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
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.
From Religious Questions to Catholic Answers: Trent Horn’s Conversion Story
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.
O Alum, come to my assistance!
Article by Fr. Jeffrey “Skip” Thompson, MSA
Brothers who’ve responded to the call of the priesthood are a special lot. And seminary classmates have a special bond of friendship that comes from studying together in the same place and time and “burning the midnight oil” on the weightiest subject a mind can focus on: God So, it’s good for Alumni to stay in touch.
Earlier in May, I signed up to chaplain a Holland America cruise ship bound for Alaska from Vancouver, B.C. On board, I delivered daily mass, Sunday Masses for passengers and crew and a Sunday fellowship for our “separated protestant brothers and sisters”.
It turns out my old classmate of the Class of 2015, Fr. Larry Lynn, is now Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Coquitlam, near Vancouver. I flew up from Los Angeles to spend a week with him before my cruise ministry.
I was present to cover for Fr. Larry one day due to illness. And he invited me to deliver Sunday homilies on John 6 — the Bread of Life discourse — my favorite retreat conference topic! Okay, I’m helping, good stuff.
But before coming I sent Fr. Larry a short treatise by Bishop Michael Burbidge from the Diocese of Arlington, entitled “A Catechesis on the Human Person and Gender Theory.” It is solid information and overdue. Unfortunately, too much “self-censorship” seems to be going on.
Left: Fr. Larry Lynn, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada. Right: Fr. Skip Thompson, MSA. Director of the Santa Clara Retreat House in Oxnard, CA. Thinking, walking and talking one day on the Pitt River just north of Coquitlam, and east of Vancouver, B.C.,. You never know what might be dreamed up!
Our countries are drowning in a cesspool of ideology to pervert and ruin our future generations. Parents and parishes need critical help, yesterday, to understand the truth of the human person from the perspective of Christian anthropology — to be able to push back against the culture and save their kids. Priests and bishops need to do their jobs — or else! He who has ears to hear, listen to Ezekiel 3 for details!
So, a fine idea emanated from our little “Alumni mini-reunion.” Why not deliver a conference on this hot, controversial topic? Our kids’ survival is at stake. The Chancery approved it. It’s been promoted to the whole Deanery. And even passengers from the cruise ship are coming! The date is September 5, 2024. Look for a future blub on this event.
But, here’s the takeaway: imagine, what would happen if a larger HACS Alumni reunion gathered together. And imagine the benefits of networking solid, orthodox priests together, all having been formed in the same solid, orthodox seminary together, dealing with issues like this? Just asking.
Welcome To A New Academic Year
Dear Holy Apostles Community,
“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (2 Timothy 1:2 RSVCE)
As we begin the fall semester, I extend my greetings and blessings in the Lord Jesus to you all.
Currently, our campus is being filled with life as our seminarians, student priests, sisters and on-campus commuter students return. I welcome our many students who are joining us online and are part of a robust international community.
I would like to note the appointment of two important administrators Dr. Kristina Olsen Ph.D. as the Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Dr. John O’Neill as the B.A. Theology program coordinator. Dr. O’Neill will also serve as an Assistant Professor of Theology.
Our fall semester and new academic year began on Monday, August 26 with the celebration of Holy Mass at 11:30 a.m. It was followed by the Opening Convocation Ceremony for the 2024-25 academic year. It included the official installation of Dr. Olsen in her new role as Vice-President of Academic Affairs and also the faculty taking the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity.
Left to Right: Very Rev. Peter S. Kucer, MSA (President-Rector), Very Rev. Martin Rooney, MSA (Chancellor), and Dr. Kristina Olsen (Vice President of Academic Affairs)
We look forward to on-campus retreats and online webinars this year including some that are outlined in this newsletter along with our first HACS Scholarship Dinner being held on October 26 in Cromwell, CT.
Please reach out to Cristi Shaw at [email protected] with any suggestions and feedback as we work to make the year ahead fulfilling and engaging for our community.
United in the Lord Jesus,
Father Peter Kucer, MSA STD
President-Rector
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.
Your Mother Is Calling: A Healing Retreat
Please join us for a powerful Healing Retreat on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Open to all, this dynamic retreat is a special opportunity for spiritual renewal and healing.
9:00 AM Mass celebrated by Fr. Dermot Roache, S.M.A.
10:00 AM First Session with Kathleen McCarthy
11:15 AM Second Session with Fr. Dermot Roache, S.M.A.
12:15 PM Lunch
1:15 PM Adoration and Confession
2:00 PM Eucharistic Healing Service with Prophetic Words with Kathleen McCarthy
3:00 PM Closing
Registration & Contact Information
Cost: $35 including lunch
Healing Retreat Invitation (Click to Download)
Participant Registration (Click to Register)
Participant Registration + Fr. Roache’s Book (Click to Register)
For further information, please email Cristi Shaw at [email protected] or call 860-632-3017. We are located at 33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, CT 06416
*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.
About Our Speakers
Fr. Dermot Roache, S.M.A.
Fr. Dermot Roache, S.M.A. is a native New Yorker and has served as a missionary priest with the S.M.A. Fathers in rural parts of Africa as well as in US urban parish settings in Jersey City and Boston. He is currently the vice-provincial of the American Province of the S.M.A. Fathers located in Tenafly, New Jersey.
Fr. Roache directs retreats and missions in many dioceses around the US for both laity and religious. He has a deep love for Our Lady and the Eucharist. Through an experience Fr. Roache had in South Africa, a special apostolate was founded. Family Divine Mercy is dedicated to the healing of the family through The Divine Mercy. It is most associated with a particular prayer he authored called, “Act of Consecration of the Family to the Divine Mercy.” Fr. Roache recently published a book of Marian reflections entitled, I am the Virgin Mother of God and Your Mother Too.
Kathleen McCarthy
Kathleen McCarthy is President of In His Sign Catholic Radio Network, a Retreat Director, and Published Author. Her current books are titled In The Silence of My Heart (Volumes 1-10). These writings, spanning over ten years of prophetic locutions, have received the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat of the Catholic Church. Kathleen is also a world-renowned Catholic Evangelist and has led a healing Apostolate for over four decades. Her message is focused on the “Fire of the Holy Spirit” and the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Kathleen has dynamic gifts of Preaching, Teaching, Healing, and of bringing the Sacred Scriptures to life through her story-telling. Kathleen has been hosting a daily radio show for close to two decades which can be seen live on Facebook as well. She has been deeply involved in healing ministry and has led numerous retreats.
Exploring the Immaculate Heart of Mary: August’s Library Display
This August, our library is excited to showcase a special display dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a powerful symbol of devotion and faith. Each month, we will focus on a different theme, curating a collection of resources that highlight its significance. This month, we turn our attention to Mary’s profound interior life, marked by both joy and sorrow, yet always steadfast in her faith.
On August 15th, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, when she was taken up into heaven in both body and soul. To honor this feast day, our display includes a diverse selection of books, art books, encyclicals, and several theses and professional papers from our alumni. These resources reflect the depth of Mary’s devotion and her role as a model of holiness.
Mary’s feast reminds us that we are created for the glory of God, and we must respect the dignity of every human life.
Featured Resources:
- Alberione, Rev. James. Mary Hope of the World. Indianapolis: St. Paul edition 1962.
- Allegra, Gabriel. Mary’s Immaculate Way to God. Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, 1985.
- Eudes, Saint John. The Admirable Heart of Mary. New York: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, 1948.
- Fox, Rev. Robert J. Immaculate Heart of Mary True Devotion. Indianapolis: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, 1986.
- Heinrich, Sister Grace Marie. “Queen of Heaven and Earth: Scriptural Foundation of the Queenship of Mary.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2015.
- The Immaculate Conception in the Life of the Church: Essays from the International Mariological Symposium in Honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, ed, Calloway, Donald H. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2004
- Life of the Madonna in Art, 1985 Boston: Daughters of St. Paul.
- Magnificat 5, no. 6 (August 2024).
- Mater Misericordiae An Annual Journal of Mariology 4 (2019).
- The Marian Movement of Priests, To the Priests Our Lady’s Beloved Sons 12th edition. St. Francis, ME: Marian Movement of Priests, 1989.
- Mongelos, Amanada Cristina. “Mary’s Spiritual Motherhood in the Church.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2018.
- Murphy, John F. Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Milwaukee: The Bruce Publishing Co., 1951
- Nguyez, Sister Thuan, “The Blessed Virgin Mary: Model of Consecration in the Consecrated Life.” M.A. Professional Paper, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2021.
- Ngyen, Sister Thuy, “Mary as Mother.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College &Seminary, 2016
- Pope Pius IX, Apostolic Constitution on Defining the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, issued December 8, 1854. Boston, MA: Saint Paul’s Books & Media.
- Pope John Paul II, Encyclical Letter, Mother of the Redeemer on the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Life of the Pilgrim Church, March 25, 1987.
- Pope John Paul II, Holy Thursday Letter to Priests, Holy Thursday 1988. Boston: Saint Paul’s Books & Media.
- Swirzon, Peter, J. “Mary Mediatrix of Sacramental Grace.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2016.
- The Virgin Mary and the Theology of the Body, ed. Calloway, Donald H. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press 2005Vu, Sister Thom. “Mary as a Model of Obedience.” M.A. Thesis, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, 2016
- Wheeler, Marion M. Mary Images of the Virgin in Art. New York: BCL Press/Book Creation LLC.
We invite you to visit the Library and explore these materials. Join us in celebrating the virtues exemplified by the Immaculate Heart of Mary and reflecting on the glory of God that each of us is called to embrace.
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]