James Wahlberg to receive Honorary Doctorate at Holy Apostles College and Seminary 2025 Commencement

Mar 27, 2025 | News

Cromwell, Connecticut — Holy Apostles College and Seminary is proud to announce that Mr. James Wahlberg, writer, speaker, and filmmaker, will deliver the commencement address at the Holy Apostles 67th Commencement Ceremony. Holy Apostles will bestow an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, upon Mr. Wahlberg in recognition of his notable contributions to society.

The commencement exercises will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the Holy Apostles campus. Festivities will begin on Friday evening with the Holy Apostles Gala held at St. Clements Castle & Marina featuring special guest The Most Reverend Christoper J. Coyne, 6th Archbishop of Hartford, and a keynote address from Mr. Wahlberg.

Jim Wahlberg is the Executive Director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which partners with other youth organizations to improve the lives of inner-city youth. He is also the founder and CEO of Wahl St. Productions, a full-service production company that independently produces films, television, and web content. He has worked in the field of addiction recovery for more than 25 years and Wahl St. Productions is credited with the films Circle of Addiction: A Different Kind of Tears (2018), If Only (2015), and What About the Kids (2020) designed to show the harsh realities and remove the stigma of addiction.

Jim Wahlberg is also the Executive Producer of Fathom Event’s #1 documentary of the year Mother Teresa: No Greater Love which was released in the U.S. in 2022 and internationally in 2023. Most recently he produced Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist, a documentary that takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist. Jesus Thirsts won #1 Documentary of 2024.

Currently, he is producing Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality, exploring the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a film that is scheduled for a limited release between April 27-29, 2025, coinciding with his April 27 canonization date.

Mr. Wahlberg is also an author, having written the autobiography titled The Big Hustle, the story of his personal journey of recovery, with Jim Caviezel writing the forward. He is a gifted speaker and truthful storyteller who impactfully recounts the challenges and triumphs in his life to bring hope to others facing difficult situations.

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.

Media Contact:
Ms. Beverly Tryon
Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Holy Apostles College & Seminary
[email protected]

Finding Answers in the Catholic Church – Alex Smith, Graduate Admissions Counselor

Mar 27, 2025 | News

Alex Smith joined Holy Apostles as a graduate admissions counselor in July 2023, but the college and seminary had an indirect impact on his life even prior to that time.

Alex was born and raised in Ringgold, Georgia, a city close to the northern border of the state, near Chattanooga, Tennessee. He grew up in a Southern Baptist church, with his family actively participating in the services: his father acted as choir director and played the drums, his grandmother played piano, his grandfather played the bass, and his great-grandfather was the pastor.

Alex’s great-grandfather was originally Catholic but did not follow his parents’ lead as far as practicing the faith. After serving in WWII, he met his future wife and embraced her Baptist faith, becoming a minister and a guiding force for his family and congregation.

When Alex was in middle school, this man who was the beloved preacher of his family and community died. Around that time, Alex and his parents’ attendance at services changed to occasional visits. After graduating from high school, Alex attempted to return to regular participation but again found himself falling away, not from God but from his church. He began to question what it meant to be Baptist.

Growing up, there were no available answers to the questions he asked about his faith. He began looking into other Protestant religions, including Methodists and Seventh Day Adventists, and didn’t find answers that were sufficient for him. A former teacher taught him about Jehovah’s Witnesses, but he declined when he better understood some of the beliefs, one of which was that they did not believe in the Trinity.

In 2020, during the onset of the pandemic, Alex met his future wife, Stephanie, a practicing Catholic. In the course of getting to know each other, they discussed the topic of religion, and Stephanie explained truthfully that she only saw herself marrying a Catholic. While both agreed that this could not be the reason for conversion, Alex made it clear that she was important enough for him to at least look into the faith. It was his soul in the balance, though, so he needed to make the decision based on what he believed was right.

Continuing his search for answers, this time in the Catholic faith, Alex took to the internet. He found “Catholic Answers,” a website that answers questions and allows you to read, listen, or watch content about Catholic topics. He also visited several YouTube channels: “The Counsel of Trent” with Trent Horn (MAPh, ’18), Matt Fradd (MATh, ’18) in “Pints with Aquinas,” and “Catholic Truth” with Bryan Mercier (MATh ’16). Only later, when working for Holy Apostles, did he discover that these YouTubers are alums of Holy Apostles.

The information, particularly the history behind the Catholic faith, interested him greatly. His enthusiasm was palpable when he explained that the answers and understanding found from these approved sources were the ones he had been looking for all along. The deciding factor for him was the Eucharist and his research of Eucharistic Miracles.

He enrolled in RCIA at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, with Stephanie as his sponsor. His mother, Sherrie, attended the sessions with him out of curiosity and found herself liking what she learned, as did his father, Jody, who was originally skeptical. All three of them were initiated into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil service in 2022, with Stephanie as sponsor for all three.

In addition, Alex surprised Stephanie by proposing in the church after being confirmed at the Easter Vigil service. Word had spread of his intentions, and a lot more people than usual stayed after Mass to witness the event. They were married in Stephanie’s parish, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mystic, Connecticut, on July 7, 2023, and now call Connecticut home.

After his move up north, Alex began working at Holy Apostles, interestingly, the same college attended by those who answered questions for him via their social media presence. He feels its positive impact, explaining, “Working at Holy Apostles has had a tremendous influence on my faith and provided a continued learning experience. The seminarians and religious sisters currently on campus come from as near as North America and as far away as Africa and Asia, which serves as a reminder of the vastness of the Catholic faith.” As for the answers for which Alex was searching, “I can proudly say I’m Catholic because I know what I believe and what the Catholic Church is and have learned to defend my faith. I have an identity in my faith, which I didn’t have before.”

Alex’s story represents the journey and the homecoming of the Catholic faith in his family, from his great-grandfather to him.

In Memoriam

Mar 27, 2025 | News

We commemorate our deceased members of the Holy Apostles family and request that you keep them in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Fr. Michael Edward Suchnicki, O.F.M.Cap., 86, died on Friday, February 20, 2025, two days before he would have celebrated 68 years as a professed religious. Born in 1938, he attended Catholic grammar and high school and then spent four years in repertory theatre in New York and New England. Realizing he did not want to spend the rest of his life playing the role of someone else, he entered the Capuchin Brothers Training Camp in Maryland. He was invested as a novice and on February 22, 1962, took his first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
In 1982, he entered Holy Apostles Seminary and was ordained a priest on April 29, 1988. He served in Kansas and Colorado, spending 25 years in Samaritan House in Denver, and was an untiring advocate for homeless men, women, and children in need. Wherever he served, Fr. Mike was beloved by his parishioners.

Karen L. Perry, 81, died peacefully on October 10, 2024. Karen was born and grew up in Middletown, Connecticut. A skilled nurse practitioner, she was known for her clinical expertise and compassionate care. She was a big believer in education and received several degrees, including a B.A. from Holy Apostles. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Thomas, her three children, Amy, Matthew, and Zachary, and four grandchildren, Kristin and Eli Hair, and Thomas and Charles Perry.

Kathleen Gilpin, Captain USNR, PhD, 41, died on May 11, 2024, after a long battle with Stage 4 breast cancer. After pursuing her undergraduate degree, Kathleen earned advanced degrees that included an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and an MA in Bioethics/Medical Ethics from Holy Apostles in 2022. She also received her PhD in Neuroscience and began working on her MBA, which the University of Notre Dame posthumously awarded her. She is survived by her husband Seth and two young children, Brigid and Myron.

Michael James Serpiello, 68, died on September 4, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. Described as a man of great integrity and humility, he was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Harrisburg, PA. He graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Holy Apostles. He was known for his dedication to prayer and time spent with family. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter; sister, brother-in-law, and nephew; stepdaughters; son-in-law; and grandchildren.

NECHE Public Announcement with Invitation for Feedback

Feb 28, 2025 | News

Cromwell, CT – Holy Apostles College & Seminary will undergo a comprehensive evaluation in Fall 2025 to renew its institutional accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of the oldest regional accrediting commissions in the United States.

As part of this process, an onsite peer review visit is scheduled for November 2-5, 2025, at the Holy Apostles College & Seminary campus in Cromwell, Connecticut. The institution has been accredited by NECHE since 1974, with the reaccreditation process occurring every ten years, along with a mid-term report submission. The college was last reaffirmed for accreditation in 2015.

A team of reviewers, experts in various higher education disciplines and representing institutions across New England and New York, will conduct an assessment based on the NECHE Standards for Accreditation. Members of the public are invited to submit comments or feedback regarding Holy Apostles College & Seminary’s compliance with these standards. For more information on how to submit feedback, please visit NECHE Accreditation Feedback Form.

The NECHE accreditation process allows Holy Apostles College & Seminary to demonstrate its commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence, ensuring the institution meets the highest standards of educational effectiveness.

NECHE is a non-profit, non-governmental membership organization that fosters institutional self-regulation, voluntary adherence to accreditation standards, and a system of peer review. The Commission accredits a broad range of institutions with distinct missions, evaluating each according to its unique goals while maintaining a focus on institutional quality and effectiveness.

For additional details about the accreditation process or Holy Apostles College & Seminary’s upcoming evaluation, please contact:

Dr. Kristina Olsen
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Holy Apostles College & Seminary
[email protected]

Holy Apostles Welcomes Bishop Betancourt for a Day of Prayer and Inspiration

Feb 14, 2025 | News

Bishop Betancourt speaks to Holy Apostles seminarians, priests, and religious sisters

On February 7, Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell had the honor of welcoming Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, Archdiocese of Hartford, who offered Mass and shared a powerful reflection with the seminarians and sisters studying on campus.

The event was a moment of spiritual enrichment for the Holy Apostles community. Bishop Betancourt’s presence and message resonated deeply, inspiring those in attendance to continue their formation with renewed faith and commitment. His thoughtful reflection emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s providence and dedicating oneself wholeheartedly to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Holy Apostles is pleased to share a special video featuring Bishop Betancourt’s blessing, extended to both on-campus and online students. In his heartfelt prayer, he sought the Lord’s guidance and protection for the entire Holy Apostles community. You can watch the full blessing here.

The bishop’s blessing reflects the mission of Holy Apostles to form faithful witnesses of Christ who are equipped to serve the Church and the world. As Bishop Betancourt prayed:

Heavenly Father, We come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your blessing upon these Holy Apostles College and Seminary students. Guide their minds in wisdom, their hearts in faith, and their hands in service. May their studies deepen their understanding of truth and prepare them to be faithful witnesses of Your love. Strengthen them in times of challenge, enlighten them in their learning, and inspire them to use their knowledge for the good of the Church and the world. Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may be lights of Christ wherever they go. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

This visit serves as a beautiful reminder of the ongoing support and encouragement from Church leaders who recognize the vital role that Holy Apostles plays in forming future priests, religious, and lay leaders.

The entire community extends its heartfelt thanks to Bishop Betancourt for his time, wisdom, and spiritual care. May God continue to bless his ministry abundantly.

Bishop Betancourt celebrates Mass at Holy Apostles

Photography credit to Aaron Joseph, The Archdiocese of Hartford