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SEMINARY SALUTES: RERUM NOVARUM
On October 28, 2025 at IBEW, Local 134 in Chicago Mundelein Seminary will hold its annual Seminary Salutes: Rerum Novarum. The event honors lay men and women who are examples of Catholic Social Teaching in action, especially in the areas of labor, business and government. This year we will honor:
- Mr. Joseph V. Healy, Secretary-Treasurer, Laborers’ District Council of Chicago & Vicinity for Labor
- The Terlato Family, Terlato Wines International, for Business
- Mr. Juan Salgado, Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago for Government/Public Service
- The Honorary Rerum Novarum Award will be presented to Mr. Ruben Ramirez, Retired, UFCW
Learn more on our website by clicking here.
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RERUM NOVARUM COMMITTEE MEETS WITH POPE LEO XIV
On October 9, Pope Leo XIV met with Chicago labor leaders, including our Rerum Novarum planning committee, emphasizing the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching: respect for the human dignity of vulnerable migrants and the need to advocate for the vulnerable.
Read the CNA article by clicking here.
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Thursday, October 23, 2025
The Council of Nicaea 1,700 years later
What do you know about the Council of Nicaea in the year 325? Did you learn about the Council of Nicaea in a religious education class during childhood, and if so, what do you remember about what you learned? Have you studied the Council of Nicaea as an adult, and if so, why? Perhaps more importantly, why should we care about the Council of Nicaea today? To mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council, during this presentation, we will imagine what it was like to attend the Council and then explore how it has had a lasting impact on the Church and our understanding of core Christian convictions. In considering the role of Roman Emperor Constantine I at the Council (he convened the council and participated in its discussions), we will also explore how Christians should approach social and political issues today.
Lean more and register to attend this free lecture by clicking here.
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RECTOR’S CLASSIC
On September 18, the University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s (USML) Mundelein Seminary hosted its 34th annual Rector’s Classic. This premier golf event brought together community leaders and philanthropists to support the education and formation of future Catholic priests.
Learn more and view photos on our website by clicking here!
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VATICAN APPOINTS USML FACULTY, DR. MATTHEW LEVERING, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS
Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Levering, Professor and James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State at the Vatican, has appointed Dr. Levering to be a member of the Pontifical Academy of Saint Thomas Aquinas
View the full announcement on our website by clicking here.
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MASS OF THE INSTITUTION OF LECTORS
On October 6, Bishop John Siemianowski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, presided over the Mass of the Institution of Lectors. Seminarians were formally installed as Lectors, a ministry within the Church where they are responsible for proclaiming the readings from Sacred Scripture during the liturgy, essentially marking their official acceptance of this role and signifying their commitment to teaching God’s word to the congregation.
View the photos by clicking here.
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NEW ISSUE COMING SOON
Bearing Fruit in Christ: Engaging Creation, Politics, & Liturgy
Read about the personality, theology, & ecological advocacy of Benedict XVI, Rahner vs. Ratzinger on the Christian polis, and liturgical formation for seminarians & priests in the upcoming issue of Chicago Studies.
New issue of Chicago Studies coming soon on our website.
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NATIONAL ESTATE PLANNING WEEK
October 20 – 27
This 3rd week of October is a gentle reminder that we all must prepare for the inevitable. While none of us likes to think about joining Christ and the Communion of Saints, we must plan to protect our loved ones and those causes we hold dear like ensuring our Catholic Church has well-educated, compassionate parish priests.
By creating your estate plan, you are caring for your loved ones before the inevitable happens while ensuring your legacy to continue through causes you care deeply about, like Mundelein Seminary.
For more information visit our website usml.edu/give/ways-to-give or contact Maureen McGrain at mmcgrain@usml.edu 847-837-4544.
Consulting with your personal tax advisor, accountant or attorney will assist you in meeting your goals.
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RECTOR’S MASS AND BRUNCH
On Sunday, October 12, Fr. John Kartje, Rector and President of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, presided over our annual Rector’s Mass and Brunch were we gather with faculty, seminarians, alumni, and friends to celebrate the gratitude for another year of growth, learning, and spiritual journey.
View the photos by clicking here.
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New Course
ONLINE SHORT COURSES:
Ministry of Care
This course and formational tool enables the lay minister of care to reflect deeply upon the theological meaning of their role and grow in their ministry. Take this course by clicking here.
Browse our entire catalog of online short courses on our website:
https://usml.edu/sple/online-short-courses/course-catalog/
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RECTOR REFLECTIONS
Father John Kartje, serving as both Rector and President of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, demonstrates his commitment to spiritual guidance through his weekly recorded sermons and reflections. With a passion for fostering a nurturing environment at the seminary, Father Kartje shares his insights and teachings, providing a source of inspiration and connection for the university community.
You can listen to his Rector Reflections on our website by clicking here. |
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ALUMNI UPDATES
Calling all alumni! We want to hear from you. Please take the opportunity to update your information for our records.
You can provide an Alumni Update on our website by clicking here. |
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ANNUAL GIVING
Are you beginning to consider tax-smart ways to make your annual gift to USML/Mundelein Seminary by December 31? Here are two simple ways to make your gift:
- Make your gift from appreciated securities. When you do, NO TAX IS OWED! Complete this form. Contact your broker to let them know your intentions.
- Make your gift through your Required Minimum Distribution called a Qualified Charitable Distribution. When you do, your taxable income decreases. Contact your financial institution and let them know you would like to make a QCD to Mundelein Seminary. Then let us know when we can expect it.
Any questions about supporting our men studying for the priesthood at Mundelein Seminary, please contact Maureen McGrainMajor/Planned Giving Officer at mmcgrain@usml.edu.
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