In celebration of the "Year of the Priest", Fr. Eric Augenstein, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish and member of the Providence Board of Trustees, brought his love of the priesthood to Providence on October 27 and 28. At the invitation of theology teacher Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB, Fr. Eric visited all junior Sacraments classes to talk about the priesthood and vocations.
Fr. Eric shared the story of his own vocation and his joy for the priesthood. He extended an invitation to the young men to be open to a possible call to the priesthood. To the young women he urged them to be open to a possible call to the religious life.
"The vocations are there. God never ceases to call people to serve him, but we often have trouble listening," said Fr. Eric. Providence currently has three graduates on a vocational path toward priesthood.
Shane Fitzgerald '99 writes "I am a member of the Order of Preachers (aka the Dominicans, for our founder St. Dominic). I am currently studying theology and philosophy in St. Louis in preparation to be ordained a priest in May 2011. Dominicans are an international order and we do a variety of ministries. One such ministry is campus ministry, which I have some experience in and would thoroughly enjoy in the future. The Church teaches that everyone is called to holiness. Priesthood (and/or consecrated life) is a unique and beautiful way of living this out this call."
You are welcome to send your prayers and encouragement to Shane at shanebfitzgerald@yahoo.com.
Jonathan Kiesler '05 is a postulant with the Conventual Franciscans of Our Lady of Consolation Province, the Friars associated with Mount St. Francis, Indiana. He graduated from Marian University in May 2009 with a double major in Catholic Studies with a concentration in Theology, and a degree in Philosophy. He has been accepted into the Master of Divinity Program at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, where he is living with the Friars at San Damiano Friar, House of Student Formation.
"I am a first year theologian, a program in which student formation involves an exposure to community living. There are thirteen friars and students living in the Friary," said Jonathan. He will be a postulant for two years. Following a third year in Mishawaka, Indiana as a novice, he will either return to San Antonio or go to Washington D.C. to continue preparation for ordination.
Jonathan is looking at six years before being ordained, but says there is no rush. "As I like to say, 'Make haste slowly'. I am very happy with my spiritual growth and my discernment of happiness for my life. It is important to remember that personal happiness is not far off from God's will," he concluded.
You are welcome to send your prayers and encourgement to Jonathan at 1104 Kentucky Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78201. Cell 502-548-6320.
jonathankiesler@yahoo.com
Kyle Rodden '07 is a junior at the University of Dayton, majoring in Religious Studies and minoring in Catechesis, Marianist Social Transformation, Sociology, and Philosophy.
"I believe with my whole heart that God is calling me and has been directing my life to enter seminary at St. Meinrad's with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in order to serve the Church as a parish priest.. It is important, in my experience, to understand vocation in the light of our relationship with God. The Lord is our best friend. It is in our loving relationship with God that we choose to answer and pursue His calling, our vocation, which is uniquely spoken to each and every person," Kyle said.
You are welcome to send your prayers and encouragement to Kyle at roddenkg@notes.udayton.edu
We extend our thanks and prayers to God for four alumni priests listed here in the order of their graduation from Providence.
- Rev. Wilfred "Sonny" Day '58 currently serving as pastor of Holy Family Parish in New Albany
- Rev. Dan Atkins '66, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Corydon
- Rev. Harry Tully '68, pastor of St. Mary's Parish in New Albany
- Rev. Christopher Kirchgessner '71, at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont NC.
Fr. Mathew Choolapanthiyil came to serve the Providence community in August. He is a native of India and a member of the Carmelite order of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus.
He says his missionary experience helped him to understand the importance of priest in the church. "As St. Paul says, if we do not preach, how can the people listen to the truth of Jesus? People need priests to hear about Jesus' love, compassion, and friendship. Imitating our saints in Carmel, we Carmelites spend special time to pray for more priests in the Catholic Church in this year of the priest," states Fr. Mathew.
More information about Fr. Mathew will be included in a future edition of eVISION. You can communicate with him at frmathew@providencehigh.net
