Catholic Studies and Saint John Vianney College Seminary (SJV)
WHAT DO BISHOPS AND PROSPECTIVE SEMINARIANS THINK? “Our sending bishops love Catholic Studies,” SJV Vice-Rector, Fr. Jim Olofson ’14 says, “because it helps the seminarians wrestle with important questions of faith and culture, in a place that remains faithful to the Church and knows the riches of Her tradition.” Fr. Jones adds, “Bishops want their seminarians in the classroom with faithful, dynamic Catholic professors who will immerse them in Catholic culture. Catholic Studies is just what those bishops are looking for.” When Andrew Rydlund ’15, JDMA ’23 was considering SJV he says, “the Catholic Studies program was not on my radar as I discerned…but once I arrived at SJV, it only took moments to realize how deep the relationship ran and I was swept into it in short order.” Fr. Milless too says that though Catholic Studies was not why he decided on SJV, the encouragement to double major “was a decision that helped me remain on course as I was really interested in going to Rome.” THE ROME SEMESTER “Some of the greatest fruits from Catholic Studies come from the storied Rome program,” says Fr. Olofson. “After their semester in Rome, learning from the Holy Father, the saints, and the martyrs, they return to SJV as seniors ready to lead the community
and share with the rest of the men the beauty of an abundant Catholic life.”
Fr. Jones adds, “We want as many of our men as possible to have that experience.”
Current senior Jack Massmann says the Rome semester was stretching as he and other SJV men stayed at the Irish College with a collection of priests from all over the world. It “taught me the beautifully inconveniencing power of fraternal charity.” “The experience of being removed from my native culture allowed the Lord to gently expose my weaknesses and limitations while also showing the immense strength that He can give in times of discomfort and trial.” Massmann also went on the Catholic Studies J-Term trip to Mexico which was likewise a time of growth as it “broadened my mind regarding the complexities of culture and the importance of a truly enculturated evangelization.” A RICH AND ONGOING HARVEST Andrew Rydlund credits his Rome semester with powerful growth through a course on moral theology with Fr. Wojciech Giertych, OP; from an unconscious “white-knuckling Pelagianism” to a realization that “the interior freedom of the saints flowed from God’s work within them. My relationship with God and my need for Him shifted in an important way.” Rydlund’s connection to Catholic Studies continued when he decided to go to law school and was encouraged by Dr. Boyle to choose the joint JD/CSMA program. “That conversation left no doubt in my mind that earning a Catholic Studies master’s degree alongside my JD would enrich my legal studies and future legal career.” Now an attorney and the new
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