Coronavirus/covid-19 Updates
Prayer Requests
During this time the Family of Holy Apostles is praying for you and your loved ones. We want to offer you the opportunity to send us your specific prayer intentions. If you have any specific prayer requests please send them to us using this email address [email protected]. All prayer requests will be prayed for by the Holy Apostles Family during our daily Masses and Eucharistic Adoration. God bless you and Mary, Queen of Apostles, watch over and protect us.
HACS Community Updates
Healing Retreat Highlights and Blessings
Fr. Dermot Roache S.M.A. reminded attendees to rely on God’s Mercy. Photos by Martin O’Brien.
Over 75 attendees joined a special Healing Retreat held on the Holy Apostles campus on Saturday, October 5. The retreat was led by Fr. Dermot Roache S.M.A. and Kathleen McCarthy. Fr. Roache and Kathleen often give retreats together at places such as the Malvern Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, so having them at Holy Apostles was a gift.
The day began with the Holy Mass in the chapel celebrated by Fr. Roache. This was followed by two powerful morning talks and personal testimonies. The title of the retreat “Your Mother is Calling” was chosen to emphasize the importance of the Blessed Mother’s intercession in our lives and in our healing journey.
Kathleen McCarthy shared her personal journey of healing.
Kathleen, a world-renowned Catholic evangelist, has led a healing apostolate for over four decades. She is the president of In His Sign Catholic Radio Network. Kathleen, who is blessed with a large family, shared in her morning talk about the spiritual path that brought her back to the Catholic Church and how the realization of the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist impacted that journey.
Fr. Roache, who had just returned from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, shared about his work as a missionary priest in Africa. He is currently the vice-provincial of the American Province of the S.M.A. Fathers located in Tenafly, New Jersey. Fr. Roache emphasized the importance of trust in God’s mercy, something he said that Adam and Eve failed to do, but that we are all called to trust in God’s Divine Mercy no matter how unworthy we feel. Fr. Roache also spoke about how easy it is to get drawn into the darkness and how critical to hold firmly to the light and follow the truth.
Eucharistic Healing in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Chapel
The afternoon session continued with adoration, confession and a spirit-filled Eucharistic Healing service with prophetic words from Kathleen and accompanied by the Holy Apostles’ music ministry. It was a beautiful day of spiritual renewal and healing!
Kathleen’s current books are titled In The Silence of My Heart (Volumes 1-10). These writings that have received the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat of the Catholic Church can be purchased at her website. Fr. Roache also recently published a wonderful book of Marian reflections entitled, I am the Virgin Mother of God and Your Mother Too available on Amazon.
Thanksgiving Mass and Brunch
PRESIDENT-RECTOR MASS AND BRUNCH
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated for you and
your intentions in appreciation for faith and friendship.
Sunday, November 17, 2024
10:30 AM
Queen of the Apostles Chapel
33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, CT
Followed by a complimentary brunch at St. Peter’s Refectory
If you are able to join us, please RSVP to Cristi Shaw at
[email protected] or 860-632-3010.
Saints Faustina & Francis of Assisi: October’s Library Display
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, called during a vision of the Suffering Christ, on August 1, 1925 she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and took the name Sister Mary Faustina. She lived in the Congregation for thirteen years and lived in several religious houses. She spent time in Kraków, Poland and Vilnius, where she worked as a cook, gardener, and porter. Externally nothing revealed her rich mystical interior life. She zealously performed her tasks and faithfully observed the rule of religious life. She was recollected and at the same time very natural, serene, and full of kindness and disinterested love for her neighbor. She hid within herself an extraordinary union with God. At the specific request of and following the example of the Lord Jesus, she made a sacrifice of her own life for this very goal. In her spiritual life, she also distinguished herself with a love of the Eucharist and a deep devotion to the Mother of Mercy.
Francis of Assisi was an Italian mystic, poet, and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty, he became a beggar and itinerant preacher. He is commonly portrayed wearing a brown habit with a rope tied around his waist, featuring three knots symbolizing the three Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. According to Christian tradition, in 1224 Francis received the stigmata during the apparition of a Seraphic angel in a religious ecstasy. Francis is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of the fourth of October, which became World Animal Day. He was noted for his devotion to the Eucharist.
Bibliography for Saint Maria Kowalska Faustina and Saint Francis of Assisi
SAINT FAUSTINA:
- Faustina, Saint Maria Kowalska. Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2004.
- Kosicki, George W. Herald of Divine Mercy Meet Saint Faustina. Cincinnati, OH: Charis Books 2021.
- O’Boyle, Donna-Marie. 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina A Year of Grace & Mercy. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2018.
- Sosnowski, Leszek. The Gospel of Lagiewniki: The Life and Work of Saint Sister Faustina. Cracow, Poland: Bialykruk 2002.
- Tarnawaska, Maria. Sister Faustina Kowalska. London, UK: Veritas Foundation Publication Centre 1989.
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI:
- Cunningham, Lawrence. San Franciso, CA: Harper & Rowe Publishers 1981.
- De la Bedoyere, Michael. Francis of Assisi. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press 1999.
- Deacon, Fr. Angelo (translator). Francis of Assisi. Freiburg, Germany: Herder KG Publishers 1975.
- North, Wyatt. Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life Inspired. Boston, MA: Wyatt North Publishing 2014.
- Schatzlein, Joan and Sulmasy, Daniel. Francis the Leper. Phoenix, AZ: Tau Publishing 2014.
- Simsic, Wayne. Living the Wisdom of St. Francis. New York, NY: Paulist Press 2001.
- Van Doonik, Fr. N.G. Francis of Assisi: A Prophet for Our Time. Chicago, IL: Franciscan Herald Press 1979.
- Velar, Editrice. Francis of Assisi: Innovator for a New Society. Waterford, WI: Franciscan Missions, Inc. 1994
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
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!
Sean Forrest – Journey to Christ’s Mission
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.
Holy Apostles Scholarship Dinner
The honor of your presence is requested at the
Holy Apostles Scholarship Dinner
To benefit the Seminarian Scholarship Fund
Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 5:30 pm
Reception and Dinner at the
TPC River Highlands
1 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT
The Holy Apostles Leadership Award will be presented to Fr. Ray Introvigne ’60.
COVID19 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Campus Open to the Public?
Campus Access – The Campus is ONLY open to resident students. This includes but is not limited to the Dining Hall, Chapel, and Library.
Is the Commencement Ceremony/Graduation Postponed?
Updated Tuesday, March 31st
Dear Family of Holy Apostles College and Seminary:
After careful consideration and after hearing from you, our students, we have decided to postpone graduation to a later date not canceling it altogether or live-streaming it. We understand how important this time is for you, our graduates.
Unfortunately, we are not sure when this will be, as things are ever-changing due to the Coronavirus. As things become more clear we will communicate with our graduates the information we have. We thank those of you who wrote to us with your concerns about graduation. Your comments and concerns allowed us to better discern about graduation.
Please be assured of our prayers for you and your families.
United in the Lord Jesus,
Fr Peter S. Kucer, M.S.A. S.T.D.
President-Rector
Is the Gratitude Gala Postponed?
The Gratitude Gala – The HACS Gratitude Gala scheduled for April 24th has been postponed. Please watch for information on a future date.
Are Online Students' Schedules Affected?
Online Students – Your courses will take place as scheduled.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact Jennie Murphy at [email protected]