RECENT NEWS

On February 15, 2014, the Theological College Community joyfully participated in the Diaconate Ordination of three candidates from the Diocese of Spokane, which was held in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is customary that most diaconate ordinations are celebrated in the seminarians’ arch/diocese. Bishop Cupich of Spokane, WA, and family and friends of the candidates journeyed to Washington, DC, for this ordination. The TC Community joined together to make this a joyous and beautiful celebration.

The TC Community proudly hung its new banner outside the second floor of the seminary, “Seminarians for Life.” Our community supports the March for Life by extending hospitality to 100+ seminarians as well as bishops and priests from throughout the country. The seminary participated in the Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and from 3 to 5 am, TC seminarians sang sacred music during adoration in the Crypt Church before heading to the Mass at the Verizon Center and joining hundreds of thousands of people in the March for Life.

Several Theological College seminarians took advantage of the cold winter weather during the community’s first ski trip on February 8th. Ten seminarians traded their books and papers for poles and boards and made the short trip to Liberty Mountain Resort in Carroll Valley, PA. Five hours of night skiing amid excellent conditions were followed by evening prayer and quality fraternal time in the lodge. With skill levels ranging from semi-pro to first-timer, the TC contingent had a great time “shredding the gnar,” sharing each other’s company, and taking in the majestic views afforded by the slopes.​

On Sunday, November 3, 2013, from 1 to 3 pm, the paintings of Fr. Peter Wm. Gray of the Sulpician Society were on display at Theological College, bringing to seminary corridors and meeting rooms the brilliance of their insight and luminous expression.

Bishop Zipfel joined the TC community in welcoming 14 seminarians to Admission to Candidacy. These seminarians have progressed and discerned, through the formation program, their call to priestly vocation and are requesting admission to candidacy for the Diaconate and ultimately to the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Approximately 40 alumni were welcomed back home to Theological College on October 8th, when they were greeted by seminarians and faculty who look forward to this two-day event every year. From the Tuesday evening vespers through the Mass and awards banguet that concluded the reunion, all appreciated this special time reminiscing, praying, and celebrating together.

During Holy Week, the Church commemorates with beautiful ceremony the sacred mysteries of our redemption. Within that context, Tenebrae has a special place as a profound remembrance of the death of our Savior.

During the period of transition between Pope Benedict’s abdication and the election of Pope Francis, the Rector and seminarians of Theological College were interviewed by various news agencies.

The seminarians of Theological College participate in apostolate in numerous pastoral settings (religious education programs, parishes, hospitals, and other outreaches) within the city as well as the larger Washington DC area. The success of this program rest with those individuals who agree to mentor the seminarian in their outreach. Each year, Theological College hosts those who so generously assist our seminarians in their pastoral placement ministries.

Throughout the seminarians’ journey in formation, they advance to different levels within ministry, the culmination of which is the ordination to the priesthood. Each spring, seminarians are installed in the ministries of reader and acolyte. This year, Theological College was blessed with the presence of Bishop Michael Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston who conferred these ministries for our community.