RECENT NEWS

Theological College’s annual Faculties Appreciation event is a moment of grateful recognition for the fruitful relationship between TC and The Catholic University of America’s Schools of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, and Canon Law.

The Theological College 2017-18 academic and formation year began with the enthusiastic welcome of 30 seminarians from 18 different dioceses for a week of orientation, punctuated by a meet-and-greet for the entire seminarian population at an outdoor cookout, the annual Evening of Recollection with Cardinal Donald Wuerl, and a Mass and celebration with Catholic University President John Garvey and other supporters of the seminary, including the faculty and staff.

This past semester the Social Justice Committee held a fundraiser for a group of religious sisters in Vietnam. The Community of Charity and Social Services used the money to buy bicycles for children in rural areas to get to school. The children and their families just received their their 26 new bikes!

On May 1, 2017, Theological College celebrated its spring end-of-semester Mass with the seminary community to bid farewell until next August to some, and to extend prayerful congratulations and best wishes to others who are moving on for new placements, studies, and ordinations.

On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, faculty, staff, seminarians, patrons, and friends of Theological College celebrated the inauguration and dedication of the new Gerald F. Muller Organ with a recital by world-famous organist, Daniel Roth. Beginning the event with an organ blessing, TC Rector, Rev. Gerald McBrearity, prayed, “Grant, Lord, that its music may lead us to express our prayer and praise in melodies that are pleasing to You.”

On March 11, 2017, Theological College had the privilege of celebrating the transitional diaconate ordinations of two seminarians, Carlos Limongi, of the Archdiocese of New York, and Raymond Kalema, of the Diocese of Spokane, in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Crypt Church. A joy-filled reception for the TC-CUA community and family and friends of the ordinands was hosted at Theological College after the event.

Theological College’s successful diaper drive added to this year’s excitement for another simultaneous annual tradition: the Iron Seminarian Tournament, with competions in darts, pool, and ping-pong. Thirty-five seminarians competed over the weeks prior to the final day of the contest, and those who competed, as the rector stated, “have competed well.” (2 Tim. 4:7). He also noted that “the diaper drive’s incredible success reflects TC’s values and its culture of service.”

Theological College recently hosted its first seminarian-initiated multi-media art exhibit in the newly dedicated Olier Hall. Seminarians, faculty, friends, and neighborhood culture buffs met with artists and discussed creative incentives and ongoing work and challenges. In the midst of the busy start-up to the semester, the exhibit offered the opportunity to contemplate beauty in a peaceful setting while enjoying a light reception and good company. The art work will remain on display through the second week in February.

The Theological College community enjoyed a festive evening to celebrate the end of the semester, beginning with Mass and followed by a generous reception and dinner feast on the last day of classes.

St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore invited the faculty and seminarians of Theological College and St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg to join them in celebrating their Sulpician roots at an event honoring the 225th anniversary of the arrival of the first Society of St. Sulpice formators in the United States.