Oct 3, 2024 | Alumni, News
Several months ago, my daughter and I attended a retreat at our parish with her 9th grade religious education class. I had seen the speaker, Sean Forrest, previously with my son, and was impressed by his excellent manner of engaging parents and teens as he spoke about his journey of faith progressing from openly demonstrating contempt for religion to identifying Catholicism as the one true faith.
Sean is an alumnus of Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and the Catholic teaching he intertwines with stories about his life are clearly traditional Catholic lessons that anyone at Holy Apostles would recognize. His ability to speak accurately and persuasively about the Catholic faith and evangelize to students and parents, who many times don’t want to be there, is remarkable. He has been the invited speaker for this retreat at our parish for roughly 24 years for that reason.
Sean speaks openly about his progression to Catholicism. He enjoyed a successful career in music– writing songs and playing in large nightclubs, and ski and beach resorts. He played to audiences that included Billy Joel, Christie Brinkley, Alec Baldwin, and Jennifer Garner and played on stage with artists like Vince Gill and The Marshall Tucker Band. He had no use for religion and described his past self as an angry atheist. Although he seemingly had everything anyone could want, he felt something was missing. Over time, using faith and reasoning, he encountered Christ and began on a new path.
His new journey led to the role of youth minister at St. James Church in Stratford, Connecticut, and a few speaking engagements at different parishes. He began sending letters to other parishes, offering to speak about his conversion, and by year three he was booked two years in advance. In his speaking engagements, Sean explains the evidence of God’s existence to others using the same reasoning that helped him come to believe. Sean has been praised by the Most Rev. Peter A. Rosazza, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford as “an outstanding witness to Jesus and to the church and her heritage,” and by the Most Rev. William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, who stated, “With song, humor, stories, and serious teaching, Sean exemplifies the New Evangelization to which the Church calls each of us.”
During this time, Sean continued with his music– producing, writing, and recording nine CDs. There was still more to the journey, though. Sean realized he was not helping the poor. With God’s grace, he chose to travel to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti, to minister to those who had nothing. The trip left him profoundly moved, and he prayed that if it were God’s will, he would be able to build an orphanage. God responded, and the orphanage was built, and the organization Haiti180 was founded. Sean serves as co-founder, president, and mission leader.When the orphanage was completed, Sean and Haiti180 built a chapel as a reminder for everyone to keep Christ at the heart of everything. After that came a school with 350 students who will speak three languages upon graduation.
Sean next wanted to help the lonely elderly, who many times die alone in their huts. With God’s help, Haiti180 built a home for them, and they and the children began developing grandparent-style relationships. In 2020, Haiti180 completed a state-of-the-art medical facility that will help thousands with urgent care, maternity, dental and eye, cardiology, radiology, and lab work. Women are able to give birth in a safe place instead of their huts and people do not have to walk for hours to receive treatment.
In addition to the speaking engagements, music writing and production, and mission work, Sean enrolled at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in 2006. “I truly just wanted to keep knowing more about this amazing faith. Holy Apostles was a great choice because it was solidly Catholic, and the instructors were so engaging.” In May 2011, he earned a BA in Theology. Sean’s journey is one of a man who had everything the secular world says is important: money, a condo on the beach, boats, and cars. And yet he recognized he was missing something. Once he embraced God and trusted His plan, he was able to do so much for so many. As he said, “Through God’s grace all this work has happened”. Sean’s family works on the Haiti180 mission with him, and his son plans to eventually take Sean’s place as president.
The message Sean Forrest effectively brings to teenagers – and adults – is that, without Christ, the secular world may make you rich but will not satisfy you inside. Being Catholic is hard, but it is the one true Church that God gave us, and the payoff is great.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary www.holyapostles.edu is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
Sep 5, 2024 | Alumni, News
The recent National Eucharistic Congress, held in Indianapolis in July, drew more than 50,000 attendees and featured alumni speakers from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, including well-known Catholic apologist Trent Horn.
Trent serves as a staff apologist for the popular media ministry Catholic Answers. He specializes in “teaching Catholics to graciously and persuasively engage those who disagree with them.” He also hosts his podcast, The Counsel of Trent.
At the National Eucharistic Congress, Trent spoke on one of his favorite subjects—the Eucharist—and provided arguments against attacks on the Eucharist, disproving claims that it is merely symbolic.
In his presentation, Trent also demonstrated that only the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist can explain why the sacrifice of the Mass is a fitting offering for God, as it truly is God the Son being presented to the Father as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Trent earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Holy Apostles in 2018 and served as an adjunct professor at the college. He has authored or co-authored over a dozen books, including The Case for Catholicism, Persuasive Pro-life, and Why We’re Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love.
“My time at Holy Apostles gave me access to abundant resources that I still use in my podcasts and books to defend the Catholic faith. It also helped me understand new and exciting areas of thought in various fields of Catholic philosophy. Both philosophy and critical thinking are crucial to my defense of the faith, so I wanted to grow in that field and become a better apologist. I chose Holy Apostles because of its fidelity to Church teaching and the college’s flexible format, which served someone like me who is married and works full-time,” said Trent.
According to Catholic speaker, author, and alumnus Matt Fradd ’15, MA ’18, “Trent Horn is a gifted Catholic apologist as well as a compelling speaker. He presents Catholicism in an intelligent, careful, and winsome manner, providing his listeners with a model of how an ambassador of the Church ought to offer an account of our faith in public.”
Trent is a convert to Catholicism. His father was Jewish, and his mother a Protestant (formerly Catholic). He was not religious in his youth but was also not an atheist having more questions than answers at the time.
During his sophomore year of high school, he attended an outing hosted by a Catholic youth group and was later invited to the Holy Mass. This began a deeper dive into the Christian faith and his study of religion. Trent eventually realized that the Catholic faith “really is biblical,” and entered the Church at age 17.
Later, he served in the high school youth group, evangelized on various college campuses, gave talks at pro-life events and parishes, and worked for the Diocese of Phoenix. All of this prepared him for his 2012 position at Catholic Answers.
“Holy Apostles’ commitment to affordability, faithfulness, and flexibility has allowed us to form effective evangelists like Trent Horn in all walks of life. I highly recommend reading his books, especially Why We’re Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love,” said President-Rector Fr. Peter Kucer.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary holyapostles.edu is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
Feb 2, 2024 | Alumni, News
College is an opportunity to explore one’s interests and skills, discern one’s path, and create meaningful relationships along the way.
It is certainly the case for Daniel O’Connor and his wife Regina O’Connor (Wagner), who met while attending Holy Apostles College & Seminary (HACS) over 10 years ago.
Daniel completed an MA degree in Philosophical Theology in 2012 at HACS alongside a class of exceptional students, including the Very Reverend Chris Alar M.I.C. and the Very Reverend Daniel Reehil, V. F., among others, who, as seminarians, were studying for their M.Div degrees; friendships that continue today.
Regina, who hails from Hamden, CT, received her BA in Philosophy in 2013. Her interest in attending HACS as a commuter student resulted from the desire to further her studies, having obtained an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy from a secular college in 2011. But this time, a Catholic education was essential to her.
“From the first moment I stepped onto the campus at Holy Apostles, I felt both an indescribable sense of peace and a profound gratitude to the Holy Spirit for guiding me there. In the two years I studied at HACS, I had only the most incredible experiences. I absolutely loved the small, deeply faith-based classes (taught by truly solid, Catholic professors), and getting to know some of the most incredible people I have ever had the blessing to meet,” said Regina.
“Among some of the most beautiful opportunities I had as a lay student included: singing in a campus choir with fellow classmates – lay students, seminarians, and religious sisters alike – for various Masses, attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and being able to regularly stop by the beautiful campus chapel (where Daniel later proposed to me) to pray in the presence of Our Lord. I will forever be grateful to God for leading me to Holy Apostles!”
After graduating from Holy Apostles, the couple was later married by the then HACS President-Rector, Fr. Mosey, at St. Mary Church in New Haven.
Currently, Daniel and Regina reside in upstate New York and now have five children ranging from ages one to nine years old, keeping them extremely busy. An adjunct Philosophy Professor at the State University of New York Community College, Daniel has also completed four years of studies toward a Ph.D. in Philosophy. And carrying on the family tradition, two of Daniel and Regina’s nieces are currently online students at HACS.
Daniel affectionately recalls his time on campus, “My experiences at Holy Apostles remain among the fondest memories of my life, as well as the ones from which I am most wholeheartedly grateful. Whether attending Mass and praying the Divine Office in the chapel, studying under the guidance of the excellent and inspiring professors, or enjoying fellowship with other students, or participating in the many extra-curricular activities that flourished (such as pro-life work and evangelization), the opportunities provided at HACS were unique and irreplaceable. I hope and pray that many thousands more students are able to experience what I did at Holy Apostles!”
Daniel has gained a strong following on his website and blogs on many topics ranging from the Divine Will and Divine Mercy apostolates to the subjects of eschatology, AI, and reflections on our times. He has been a guest on many webcasts and shows, including EWTN Living Divine Mercy, among others.
Recently, Daniel published a book called, “Only Man Bears His Image,” a comprehensive publication depicting Catholic and Biblical views on aliens, UFOs, and other Sci-Fi issues. A fascinating book!
“We are blessed to have such a beautiful family as part of our community, both as alumni and current students,” said Fr. Peter Kucer, President-Rector. “The O’Connor family exemplifies what Saint John Paul II wrote, ‘To the extent in which the Christian family accepts the Gospel and matures in faith, it becomes an evangelizing community…The family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates. In a family that is conscious of this mission, all the members evangelize and are evangelized. The parents not only communicate the Gospel to their children, but from their children, they can themselves receive the same Gospel as deeply lived by them. And such a family becomes the evangelizer of many other families, and of the neighborhood of which it forms part.” (Familiaris Consortio, 52)
Holy Apostles College and Seminary www.holyapostles.edu is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in the areas of apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
Nov 28, 2023 | Alumni, News
Caption: Very Reverend Daniel Reehil,
V.F. and President Rector Fr. Peter
Kucer at the Boston Marian Conference
Very Reverend Daniel Reehil, V.F., is the Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church in the Nashville area and has a fascinating story about his journey to the priesthood.
As a Wall Street banker in Manhattan in the 1990s, he was invited to take a trip to Medjugorje in 1998 after being away from the church for twenty years. During confession, the priest told him that he believed he had a vocation. This life-altering pilgrimage began a transformational conversion for him.
The experience led him to re-evaluate his life, and so after 9/11, he moved to Boston to begin his formation under the mentorship of Fr. Tom Dilorenzo. Later, Fr. Dan attended Holy Apostles College and Seminary and completed his MDiv in 2014. During that time, he also spent five years in a contemplative hermitage
Along with his busy pastoral responsibilities and his role as Treasurer of the Diocesan Bank of Nashville CCIL, Fr. Dan also leads an engaging radio broadcast at 9:00 am CT called Battle Ready on Radio Maria USA, discussing a variety of topics relevant to our times and to advancing the Gospel.
Fr. Dan is also a well-known exorcist of the Diocese of Nashville. In fact, he was featured this past October on Fox News warning of the dangers of Ouija boards.
In 2018, he received his exorcism training at Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum in Rome and completed intensive spiritual warfare training with the Intercessors of the Lamb in Omaha. He has seen unusual paranormal experiences and strange manifestations in his role of exorcist but remains undaunted.
“As I approach the 10th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood, I am continually thankful for the solid, orthodox formation I was afforded at Holy Apostles Seminary and College. The strong work ethic and mission to serve, coupled with an excellent academic formation and a dedicated discipline of prayer and adoration have given me the tools to cultivate a rhythm of life to faithfully serve the parish and various ministries I shepherd,” said Fr. Reehil
“I have also maintained many solid friendships with the men I befriended at Holy Apostles Seminary; friendships that have grown into a brotherhood and relationships I am so grateful to have formed while in seminary.”
Fr. Reehil is in demand and travels extensively for speaking engagements worldwide. This fall, he was a guest speaker at the Boston Marian Conference in Quincy, Massachusetts. At the conference, he shared stories about the importance of following the leading of the Holy Spirit as we live out our Christian calling.
“As pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Columbia, TN, and as the Exorcist of the Diocese of Nashville, Fr. Dan Reehil is placing his many gifts at the service of the Church in a truly Christ-centered manner, “said Fr. Kucer. “Holy Apostles College & Seminary is blessed to have formed Fr. Reehil at our seminary. May Fr. Reehil and his ministry be blessed abundantly and flourish in accordance with God’s will.”
Holy Apostles College and Seminary www.holyapostles.edu is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated and lay students, for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
Oct 31, 2023 | Alumni, News
Pictured: President Rector Fr. Peter Kucer, MSA and Very Reverend Chis Alar, MIC at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, standing in front of the weeping image of Divine Mercy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2023
Congratulations to the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, on the news that he is the newly elected Provincial Superior of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in the United States and Argentina. Currently, he is also the Director of the Marian Helpers on the grounds of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Fr. Chris Alar received his Master in Divinity degree in 2014 from Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, CT.
President Rector Fr. Peter Kucer, MSA, President-Rector of Holy Apostles College & Seminary, recently visited Fr. Alar at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. “The service and evangelization that Fr. Alar is doing for the Shrine and our Catholic faith is truly remarkable. His ministry is reaching many people whose lives have been transformed by his teachings and witness of life,” said Fr. Kucer. “Holy Apostles College & Seminary is truly blessed to have formed at our seminary this exemplary, Christ-centered, inspirational priest who is placing his many gifts at the service of extending the Kingdom of God.”
Like other delayed vocation priests who attended Holy Apostles Seminary, Fr. Chris was a successful business owner living a worldly life before he decided to become a priest. Everything changed after he read the diary of St. Faustina and came to realize God’s infinite mercy, especially with his grandmother’s suicide that had impacted him. This experience led Fr. Chris to write the book After Suicide: There’s Still Hope for Them and You (2019).
“I am very grateful for the formation and education I received at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. It is the foundation of my priesthood, built on a life of prayer that was also fostered in me during my time there. As I give many talks around the world, I often explain what I am teaching is what I learned at HACS, a seminary faithful to the teachings of Christ and His Church”, said Fr. Alar.
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. on EWTN, Fr. Chris hosts Living Divine Mercy, reaching millions of viewers with helpful information about the Catholic faith with inspirational stories. He also travels the globe giving popular talks on the messages of Divine Mercy and relevant teachings for our times.
The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy hosts thousands of visitors yearly at its beautiful chapel and grounds in the Berkshires and promotes the messages and devotions of God’s mercy given to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska OLM.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary www.holyapostles.edu is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in the areas of apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
