Graduates for the Church and World

Meet five graduates ready for a lifetime of work and prayer.

ROSY KANDATHIL

Master of Theology

Where you will be after graduation?
Atlanta, GA.  I'll be starting a doctoral program in Hebrew Bible at Emory University.

One hope for how you will use your degree/SOT experience
I've been really grateful for the preparation and support I've received from the faculty at the SOT. My passion for scripture, for teaching and preaching from Old Testament texts in particular, and for the stories of women that I have found in these sacred texts, have been nurtured and disciplined as a result of my study at Saint John's.  One day, I hope to be able to teach and help students to explore their own questions about scripture, just as I've experienced here.

 

BR. REGINALD UDOUJ, OSB

Master of Divinity

Where you will be after graduation?
After graduation, I will return to my home abbey of Subiaco, in Subiaco Arkansas where I will serve as the assistant procurator as well as working in the development department.  The Abbot also promised me that I would also still be able to help grow the peppers for our habanero sauce (Monk Sauce).

One hope for how you will use your degree/SOT experience
I am scheduled for ordination on July the 14th of this year, The knowledge as well as well as the pastoral disciplines that I have learned here will help me to confront the many challenges as well as opportunities that will confront me in the future.

A memorable lesson/experience you will take with you from the SOT/Sem
I think that the experience that I will take with me is the interactions that I had with so many bright young people over the past four years.  St. Benedict tells us in the Rule that there is something to be learned from everyone.  That is certainly true of the SOT.

 

CAROL DIETHELM

Master’s Certificate in Liturgy

Where you will be after graduation?
Shakopee, MN, Director of Sacred Music and Funeral Ministry for the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne 

One hope for how you will use your degree/SOT experience
I hope--actually, I KNOW--I'll continue using what I've learned in my SOT studies throughout my career in ministry.

One thing you learned at the SOT/Sem
I will never be a good organist, and that's OK.

 

ALBRECHT NYCE, OSB

Master of Divinity

Where you will be after graduation?
Glastonbury Abbey, Hingham, MA on the beautiful south shore of Boston, the hub of the universe, where I am a solemnly professed monk

One hope for how you will use your degree/SOT experience
My priesthood ordination date is November 17, 2018 so I will then serve the community as a priest-monk in the sacramental rotation as well as being assigned other duties by my Abbot.  My degree and SOT experience has prepared me for this transition (my Abbot sure hopes so!).

One thing you learned at the SOT/Sem
That one should start early on assignments - well before they are due.

A memorable lesson/experience you will take with you from the SOT/Sem
That I often did not learn the one thing I said I learned as mentioned above.  On a more serious note, I take away knowledge gained, spirit fed, and lasting friendships among faculty, staff, students, and monks.  This has become my second home.

 

PATRICK SMALLEY

Master of Arts

Where you will be after graduation?
I'll be continuing my work in Youth and Adult Formation ministry at the Church of St. Edward in Bloomington, MN. 

One thing you learned at the SOT/Sem
One of my major take-aways from the SOT is the greatness of God. I see this through community, the diversity of gifts and the infinite ways in which we can connect with God. 

A memorable lesson/experience you will take with you from the SOT/Sem 
One of my best memories from the SOT was being able to observe portions of the Youth in Theology and Ministry Summer Institute. The faith of these high schoolers is incredibly inspiring. 

 

For Photos of the Graduation festivities, please see our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegevilleMN/