Bishop Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and Lecturer in Canon Law at Mundelein Seminary of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake was one of several honorees at Harambee—A celebration of the Augustus Tolton Scholarship Program on its 30th anniversary.
As the postulator of the cause for sainthood of the Venerable Augustus Tolton, Bishop Perry understands the importance in a diverse church of having priests, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers who come from the communities they serve. Historically, the African American community has been underrepresented among serving ministers. The Augustus Tolton Scholarship Program was established jointly by the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Catholic Theological Union thirty years ago to increase access to graduate theological education in the community. Named for the first black priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago the Tolton Scholarship supports a new generation of leadership.
In cooperation with the Institute for Pastoral Formation of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Tolton students share in the formation program for Lay Ecclesial Ministers of the archdiocese, making it possible for them to be certified upon their graduation from CTU.
In addition to Bishop Perry, the University of Saint Mary of the Lake was represented by Father Thomas Baima, the provost, and Dr. Linda Couri, Director of the Institute for Pastoral Leadership.
