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Rector Reflections
Community Pathways: USML’s September 2025 Newsletter View news and events from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
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September 2025 Newsletter

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SIX NEW DIOCESES

This year, Mundelein Seminary proudly welcomed 134 seminarians from more than thirty dioceses, including six new sending dioceses:

  • Winona-Rochester
  • Fresno
  • Nashville
  • Pensacola-Tallahassee
  • Tucson*
  • St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands 

Please pray for the men as they prepare to serve God and the church as priests

*Returning diocese, as Tucson sent men to Mundelein in the recent past

RECTOR’S CLASSIC


Thursday, September 18, 2025


Join us for a day of unparalleled golf, friendship, and philanthropy at Mundelein Seminary’s annual Rector’s Classic golf outing.



The Rector’s Classic is more than just a golf outing—it’s a celebration of community and the enduring mission of Mundelein Seminary. By participating and sponsoring, you’re not just getting involved a premier event; you’re becoming part of a legacy of support that empowers seminarians to become compassionate leaders in service to the Church and the world.

At this year’s golf classic dinner, we are proud to honor Fr. Tom Franzman with the 2025 Cardinal Joseph Bernardin In Service of One Another Catholic Humanitarian Award.

Learn more, register to attend, and become a sponsor by clicking here!

WELCOME WEEKEND

On Saturday, August 23, to kick off the new fall semester, our seminarians spent the day working on a variety of campus improvements. They took on several projects, including restoring the Marian Shrine, restoring the lakeside shoreline, and painting the main gate.

View photos by clicking here.

RITE OF ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR HOLY ORDERS

On Wednesday, September 3, Cardinal Cupich presided over the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders with 17 of our seminarians. Candidacy is a public declaration of one’s intention to pursue Diaconate and Priesthood and implies a personal willingness to spiritually prepare for the calling to ordained ministry. It also symbolizes a commitment to one’s own Archdiocese or Diocese and a determination to serve the people with joy and enthusiasm.

View photos by clicking here.

New Course
ONLINE SHORT COURSES:
Effective Catechists


Develop the attitudes, skills, and understanding necessary to serve as effective catechists and to identify, recruit, and form others for catechetical ministry. 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/

Save the Date

RECTOR’S MASS AND BRUNCH

Sunday, October 12, 2025


Celebrate Mass at 9:30am in the Main Chapel, followed by a light brunch with Fr. John Kartje, Rector of Mundelein Seminary.

Learn more and register to attend by clicking here.

Deacon Formation Program
RITE OF ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR HOLY ORDERS

 

On Sunday, September 7, Bishop Robert Lombardo presided over the Mass and Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders for 11 of the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization’s deacon candidates. Candidacy is a public declaration of one’s intention to pursue Diaconate and implies a personal willingness to spiritually prepare for the calling to ordained ministry. It also symbolizes a commitment to the Archdiocese of Chicago and a determination to serve the people with joy and enthusiasm.

View photos by clicking here.

Save the Date
PALUCH LECTURE


Thursday, October 23, 2025

 

The Council of Nicaea 1,700 years later

What do you know about the Council of Nicaea in the year 325? Did you learn about the Council of Nicaea in a religious education class during childhood, and if so, what do you remember about what you learned? Have you studied the Council of Nicaea as an adult, and if so, why? Perhaps more importantly, why should we care about the Council of Nicaea today? To mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council, during this presentation, we will imagine what it was like to attend the Council and then explore how it has had a lasting impact on the Church and our understanding of core Christian convictions. In considering the role of Roman Emperor Constantine I at the Council (he convened the council and participated in its discussions), we will also explore how Christians should approach social and political issues today.

Lean more by clicking here.

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.

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.

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION


Did you know you can make your annual gift to Mundelein Seminary/USML through your IRA?
 
Make your tax-free gift through your RMD (Required Mandatory Distribution) up to $100,000.
Counts toward your RMD.

Since the Qualified Charitable Distribution is not included in your income, it reduces your taxable income. 

Your gift ensures a world-class education and formation for our seminarians as well as the future of our Catholic faith.

Contact Maureen McGrain at mmcgrain@usml.edu for more information.
 
Please consult your financial advisor, attorney, and/or tax advisor to make your best gift.
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