THE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF February 19, 2007...
Provincial’s time Fr. MacDonald returns from San Antonio, where he attended the ordination of Fr. Joseph Thi Pham. Please remember… The mother of Fr. Marcello Neri who died on February 7. Fr. Marcello is a member of the North Italian Province who has taught at Sacred Heart School of Theology. He returns in fall to teach another semester. You can reach Fr. Marcello at: marcello_neri@yahoo.com Edward Prybylski, the father of Ed Prybylski, who was one of the lay participants at the October Provincial Conference on the Dehonian Family. The senior Prybylski had a heart attack last Friday and underwent an emergency triple bypass. Ed says that his father is a “very stubborn 76-year-old man with a great faith and a very loving heart.” If you would like to contact Ed, his e-mail is: bilskey@yahoo.com Corrie van der Peet, the sister-in-law of Fr. Michael van der Peet, who suffered a massive heart attack, and died February 16. Fr. Michael was able to be with her and the family at the time of her death. Newly ordained On February 17, Joseph Thi Pham, 31, was ordained to the priesthood at St. Luke Parish in San Antonio, Texas. Bishop William R. Houck, DD, retired bishop of Jackson, Miss., was the ordaining bishop. Originally from Vietnam, Fr. Thi’s family has called San Antonio home for many years. Just a few months after graduating from high school in 1995, Fr. Thi became a candidate with the Priests of the Sacred Heart, which had a formation community in San Antonio at the time. He did undergraduate studies at San Antonio College and at the University of the Incarnate Word, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. After college, he was off to Chicago for his novitiate. He professed his first vows in 2002 and began his theology studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. During the 2004-05 academic year, Fr. Thi did pastoral ministry at St. Martin of Tours parish in Franklin, Wis. In May, 2006, he completed his theological studies while also doing his preparation for final vows. Last summer, he took part in the final vows preparation program in LaCapelle, France. Fr. Tom Cassidy was Fr. Thi’s final vows director. On May 6, 2006, Fr. Thi was ordained to the diaconate. As deacon, he has served at Christ the King parish in Southaven, Miss., where Fr. Greg Speck is pastor. He will continue to minister there following his priesthood ordination. Talking about his vocation, Fr. Thi says that “I still continue praying for and seeking my own vocation to commit myself to serving God’s people… The religious life is a call to live together and to support one another in times of joy, as well as times of hardship." Fr. Thi thanks SCJs and others who joined him at his ordination and first Mass, as well as those who have been keeping him in their prayers during his formation. NCDVD at SHST Thirty-six vocation directors new to their positions attended the NCDVD Institute for New Vocation Directors held at Sacred Heart School of Theology February 11-16. This was an excellent opportunity for them to experience the seminary’s well-known hospitality and to become familiar with SHST’s programs. Rector Fr. Tom Cassidy said, “The exposure this event gave Sacred Heart and our mission was extremely valuable. These vocation directors got first-hand experience with the entire community, and that always leaves a very good impression.” Fr. Cassidy, and Fr. Tom Knoebel, vice rector and director of recruitment, participated in a panel discussion, giving them the opportunity talk about the value of second-career vocations to the Church. The week consisted of workshop sessions in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Presenters included Bishop Blasé Cupich, Fr. Leonard Plazewski, Fr. Miguel Gonzalez, Ms. Bridget Olsen, Fr. Gerard Francik, Fr. Thomas Wilson, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Fr. John Regan, and Fr. Samuel Russell, OSB. Topics covered included vocation work under the new pontificate, developing a comprehensive vocations program, and psychological assessment. On Friday, Archbishop Timothy Dolan conducted a retreat. The vocation directors said they were leaving the institute energized and enthused about their new ministry. Call to Brotherhood The Religious Brothers Conference is seeking nominations for its annual Call to Brotherhood Awards. The awards are presented during the conference’s annual convention. Brothers can be nominated for awards for exemplifying brotherhood in one of the following three areas: 1) One who stands by the powerless, the dispossessed, the broken and the alienated. By his very presence, he brings life, hope and rebirth. 2) One who, by sharing his ministry, enables all to express their ministries. He is one who calls forth from the people of God their particular gifts, to be used in the mission of Jesus Christ. 3) One who has given a dedicated witness to the brothers’ vocation by his words and deeds, by his very being he is witness of the “Good News” of Jesus. Nominations are due by April 4. For more information about the awards, contact the RBC at: 773-493-2306, brothersoffice@ameritech.net, www.brothersonline.org Br. Jim Willis received the “Presence” award in 1990.