Founder and Dean’s Mass and Brunch
Celebrating the Legacy and Vision of Ministry Formation
Sunday, November 8, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Gather for Worship, Fellowship, and Inspiration
We look forward to welcoming alumni of the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization (SPLE) and the many Institutes of USML whose work continues within SPLE for a special morning of worship, fellowship, and reflection on our shared legacy and future.
Join us as we hear from Msgr. Wayne Prist, founder of the Center for Pastoral Ministry (precursor to SPLE) and Dr. Rita George-Tvrtković (Dean of SPLE), about the importance of equipping pastoral leaders for the Church.
Whether your connection began with SPLE or one of its founding Institutes, you are an important part of this story. Join us to reconnect with fellow alumni, celebrate the formation that has shaped your ministry, and look ahead to the continuing work of preparing leaders to serve the Church and bring Christ’s love to the world.
Schedule of Events
9:00am Mass
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Fr. John Kartje, rector and president of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, will serve as celebrant and homilist.
10:30am Brunch an Program
Prist Building
Enjoy brunch and fellowship, followed by a brief program featuring Msgr. Wayne F. Prist and Dr. Rita George-Tvrtković. Dr. Betsy Ackerson, Vice President of Development will serve as emcee.
12:00pm Event Concludes
Meet Our Featured Speakers
Fr. John Kartje
Mass Celebrant and Homilist
Fr. John Kartje has served as rector and president of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary since 2015. Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2002, he holds doctorates in astrophysics from the University of Chicago and sacred theology from the Catholic University of America. He has served on the faculties of the seminary and the Institute for Priestly Formation since 2009, bringing experience in parish ministry, campus ministry, and biblical scholarship to his work forming leaders for the Church.
Msgr. Wayne F. Prist
Featured Presenter
Ordained a priest in 1967, Msgr. Wayne F. Prist has devoted decades to pastoral ministry and the continuing formation of Church leaders. He founded the Summer Scripture Seminary at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and directed it for 22 years. In 1983, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin appointed him Director of the Center for Pastoral Ministry, which moved to the USML campus in 1986 and evolved into the Center for Development in Ministry. He oversaw the campus renovation and directed the Center for 10 years. He later served as pastor of Queen of All Saints Basilica, becoming Pastor Emeritus in 2010.tsy Ackerson, Vice President of Development will serve as emcee.
Dr. Rita George-Tvrtković
Featured Presenter
Dr. Rita George-Tvrtković is Dean and Professor of Theology of the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. A historical theologian with a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, she specializes in Christian–Muslim–Jewish relations and contemporary interreligious dialogue. She previously served as associate director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and serves as a consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
Dr. Betsy Ackerson
Emcee
Dr. Betsy Ackerson serves as Vice President for Development at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Her background spans educational leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, and Christian ministry, including service as president of St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Illinois, and in senior administration at the University of Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, an MBA from William & Mary, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Virginia.
Register to Attend
Come celebrate your connection to this community and the shared calling that continues to unite us in ministry. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!