as a child, so it was seeing the priests at prayer and at work that inspired me to consider the priesthood. And after that initial spark, it was through the continual relationship I had with the parish and the priests that I learned more about the priesthood and began to discern it more seriously. I think the largest impacts on my vocation were serving the Mass, being close to the priests and seeing them perform other sacraments, and getting to know them personally.
What has been the best part of your experience here?
The best part of my experience here definitely is the fraternity - the time when we gather as a community to have a meal, watch a movie, or just simply hang out. It is these friendships that we build here, and that we benefit from now, that will continue into the priesthood and benefit us in the future.
Do you want to share something with the readers about your experience or hopes for your future?
I am looking forward to being ordained to the priesthood in May. As much as I have enjoyed my time at the seminary and the friendships I have here, I look forward to continuing these friendships and working as a priest. I look forward to working with my friends in the parishes and sharing the love of Christ with the world.
CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME ABOARD
Sean Ghormley
It's been a great year for Sean Ghormley. Not only did he recently marry his lovely wife Elena, but Sean has also assumed the role of the Corrigan Memorial Library's "Library Technician". In this function, Sean will assist with the library's daily functions, work on projects as assigned by the director, and assist students with their course research throughout the semester. We wish him the best of luck in both of his new roles!
Comprehensive Exams
Congratulations to our seminarians in the Master of Catholic Philosophical Studies (MACPS) program, and our lay students in the Master of Arts (MA) in Theology program, on the completion of their "comps". Graduation is just around the bend...
The Dunwoodie Review
We are pleased to announce the publication of the newest issue of The Dunwoodie Review. The journal’s 44th edition consists of essays on theological and philosophical themes written by faculty, seminarians, and MA students.
This journal offers an excellent resource for staying abreast of contemporary theological discussions, as well as an opportunity to explore interesting topics in greater depth. We hope that you will support us by visiting our online bookstore to purchase a copy today.
Summer Session
Registration is now open for the Summer Semester. Download our flyer below to find out more about what courses are being offered, and how to apply.
Hail, Saint Joseph!
This past December, the St. Joseph's Schola Cantorum recorded a CD of songs in honor of our Patron, St. Joseph. CDs are $20 each, plus $5 for shipping.
WHO BENEFITS FROM MY DONATION TO SJS?
Watch the video below and you'll find out...
The most important thing you can do for St. Joseph's Seminary is to pray for vocations and for our seminarians.
Following this, your donations are critical to our present and future.
Make sure to visit our website www.dunwoodie.edu and follow us on Instagram (@sjsdunwoodie) and Facebook (St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie).
201 Seminary Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704 ~ (914) 968-6200