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Ordinations to the Transitional Diaconate
Many of our seminarians have been ordained to the diaconate recently, including three from the Archdiocese of Chicago ordained by Cardinal Cupich last week here at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception: Conrad Espino, Raymond Grieshaber, and John Rahimi. Click here to watch the video.
Others who were ordained are:
- Br. Danijel Sentic, Croatian Franciscan
- Br. Jakov Nikolic, Croatian Franciscan
- Jacob Francois, Diocese of Dubuque
- Joshua Krischel, Diocese of Dubuque
- Peter Binder, Diocese of Dubuque
- Thiet Hoang, Diocese of Dubuque
- Charles Leidel, Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Hunter Ostapowicz, Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Logan McGahan, Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Christopher Otieno, Diocese of Joliet
- Joshua White, Diocese of Joliet
- Blake Miller, Diocese of Peoria
- JohnPaul Stedwill, Diocese of Peoria
- Larry Curtis, Diocese of San Bernardino
- Thien Bui, Diocese of San Jose
- Simon Stehr, Archdiocese of Seattle
Please pray for these deacons as they serve in this role and prepare for their ordination to the priesthood.
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Seminarian Pilgrimage
Our Configuration III Seminarians are on their annual pilgrimage, traveling in the footsteps of St. Paul through Turkey, Greece, and Italy. You can follow their journey, read their reflections, and see what they experience along the way.
Keep up with their daily updates by reading their blog posts on our website by clicking here.
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Permanent Diaconate – Acolyte Mass
On Sunday, November 16 we celebrated the Institution of Acolyte Mass for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Deacon Formation Program. Receiving the Ministry of Acolyte is a profound recognition of a candidate’s readiness and commitment to serve in the Church. Pray for these men during this important time in their formation.
View all the photos by clicking here.
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Legacy Society Mass and Luncheon
On November 5 we celebrated members of our Legacy Society at our annual Mass and Luncheon. Members of our Legacy Society have pledged a gift to USML/Mundelein Seminary in their estate plans. You can become a member of the Legacy Society as well. For more information click here
View all the photos by clicking here.
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Scholarships
If you’re committed to ministry or faith formation, the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization wants to support you! Our scholarships are dedicated to supporting lay leaders, clergy, and individuals with ministerial promise.
Apply by December 15th. Learn more by clicking here.
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Sounds of the Season Concert
On Sunday, December 7 the University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s Mundelein Seminary was filled with the sounds of joy and reflection during the annual Sounds of the Season Concert. Under the inspired direction of Music Director Linda Cerabona, celebrating her 21st year at USML.
View photos and watch the concert by clicking here.
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Congratulations Bishop Mark O’Connell
The Mundelein Seminary community congratulates Bishop Mark O’Connell who was installed as the 11th Bishop of Albany, New York on Friday, December 5.
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Thank you! God gave us the growth, and YOU gave the gifts to support that growth!
We at University of Saint Mary of the Lake are so grateful!
Thanks to you and your generosity, we successfully blew past our goal and raised more than $56,000.
Your support is a beautiful gift that equips the future of the Catholic Church as it will support tuition costs of a seminarian preparing for the priesthood.
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SPLE Open House
Saturday, December 13
9:00am – 1:00pm
Come and See! Discover Your Call to Lead and Serve.
Explore the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization’s Open House at the historic and sacred grounds of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
Join us for a campus tour and experience the place where faith and formation come together. Walk the same paths where generations of Church leaders have been formed, and imagine yourself growing spiritually, intellectually, and pastorally within a community deeply rooted in Catholic tradition.
You’ll visit our inspiring chapels, peaceful lakeside paths, and classrooms designed for thoughtful engagement and meaningful dialogue. Learn how our programs equip lay leaders like you to evangelize, accompany, and lead with confidence in today’s Church.
This isn’t just a campus. It’s a place of transformation.
Your next step in ministry starts here.
Sign up for a tour today—and take the first step toward your mission.
Learn more and register to attend by clicking here.
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Panel Discussion
Interfaith Prayer for Human Dignity Brings Communities Together
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake gathered an inspiring interfaith panel discussion on December 4 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Tepeyac Pastoral Center for an evening of prayer, reflection, and dialogue on the dignity of every human person. USML’s Dr. Melanie Barrett (Catholic), Professor Bernie Newman (Jewish), and Dr. Syed A. Rizwan (Muslim) offered rich insights from their faith traditions, fostering a shared commitment to compassion, justice, and peace. Hosted by the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization, the event highlighted the power of collaboration across religious communities and reaffirmed our collective responsibility to uphold human dignity in our parishes, neighborhoods, and world.
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Online Short Courses:
Sacred Scripture, Salvation, Salvation History, and the Mass
The full story of salvation history calls us to pray for the Holy Souls and serve the Poor. Our course, Sacred Scripture, Salvation History, and the Mass, explores the biblical narrative, showing how God’s story moves between Him and His people.
Enroll at bit.ly/3Jnl7Mz
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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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Your Year-end Gift Secures the Future of our Catholic Faith
During this Advent season, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child through prayer, reconciliation, and acts of charity, please consider making your year-end gift through one of the following tax-wise options:
- A gift through your Donor Advised Fund. Please make certain your financial advisor includes your name(s) in the memo line of the check
- A direct transfer of appreciated securities/stock. Please complete the on-line form at https://usml.edu/give/ways-to-give/ Gift of Appreciated Securities** tab
- A direct gift through your Required Minimum Distribution through your IRA.
Needed information for your financial institution:
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Federal Tax ID: 36-2171077
For more assistance, please contact Maureen McGrain Major/Planned Giving Officer
mmcgrain@usml.edu.
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