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The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell

The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell

The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference (CCMC) is a yearly event that brings Catholic men from all over the state together to grow in faith and brotherhood and experience spiritual renewal. It also helps men learn about their vocations, giving Religious Orders and Seminaries a chance to promote vocations.

This year (2024), the Conference takes place on September 21 and has approximately 500 attendees. At the conference, men can reflect on their spiritual lives, hear inspiring talks from well-known Catholic speakers (Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM, Steve Ray, Peter Herbeck, and Kevin Wells), participate in the Sacraments, and spend time with others. The talks often focus on living a true Catholic life, improving prayer, and dealing with modern challenges. This day includes honoring the relics of Saints, Eucharistic Adoration, and Confession and ends with a Solemn Mass.

In his homily today, Archbishop Coney emphasized that true greatness in the Kingdom of God comes from serving others, not seeking personal gain. He noted that in Mark’s gospel, only demons initially recognize Jesus as the Son of God, with the centurion’s confession at the cross being the first human acknowledgment. The Most Rev. Coney concludes his homily by calling all Christians to live a life of faith through actions, not just words, and to spread the good news of Jesus.

The event is supported by the three dioceses in Connecticut: the Archdiocese of Hartford, the Diocese of Bridgeport, and the Diocese of Norwich. These dioceses work together to make the conference successful, helping Catholic men from all parts of the state unite in faith and unity.

At this event, Holy Apostles College & Seminary also had a booth showcasing the college and seminary, where attendees could learn more about the academic programs and training opportunities available. In addition, MSA’s community had a booth promoting vocations and the religious community, providing a chance for participants to explore paths of service within the Church. Father Martin Roney MSA, Chancellor of Holy Apostles, attended the event along with Father Lich MSA and several seminarians, all eager to share their vocation journeys and encourage others to be open to God’s call.

Article by: Joseph Huan Tran, Seminarian of Holy Apostles College and SeminaryThe Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell

Eucharistic Procession

Eucharistic Procession

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Holy Apostles College & Seminary held its annual Eucharistic Procession, a beautiful expression of faith and devotion.

Very Rev. Peter S. Kucer, MSA, our President-Rector, presided over the ceremony. The procession began in the Queen of Apostles Chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament was placed in a monstrance. We walked around the campus with reverence, pausing at various stations to bless our buildings, creating a tangible sense of God’s presence among us. The procession culminated back at the Chapel with a solemn Blessing, following the celebration of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

This sacred event was a powerful reminder of the Eucharistic Jesus, who nourishes and strengthens us. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35 RSVCE). May His presence continually bless each Holy Apostles College & Seminary member as we embark on this new academic year!

Faith of the Apostles Speaker Series

Faith of the Apostles Speaker Series

Please join us for a special series of talks on the Creed this Fall! Holy Apostles College & Seminary is hosting a FREE lecture series entitled “Faith of the Apostles” which is suited for the layperson. The next talk will be on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:00 pm and will continue weekly until the end of November at our Cromwell, CT campus.

Each talk is dedicated to a separate line of the Apostles Creed. The fantastic Theology faculty at Holy Apostles will be alternating presentations with a focus on the intellectual to deepen your spiritual life and understanding of the Holy Catholic faith. Registration is not required. You are welcome to come to each talk or just a few. These serve as an excellent opportunity for adult faith formation and to connect with others. Please share with your family, friends, and parish!

Special thanks to the Order of Malta North East Area and Queen of Apostles Preparatory Academy for sponsoring this event. Location: Queen of Apostles Chapel Basement, 33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, CT 06416

For more information and specific dates and topics, please download the Speaker Series Flyer.

Holy Apostles Strengthens Global Ties for the Church’s Future

Holy Apostles Strengthens Global Ties for the Church’s Future

Holy Apostles College and Seminary continues to foster its global outreach to form future leaders of the Church. This summer, Fr. Peter Kucer, MSA, President-Rector, with Fr. Son, MSA, and Fr. Declan, embarked on significant recruitment trips to Vietnam and the Philippines.

Foundations for Future Growth

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Fr. Peter and Fr. Son spent time with several religious communities, deepening relationships that have been nurtured over the years. Their efforts resulted in exciting news: a Cistercian community has committed to sending one of their seminarians to Holy Apostles.

After their time in Vietnam, Fr. Peter traveled to the Philippines, where he began building new relationships with bishops and religious superiors.

In Cebu, Fr. Peter, Fr. Declan, and Sister Giselle Santos, SPD, engaged with several key figures, including Fr. Ambrose Kulandairaj, Superior General of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP). Here, discussions centered on establishing a formation house at Holy Apostles and potential online theological studies.

A meeting with Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu led to an invitation for Fr. Peter and Fr. Declan to present the Holy Apostles’ mission to the regional board of bishops. This invitation is a clear sign of the growing respect and recognition for Holy Apostles in the Philippines.

The journey continued with meetings across the country, from Tuguegarao to Malolos and Virac. In every instance, each encounter reinforced Holy Apostles’ commitment to supporting the Church’s mission of evangelization and the formation of priests who will serve with love and dedication.

A Global Commitment to the Church’s Mission

These trips to Vietnam and the Philippines are a reflection of Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s deep commitment to the global Church and the seminary’s role in fostering strong relationships that will support the Church’s mission of evangelization.

Divine Mercy Retreat

Divine Mercy Retreat

Please join us for a special Divine Mercy Retreat on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Holy Apostles campus in Cromwell, CT.

The day will begin with the Holy Mass “celebrated by Fr. Dominic Anaeto” and followed by talks given by Mr. Daniel O’Connor and Dr. Robert Stackpole. The retreat will include lunch and conclude with adoration, confession, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Daniel O’Connor is an adjunct professor of philosophy and religion at a State University of New York Community College. He received his MA in Philosophical Theology in 2012 from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Daniel is the author of several books, including Thy Will Be Done and Only Man Bears His Image. He writes for his personal website, where his books, talks, videos, and other works may be found. Daniel lives in New York with his wife, Regina, and their five children. Read the feature story on Daniel and his family in our February Newsletter.

Dr. Robert Stackpole obtained a B.A. in History from Williams College, Massachusetts in 1982; an M.Litt. in Theology from Oxford University, England in 1988, and was an ordained Anglican priest in 1991 before becoming a Roman Catholic in 1994. He later obtained a Doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the “Angelicum”) in 2000.

Fr. Dominic Anaeto is a professor of Pastoral Theology and a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Nigeria. He holds a License in Spirituality from Gregorian University in Rome, a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology from the Lateran University also in Rome, and a diploma from the Christian Institute for the Study of Human Sexuality at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. He is a Board Certified Chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplain and a Liaison person for the State of Connecticut. He served full-time on the faculty of St. Mary’s Seminary of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX. Currently, he is the pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels parish in Meriden, CT and a Professor at Holy Apostles College and Seminary.

In 1997, Dr. Stackpole began work as the Research Director, and in 2000, Director, of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy based in Stockbridge Massachusetts, an apostolate of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He authored the book Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI. In his book, Dr. Stackpole explores God’s message of mercy through St. Faustina as well as God’s desire to offer us mercy throughout the ages.

Cost: $20 including lunch

Please RSVP here: Divine Mercy Retreat Registration. For further information, contact Cristi Shaw at [email protected] or call 860.632.3017

Please be advised that, in light of the provision of canon 903 CIC and canon 703 CCEO, all priests who wish to celebrate or concelebrate Mass at Holy Apostles College and Seminary are required to present a celebret or Testimonial of Suitability from their Ordinary or Religious Superior. We ask that priests bring their own alb.

Divine Mercy Retreat Invitation (Click to Download)