HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2000 & 2001

I am currently in the first year of theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL.  While I am away from the diocese for a majority of the year, I do come back for many joyous celebrations.  Below are highlights from my pre-theology year that I just completed in May, 2001.

At the beginning of each year, we as seminarians gather for a day with Bishop Bullock before we leave for our seminaries to begin studies for the year.  This is our group before we leave.

The diocese holds a Life Directions weekend for those who are interested in learning more about the diocese and about vocations in general.  Several seminarians from Mundelein were on hand to talk with those who were at the weekend.

Ordinations to the transitional deaconate.  Bart Timmerman, Dan Volkert and Jim Bartylla were ordained.  (November, 2001)

The seminarians from Mundelein participate in a yearly caroling tour that sweeps across the diocese around mid-December.  This year's tour was a great success -- it was the first one for me, and what a wonderful time it was for everyone.  (December, 2001)

Three seminarians from our diocese had a wonderful opportunity to attend the annual March for Abortion, held in Washington DC.  I was one of the lucky ones!!  I was so very happy to be there and to share my faith with so many others.  It was really a moving experience for me, and it is my hope that I will be able to make it back again for future marches. 

From our Chrism Mass, held on April 10, 2001.

Ordination to the Priesthood - May 24, 2001.