60 YEARS OF NOSTRA AETATE: THE FUTURE OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Third from the left, Dr. Rita George-Tvrtković
Dr. Rita George-Tvrtković, Dean of the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization and Professor of Theology, attended a three-day conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome to mark the 60th anniversary of the promulgation of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Nostra Aetate. The Conference’s theme was “Towards the Future: Re-Thinking Nostra Aetate Today.” It brought together leading scholars and representatives of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish academic institutions for a series of in-depth discussions and reflections.
2020, Pope Francis appointed Dr. George-Tvrtković to a 5-year term as a Consultor to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (DID), and in 2025, Pope Leo XIV reappointed her to another term.
Read the Vatican News article by clicking here.
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SEMINARY SALUTES: RERUM NOVARUM
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary honored local Chicago leaders at the 2025 Seminary Salutes Rerum Novarum Awards on October 28, 2025. This annual event recognizes those who put Catholic Social Teaching into action.
This year we honored:
- 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
- Mr. Ruben Ramirez, Retired, UFCW, Honorary Rerum Novarum Award
Learn more and view photos by clicking here.
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CARDINAL CUPICH NEW APPOINTMENT
We are honored to congratulate our esteemed Chancellor, His Eminence Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, on his appointment by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
Read the full article by clicking here.
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The Council of Nicaea 1,700 years later
Marking the upcoming anniversary of the pivotal 325 AD ecumenical council, Dr. Harold D. Horell, the Margaret and Chester Paluch Chair of Theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML), delivered the Paluch Lecture on October 23, 2025. His presentation, titled “The Council of Nicaea 1,700 Years Later,” explored the Council’s enduring theological and political relevance.
Lean more and watch the lecture by clicking here.
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USML CONGRATULATES BISHOP RALPH BERNARD O’DONNELL
USML congratulates Bishop Ralph O’Donnell, 1993 graduate of USML/Mundelein Seminary, on his installation as the 5th Bishop of Jefferson City on October 28th.
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Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 2 but you don’t have to wait to show your support. This year we’ve added 6 new dioceses and enrollment at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s Mundelein Seminary has grown significantly and we need your support more than ever.
Click here to watch an inspirational video and help make a difference by supporting our Giving Tuesday campaign!
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NEW ISSUE
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 new issue of Chicago Studies.
Read the new issue of Chicago Studies on our website.
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ADVENT REFLECTION
December 6
Join us on a spiritual odyssey this Advent season as the University of Saint Mary of the Lake proudly presents its annual Advent Reflection, directed by our Rector and President, Father John Kartje.
Set against the backdrop of our beautiful historic campus, this spiritual experience offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the season. Amidst the tranquility, let the Advent spirit envelop you as we prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth
Learn more and register for this free event by clicking here.
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New Course
ONLINE SHORT COURSES:
Liturgy and Discipleship
How does the Mass transform us into disciples?
Cyprian Vagaggini called the Liturgy “the privileged place of encounter between man and God.” If we believe in the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, our worship must be a point of authentic, life-changing encounter!
Our Liturgy and Discipleship online short course, led by Dr. James Pauley, presents a powerful vision for evangelization and discipleship that places the sacramental life at its core. Learn to apprentice people into a fruitful life in Christ. 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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YEAR END GIVING
There are two tax-wise ways to make your annual gift to support our future parish priests studying at Mundelein Seminary.
- Appreciated Stock (securities): When you make a gift to Mundelein Seminary through a direct transfer of stock, you owe no taxes on this stock. Complete this form. Contact your broker to let them know your intentions.
- IRA- Required Minimum Distribution (called a Qualified Charitable Distribution): If you are 70 ½ years old, you can directly transfer from your IRA to Mundelein Seminary up to $105,000, potentially reducing your taxable income. This is a powerful tax strategy that countless donors have taken advantage of to support our seminarians. ***This check needs to be sent directly from your financial institution to:
- USML/Mundelein Seminary 1000 E. Maple Ave Mundelein, IL 60060
- Please have your name written on the Memo line on the check.
- Federal Tax ID: 36-2171077
- Your gift will have a direct impact on the future of the Catholic Church.
If you have any questions on year end giving to Mundelein Seminary/USML please contact Maureen McGrain Major/Planned Giving Officer mmcgrain@usml.edu or 847.837.4544
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