Through the support of our generous donors, our seminarians are embarking on a transformative journey of faith to trace the sacred footsteps of St. Paul on a pilgrimage like no other. This extraordinary journey will immerse seminarians in the rich tapestry of history and spirituality as they walk the path of the Apostle Paul through Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
You’re invited to join our seminarians on this sacred expedition by following along and reading their blog throughout their journey through Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
View the blog posts and photo of their journey on our website at:
usml.edu/mundelein-seminary/pilgrimage/
|
|
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s Mundelein Seminary was filled with the sounds of Christmas joy and reflection during the annual Sounds of the Season Christmas Concert. Under the inspired direction of Music Director Linda Cerabona, celebrating her 20th year at USML, the evening was a spiritual and musical journey spanning 13 centuries, from the 9th century to the 21st century.
Learn more and watch the concert video by clicking here.
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT:
PALUCH LECTURE
Holistic Formation in Christian Faith: Catholic Education for Belonging, Believing, Becoming, and Beyonding
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:00pm
During this presentation, you will learn how we can intentionally direct our own ongoing faith formation and how theological educators can provide a comprehensive and holistic education in faith. Specifically, you will learn about the 4Bs holistic, integrated religious education curriculum. The first 3Bs are education for belonging in the Church and society, being guided to embrace beliefs to guide our lives, and becoming self-actualized persons in a community of faith. These lead out to the 4th B, beyonding: learning to look beyond the present so we can discern how, today, the Church is called to live out its mission to consecrate the world to Christ, stated differently, to welcome and work to bring about the fuller realization of God’s Kingdom.
Presenter, Dr. Harold Horell, is the Margaret and Chester Paluch Chair of Theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
Learn more and register for this free event on our website at:
usml.edu/paluch-lecture/
|
|
ONLINE SHORT COURSES
Explore the richness of Catholic teaching through the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization’s engaging online short courses. Perfect for individuals seeking spiritual growth, deeper understanding, or professional enrichment. Study at your own pace, guided by expert instructors. Enroll today and take your faith journey further!
Browse through a catalog of our online courses our website:
usml.edu/sple/online-short-courses/course-catalog/
|
|
FEEHAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY:
THIS MONTH FROM THE ARCHIVES
From 1930 – 1966 seminarians created yearbooks with a daily log, essays, and photos that describe their experiences. Each month, our library staff is posting some of these historical accounts on our website. View the posts and follow along here:
usml.edu/library/this-month-from-the-archives/
|
|
SAVE THE DATE:
CELEBRATION OF MUNDELEIN
April 24, 2025
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s Annual Celebration of Mundelein serves as a cornerstone in supporting Mundelein Seminary and shaping the future of our priests. On April 24, 2025 at our 32nd Celebration of Mundelein we will welcome the Very Reverend John Kartje and Cardinal Blase Cupich as hosts as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of three distinguished honorees from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview: Sr. Paulanne Held, Fr. Jerry Boland, and Dr. Amy Mills. Their extraordinary dedication to faith, education, and service is a testament to the mission and values of Mundelein Seminary.
The Celebration of Mundelein is a night of fellowship, dining, and entertainment, all while making a lasting impact on the future of our Church. Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of Mundelein and support our seminarians in their sacred journey. To learn more, become a sponsor, and purchase tickets to attend please visit https://usml.edu/celebration-of-mundelein/.
|
|
LEGACY SOCIETY MASS AND LUNCHEON
On November 6, USML hosted its annual Legacy Society Mass and Luncheon honoring the generosity of our benefactors. Our Legacy Society is the giving society of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) recognizing generous donors to Mundelein Seminary, the Pontifical Faculty of Theology and the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization, who are making gifts through their estate plans or another form of a planned gift such as an insurance policy or charitable gift annuity.
To learn more about our Donor Recognition Societies visit our website at:
/usml.edu/give/donor-recognition/
|
|
Rare and Unique Bibles
The Feehan Memorial Library houses a number of rare and unique Bibles in its collection. Far from being in pristine condition, these sacred works show the active importance that the Word of God has had in the lives of believers through the centuries. You can see several of these Bibles on display in McEssy Theological Center, along with many other items from Catholic history.
Whether Latin translations or English, the wear on these Bibles is the result of carrying, reading, and traveling. The Word has been a living and comforting companion for our ancestors and for us.
|
|
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. His efforts contribute to spiritual growth and intellectual development fostering a rich and vibrant atmosphere at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
You can listen to his Rector Reflections on our website by clicking here.
|
|
ALUMNI UPDATES
Calling all alumni! We want to hear from you. Please submit any news you’d like to share with us and we will include it in our next issue of the Bridge Magazine this Fall. Or simply take the opportunity to update your information for our records.
Attention all Seminary Alumni from the Class of 1975 and 2000: Please update your contact information by the end of the year in anticipation of your on-campus Jubilee celebration in April 2025!
You can provide an Alumni Update on our website by clicking here.
|
|
GIVING
Making Your Year-end Charitable Gift to Mundelein Seminary/USML
- Credit Card – making your gift by clicking this link Give – USML
- IRA – using your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)- if you are 70 ½ you may directly contribute up to $105,000 (annually) to Mundelein Seminary/USML. Contact your financial advisor by Tuesday Dec. 17 to allow time to complete transaction. Please complete this form and return to stockgifts@usml.edu
- Appreciated Stock/securities – eliminating capital gains tax and taking an immediate income tax deduction of full market value. Contact your financial advisor by Tuesday Dec. 17 to allow time to complete transaction. Please complete this form and return to stockgifts@usml.edu
Your gift will continue to support the education and formation of our future parish priests and lay ministers of the Catholic faith. It is only through your generosity that, together, we will continue our mission at Mundelein Seminary/USML “to form a Church that consecrates the world to God according to the heart of Christ through the Holy Spirit.”
For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart. – Luke 12:21
|
|
|
|