December 5, 2025
REMINDER: NEXT ALUMNI ZOOM ON DECEMBER 10
Time for another online gathering of the group! The next session will be held on Wednesday, December 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The url is https://bit.ly/43sFqz0. The password, if asked, is 267125.
As with other Zoom get-togethers, the session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required, but appreciated, to st joememories@gmail.com. You can join/leave at any time. Sessions are recorded for sharing via the alumni website and by the email newsletter.
Hope you’ll join in on December 10!
[Click on the image for a larger version of this three-page document.]
1975-76 BULLETIN
This edition of the Bulletin is much shorter than in previous years. It notes the replacement of Msgr. James Moran as rector by Fr. Anthony Vainawicz and shows the calendars for the high school and junior college. In rhe past the Bulletin included a detailed list of faculty members and a roster of students.
NOTE FROM 1979-80 ALUM
Brad Raffenaud, who attended St. Joe’s in 1979-80, recently asked whether the group was in touch with any students from the 1979-85 era. He noted that he would have been in the high school class of 1984. He can be reached by email at pocketbrad@gmail.com or by phone at 616-322-3836.
Brad was among the last students to attend St. Joe’s. In the 1980-81 school year attendance had dropped to 29. A diocesan funds evaluation commiittee recommended that the school be closed at the end of the 1981 academic year in June. In March, Bishop Breitenbeck made the formal closing announcement. The diocese continued to operate Christopher House for college seminarians for another ten years.
If you have any records, photos, or other memorabilia from this era, please send them along to st joememories@gmail.com so we can share them.
November 11, 2025
SAVE THE DATE: NEXT ALUMNI ZOOM ON DECEMBER 10
Time for another online prime time gathering of the group! The next session will be held on Wednesday, December 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The url is https://bit.ly/43sFqz0. The password, if asked, is 267125.
Please note that this Zoom is scheduled for Wednesday evening instead of Monday. In a previous session several months ago, the group decided to experiment with a new day of the week to minimize scheduling conflicts. Let us know if this change works for you.
As with other Zoom get-togethers, reservations are not required, but appreciated, to st joememories@gmail.com. You can join/leave at any time. Sessions are recorded for sharing via the alumni website and by the email newsletter.
Hope you’ll join in on December 10!
September 30, 2025
FR. TONY VAINAVICZ CELEBRATES 90 YEARS!
[Click on the image below for a larger view.]
ALL-CLASS ALUMNI MET UP
The 2025 all-alumni picnic style gathering was held on September 10 at the home of Bill Gebhard near Battle Creek. Another great opportunity to renew friendships, strike up new ones and share memories!
In attendance were:
+ Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
+ Jim Blanchard (Christopher House 1973)
+ Mike Donnelly (High School Class of 1966)
+ Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
+ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
+ Rick Gietzen (1967-71)
+ Al Grabinski (Class of 1966)
+ Bill Kelly (High School Class of 1966)
+ Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
+ John Obermeyer (High School 1952-54)
+ Rick O’Neil (Class of 1968)
+ Fr. Tom Page (Christopher House 1972)
+ Ed Swart (1962-67)
+ Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
+ Al Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
+ Bill Yagerlener (Class of1966)
August 18, 2025
LOOKIN AHEAD:
ALL-CLASS ALUMNI MEET-UP SEPTEMBER 10
The 2025 all-alumni picnic style gathering is coming up on Wednesday, September 10, beginning at noon at the home of Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek). Once again Bill has graciously offered to provide the food and beverages but needs to know how many people to expect. As in previous get-togethers, alumni from all classes and their spouses/guests are invited. RSVP via email to stjoememories@gmail.com or phone Bill at 616-581-5181 by September 1 if you plan to attend.
The address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7.
Another great opportunity to renew friendships, strike up new ones and share memories!
LOOKING BACK:
1996 REUNION OF CLASS OF 1961 + 1984 CHIRSTOPHER HOUSE REUNION
[Click on a photo for a larger image.]
The photo on the left, provided by John Mullally, shows the 1961 alumni. The photo of Chrisotpher House alumni on the right was taken 12 years later in 1984.
A HISTORY OF DETROT’S SACRED HEART SEMINARY:
From progressive to conservative to ‘an earthquake at the seminary
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) passed along this article from the August 13 edition of the National Catholic Reporter. Some alumni will remember visiting the seminary in May, 1965 for the first Interseminary Conference, the theme of which was “Sharing Today to Shape Tomorrow.” Archbishiop John Dearden was the featured speaker. Details are in the spring edition of The Recorder.
“When Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger in July fired three Sacred Heart Major Seminary professors known for their past criticisms of Pope Francis, it marked another turning point for the 106-year-old institution. Over four decades, Sacred Heart evolved into a conservative, right-wing Catholic seminary, much of the time under the influence of recently retired Archbishop Allen Vigneron.” The article is at https://bit.ly/4mQ6a3G
ST. JOHN’S RESORT TO HOST POPE’S SISTINE CHAPEL CHOIR
St. Joe alumni – especially those who attended St. John’s Provincial Seminary – will be interested in the announcment that some members of the Pope’s Sistine Chapel Choir will be performing at St. John’s Resort on September 4.
The facility began in the late 1940’s as a major seminary. Due to decling seminarian numbers, it closed in the late 1980’s and reopened in 1994 as St. John’s Center for Youth & Family, hosting various youth and family programs. In 1998 the property was repurposed into a conference center and event space. St John’s Resort is now owned by William Pulte Family Management with 100 percent of its profits donated to charity.
More info on the concert is in this MLive article. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased here.
August 4, 2025
SAVE THE DATE – ALL-CLASS ALUMNI MEET-UP SEPTEMBER 10
The 2025 all-alumni picnic style gathering is coming up on Wednesday, September 10, beginning at noon at the home of Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek). Once again Bill has graciously offered to provide the food and beverages but needs to know how many people to expect. As in previous get-togethers, alumni from all classes and their spouses/guests are invited. RSVP via email to stjoememories@gmail.com or phone Bill at 616-581-5181 by September 1 if you plan to attend. The address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7.
Another great opportunity to renew friendships, strike up new ones and share memories!
July 7 ZOOM SUMMARY
You can view the session at https://youtu.be/BbU6ab3ZHT4
PARTICIPANTS
+ Paul Banner (Class of 1966
+ Jim Blanchard (Christopher House Class of 1973)
+ Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
+ Dick Gallant (Class of 1965)
+ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
+ Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
+ Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
+ Mike Murphy (Class of 1966)
+ Frank Unger (Class of 1965) Frank participated by audio.
+ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
+ Technology and signing onto Zoom sessions
+ Deaths of alumni
+ Scheduling Zoom sessions: several conflicts on Mondays and Tuesdays. We will try scheduling future meetings on Wednesdays.
+ Jim Blanchard suggested talking about the Trump administration’s policies, especially immigration. Discussion 26:00 – 1:02:41
+ Health of alumni. Travel plans and experiences in Europe.
+ September meet-up at Bill Gebhard’s home on Wednesday, September 10 starting at noonish. Map to follow.
+ Closing of parishes due to declining number of ordinations and retirement of older priests.
ODDS AND ENDS – DWELLING PLACE & BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES
Tom Dalton (1959-60) has been keeping track of the transformation of St. Joe’s Seminary and sends along these three photos. (Click on each for a larger version.)
The first (from left to right) shows the Dwelling Place Union Street homes on Winchell St. near Martin St. at the southeast corner of the former athletic field.
Next is the entrance on Union Street with a new stylish fence that is replacing an old chain link version. It looks much nicer than the one that was erected in 1961 to keep out neighborhood trespassers – not to keep us seminarians in, or so we were told.
Last up is the new driveway next to the fomer St. Henry’s Hall, which is now used by Bethany Christian Servies for youth programs.
July 3, 2025
REMINDER: NEXT ZOOM JULY 7
Our next session will be on Monday, July 7, beginning at 7:00 pm ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3ZRIgvl. The password, if asked, is 796559. Zoom sessions are open to all alumni from all classes. A reservation isn’t required, but an RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com is appreciated.
Plans for an all-class meet-up in September will be discussed.
Hope you will join in!
(Alumni Zoom sessions are recorded. Links to past sessions can be found by checking back issues of Alumni Update at https://saintjosephseminary.com/alumni-update/.)
U.S. Bishops ’President Reacts to Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act
July 3 2025 [excerpt]
”Reacting to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by the U.S. Congress, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, lamented the great harm the bill will cause to many of the most vulnerable in society, making steeper cuts to Medicaid and clean energy tax credits, and adding more to the deficit…
“…The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation. The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society. As its provisions go into effect, people will lose access to healthcare and struggle to buy groceries, family members will be separated, and vulnerable communities will be less prepared to cope with environmental impacts ofpollution and extreme weather. More must be done to prevent these devastating effects.”
The full statement is at https://bit.ly/44rX9pO
June 9, 2025
Gerald Tygielski (High School Class of 1966) of West Jefferson, NC, passed away on April 30, 2025. He lived with Parkinson’s Disease for nearly a decade with strength and perseverance. In his final months, he faced complications from meningitis, and transitioned peacefully with his wife of 39 years by his side.
Born on January 5, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Gerry lived a life rooted in service, dedication, and deep care for the Earth and his community. He was known for his strong work ethic, fierce independence, and loveable sense of humor.
Gerry was a licensed general contractor and dedicated more than 30 years of service to Habitat for Humanity. He was one of the founding members of Ashe County Habitat, which continues to thrive–now in its 17th year, building its11th affordable home, and running a growing ReStore, currently moving into its third and largest location. He served in many roles over the years, including Volunteer Construction Supervisor and Treasurer.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and integrity, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donations may be made in his memory to Ashe County Habitat for Humanity (https://www.ashehabitat.org/donate-online/) or the APEX Program at St. Joseph’s University (www.sju.edu/campus-ministry/apex), two organizations close to Gerry’s heart.
Additional information at https://bit.ly/3YSm1oO
NEXT ZOOM JULY 7
Our next session will be on Monday, July 7, beginning at 7:00 pm ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3ZRIgvl. The password, if asked, is 796559. Zoom sessions are open to all alumni from all classes. A reservation isn’t required, but an RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com is appreciated.
Plans for an all-class meet-up in September will be discussed.
Hope you will join in!
(Alumni Zoom sessions are recorded. Links to past sessions can be found by checking back issues of Alumni Update at https://saintjosephseminary.com/alumni-update/.)
May 16, 2025
Ronald Ingersoll (Class of 1961) passed away surrounded by his family on May 9, 2025, at St. Ann’s Home. He was 83 years old.
Ronald was born on September 27, 1941, in Grand Rapids, where he would spend his entire life, contributing to the community he loved. He was a proud graduate of St. Joseph Seminary.
A man of faith, Ronald was a committed member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church community. He was also a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus and found joy and purpose in serving and participating in church activities.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on May 15. Please consider memorial donations in Ronald’s name to Holy Trinity Catholic Church building fund, St. Ann’s Home, or Alpine Township Historical Commission.
More information at https://bit.ly/4dhwXlH
[Click on this photo for a larger view of the 2013 St. Augustine reunion.]
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE PAPAL KIND (Vol. 2)
The May 10 Alumni Update noted Pope Leo XIV’s connections to West Michigan via his attendance from 1969 to 1973 at St. Augustine Seminary in Holland. Almost immediately several St. Joe alumni sent along these interesting tidbits about St. Joe’s and Augustine seminaries – and the possibility that the future ponifff himself may have visited St. Joe’s.
Msgr. Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) – “St. Augustine Seminary used to invite Grand Rapids seminarians to their campus in the summer for cookout because their campus was along the shore of Lake Michigan and was a great spot for some summer fun together.”
Mike Donnely (1961-66) – “My sister-in-law taught Robert his high school French. They have shared emails periodically (most recently this week). He signs off as Bob.”
Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966) – “Greetings! When it came out that the new Pope went to a seminary in western Michigan, in Holland, I talked with my brother who graduated in ‘72 from St. Joe. He said that they played St. Augustine in basketball. However, in his time, the games were only played at St. Joe. He didn’t know why they never played in Holland. Maybe they didn’t have a full gym. He said that the team and fans came on a bus. After showering, they all took off. They did not stay for the food that we’re prepared for all the players.”
So, the Pope may have visited St. Joe’s if he had been a player or a spectator!
[Click on any photo for a larger version.]
UNION STREET HOUSING PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION
Just a few fiinishing touches remain in The Dwelling Place Community Land Trust project to develop a 42-home neighborhood in the onetime athletic field of St. Joe’s Seminary, according to a recent report by FOX 17.
The FOX report is available online at https://bit.ly/4deNoPE. The video can be viewed on the St. Joe Alumni website at https://bit.ly/4knGH09.
May 10, 2025
POPE LEO XIV IS NO STRANGER TO WESTERN MICHIGAN:
He Went to High School Here
The new pontiff enrolled in 1969 in St. Augustine Seminary High School, which was located on the Lake Michigan shoreline between Saugatuck and Holland.
A newspaper clipping from the Holland Sentinel from Oct. 7, 1972 noted that the then-senior was honored “for his high performance on the 1971 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. He graduated in 1973 and attended a reunion there in 2013. Click on right photo for a larger image. Then-Rev. Robert Prevost is in the red jacket.
St. Augustine Seminary no longer exists. The property was sold to the state, and much of it was later torn down. The high school fell within the Diocese of Grand Rapids while Prevost attended his early high school years and in the Diocese of Kalamazoo as he finished high school. The Diocese of Kalamazoo was established in 1971.
Terry Todish (St. Joe’s Class of 1974) noted that, although then-seminarian Prevost does not appear to have played on any of the St. Augustine teams, the two schools were rivals.
Joe Fodor (Class of 1978) writes about the shared camaraderie of the two schools:
“As St. Joe’s seminarians, we would visit the St. Augustine Seminary campus each year to compete in basketball and spend the weekend, commiserating with the fellow Augustine seminarians, watching together a Saturday night movie, served with popcorn and soda pop, then attend together Sunday morning Mass. I entered St Joseph Seminary in the fall of 1974. Now granted, Robert by then had already graduated from St. Augustine, but I calculate that I missed meeting him, throwing elbows on the basketball court, by a couple of years! How cool is that!”
Thanks also to Jerry Stein (Class of 1966) for the heads-up on this interesting news item.
SOME OTHER NOTES
After the May 10 Alumni Update was sent out, alumni sent over these interesting tidbits.
Msgr. Terry Srewart (Class of 1964) – “St. Augustine Seminary used to invite Grand Rapids seminarians to their campus in the summer for cookout because their campus was along the shore of Lake Michigan and was a great spot for some summer fun together.”
Mike Donnely (1961-66) – “My sister-in-law taught Robert his high school French. They have shared emails periodically (most recently this week). He signs off as Bob.”
Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966) – “Greetings! When it came out that the new Pope went to a seminary in western Michigan, in Holland, I talked with my brother who graduated in ‘72 from St. Joe. He said that they played St. Augustine in basketball. However, in his time, the games were only played at St. Joe. He didn’t know why they never played in Holland. Maybe they didn’t have a full gym. He said that the team and fans came on a bus. After showering, they all took off. They did not stay for the food that we’re prepared for all the players. So, the Pope may have been a player or at least in the stands.”
ST JOE ALUMNI ZOOM MEETING – MAY 5, 2025
The recording is on the Alumni Zoom Channel at https://youtu.be/8BF77uhLYiI
PARTICIPANTS
+ Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
+ Jim Blanchard (Christopher House Class of 1973)
+ Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
+ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
+ Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
+ Mike Murphy (Class of 1966)
+ Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966)
+ Dave Ramsay (1962-65)
+ Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
+ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
+ The Sulpicians
+ Internet connection problems
+ Charles Griffith (Class of 1964), other infirmarians,Sister Christopher & Christopher House
+ Other seminarian duties – Sacristan, Master of Ceremonies, Maintenance, Bookstore, Prefects, Athletics
+ Altar boys & other altars
+ Expansion of the chapel
+ Churches in Europe, the Sistine Chapel, side altars
+ Convents, crowding & expansions at St. Joe’s
+ Photos and artifacts of Christopher House
+ Priestly education & training after closing of minor seminaries+ The Conclave & U.S. Cardinals NOTE: This discussion took place before the conclave that chose the new pope.
+ Collective memories of modern popes
+ Visiting the Sistine Chapel
+ John Paul II’s visit to Detroit
+ August/September get-together plans
May 3, 2025
REMINDER – NEXT ZOOM MAY 5
Our next session will be on Monday, May 5, beginning at 7:00 pm ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3EaIeHA. The password, if asked, is 728230. Zoom sessions are open to all alumni from all classes. A reservation isn’t required, but an RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com is appreciated. Hope youi will join in!
Alumni Zoom sessions are recorded. Links to past sessions can be found by checking back issues of Alumni Update at https://saintjosephseminary.com/alumni-update/
ALUMNI NOTES
Tom Dalton (1959-60) reports that recently some people on his contact list, including possibly St. Joe alumni, have received scam messages that look like they’re coming from him. Suggestion: If you’ve received a suspicious email from him, don’t reply to it. Instead, use your email provider to reach him.
Charles Griffith (Class of 1964) has joined the St. Joe mailing list. Alumi who attended between 1958 and 1964 may remember him as one of the infirmarians who worked under Sister Christopher.
Mike Murphy (Class of 1966) has had numerous problems with email from Internet provider wowway.com and can now be reached only at mchlmrph97@gmail.com.
April 15, 2025
ROBERT BUNEK
A member of the Class of 1976, Bob passed away on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at home with his family at his side.
The son of Emil and Martha (O’Brien) Bunek, he spent his life in the home where he was raised. Bob attended St. Mary School until the 8th grade. He attended high school at St. Joseph Seminary followed by three years at Christopher House and Aquinas College. He earned a History and English degree from Grand Valley State University. He was a Master Electrician.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Endowment Fund, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.
More information: https://bit.ly/4kWiT4H
NEXT ZOOM: MAY 5
Our next session will be on Monday, May 5, beginning at 7:00 pm ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3EaIeHA. The password, if asked, is 728230. Zoom sessions are open to all alumni from all classes. A reservation isn’t required, but an RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com is appreciated. Hope you will join in!
ALUMNI WEBSITE
The website launched in 2018 featuring photos from the August 10 all-class reunion.
Since then it has become a treasure trove of documents, photographs and audiovisual recordings that trace the history of the seminary and its transformation from an abandoned, derelict property into a thriving campus that includes housing for low income older adults, a center for child and family services, assistance for young Latino immigrants, and the nearly completed construction of affordable brand-new homes. The site also provides information about alumni.
Here’s what you’ll find:
HOME – The latest issue of The Alumni Update plus any late breaking info that has come in since the publication of the online newsletter. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/.
CONTACT US – Get in touch with webmaster. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/contact/
CLASS PHOTOS – Framed photos of graduating classes between 1912 and 1976 hung on the walls of the second floor and later in the senior chapel and refectory. The url is https://saintjosephseminary.com/class-photos/
THE RECORDER – 59 issues of the student newsletter from 1954 to 1969. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/the-recorder/
YEARBOOKS – 7 yearbooks that were published between 1969 and 1978. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/yearbooks/
THE BULLETIN – 26 editions between 1938 and 1975 included details on the seminary, including the school’s administration, faculty, schedule, facilities, student services, daily program, regulations, fees, admission policy, curriculum, and the Register of Students from the previous scholastic year. The url is https://saintjosephseminary.com/the-bulletin/
ALUMNI UPDATE – Copies of the online alumni newsletter dating to November 2019. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/alumni-update/
THE SEMINARY IN 2024 – Photos and videos of the campus in August 2024. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/the-seminary-in-2024/
YouTube RECORDINGS – Links to the alumni YouTube Channel with over 100 audio and video recordings that capture some memories of life in the seminary, recent developments, plans for the future, and the shared reflections and recollections of some alumni. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/youtube-recordings/
PHOTO ALBUM – Glimpses of life in St. Joseph Seminary going back to the early 1900’s. The url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/look_at_the_past/
ALUMNI GET-TOGETHERS – The Class of 1961 began holding reunions of their classmates and over time included members of other years’ alumni. Here are several get-togethers.
MISCELLANY – This section of the website includes photos, videos and documents that don’t fit into other areas of the site including:
+ The Seminary in August 2019: Photos before the transformation that was launched in November 2019.
+ The 1950 Census – The census report reveals a few details about those who were living at St. Joe’s Seminary on April 1, 1950
+ Remembering Bishop Robert Rose – He began his formation for the priesthood at St. Joseph’s Seminary, where he completed high school and junior college in1950. As a member of the faculty from 1956 to 1971, he taught religion, Latin, Greek (classical and New Testament), French and music (chant). From 1969 to 1971, he served as the first director of Christopher House.
+ Class of 1966 – Collection of photos taken between 1963 and 2018.
+ SENTENTIAE – A 5-page undated mimeograph-style newsletter that was published only one time in 1965-66 by upperclassmen as a forum for sharing opinions.
+ The Rule Book – A detailed booklet on the training of a seminarian that spelled out such things as spiritual exercises, prayers, minute details about study, recreation, rest, dining, personal responsibilities and how students should behave even when outside the seminary.
+ Prayers and Devotions – The handbook of prayers which we were supposed to use in our daily prayer life.
A NEW DIRECTION – An examination of the major changes that began in November 2019: (1) the renovation of the main building into affordable rental apartments and the conversion of the gym into the Samaritas Child and Family Service Center, (2) remodeling of St. Henry’s Hall and the convent by Bethany Christian Services for its residential program and office space, and (3) the construction of homes by Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids.
2080 PROJECT – Details on the Dwelling Place construction project taking place on the former athletic field. the url is: https://saintjosephseminary.com/2080_project/
March 23, 2025
DONALD DOWNER
A member of the Class of 1963, Don died peacefully March 20, 2025 at age 81 after 10 years with cancer. Don was a gentle man who saw the humanity of each and every person–especially those pushed to the margins of our society. He worked tirelessly throughout his life on behalf and alongside people with mental illness, people with disabilities, and incarcerated people. He lived and breathed peace, equality, and justice.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday March 28, 2025 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church in Sparta. In lieu of flowers, Don’s family asks you to consider donating to Access of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Dominicans, or the Pigeon River Association. In his memory, he would ask you to “Do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).
Additional information: https://bit.ly/4c0iXfB
MARCH 10 ZOOM
Click here or on the above photo to launch the recording of the session.
PARTICIPANTS
+ Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
+ Jim Blanchard (Christopher House Class of 1973)
+ Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
+ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
+ Craig St.Martin (Class of 1969)
+ Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
+ Al Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
+ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
+ Jim Blanchard’s Trip to South America
+ Accommodations at St. Henry’s Hall and Christopher House in 1960’s and 1970’s
+ Michigan Attorney General’s reports on alleged abuse in Dioceses of Gaylord, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Marquette
+ Fellow students in the late 1960’s’and early 1970’s
+ New Detroit Archbishop and past/current Cardinals
+ How our lives were shaped by our lives in the seminary – Discussion led by Dick Galant begins at 39 minutes.
+ The Church in today’s world
+ Washington’s new archbishop: Cardinal Robert McElroy
+ Next Zoom: May 5
“WASHINGTON’S NEW ARCHBISHOP IS PROGRESIVE, OUTSPOKEN — AND READY TO STAND UP”
During our March Zoom session, Cardinal Robert McElroy was briefly mentioned. The following day he was installed as the Archbishop of Washington. In its March 17 edition, the Washington Post published an extenive profile that described him as “one of the Catholic Church’s most consistent fighters for social justice, the rights of immigrants and climate action.”
The online article is at https://wapo.st/4l3Mqtk. A PDF version is at https://bit.ly/4iQRejQ
February 25, 2025
[Click a photo for a larger view.]
UPDATE: 2080 UNION PROJECT
Work continues on the construction of 42 homes in the area that was the St. Joe Seminary’s athletic field. During a break in the winter weather several weeks ago, Tom Dalton visited the site and took a few photos.
TOP ROW
+ Left – The houses on Martin Street from the corner of Winchell & Martin
+ Center – From Martin looking west. The former gym can be seen in the distance as well as parts of the gym and main building.
+ Right – Looking kind of south from the north end of the houses. Houses on the right in the photo face Martin
BOTTOM ROW
+ Left – Looking north from Winchell Street. You can see the eastern stairwell of the main building.
+ Center – Looking east at the backs of the houses facing Martin. It looks like there could be room for more construction
+ Right – Looking north from Winchell Street at the walkway between the fronts of 2 rows of the houses
Look for the finishing touches in the coming months as April showers bring May flowers and the green green grass of these new homes!
FR. JAMES GARDINER OBITUARY
A member of the Class of 1963, Fr. Gardiner passed away on February 1 in Petoskey, MI. He retired in 2015 and resided in Indian River. During his ministry he was assigned to multiple parishes. A Funeral Mass was held on February 6. Memorial information at https://bit.ly/4hx3W6C
REMINDER: NEXT ZOOM ON MARCH 10, 2025
The next virtual get-together will take place on Monday, March 10, beginning at 7 p.m. The url is https://bit.ly/3PR0Hv0. The passcode, if asked is 194009. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com.
One possible discussion topic was suggested by Dick Gallant (Class of 1965) during the January 6 Zoom – the impact the seminary experience had on our lives after leaving St. Joe’s for better, for worse (at 1:22:46 duriing the session). You can watch the entire sesseion on the alumni YouTube page at https://bit.ly/41fDuaV.
Hope you will join in the comradery!
JANUARY 29, 2025
JANUARY 6, 2025 ZOOM
Watch on the alumni YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAvT-10FEqg&t=4s
PARTICIPANTS
+ Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
+ Jim Blanchard (Christopher House 1971 -1973)
+ Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
+ Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
+ Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
+ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
+ Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
+ Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966)
+ Albert Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
+ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
+ How about them Lions, Bears and Wolverines
+ Mentions: Neal Mullally, John Mullally, Jim Hanink, Fr. Jim Swiat, Fr. Tom Page
+ Records at Grand Rapids Diocesan Archives and other locations
+ Entering the seminary at an early age
+ The Bulletins description of seminary lifeChanges in the curriculum over the years
+ Location of parish recordsLocation of Diocesan Archives in seminary and Fr. Dennis Morrow’s role in preserving them
+ Suggestions for future Zoom sessions, including what impact did the seminary experience have on our lives after leaving St. Joe’s. (1:22:46)
+ Next Zoom on March 10
NEXT ZOOM ON MARCH 10, 2025
The next virtual get-together will take place on Monday, March 10, beginning at 7 p.m. The url is https://bit.ly/3PR0Hv0. The passcode, if asked is 194009. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com.
One possible discussion topic was suggested by Dick Gallant (Class of 1965) during the January 6 Zoom: the impact the seminary experience had on our lives after leaving St. Joe’s for better, for worse (at 1:22:46).
Hope you will join in the comradery!
“DOES THIS PRIEST LOOK A LITTLE FAMILIAR?”
That’s what Facebook poster Tom Carter rhetorically asked earlier this month. Many St. Joe Alumni recognize him as classmate and now senior priest Fr. Tom Page! Father Tom graduated from the 8th grade at St. Alphonsus in 1966. He began his priesthood studies at St. Joseph Seminary (Christopher House Class of 1972) and studied at other seminaries around the state as well. Ordained at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in June of 1979, Fr. Tom served at several parishes in West Michigan and was granted senior status in June, 2022.
The photos below were taken by fellow St. Alphonsus classmate Don Geske. You can view the Facebook posting at https://bit.ly/40Q46k0.
JANUARY 1, 2025
REMINDER: NEXT ZOOM ON JANUARY 6, 2025
The first virtual get-together of the New Year will take place on Monday, January 6, beginning at 7 p.m. The url is https://bit.ly/497fnPd. The passcode, if asked is 715929. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in the comradery!
THE 1930s &1940s CATALOGUES
[Click on the covers above or the links below to launch PDF versions of the contents.]
Over the past few months, we have examined eighteen issues of The Bulletin that were published between the academic years 1953-54 and 1974-75. Each publication included details on the seminary, including the school’s administration, faculty, schedule, facilities, student services, daily program, regulations, fees, admission policy, curriculum, and the Register of Students.
We’re closing out this series by looking at four publications from the 1930s and 1940s that are Bulletin precursors and show some notable differences from seminary life of the 1950s-1970s.
One notable difference is that the weekday risiing time in the 1930s was 5:30 a.m. Also none of the catalogues provides the academic backgrounds of faculty members nor the Register of Students. Other differences include:
+ The 1937-38 Catalogue -The Modern Language curriculum offered French (4 years), German (4 years), and Polish (6 years), Astronomy (1 year).
+ The 1939-40 Catalogue – One of the Polish instructors was Sister M. Cyrilla. Bookkeeping and Business Practices classes were offered for fifth and sixth year students. Typewriting was offered for “students who have a good standing in classwork.” Photos of two chapel windows are included.
+ The 1945-46 Catalogue – Weekday rising time was 6 a.m. French, German, and Polish courses were reduced to two years each. One year of Bookkeeping and Business Practices was offered.
+ General Information and Program Studies (undated) – Appears to have been used for several years in the early 1940s. “The third and fourth floors are occupied by dormitories, bathrooms, and locker rooms” is the first mention of the use of the fourth floor.
Visit the alumni website at https://saintjosephseminary.com/the-bulletin/ to examine the copies of The Bulletin and catlogues that we have collected so far in the Diocesan Archives and from several alumni. If you can fill in the missing issues, please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com and we’ll figure out how to include them in our collection and share them with other alumni.
DECEMBER 15, 2024
[Click on a photo for a larger version.]
61 YEARS AGO…
The photo on the left above was taken in December, 1963 from Bill Yagerlener’s third floor room in St. Henry’s Hall. Next to it is a December 12, 2024 photo by Tom Dalton. Alumni from the 1950’s and 1960’s remember shoveling the drive, usually right after lunch. Tom recalls that in 1959 Fr. Zaskowski had a Jeep, but it wasn’t used for clearing the drive.
Ah yes, we remember it well!
2080 UNION UPDATE
Tom Dalton continues to track Dwelling Place of Grapids’ project to construct 42 homes in what was at one time the athletic field of St. Joe’s Seminary. He took the photo on the right above on December 11 at the intersection of Union and Winchell. Just to the left of the houses you see our former gym, which has been transformed into a Samaritas Child and Family Service Center.
The last issue (November 24) of Alumni Update inaccurately reported that Father Guzikowski was serving as an Army Chaplain at the time of the June 6, 1944 D-Day invasion. We have now learned that he enlisted after D-Day and was assigned to the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 66th Infantry (Black Panther) Division. The division embarked for England in November, 1944. Its main role was to eliminate and contain the remaining German soldiers in Northern France in the final months of the war. It was during this period of fierce fighting that he was among the GIs captured and interned in a POW camp shortly before Germany surrendered.
THE 1955-56, 1962-63, & 1964-65 BULLETINS
[Click on the covers above or the links below to launch PDF versions of the contents.]
Thanks to Jim Blanchard for scanning these issues.
+ The 1955-56 Bulletin has the Class Register for the 1954-55 scholastic year.
+ The 1962-63 Bulletin has the Class Register for the 1961-62 scholastic year.
+ The 1964-65 Bulletin has the Class Register for the 1963-64 scholastic year.
Visit the alumni website at https://saintjosephseminary.com/the-bulletin/ to examine the copies of The Bulletin that we have collected so far in the Diocesan Archives and from several alumni. If you can fill in the missing issues, please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com and we’ll figure out how to include them in our collection and share them with other alumni.
Coming next … Jim has located and scanned several precursors to The Bulletin from the 19030’s and 1940’s.
SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT ZOOM: JANUARY 6, 2025
The first virtual get-together of the New Year will take place on Monday, January 6, beginning at 7 p.m. The url is https://bit.ly/497fnPd. The passcode, if asked is 715929. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in the comradery!
NOVEMBER 24, 2024
NOVEMBER 4 ZOOM SESSION FOCUSED ON MILITARY CHAPLAINS
The October 29 Alumni Update asked for info about the service of Fr. Gerard Guzikowski as an Army Chaplain during World War II and Fr. Edward Boucher as a Navy Chaplain from 1972 to 1994. During the Zoom session, here’s what we discussed.
Fr. Guzikowski (left photo)
Born in 1918, he was ordained in March, 1943. At the time of the D-Day invasion he was serving as a chaplain. Chris Mulcahy (Class of 1966) sent along his memories of discussions with Fr. Guzikowski.
After the battle of Cherbourg, which is west of the landing zones in Normandy and on the Channel, German units/survivors moved to some port on the Atlantic coast of the Cotentin Peninsula. When units of Americans pursued them they found the Germans well dug in and heavily defended, with their backs to the Atlantic. Apparently “General Big,” informed that the Germans were dug in, and in light of the American casualties suffered at Cherbourg, gave the order to maintain position and limit fighting to preventing the Germans from breaking out. Fr. Guzi informed me he made every effort to convince his boys that this was not the time or place to get killed. “Keep your head down and don’t do anything stupid,” he instructed. You might find occasion to be a hero later, but don’t try it here.” Not all took his advice. My recollection is that he informed me a goodly number “got their heads blown off.”
Fr. Guzi was later captured and interned in a German prisoner of war camp. No details on how or when that happened. What I remember is Fr. Guzi telling me all the American prisoners wanted to talk about was food. No sauerbraten was served. But, mirabile dictu, the Germans began to accept and distribute American rations provided by US non-profits, Fr. Guzi said the conversation immediately changed to sex. Shocking, no!
He served on the faculty of St. Joe’s beginning in 1958. He is remembered for his colorful history classes and the weekly “Salt Shaker” bulletin. In 1967 we was elevated to the rank of Monsignor and served at Guardian Angels Church in Manistee until his death on November 22, 2006. His death notice is at https://bit.ly/4eCslWA.
Fr. Boucher (right photo)
Fr. Boucher was born April 4, 1934 in Muskegon, Michigan. A member of the St. Joe Class of 1954, he was ordained in 1960 and served in several parishes in the Grand Rapids Diocese before transferring to the Saginaw Diocese in 1971. In 1972, Fr. Boucher joined the Navy and spent the next 22 years as a Navy Chaplain. He traveled the world while serving his country and even celebrated Christmas Mass at the South Pole Station.
He became a senior priest of the Diocese of Saginaw in March, 1994, and continued to serve parishes in many areas, including Alaska, in his retirement.
Many alumni will remember his sister, Sr. JoAnn M. Boucher OP, who served in the seminary’s kitchen for eleven years.
Fr. Boucher passed away on November 22, 2018. His death notice is at https://bit.ly/4eCIA5U
NOTE: The recording of of the full Zoom session is available on the Alumni YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/lUEi7D8W2u0
THE 1972-73, 1973-74, & 1974-75 BULLETINS
[Click on the covers above or the links below to launch PDF versions of the contents.]
Thanks to Jim Blanchard for scanning these issues. Joe Fodor provided the 1973-74 edition.
+ The 1972-73 Bulletin has the Class Register for the 1971-72 scholastic year.
+ The 1973-74 Bulletin has the Class Register for the 1972-73 scholastic year.
+ The 1974-75 Bulletin has the Class Register for the 1973-74 scholastic year. [Incorrectly printed as “1972-73”]
NEXT ZOOM: JANUARY 6, 2025
The first virtual get-together of the New Year will take place on Monday, January 6, beginning at 7 p.m. The url is https://bit.ly/497fnPd. The passcode, if asked is 715929. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in the comradery!
OCTOBER 29, 2024
REMINDER – NOVEMBER 4 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
The next virtual get-together will take place on November 4 at 7p.m. ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3Yo87Lc. The password, if asked, is 634188. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in the comradery!
SOME COMMENTS ABOUT THE OCTOBER 14 “ALUMNI UPDATE”
+ Msgr Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) – I drove around the back of the seminary property just recently and was amazed at how many homes were built along our former walking path. They look very nice. The former main building was basically gutted and now provides 53 apartments for low cost housing. I have toured the interior and the apartments are quite attractive. Those in the old gymnasium are two levels with a kind of loft. Contact: tljstewart@yahoo.com
+ Tom Occhipinti (Christopher House 1971) – This morning I attended a zoom meeting with MSU regarding things they are doing with the university library. It reminded me of the time I assisted then Fr. Rose on our small seminary library. Does anyone know what the final demise was for all those books and records? Contact: tmocchipinti@gmail.com
THE 1945-46 BULLETIN
[Click on the cover above to launch a PDF version of the contents and on the photos below for larger versions.]
Thanks to Jim Blanchard for retrieving and scanning this issue from the Grand Rapids Diocese archives.
Unlike the Bulletins we have been examining, this edition does not contain the Registry of Students. It does, however, include the photographs below.
Another historical note: the academic year for junior college students began on July 2. During World War II, seminary students were deferred from the military draft. The eligibility requirements for the D-2 classification included pursuing a full-time course of study. This full-time requirement resulted in the addition of two months of study to their school year. It also resulted in two 1945 graduating classes – one in February and the other in October.
Coming soon … The 1973-74 Bulletin from Joe Fodor (Class of 1978) with the Registry of Students for the 1972-73 academic year.
OCTOBER 14, 2024
SEPTEMBER 18 ALUMNI MEETUP
Thirteen alumni got together at the lakefront home of Bill Gebhard to renew friendships, strike up new ones and share memories. [Click on photo for a larger image.]
Over the past five years the grounds of the former seminary have been transformed from an abandoned, derelict property (owned by the Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology) into a thriving campus that includes housing for low income older adults, a center for child and family services, assistance for young Spanish speaking adolescent immigrants, and the nearly completed construction of affordable brand new homes.
FIRST Check THE SEMINARY IN 2019 on our website for photos taken on August 8, 2019, three months before the transformation that was launched in the autumn of that year.
SECOND Click on the photo below to launch a video highlight of what the former St. Joe’s looks like now.
THIRD Check: THE SEMINARY IN 2024 for a collection of photos and videos prepared after a September 18, 2024 visit to the former seminary.
What a difference!
ACOMMENTS/QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ISSUE OF “ALUMNI UPDATE”
+ Msgr Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) – I drove around the back of the seminary property just recently and was amazed at how many homes were built along our former walking path. They look very nice. The former main building was basically gutted and now provides 53 apartments for low cost housing. I have toured the interior and the apartments are quite attractive. Those in the old gymnasium are two levels with a kind of loft.
+ Tom Occhipinti (Christopher House 1971) – This morning I attended a zoom meeting with MSU regarding things they are doing with the university library. It reminded me of the time I assisted then Fr. Rose on our small seminary library. Does anyone know what the final demise was for all those books and records?
The next virtual get-together will take place on November 4 at 7p.m. ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3Yo87Lc. The password, if asked, is 634188. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required – but appreciated – to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in a few hours of comradery
AUGUST 28, 2024
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The all-alumni picnic style gathering is coming up on Wednesday, September 18, beginning at noon at the home of Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek). Bill has graciously offered to provide the food and beverages but needs to know how many people to expect. As in previous get-togethers, alumni from all classes and their spouses/guests are invited. RSVP via email to stjoememories@gmail.com by September 1 if you plan to attend.
The address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7. Bill’s phone is 616-581-5181.
A great opportunity to renew friendships, strike up new ones and share memories!
LOOKING BACK: 2018 ALL-CLASS REUNION
Almost 100 alumni from St. Joe’s and Christopher House attended an all-class reunion on August 10, 2018 at SS. Peter and Paul Parish Center in Grand Rapids. Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) led the way in organizing this memorable get-together. Following the reunion, Msgr. Terrence Stewart (Class of 1964) arranged for a self-guided tour of the main seminary building. How many colleagues can you spot in this photo? [Click on it for a larger version.] More photos are at https://saintjosephseminary.com/2018-reunion/.
ANNUAL BULLETINS: 1953-54 & 1954-55
[Click on an image to launch a PDF version of that year.]
Here are two more years’ worth of The Bulletin, bringing the number we have examined so far to thirteen. Next up will be 1945-46 (from the diocesan archives) and 1973-74 (provided by Doug Frantz, Class of 1976).
The Bulletin served as an annual report on the status of the seminary. It included such details as the school’s administration, officers, faculty members and credentials, schedule, facilities, student services, daily program, regulations, fees, admission policy, curriculum, and a register of students for the previous year.
The Register of Students listed the members of each class at the end of the previous academic year, along with their parish and community.
+ 1953-54 – Register of Students for 1952-53 scholastic year.
+ 1954-55 – Register of Students for 1953-54 scholastic year. [The date on page 33 reads “1952-53” but is actually 1953-54.]
AUGUST 16, 2024
RIP: DALE GREINER (Class of 1963)
Dale passed away on May 11, 2024 at the age of 80.
He described himself as “a classical trained scholastic philosopher; adept in logic and critical thinking; extensive training in classical literature. I love reading Latin and Greek for pleasure (Vergil, Homer, Horace, Aristotle). I am a self-trained woodworker and something of a “renaissance man” in that I like to explore and dabble in self-sufficiency.”
Mary Greiner, his wife, noted that he had many fond memories of the seminary.
ANNUAL BULLETINS: 1956-57, 1957-58, 1958-59
[Click on an image to launch a PDF version of that year.]
Here are three more years’ worth of the Bulletin, bringing the number we have examined so far to eleven.
The Bulletin served as an annual report on the status of the seminary. It included such details as the school’s administration, officers, faculty members and credentials, schedule, facilities, student services, daily program, regulations, fees, admission policy, curriculum, and a register of students for the previous year.
The Register of Students listed the members of each class at the end of the previous academic year, along with their parish and community.
+ 1956-57 – Register of Students for 1955-56 scholastic year.
+ 1957-58 – Register of Students for 1956-57 scholastic year.
+ 1958-59 – Register of Students for 1957-58 scholastic year.
SAVE THE DATE: ALL-ALUMNI GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 18
RSVP: SEPTEMBER 1
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will host another picnic-style get-together for all alumni and their spouses on Wednesday, September 18, beginning at noon at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) His address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7. His phone is 616-581-5181.
RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com by September 1 or as soon as you know whether or not you plan to attend.
AUGUST 2, 2024
RIP – FR. JIM SWIAT & MIKE WHELAN
[Click on a photo to open a larger version.]
Fr. Jim Swiat and Mike Whalen, two members of the class of 1961, passed away within days of each other.
Fr. Jim Swiat passed away unexpectedly at home on July 21st, 2024. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 3, 1967 by Most Reverend Alexander Zaleski of the Diocese of Lansing. Known for his dedication to his vocation and the people he served, Father Swiat was loved and trusted by many. He was a loyal friend and a patient counselor who sought the good in people and supported them in their journeys. His obituary is at https://bit.ly/3WNrHzG. Fr. Dick Host (Class of 1966) will preside at the Funeral Mass. To watch the service live, visit www.sfparish.org and click on the YouTube or Facebook icons.
Mike Whelan passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Corewell Health – Butterworth Hospital in the presence of his family. He had enjoyed a long and successful career working as a technical director in the health care industry in Grand Rapids and had been a long time parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 29, with Fr. Host presiding. The mass will be available for a few weeks at https://www.youtube.com/live/WK1Cu9I–RI
NEW NEIGHBORS
On July 31, Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids celebrated the completion of the first round of homes in the 2080 Union Street Project with a festive ribbon cutting.
Click here or on the left photo to launch Tom Dalton’s video of the ceremony followed by a tour of the grounds. The tour starts behind the former gym – now Samaritas Child and Family Services Center – and heads eastward past the completed homes. It then turns southward to show some of the homes under construction. The tour ends almost at its starting spot.
The right photo [Click on it for a larger version] was taken earlier this season by Pinnacle Construction Group and presents an elevated view of the project. You can see the Samaritas Center in the upper right corner.
Lots of changes since ground was broken a year ago!
DATE CHANGE: ALL-ALUMNI GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 18
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will host another picnic-style get-together for all alumni and their spouses on Wednesday, September 18, beginning at noon at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) His address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7. His phone is 616-581-5181.
RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com by September 1 or as soon as you know whether or not you plan to attend.
JULY 18, 2024
1963-1972 BULLETINS
[Click on a cover to open a PDF version.]
Here are the five Bulletins that have been located so far. Each includes the Student Register for the previous scholastic year:
+ 1963-64 Bulletin – Register of Students for1962-63 scholastic year
+ 1966-67 Bulletin – Register of Students for1965-66 scholastic year (printed as 1964-65)
+ 1969-70 Bulletin – Register of Students for1968-69 scholastic year
+ 1970-71 Bulletin – Register of Students for1969-70 scholastic year (printed as 1968-69)
+ 1971-72 Bulletin – Register of Students for 1970-71 scholastic year
FYI – Angela Yondo, the Grand Rapids Diocese Archivist notes that she has found several typed lists going back to 1926 and the “St. Joseph’s Seminary Annual Catalog” from 1931.
Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids invites you to the Ribbon Cutting for its 2080 Union St Project that will celebrate the completion of the first round of homes.
[Click on the announcement above for a larger view of the details.]
DATE CHANGE: ALL-ALUMNI GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 18
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will host another picnic-style get-together for all alumni and their spouses on Wednesday, September 18, beginning at noon at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) His address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7. His phone is 616-581-5181.
RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com by September 1 or as soon as you know whether or not you plan to attend.
UPDATE: JULY 13, 2024
Fred Erhardt, Jr. (Class of 1959) passed away in the early hours of June 28, 2024. Born in Grand Rapids on April 23, 1939, his childhood was split between Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lexington, KY. He began his secondary education at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Grand Rapids, where he met a lifelong group of friends with whom he kept in regular contact.
The family will greet visitors and well-wishers on Monday, July 22 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, with a rosary at 7:30 PM. An additional hour of visitation will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, July 23 at St. Paul the Apostle, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 AM.
Details: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/frederick-erhardt-obituary?id=55525403
JULY 8 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
[To view the get-together, click on the photo or visit our YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/4d0IDrT]
PARTICIPANTS
Paul Banner (Class of 1966), Jim Blanchard (Christopher House Class of 1972), Norb Bufka (Class of 1961), Dick Galant (Class of 1965), Pete Garthe (Class of 1966), Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966), Denny LaFave (1955-58), Frank Marfia (Class of 1966), Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966), Jerry Stein (Class of 1966), Frank Unger (Class of 1965), Albert Wahmhoff (Class of 1966), Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
HIGHLIGHTS
+ Get-together rescheduled for September 18. RSVP to stjoememories@stjoememoriesgmailcom
+ The Latin Mass & Chuck Howley’s1959-60 film
+ Performances at St. Joe’s
+ Old group photos
+ Norb’s visit to St. Joe’s (at 33:20)
+ Construction update & Tom Dalton’s video
+ The fence around St. Joe’s
+ Use of Latin in the Church
+ “Special” students listed in seminary bulletins
+ Impact of the opening of Saginaw seminary
+ Parishes, schools, and intuitions run by religious orders
+ Teaching of Latin and other languages at St. Joe’s seminary and in modern times
+ Younger priests today seem more conservative.
+ Announcement of JFK assassination
+ June 1966 turmoil and assignment of major seminaries
+ Teaching of languages at Christopher House
AMERICA’S NEW CATHOLIC PRIESTS: YOUNG, CONFIDENT AND CONSERVATIVE
New York Times – July 10, 2024
Pete Garthe (Class of 1966) sent along this article that examines the growing number of new priests who are overwhelmingly conservative in their theology, their liturgical tastes and their politics. According to a survey conducted by the Catholic Project at the Catholic University of America, almost all priests ordained in 2020 or later describe themselves as moderate or conservative. That represents a sharp contrast with priests ordained in the 1960s, about half of whom describe themselves as politically liberal, and an even greater share as theologically progressive
The article is available online at https://nyti.ms/3W9Hzey. A PDF version is at https://bit.ly/4cUMoyN.
In a recent Facebook posting Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids reported on the progress being made on the construction of 42 homes in the former St Joe Seminary athletic field. Sidewalks have been laid out. Landscaping is on the way. Families will begin moving in this month. Construction continues on the eastern section of the old ball park.
During the July Alumni Zoom (at 33:20) , Norb Bufka described his July 4 visit to St. Joe’s and the remarkable changes he and his wife saw. On that same day, Tom Dalton took several photos of the Union Homes and recorded a video. The photo looks to the east from Union. Click on it for a larger view. The video looks from the corner of Winchell and Martin. You can watch the video at https://bit.ly/4cDDlCC
DATE CHANGE: ALL-ALUMNI GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 18
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will host another picnic-style get-together for all alumni and their spouses on Wednesday, September 18, beginning at noon at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) His address is 64 Lakeside Dr., Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7. His phone is 616-581-5181.
RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com by September 1 or as soon as you know whether or not you plan to attend.
Hope you to see you!
UPDATE: JUNE 24, 2024
MOVIE CLIPS PRESENT SNIPPETS OF SEMINARY LIFE IN 1959 & 1960
In February of 1959 Chuck Howley (Class of 1960) won an 8mm movie camera, the top prize in the annual Mission raffle. Over the next year he captured on film some scenes of seminary life, mostly of outdoor athletics and upperclassmen.
He spliced several reels into a single 15-minute film that is now available in digital format on our website at https://bit.ly/4bcDjjG for viewing, downloading and sharing by alumni.
The first few minutes show students playing football, tennis, and pole vaulting plus the “smoking path” behind St. Henry’s Hall. Next up are the 1960 Field Day competitions – broad jump, high jump, shot put, pole vaulting, and the annual student-clergy baseball game. (Watch for brief appearances by Fr. John Thome, Fr. Leo Rosloniec, and Msgr. Joseph Shaw.)
Then we see the graduating class, their skip day at Lake Michigan, and a somewhat embarrassing blackface skit.
Thanks to alumni Paul Banner, Dick Gallant, Frank Marfia, and Albert Wahmhoff for defraying the cost of digitizing the film – and especially to Chuck Howley for preserving this bit of St. Joe’s history!
THE ANNUAL BULLETIN
The Bulletin was published each year and served as an annual report on the status of the seminary. It included such details as the school’s administration, officers, faculty members and credentials, schedule, facilities, student services, daily program, regulations, fees, admission policy, curriculum, and a register of students for the previous year.
The Register of Students listed the members of each class at the end of the previous academic year, along with their parish and locale. Until the seminary high school began publishing yearbooks in 1969, this was the only official list of the many students who attended St. Joe’s over the years.
+ 1959-60 – Register of Students for 1958-59 scholastic year.
+ 1960-61 – Register of Students for 1959-60 scholastic year.
+ 1961-62 – Register of Students for 1960-61 scholastic year.
Did you know that…
+ According to the Foreign Language section of each year’s Curriculum, German, Polish, and Italian were available by special arrangement.
+ There were three medical doctors available as “Physicians in Attendance”.
Thanks to alumnus Jim Blanchard and diocesan archivist Angela Yondo for making these bulletins available. More to come!
CATHOLIC BISHOPS APOLOGIZE FOR INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issued a formal apology to Indigenous people for the Church’s involvement with Indian boarding schools and the traumas inflicted on children who attended them.
The horrors of the schools – including verbal, physical and sexual abuse and the loss of identity – are common knowledge across Indigenous communities but are widely unknown outside of those circles.
Right in our own backyard
Several schools were located in Michigan. Holy Childhood School of Jesus in Harbor Springs remained open until 1989. Harbor Springs was in the Grand Rapids Diocese until 1970, when the Gaylord Diocese was established.
For a look at life in the boarding schools, check these reports by WOOD-TV: https://bit.ly/3XwDTpp (August 2021) and https://bit.ly/4cxYBJB (November 2022).
COMING NEXT: JULY 8 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
The next virtual get-together will begin at 7p.m. ET. The url is https://bit.ly/4bT3Ovn. The password, if asked, is 423063. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required, but appreciated to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in a few hours of comradery!
SAVE THE DATE: ALL-ALUMNI GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 11
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will host another picnic-style get-together at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) for all alumni and their spouses. More details in the upcoming July 8 Zoom session and in future issues of the Alumni Update.
UPDATE: MAY 25, 2024
BERNIE SIWIK (CLASS OF 1961)
Bernie, age 82, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 at his home in the loving arms of his wife. Bernie was born on February 7, 1942 in Kalamazoo. After graduating from eighth grade, he attended St. Joseph’s Seminary, where he acquired meaningful life-long friendships.
His obituary is at https://www.burroughsfh.com/obituary/Bernard-SiwikSr.
[Click on each image for a larger version.]
1960-61 RECODERS
September-October 1960: Presidential candidate Sen. John F. Kennedy rode past St. Joe’s during a campaign visit to Michigan on October 14. Alas, students didn’t witness this historic event because the annual retreat was taking place. Dick Galant, then a high school sophomore, recalls seeing in the West Michigan Catholic a photo of the seminary’s nuns waving to the future president.
November-December 1960: The annual Christmas play The Mikado was the feature presentation of the annual Christmas play in 1960. Fr. (later Bishop) Robert Rose was the pianist for the musical. The audio recording by Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961) is available on YouTube, beginning at https://bit.ly/3OG69iV. The program autographed by twenty two members of the cast is at https://bit.ly/3R1ooBK.
January-February 1961: Msgr. Thomas Martin was admitted to the Michigan law bar, becoming the first Catholic priest to law practice in Michigan. This Recorder also notes “A genuine transistor radio was offered this year as the first prize of the annual mission raffle.”
March-April 1961: “Sem Surrounded by New Fence” (page 3) notes “The construction of the new fencing began with the placement of the posts on Wednesday of Holy Week, and the last gate was in place by April 11, two days after our return from Easter Vacation…As Monsignor Moran assured us in a recent conference, the locked fence was not placed there for the purpose of keeping us in. It is, however, a popular question with the students as to why they have barbed-wire along the top of the fence leaning in.”
May-June 1961: A salute to the twenty one graduates in the Class of 1961.
COMING NEXT
There are a few back issues of The Recorder yet to be posted via The Alumni Update. Next up will be copies of the annual Bulletin, which included many details of seminary life. Especially interesting is the Register of Students that listed the members of each class. Special thanks to alumnus Jim Blanchard and Grand Rapids Diocese archivist Angela Yondo for retrieving and sharing these very interesting memories of life at St. Joseph’s Seminary!
JULY 8 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
The next virtual get-together will begin at 7p.m. ET. The url is https://bit.ly/4bT3Ovn. The password, if asked, is 423063. The session is open to all alumni from all classes. Reservations are not required, but appreciated to stjoememories@gmail.com. Hope you will join in a few hours of comradery!
REMINDERS
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED in raising the estimated $125-150 to digitize the 8mm film Chuck Howley (Class of 1960) shot in the spring of that year. Included are scenes of a football game, track events on Field Day, clergy-student baseball game (actually last baseball game as they went to softball the next year), the graduates’ skip day, and the senior play with actors in black face.
If you can contribute to this effort, please mail a donation in any amount to Bill Yagerlener, 6619 Firestone Ct. West Bloomfield, MI 48322. The contributions received to date are in $10-20 range.
Thanks for helping to share some memories of St. Joe’s.
ALL-ALUMNI GATHERING ON SEPTEMBER 11
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will host another picnic-style get-together at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) for all alumni and their spouses. More details in the upcoming July 8 Zoom session and in future issues of the Alumni Update.
UPDATE: APRIL 25, 2024
SPRINGTIME – THEN & NOW
What a difference a century makes!
In the top row are two views of the front of the St. Joe campus in the spring almost 100 years apart.
+ Click on the postcard on the left for a larger view of what the seminary looked like in the 1920’s.
+ Click on the photo on the right to launch a short video showing what the grounds look like now.
In the second row are:
+ St. Henry’s Hall and the convent, now used by Bethany Christian Services for refugee services.
+ Our former gym (on the far right) has been converted into Samaritas Child and Family Services, and (at the top) our former athletic field is being developed by Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids for affordable housing.
Thank you, Tom Dalton, for the April 2024 photos and video!
ANATOMY OF A TRAGEDY: CHRISTIANITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Commonweal Magazine – April 2024
Joseph Phillip Amar
Click here for a PDF version.
”Most Christians in the West have no understanding of the crushing pressures bearing down on their sisters and brothers in the Middle East.”
Rev. Joseph Amar attended St. Joe’s Seminary in the 1960’s and pursued undergraduate and graduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
He is professor emeritus of Semitic languages and early Christian studies at the University of Notre Dame, a priest in the Syriac Maronite Church, and author of a forthcoming biography of St. Ephrem the Syrian, Dangerous Poet.
UPDATE: JANUARY 23, 2024
ALUMNI PHOTO SCRAPBOOK
The last edition of Alumni Update prompted three alumni to send along some photos of St. Joe’s now and then.
+ The “now” photo (from Tom Dalton) shows the front drive in early January, 2024.
+ Next four by Ark Rhowmine (Class of 1972) picture the gym as it looked in 2018.
+ The final three came from John Mullally (Class of 1961).
Thanks for the memories!
[Click on a photo for a larger image.]
Inside the gym in 2018
These photos were taken following the August alumni reunion.
+ The view from the doorway
+ One of the locker rooms
+ Remember playing handball?
+ A shower room that had seen much better/cleaner times
The Fabulous 50’s
+ The Homer snowman (sometimes with other snow and ice figures). How did this tradition get started and when did it end?
+ The statue of St. Joseph was on the third floor outside Msgr. Shaw’s room.
+ This photo by John Mullally dates to the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. (John graduated in 1961.)
UPDATE: JANUARY 17, 2024
SEMINARY FEATURED IN FACEBOOK POSTING
[Click on a photo for a larger version.]
The Facebook page Detroit Unseen, produced by Bob Huston, provides glimpses of abandoned buildings in Detroit and other urban areas. Bob happened upon St. Joe’s in 2019 when the construction crew was conducting a walk-through. In the December 23, 2023 Facebook issue, he posted this description along with several photos he took:
“St. Joseph Seminary. Burton Street SE. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Built in 1919 and Designed By Noted [Detroit] Architects Spier & Gehrke, Humbrecht & Associates, This Gothic Gem Had a Beautiful Chapel and a Huge Gymnasium. St. Joseph Seminary Closed In 1981, It Eventually Became Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology, a K–12 Charter School Until It Closed in 2018. It Has Since Been Repurposed Into Senior Housing.”
From the looks of the gym, the closing of Ellington Academy must have taken place abruptly. Several alumni took a self-guided tour in August, 2018 after that year’s reunion. I recall checking several areas of the main building, including the chapel, classrooms, dorms on the third and fourth floors, and (I think) the refectory. Did anyone get a chance to get inside the gym?
Click here for some exterior photos I took in 2019 just before the announcement of the Samaritas plan to convert the main building into senior housing and the gym into a service center for its child and family services.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 28, 2023
Thanks to alumni Ted Pelky (Class of 1975) and Joe Fodor (Class of 1978) for sending along these publications!
In his book Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) notes that St. Joe’s Seminary changed dramatically in 1969 when college students moved to Christopher House near Aquinas College and took classes at the college.
St. Joe’s became an on-site high school with the focus on training young boys for the priesthood and other possible vocations. Norb notes it “began to look like a regular high school by adding a yearbook and obtaining class rings.”
Beckoner was the yearbook title for six yearbooks: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974. There were no yearbooks in 1975 or 1976. The title Horizon was used in 1977 and 1978.
The yearbooks provide a snapshot of life in St. Joe’s and include photos of the members of the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes.
To download/view a yearbook, click on its cover above, or
+ for the Beckoner for the 1970-71 high school academic year, CLICK HERE
+ for the Horizon for the 1977-78 high school academic year, CLICK HERE
Click on each photo for a larger view of the yearbook staffs.
If you have a yearbook to share with other alumni, let us know at tjoememories@gmail.com.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 18, 2023
1965-66 RECORDERS
These four issues of Volume 40 cover the academic year 1965-66.
“The Times They Are a-Changin'”
Autumn 1965-66 (Volume 40 No. 1)
+ On September 10, 1965 the first St. Joe students began taking courses at Aquinas College. On September 21 the first concelebrated Mass took place in the renovated chapel. It was also the first of its kind in the Grand Rapids Diocese.
+ After nineteen years at St. Joe’s Seminary, Fr. John Thome was named the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Grand Rapids.
+ In “Christian Ethics in Vietnam” (page 6) Jim Hanink, Dennis Morrow, Frank Raha, and Tom Zbikowski reflect on the escalating war in Vietnam.
December 1965-66 (Volume 39 No. 2)
+ A Visit From Our Psychologist” (page 4) reports on a Recorder staff meeting with Dr. Arthur Cryns, who had previously tested upper classmen at St. Joe’s. The issue of the confidentiality of the test results was not brought up in this meeting but has been discussed in recent years in several alumni Zooms
Winter 1965-66 (Volume 40 No. 3)
+ “The Christian Feast is Celebrated by the Senior Community” (page 2 with a photo) notes that on Thursdays during Lent, the residents of St. Henry’s Hall gathered in Room 4 to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
Graduation 1965-66 (Volume 40 No. 4)
+ “After a group of parents met with Msgr. Moran with a plan for “a channel of communications between themselves, the faculty and students,” the rector appointed a temporary board to arrange for the election of a permanent board and, in the meantime, to help faculty and students in sharing ideas on priestly formation.
+ On page 2 Randy Cirner commented on the past year’s affiliation with Aquinas College, with St. Joe students participating in two classes: Physics and Music Appreciation. He noted that, while the courses fulfilled their functions, it was unfortunate that the music course had no students other than seminarians and the physics course had only a few who were not from St. Joe’s. This made it “somewhat difficult to establish sound social relationships with more than a few Aquinas students.”
+ A two-page spread (on pages 4 and 5 ) is a collection of eighteen snapshots of the Class of 1966.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 12, 2023
1964-65 RECORDERS
These five issues of Volume 39 cover the academic year 1964-65.
Autumn (Volume 39 No. 1)
+ “Dean Quells Riot” (on page 4 with above photo) describes the role of Frs. Leo Rosloniec and John Thome in calming an angry crowd of Mexican and Puerto Rican laborers in Edmore when a pickle factory suddenly closed leaving them without jobs and the money they had been promised.
+ “Life Begins at Forty-Two” (on page 1) notes the remodeling of the main building that included enclosing the stairway and the creation of fire doors on every floor to meet fire code requirements. Other changes in seminary life included modernization of the language in daily prayers and the increased use of English in the Angelus and prayers before meals and studies, with Latin being used only every other day.
+ In “A New Consciousness” (page 5), students and alumni commented on the spirit of Pope John’s “aggiornamento” that was sweeping the world. Among them were Dennis Morrow, Joe Amar, Larry Christensen, Roger Dunigan, Terry Stewart, Bob Swart, Steven Mysliwiec, Bob Lesinski, Dick Van Lente, Pete Garthe, Joe Carmody, Dave Broner, Mike Hogan, Jim Hanink, and Mike McKenna.
December 1964-65 (Volume 39 No. 2)
+ Page 1 articles include a report on a visit in November to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and the first time the Mass was offered facing the students. Note: Two photographs are placed with the wrong articles.
+ Pages 2 and 3: “Faculty Breaks Grand Silence” screams the headline for the two-page article on a conversation in which Recorder staff members Jim Hammond, Al Grabinski and Bill Yagerlener and faculty members Fr. Leo Rosloniec and Fr. Robert Rose about how the spirit of aggiornamento is impacting the atmosphere of the seminary system. Note the tape recorder: Does the audio recording of this meeting still exist?
January – February 1964-65 (Volume 39 No. 3)
+ St. Joe students joined students from Aquinas College in tutoring needy students in a storefront that had been converted into classrooms. Includes a photo of Larry Christensen.
+ The “Growing Pains” editorial on page 6 notes “A strain on student-faculty relations has come to the surface this year.”
Spring 1964-65 (Volume 39 No. 4)
+ “Survey Probes Lay Patterns” will be of special interest to St. Joe alumni who have kept in touch with one another in recent years, particularly those who have participated in Zoom sessions.
The article notes that close to three-fourths of those who entered St. Joe’s had not completed their training for the priesthood. It reports on the findings of a survey that was sent to lay alumni to determine the impact of seminary life and training on the former students.
The survey results showed that 59% experienced some adjustment problems after they left the seminary. 80% considered the seminary as having a generally beneficial and positive influence on their lives.
This study concluded that the seminary has not been a failure in the education of those who left the seminary. But it pointed out areas where improvements could be made: better student-faculty relations, a more adequate counselling program, better prepared teachers with a background in a particular subject, and accreditation of the seminary.
+ Page 4: On March 14 fourteen seminarians, accompanied by Fr. Ancona, participated in a demonstration in downtown Grand Rapids protesting voter discrimination in Selma, Alabama and particularly the violence that had occurred one week earlier at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Graduation 1964-65 (Volume 38 No. 5)
+ The final issue of The Recorder in past academic years focused on the sixth-year graduating class and their accomplishments and hopes – and included the traditional class photo that would later hang on the walls of their alma mater.
Since there were only three in the Class of 1965, this Recorder reported on the ceremony in which diplomas were presented to both junior college and high school graduates.
An informal photo appears on page 4 with the caption “The cool, calm ‘three who dared’, Frank Unger, Larry Christensen, and Dick Galant affect an amiable pose.”
Formal portraits were later combined with those of the Class of 1966.
+ Other photos include: Ron Schinderle, Frank Raha, and Bill Dilla (page 1); Fr. Robert Rose and Archbishop Dosseh (page 3), Tom Drinan and Msgr. Thomas Martin (page 4); nine members of ordination class of 1965 (page 6); and Tom Budzynski (Class of 1966).
2080 UNION HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Tom Dalton sent along this December 10 photo of the first of 42 new homes under construction by Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids in St. Joe’s former athletic field. More info on the project is at https://dwellingplacegr.org/2080-union/
Behind the houses is the rear of the seminary’s Main Building that has been converted into housing for low income seniors. On the far right is the stairway adjacent to the refectory.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 5, 2023
Left to Right: Msgr. Bolger, Fr. Bissot, Fr. Rose in language lab
1962-63 RECORDERS
These five issues of Volume 37 cover the academic year 1962-63.
Halloween 1962-63 (Volume 37 No. 1)
+ Msgr. Thomas Bolger and Fr. Robert Bissot were appointed to the faculty. Fr. Joseph McKinney was transferred to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
+ Electronic language lab equipment was installed in Rooms 207 and 208.
+ Several changes took place in athletics at St. Joe’s. The old practice of allowing those who did not want to play a sport to remain idle was scrapped, as were the first class A-B games. which the article notes “had developed into too heated a rivalry.” More about sports on page 6.
December 1962 (Volume 37 No. 2)
(This issue of The Recorder was profiled in an edition of Alumni Update several weeks ago. It’s included here to show all the 1962-63 editions together.)
January – February 1962-63 (Volume 37 No. 3)
+ Bishop Joseph Green of the Lansing Diocese celebrated a Pontifical High Mass at the seminary on January 25. He was a member of the St. Joe’s Class of 1931 and at that time the second alumnus to be raised to the episcopacy. You’re a real St. Joe trivia pro if you know who and when was the first alumnus to be become a bishop.
+ “Sem Makes CD Plans” (page 4) notes the steps being taken in case of a nuclear attack. Remember the fallout shelter in the storage area near the refectory that was stocked with tins of food and water? And the plan to sandbag the windows around the ground level of the Administration Building? According to the plan, “The present capacity for persons for fallout protection is about 170.” Lots of questions about this updated version of the “Duck and Cover” campaign of the 1950’s!
Spring 1962-63 (Volume 38 No. 4)
(This issue of The Recorder was profiled in an edition of Alumni Update several weeks ago. It’s included here to show all the 1962-63 editions together.)
Graduation 1962-63 (Volume 38 No. 5)
(This issue of The Recorder was profiled in an edition of Alumni Update several weeks ago. It’s included here to show all the 1962-63 editions together.)
COMING NEXT – RECORDERS FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 1964-65
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 28, 2023
1963-64 RECORDERS READY FOR VIEWING
These five issues of Volume 38 cover the academic year 1963-64. Thanks to Grand Rapids Diocesan Archivist Angela Yondo and St. Joe Alumnus Jim Blanchard (Class of 1973 Christopher House) for locating these newsletters.
Autumn 1963-64 (Volume 38 No. 1)
+ “Sem Enrolls Faculty Firsties” looks at two additions to the faculty. Fr. (now Msgr.) Gaspar Ancona, ordained in June, taught first year Latin, English and Speech, third year English and Public Speech, and fourth year Religion. Joseph Wisz, joined the staff to teach physics for the college department.
+ Registered nurse Sister Christopher, began at the seminary in 1936, the year St. Joe’s was hit with a Scarlet Fever epidemic. In 1944 and again in 1957 she rose to the challenge when Asian flu swept the seminary. The article notes that in 1944 cl“On the Death of the President” by Peter Mestre (Class of 1964)assrooms and dorms were used for patients. The article doesn’t mention it, but the faculty and staff were likely to have been caught up in the ‘44 and ‘77 outbreaks.
Christmas 1963-64 (Volume 38 No. 2)
+ Bishop Joseph Rancans and Fr. Vincent McKenna are featured on page 1.
+ The Little Sisters of the Poor are profiled on page 3.
+ “On the Death of the President” by Peter Mestre (Class of 1964)
January – February 1963-64 (Volume 38 No. 3)
+ “Greek Finally Fells Faculty” notes that Fr. Weisengoff (“the college’s favorite Greek teacher”) became quite ill in December and was admitted to a hospital in Mt. Clemens. Fr. Zaskowski, who took over Fr. Weisengoff’s Greek classes, suffered a mild coronary attack in February and was recovering in St. Mary’s hospital in Grand Rapids.
+ Also in this issue are articles that include photos of Tom Casselman (Class of 1964)) on page1, several Recorder staff members meeting with Fr. Behan on page 3, and on page 4 Fr. Rose with library staff members Frank Marfia (Class of 1966), Don Heydens (Class of 1964), and Frank Unger (Class of 1965).
Spring 1963-64 (Volume 38 No. 4)
+ The Catholic Mission Club has prepared 11 tons of books for shipment to Marist Brothers schools in the Philippines. The article on page 1 (with a photo) calls attention to the role of Mike McKenna and Mark Gardeski, both of the Class of 1966, in this effort.
+ “Profs Blend Teaching with Preaching” on page 4 describes how, on weekends, the priests at St. Joe’s are sent to parishes and missions across the diocese for which a permanent priest has not been assigned.
Graduation 1963-64 (Volume 38 No. 5
+ Photos and profiles of the seventeen members of the Class of 1964.
+ “Conquest of the Vernacular” (page 1) notes that the English liturgy will be introduced in December. In preparation for this dramatic change, choirmaster Fr. John Thome will be attending the Third National World Library of Sacred Music Workshop in June. Topics will include how chant can be geared to English, experimental English High Masses, the use of psalms and hymns during Low Mass, and the music related to Church devotions, such as Forty Hours
+ With the 1964 elections nearing, “Liberal or Conservative” (page 4) presents two essays that examine the major political philosophies of the day. Don Heydens outlines the liberal point of view, and Tom Cassleman summarizes the conservative stance.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2023
1967-68 RECORDERS READY FOR VIEWING
This edition of the Alumni Update presents all four issues of Volume 42 covering the academic year 1967-68.
Autumn 1967-68 (Volume 42 No. 1)
+ “The Changing Face of the Seminary Curriculum” (page 2) compares 1945 and 1967
+ Profile of Msgr. Gerald Guzikowski provides lots of info on “Fr. Guz”
+ “One Day” describes a typical day at St. Joe’s.
+ In a Q&A article (page 6) Co-Editor Tom Occhipinti (Class of 1969) describes some of the changes taking place at St. Joe’s, including high schoolers having a weekend home once a month and the availability of a telephone booth for students to keep in touch with their families.
Autumn 1967-68 (Volume 42 No. 1)
+ The Student Council was launched to act as a “mediator” between the student body and the faculty and vice-versa.
+ “A Student Views the Liturgy”
+ Alumnus Greg Lyon, 1964-65 editor of The Recorder, describes his experience as a Peace Corps volunteer.
+ “If You Were Born a Woman”
+ “The many fine freshmen and sophomore prospects on the [St. Joe Rogues varsity basketball] team show great promise, and their presence makes the next few seasons look especially promising.”
Graduation 1967-68 (Volume 42 No. 4)
+ Photos of the eleven members of the high school class and the eleven members of the junior college class.
+ Faculty members became students at Aquinas College and elsewhere in order to obtain teaching certificates, a requirement for the seminary to gain its accreditation.
+ “Thank You, Sisters” (on page 5) examines a day in the life of the sisters, about whom seminarians knew very little.
2080 UNION HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE
These two photos by Jim Lozer (Class of 1966) show the progress on the construction of affordable living homes in the area that at one time was St. Joe’s athletic field. This project is an undertaking of Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids whose motto is “Everyone Deserves a Dwelling Place.”
Jim volunteers at Samaritas and took the photos on November 17 while dropping off some Christmas presents for the refugee children. Jim notes “It’s great to see how the old building and grounds are being used in the present. Everyone and everything moves forward.”
Click on each photo for a larger and more detailed view. Thanks, Jim!
FROM OUR COLLEAGUES
Jim Hanink (Class of 1966) sent along this message: “Much enjoyed reading through the Recorders. Looking ahead, though, the “Little Engine That Might” (the American Solidarity Party), in the person of our presidential candidate, held a warmly received event at the U of M a few days ago. Here’s the link for the ASP of Michigan on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3G9FQOv.”
If you have any comments, please send them directly to Jim at jhanink70@gmail.com
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 16, 2023
November 1966-67 (Volume 41 No. 1)
Highlights:
+ “Ave adque vale!” – Fr. John McDuffe, Fr. Anthony Vainavicz and Fr. Donald Welber joined the faculty. Msgr. Joseph Shaw, Msgr.Thomas Martin, Fr. Thomas Bissot and Fr. Gaspar Ancona were assigned to other posts.
+ SCAS (Student Catholic Action Service) was dissolved.
+ The Sheldon Complex Project was described in “The Other World” (page 3).
+ Board of Counsel plans
+ The New Rule was launched.
+ Joseph Carmody died in an auto accident (page 2). Over the years there were several students with that surname. Were they all related?
Winter 1966-67 (Volume 41 No. 2)
Highlights:
+ The Student Council was launched to act as a “mediator” between the student body and the faculty and vice-versa.
+ “A Student Views the Liturgy”
+ Alumnus Greg Lyon, 1964-65 editor of The Recorder, describes his experience as a Peace Corps volunteer.
+ “If You Were Born a Woman”
+ “The many fine freshmen and sophomore prospects on the [St. Joe Rogues varsity basketball] team show great promise, and their presence makes the next few seasons look especially promising.”
Graduation 1966-67 (Volume 41 No. 4)
+ Fr. Leo Rosloneic, a faculty member since 1955, was named Pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in Douglas and Director of the Mexican Apostolate for the diocese.
+ A profile of Mitch Zellin, a “fixture” at St. Joe’s about whom we knew very little.
+ The “Graduation Issue” didn’t have the traditional class photo and info about the graduates
NOVEMBER 6, 2023 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
You can view the session on the St. Joe Alumni YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeJcZU51p3k
PARTICIPANTS
• Jim Blanchard (Christopher House Class of 1973)
• Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
• Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
• Franklin Marfia (Class of 1966)
• Michael Murphy (Class of 1966)
• Stas’ Popowich(Class of 1966)
• Gerald Stein (Class of 1966)
• Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
• Albert Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
• Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
• Mike McKenna’s Funeral
• Locations of Major Seminary Studies
• Back Issues of The Recorder
• The Diocesan Archives
• Update on Msgr. Ancona
• The Dominican Sisters
• The Little Sisters of the Poor
• Other Memories
• Next Zoom on January 8
RIP
Joe Flickinger died peacefully in his home in Lynnwood, WA on November 3, 2023 at the age of 87. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids in1954 and obtained his Bachelor of Science from Aquinas College. He also studied philosophy and Latin at St. Jerome’s College in Ontario, Canada, and theology and biblical studies at St. John’s Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. Joe was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grand Rapids in1962, was appointed to the faculty of St. Joseph Seminary in 1966, and returned to the lay state in 1971. More info at https://legcy.co/3MFoQ6s
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2023
1962 CHRISTMAS & 1963 GRADUATION RECORDERS
The final two issues of the student newsletter from the collection of Chuck Howley (Class of 1960) have now been posted in the Recorder section of the alumni web site.
The December 1962 (Volume 37 No. 2) issue covers (1) the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta H.M.S. Pinafore with a photo of the cast and directors Frs. John Thome, Robert Rose and Leo Rosloniec; (2) Christmas Carolers with a photo; (3) upcoming SCAS programs; and (4) the installation of a new pipe organ in the senior chapel and why it was needed. [Click on each photo in the second row for a larger image.]
Question: What was SCAS?
Dale Greiner (Class of 1963) explains it all.
The question was raised in the October 29 edition of Alumni Update to help those of us who don’t remember much about the Student Catholic Action Service and what role it played at St. Joe’s. Dale Greiner offered some help.
”Each Sunday morning, just before lunch, the entire student body attended the SCAS meeting. It was held in accordance with parliamentary order (which we learned by doing). It was moderated by a faculty member (who usually didn’t interrupt).
”There was a reading of minutes, acceptance ( or corrections), new and old business. And a program of sorts. The program often consisted of speeches around some general topic of the day. When I was at home, my first summer after freshman year, I was assigned a topic to research and present, in connection with the international geophysical year. I do not remember my topic. Four of us each gave a talk
”The program also often included a skit of buffoonery. One I remember was a parody of the twelve days of Christmas, instead: the twelve days of school lunches. The highlight was the fifth day: five grease bags. Another was a one-man stand up routine based on “mother fletcher’s flank flayer”. It was Mike Gokey, if I remember correctly. Another skit was loosely based on Kruschchev’s pounding his shoe in some high level meeting.
“The SCAS meetings were also the forum for the senior (sixth year) debates and orations.
These are my memories off the top of my head. Perhaps others will dislodge more of them.”
Mike McKenna RIP Additional Info
Jerry Stein (Class of 1966) and Tom Dalton spotted some additional details that appear in the death notice for Mike McKenna (Class of 1966). They’re at https://heritagelifestory.com/obituaries/fr-michael-mckenna.144752.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 29, 2023
1960 & 1961 RECORDERS + 1960 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM READY FOR VIEWING
The front page of the November – December 1960 (Volume 34 No. 2) features The Mikado, the first of three Gilbert and Sullivan operettas to be presented in the annual Christmas play. It included a cast of thirty eight members, “the largest number ever seen here in one production” [at that time].
Twenty two Mikado cast members and production staff signed the program shown in the second row above. Click on each page for a larger view that shows the signatures close-up. Or click here for the four page PDF of the program.
The 1961 Christmas issue (Volume 35 No. 2) reports on Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta The Yeomen of the Guard featuring two photos and the cast roster. The newsletter also notes that, through the efforts of Fr. Hugh Behan, the seminary choir made its first (and probably only) record with other choirs from Grand Rapids and Hastings. The title of the recording was “Choir Rehearsal 7:30” produced by the R.C.A. Custom Recording Division. Does anyone have a copy of this recording?
Question: What was SCAS?
The November-December 1960 issue notes that the Student Catholic Action Service board was in the middle of “a great planning program” that included regular meetings with the Rector to “discuss various problems and attempt to avoid any possible misunderstandings between the faculty and the students.” According to the article, the board was “very grateful to Msgr. Moran for condescending to hold such meetings.”
SCAS was mentioned in several issues of The Recorder. Who remembers what SCAS was, how its board/officers were selected, and what role did it play in seminary life? Send your comments to stjoememories@gmail.com
Coming Next
The series of Recorders from the collection of Chuck Howley (Class of 1961) will conclude with the 1962 Christmas and 1963 Graduation editions.
RIP
Mike McKenna (Class of 1966) passed away on October 26. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, November 2, 11 A.M., SS. Peter and Paul Parish, 520 Myrtle Street NW, in Grand Rapids. Visitation from 10 AM until the start of Mass.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 26, 2023
TWO MORE 1959 RECORDERS & CHRISTMAS PROGRAM READY
The September – October 1959 (Volume 33 No.1)Recorder notes the investiture of Msgr. Moran to the office of Domestic Prelate. An article on page 3 mentions the purchase (probably by Fr. Zaskowski) of Army surplus supplies – including helmets! The “In Retrospect” article (page 4) notes the discovery of old photos of the seminary, five of which are featured on page 5.
The November – December 1959 (Volume 33 No.2) issue highlights the annual Christmas play “Brother Orchid.” (Click on the above images for details, including the cast, chorus and production staff – lots of familiar alumni.) The article “Pope Joins Alumni at NAC Jubilee” on page 5 includes an historic photo of Pope St. John XXIII and the late St. Joe alumnus Robert Dautremont (Class of 1954). Fr. Dautremont was ordained in 1960 in Rome and passed away in 2018.
Coming Next
The 1960 and 1961 December issues of The Recorder will be posted next. The series will conclude with the 1962 Christmas and 1963 Graduation editions.
LOOKING BACK 100 YEARS
[Click on each photo for a larger image.]
These two photos show the southern portion of the St. Joe campus as it looked in 1923 and 100 years later in 2023.
The black and white photo was among those discovered in1959 in old Recorder files. Taken in the autumn of 1923, it shows the large playing field on the seminary grounds. A riding stable can be seen in the far background. At that time there was no road separating the campus from the farmland to the south. The area in the photo’s lower right was used for the construction of the Activities Building in the 1950’s and has been renovated into Samaritas Child and Family Services.
Tom Dalton recently took the color photo from almost the same spot as the 1923 photo as part of his work in documenting the 2023 construction of housing by Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids.
Quite a few changes in the past century!
UPDATE: OCTOBER 19, 2023
TWO MORE ISSUES OF “ST JOSEPH’S RECORDER” READY
The eleven back issues of The Recorder from the collection of Chuck Howley (Class of 1960) are being presented in chronological order. In the coming weeks five more will be available on the alumni web site.
Highlights from the January – February 1958 (Volume 31 No. 1) include a note about the October launch of Sputnik 1; the debate topic of changing the voting age to eighteen; the new ice rink behind St. Henry’s Hall; news from alumni in Washington, D.C., Baltimore (with a photo, Cincinnati, and St. Paul, Minnesota; and – at the invitation of rector Fr. Moran – a visit to St. Joe’s by Detroit Tigers manager Jack Tighe.
The May – June 1959 issue (Volume 32 No. 4) focused on the twenty five members of the 1959 graduating class. “Otto” noted that Msgr. Thomas Martin traded in his 1948 green Buick and zoomed onto campus in a new ‘59 Volkswagon. (That’s how it was spelled in this Recorder.)
All About “Otto”
Msgr. Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) sent along a note explaining that Otto was a secret observer of seminary life. “The editor (like myself) would ask a student who enjoyed the mystery of reporting on persons and events to write a column for each issue of THE RECORDER. I will not reveal who was Otto during my time as editor. He is still around.”
Coming Next
The next Alumni Update will feature the September-October and November-December 1959 issues of The Recorder.
FROM OUR COLLEAGUES
We sometimes receive messages from alumni who want to share information and ideas with other St. Joe graduates. We’ve been exploring how to add a blog-like feature to Alumni Update. This would enable info and responses to be posted right away. In the meantime, you can send the details to stjoememories@gmail.com, and they will be included in the alumni newsletter as best and as timely as we can.
Jim Hanink (Class of 1966) sends this note:
“In 2025, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Grand Rapids, MI will host a year-long choral festival called Palestrina 500, celebrating the quincentennial birthday of the great Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-94). This anniversary provides our parish a lens through which we can promote the good, true, and beautiful to our greater community.” Details and video at palestrina500.org.
2080 UNION HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE
Tom Dalton has provided these new photos of the housing construction taking place in the former athletic field on the St. Joe campus. This is an undertaking of Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids. The top photo shows a portion of our old gym, which has been renovated into Samaritas Child and Family Services. Click on each photo for a larger image. Thanks, Tom, for keeping us up to date!
UPDATE: OCTOBER 12, 2023
1957 ISSUES OF “ST JOSEPH’S RECORDER” NOW ONLINE
Two more back issues of The Recorder from the collection of Chuck Howley (Class of 1960) are now available on the alumni web site.
The September-October 1957 issue (Volume 31 No. 1) focuses on the October 13, 1957 dedication of St. Henry’s Hall by Bishop Allen Babcock and includes a two-page photo spread of the new building. Other highlights include the appointment of Fr. James Moran as the new rector and the addition of Msgr. Thomas Martin and Fr. John Weisengoff to the seminary faculty. It also notes that enrollment reached a record 240, which included seventy seven freshmen. Ten of the freshmen graduated six years later as the Class of 1963.
The November-December issue (Volume 31 No. 2) mentions the ordination of the late Fr. Robert Bissot in Rome. Fr. Bissot served on the St. Joe’s faculty from 1962 to 1966. An error was made in the preparation of this issue, incorrectly identifying it as Volume 31 No. 1, September-October. This probably was the result of reusing that issue’s layout boards for the November-December edition. This correction has been made in the digital version on our website.
WHAT’S UP WITH “OTTO”?
Many of the 1950s and 1960s Recorders have articles by or referring to “Otto”, who is a mystery to some alumni from later years. If you can enlighten readers about the “Otto” phenomenon, please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com.
A FINAL NOTE
Check the Recorders section of our website for the twenty three issues that have been uploaded to date. Eight more from Chuck Howley will be added over the coming days
UPDATE: OCTOBER 8, 2023
ALUMNI ZOOM SET FOR NOVEMBER 6
A Zoom session wasn’t held in October so a session could be scheduled for early November before the busy holidays.
The next alumni Zoom session will take place on Monday, November 6, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The link is https://bit.ly/3QhnXn3. The passcode (if asked) is 500601.
Possible topics included the Synod on Synodality and the 1950s and 1960s issues of The Recorders that are being added to our website.
All alumni are welcome to attend and share their insights, comments and memories. Reservations are not required, but an RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com is appreciated.
BACK ISSUES OF “ST JOSEPH’S RECORDER” COMING ONLINE
Chuck Howley (Class of 1960) recently uncovered several issues of the student newsletter from the 1950s and 1960s.
The first to be uploaded to the alumni website is Volume 38 No. 1 that was issued at the opening of the 1954-55 academic year. Among the highlights is the appointment of Fr. Joseph McKinney (later Bishop McKinney) to the faculty, along with a biographical sketch. The assistant editor was Gasper Ancona (now Msgr. Ancona). Page 2 notes that “some 50” new students enrolled in the freshman class that fall. Of these, 14 completed 6 years of study, and graduated in the Class of 1960. This issue is somewhat difficult to read because the original is very pale.
Click here to download and view a PDF version this issue of The Recorder. This document consists of six pages and may take some time to download and open.
More will be uploaded to The Recorders section of our website in the coming days and weeks. It’s very interesting to read about the people and events many of us recall.
NOTE: The last issue we’ve located so far is Volume 43 Number 3 that was probably issued in the spring of 1969. If you know when the newsletter was last produced or have any back issues to share with alumni, please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
FOLLOW-UP: THE 9/8/23 “UPDATE”ON THE 272 (Part One)
The September 8 issue of “Update” included the report “The Jesuits as Slaveholders” that focused on a NY Times review of the book “The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church”.
On September 13, Georgetown University and the Jesuits announced a gift of $27 million to a foundation helping descendants of the 272 families. The donation is part of an ambitious plan to raise $100 million, and ultimately $1 billion, for the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation. For details, CLICK HERE for the Washington Post article, which does not require a subscription.
FOLLOW-UP (Part Two)
The Sulpicians & Slavery
Pete Garthe (Class of 1966) sent along this note:
I read The 272 book. Very good. Two points of interest: (1) the book does not report that slaves actually took part in the physical construction of Catholic churches and colleges (but did they?). The Jesuits owned plantations on which the slaves labored, thus earning income used by the Jesuits to support Georgetown, etc. and (2) the book vividly describes the pain suffered by slaves from the separation of family members being sold by the Jesuits, even to new owners just a few miles down the road, let alone to Louisiana, contrary to rules set by Rome and their own promise not to do so.
The book briefly mentions St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, where many of us attended. I would like to read, however, a study written by Fr. Thomas Ulshafer entitled “Slavery and the Early Sulpician Community in Maryland.”
After some exploring and exchange of emails, we found this abstract of the study at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/724088/pdf. (The full 21-page report can also be purchased here for a $14.00 fee.)
In the 1790s, members of the Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice (known as the Sulpicians) immigrated to the United States. The Sulpicians devoted themselves to the formation and education of the clergy, establishing a seminary in Baltimore and later in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
At the founding of their seminary in Baltimore, they interacted with persons of color. They began ministering to the black Catholic community (principally Haitian refugees) in the seminary’s chapel and also rented the enslaved as domestic workers for the seminary. In 1793, to assist the Sulpicians financially, the former Jesuits in Maryland loaned them, for about six years, to a large farm in Cecil County, where many more enslaved individuals lived and worked under Sulpician supervision. In 1809, the Sulpicians moved their minor seminary program to Emmitsburg, Maryland, and, as an endowment for this new institution, purchased a large farm there, along with its human property. Even after the seminary in Emmitsburg and the community in Baltimore were separated in 1826, some of the enslaved continued to reside and work at the Baltimore campus, at least until 1840.
This article investigates the Sulpicians’ historical connections to slavery and reflect on its implications for the community, arguing that the Sulpicians’ early survival and success in the U.S. depended significantly on the labor of enslaved men, women, and children.
Fr. Ulshafer also gave a lecture on the same topic to the Conference of Major Superiors. The YouTube recording is at https://youtu.be/Y4BfNnsADus.
SOME ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
Fr. Ulshafer’s study appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of “U.S. Catholic Historian” along with five other articles on the theme Church and Slavery. CLICK HERE for details.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
THE SLAVE SALE THAT SAVED – AND STAINED – GEORGETOWN
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
This New York Times review of Rachel L. Swarns’ book The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church appeared in the newspaper’s June 28 edition. The book recounts the decision by Georgetown University’s early leaders to sell nearly 300 people enslaved on Jesuit- owned plantations in Maryland in 1838.
BACKGROUND
Dick Galant (Class of 1965) asked that the Times review be shared with alumni as a follow-up to his comments about the book during the August 14 Alumni Zoom session. You can view this discussion at 49:40 of the YouTube recording at https://bit.ly/3DOV9Lj
NEXT STEP
For a PDF version of the review, click here: https://bit.ly/45Vg8Iq
For info on purchasing the book, click here: https://amzn.to/3EqCTbA
2080 UNION CONTRUCTION UPDATE
Tom Dalton took the first four of these great photos on September 1 from the southeast third floor stairwell of old St. Joe’s (above the refectory). The first photo shows the former gym, now the offices of Samaritas Child and Family Services. The last photo was taken on July 27 before construction began. (Click on each photo for a larger view.)
UPDATE: AUGUST 17, 2023
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE, FR. MEL FOX
Rev. Melvin Fox (Class of 1957), age 85, died on Aug. 15, 2023. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1963, by Bishop Allen J. Babcock at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
In June 1963, Father Fox was appointed parochial vicar of Sacred Heart; in September 1963, parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier; in June 1968, parochial vicar of St. Patrick in Portland; in August 1970, parochial vicar of Holy Spirit; in February 1972, administrator of Sacred Heart in Evart and St. Agnes in Marion; in October 1972, pastor of Sacred Heart in Evart and St. Agnes in Marion; in May 1978, temporary administrator of St. Philip Neri in Reed City and St. Ann Mission in Paris; in June 1979, pastor of Holy Family in Sparta; in June 1985, pastor of Prince of Peace in North Muskegon; in July 1997, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in Ionia. He was granted senior priest status on July 1, 2009.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Please keep Father Mel and his family in your prayers.
UPDATE: AUGUST 14, 2023
SUMMARY OF AUGUST ZOOM SESSION
The recording can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3DOV9Lj
PARTICIPANTS
• Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
• Jim Blanchard (Christopher House Class of 1973)
• Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
• Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
• Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
• Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
• Ed Swart (Class of 1968)
• Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
• Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
(11:00) Construction has begun for Dwelling Place homes on the former athletic field.
(19.45) The installation of the barbed wire fence in 1960-61.
(30:00) Spiritual Advisors for students.
(33:00) The August 16 reunion was discussed. Remembering Fr. Dennis Morrrow.
(47:45) Remembering Fr. Behan, “The Television Priest”
(49:40) Discussion of the new book The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church, which examines the history of the Jesuits and others as slaveholders.
2080 UNION PROJECT CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN
The Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids project will bring 42 homes for low and moderate income families in the area at the rear of the seminary that was once an athletic field .
Tom Dalton, who lives nearby, is documenting the construction. His photos appear on a new page of our website at https://bit.ly/47srdT0
UPDATE: JULY 23, 2023
JACK ENNEST
Fr. Jim Swiat (Class of 1961) notes the passing of John “Jack” Ennest, who attended St. Joe’s Seminary in the 1950’s. “He didn’t complete the St Joe’s program – but shared lots of life and joy with us the years he was there.”
Jack was born October 14, 1942. His early years were in Minden City and Saginaw. Jack entered St. Joseph Catholic Seminary in Grand Rapids at age 15, returning to Saginaw for his senior year of high school.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://bit.ly/44Yz6xi
Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s honor to the charity of your choice.
UPDATE: JUNE 15, 2023
ALL ALUMNI SUMMER GET-TOGETHER ON AUGUST 16
Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966) will provide food and drinks at a picnic style gathering, beginning at noon, on Wednesday, August 16 at his home on Lake Emerald (near Battle Creek) for all alumni and their spouses. His address is 64 Lakeside Dr. Battle Creek. Here’s a Google map to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXv3kZBieQL7Qvn7. His phone is 616-581-5181.
Check the YouTube recording of the June 5 Zoom session (https://youtu.be/qsLA824wI0U) at 1:07:04 for event discussion
Please RSVP to stjoememories@gmail.com as soon as you can so we have a rough idea on how many to expect.
Thanks, Bill for this generous offer!
SUMMARY OF JUNE 5 ZOOM SESSION
A recording of the session is on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/qsLA824wI0U
PARTICIPANTS
• Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
• Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
• Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
• Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
• Frank Marfia (Class of 1966))
• Albert Wahmhoff (Class of 1966))
• Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
• Ministry opportunities for minor seminarians (19:20) were limited.
• The search for copies of The Recorder and other memorabilia, especially the October 14, 1960 photo of nuns waving to JFK when he was driven past St. Joe’s during the presidential election campaign. (20:35)
• The elusive photo of the Class of 1965 has surfaced and is examined online (45:10). See below for the photo.
• Article and photo from Joe Fodor showing the St. Joe Rogues, who won the 1976 Class D Michigan Basketball Championship (1:01.20). At that time 29 students were enrolled at St. Joe’s. NOTE: Alas, Joe Fodor won’t be able to participate in a Zoom session about life in St. Joe’s at that time.
• (1:07:40) Summertime get-together of alumni (and spouses) is tentatively set for Wednesday, August 16. It will be hosted by Bill Gebhard at his home on Emerald Lake near Battle Creek.
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
For the longest time we thought the three members of the Class 1965 didn’t have an official class photo on display with those of the other graduates of St. Joe’s Seminary. It turns out that their photos had been included at the bottom of the framed photo of the Class of 1966. Jim Blanchard (Class of 1971) had sent it along with the other framed class photos he located in the diocesan archives. Because it looked so similar to the shot of the Class of 1966, it was overlooked until Jim noted its existence.
The “Hiding in Plain Sight” version was discussed during the June 5 Zoom session as noted above (at 45:10). Here it is:
THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON: 1976
Joe Fodor (Class of 1978) sent along this photo and article about the St. Joe Rogues winning the 1976 MHSAA Class D District Championship. Check the team roster for some familiar names and the photo of the team and other students. A total of 29 students were enrolled in the high school that year!
THAT OTHER CHAMPSIONSHIP SEASON: 1970
In 1970 The Rogues were the first St. Joe team to secure the Class D District Championship.
Click on the chart below for a larger image of the team’s 1968-1977 MHSAA basketball tournament scores.
If you have photos or news reports for those years to share with other alumni, please send them to stjoememories@gmail.com
The 1950’s (undated photo below)
The 1960’s
Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961) prepared this video collage.
1960’s photos below by Chris Mulcahy & Bill Yagerlener
UPDATE: DECEMBER 31, 2022
DECEMBER 5 SESSION VIDEO
The YouTube recording is at https://bit.ly/3UCVgj1
PARTICIPANTS
• Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
• Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
• Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
• Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
• Paul Greenwald (Class of 1968)
• Dave Hooper (Class of 1964)
• Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
• Mike Murphy (Class of 1966)
• Al Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
• Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
TOPICS
• Clarification of ownership of former seminary grounds
• Status of development activities
• Memories of the fourth floor of the main building and the dorms on the third floor
• Memories of St. Mary’s in Baltimore
• The Recorder
• Remembering Larry Christensen (Class of 1965)
• Military chaplains from Michigan
• After the seminary closed
• Maintaining the grounds in the 1960’s
• Antics and sports
• Plans for next alumni Zoom on February 6
CLASS OF 1965: THREE WHO DARED
The Class of 1965 was the smallest in St. Joe Seminary history: Frank Unger, Larry Chistensen, and Dick Galant.
When the Diocese of Saginaw opened St. Paul’s Seminary in 1961, many of their classmates from other Michigan dioceses were transferred to that location. Along with the usual attrition during the ensuing years, only “The Three Who Dared” (as they were described in The Recorder) graduated in 1965.
The traditional end-of-year Mass was replaced by a simple presentation of diplomas, described in the above article. And, unfortunately, no formal class photos were taken and displayed in the seminary corridors. The May-June 1965 issue of The Recorder did, however, include a photo of the “cool, calm” trio.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 28, 2022
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: THE ANNUAL PLAY
In Saint Joseph’s Seminary: Personal and Historical Perspectives, Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) notes that the Christmas play became an annual tradition quite early and continued through most of the seminary’s history. Here are a few examples he compiled from the 1950’s and 1960’s.
1951: Harvey
1952: Nothing But The Truth
1953: Flight of the Gull
1954: Cox and Box
1955: Knight’s Lodging
1956: The Billion Dollar Saint
1957: Arsenic and Old Lace
1958: Career Angel
1959: Brother Orchid
1960: The Mikado
1961: Yeomen of the Guard
1962: H.M.S. Pinafore
1964: Shepherds on the Shelf
1965: Visit to a Small Planet
The play was usually featured in the November-December issue of The Recorder. Below are two issues of The Recorder featuring the 1956 production The Billion Dollar Saint and the 1958 production Career Angel.
The audio of the 1960 play The Mikado was recorded by Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961) and has been uploaded to the alumni YouTube Channel at http://bit.ly/3OG69iV. An autographed copy of the cast and crew is at http://bit.ly/3HxiTGD.
The 1962 play was HMS Pinafore, another Gilbert & Sullivan favorite.
The Pinafore cast in the black-and-white photo below included Walt Derylo (Class of 1963), Don Downer (Class of 1963), Terry Stewart (Class of 1964), Mike Gardiner (Class of 1964), and Jim Gardiner (Class of 1963).
We think Jim Hammond (Class of 1966), shown in the color photo below, was also in the cast. Why else would he dress up like this?
Please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com if you have more Pinafore info/photos or other Christmas plays.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2022
OCTOBER 3 ZOOM SESSION
The link to the session is https://youtu.be/rhjBs0wVtJc
Participants
▪ Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
▪ Jim Blanchard (Class of 1971)
▪ Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
▪ Mike Donnelly (1961-66)
▪ Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
▪ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
▪ Hooper (Class of 1964)
▪ Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
▪ Mike Murphy (Class of 1966)
▪ Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966)
▪ Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
▪ Al Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
▪ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
Topics
▪ Health update (Paul Banner)
▪ Conditions in Florida
▪ Conditions in Florida
▪ Construction on former seminary grounds (See below for updated info.)
▪ The education we received at St. Joe’s, including Greek and Latin.
▪ Improve future Zoom sessions by making them more relevant to more alumni. The discussion began at 1:05:35, continued at 1:32:45 and concluded at 2:08
HELP NEEDED:
KEEP AN EYE ON THE FORMER SEMINARY GROUNDS
During the October 3 Zoom discussion of construction on the former seminary grounds I incorrectly stated the owners of 600 and 670 Burton.
This online version of our newsletter contains information that is more up-to-date than the November 6 e-mail version.
Here’s what I’ve been able to glean so far from an online search of the Kent County Register of Deeds and other sites:
▪ 670 Burton is owned by Bethany Christian Services and includes the former St. Henry’s Hall and the former convent. The agency is planning to build a four-floor connector that will join th two buildings for additional offices and space for client services.
▪ 600 Burton is owned by Samaritas and includes affordable housing for seniors in the former main building and Samaritas Child and Family Services in the former gym (with its own address of 2080 Union).
▪ Dwelling Place (on the map) is currently owned by 650 Burton LLC, whose business address is the same as that of the company that has been developing the former seminary grounds. Dwelling Place is proposing to build 47 condominiums for middle to low-income residents on the 8.78 acres of the property once the financing is in place. Details are at: https://bit.ly/3UdgWTw.
Thanks to Tom Dalton for explaining how to check the ownership of the parcels
If you’re in the area, watch for signs of construction on what was once St. Joe’s.
Lots of changes in the past three years, and more on the way!
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Jim Hanink (Class of 1966) wants to share with other alumni these posts on the Synod on Synodality and his newly posted column on the Dobbs decision. Since our alumni website is not set up as a blog for readers to post their comments, please contact Jim at jhanink70@gmail.com or bring them up at our October 3 Zoom session.
▪ Bishop Cullinan’s response to the National Synthesis Document
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan has served as Bishop of Waterford & Lismore in Ireland since 2015.
▪ Mini-Synod with Old Friends
Jim’s article appears in the September 12 issue of the New Oxford Review.
▪ After Dobbs – What’s Next
This column is as a PDF document that will be downloaded from the alumni website.
TODAY’S QUIZ
The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research recently used the passage below in a Facebook ad. If you enrolled in this 4-session online course, what would you be studying? Extra credit if you can recite what’s printed below.
The answer ─ with lots of details ─ is at https://bit.ly/3RAXL4R. Ah, yes. I remember it well!
UPDATE: AUGUST 30, 2022
NEWLY PUBLISHED ARTICLES ON THE SYNOD ON SYONODALITY & FR. MIKE
In case you haven’t already seen them, here are two articles that appeared in the National Catholic Register and the New York Times in the past few days about topics that have been discussed in recent alumni Zoom session.
On August 26 the National Catholic Register reported remarks made by Cardinal Mario Grech and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich on the Church’s Synod on Synodality.
An August 28 Times article featured an interview with Fr. Mike Schmitz, host of the podcast “The Bible in a Year”. Rick Gietzen (High School Class of 1967, Christopher House 1967-69) discussed and recommended the podcast during the June 6 Zoom session. The podcast is at https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration.
Both articles can be downloaded from the alumni website as PDFs. The links are below each of the articles.
To download the PDF version of this article, CLICK HERE
To download the PDF version of this article, CLICK HERE
UPDATE: AUGUST 23, 2022
PLAQUE RECOGNIZES SEMINARY HISTORY
Samaritas, which has converted a section of the former seminary grounds into the Samaritas Senior Affordable Living Community and West Michigan Child and Family Campus, has placed a plaque in the building to call attention to the unique history of the property.
During the renovation, alumni helped out with several gifts that supported the new mission of the facility. The plaque has been installed just inside the front door and is the first thing residents and visitors see when entering the building.
REPORT ON ALUMNI LISTENING SESSION SENT TO VATICAN
In his letter to Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of Synod of Bishops, Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) wrote:
I am a member of a multi-state group of about 125 persons from various dioceses. Since the group is from many states, there is no one vehicle to present our concerns to the Synod Preparatory Committee. We are all men who attended St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for four to six years between 1955 and 1965. Six of the attendees are from the Class of 1961 and are active Catholics. Several other former seminarians from St. Joseph’s who did not attend the listening session offered comments as well. We believe we offer a unique perspective for this synod based on our experience in a pre-Vatican II seminary. We have great camaraderie as a result of attending that seminary and have held many class reunions.
We really appreciate the initiative of Pope Francis to include the laity in a discussion of the future of the Church. It is with this thought that we present our views.
Download the complete report from our website at https://bit.ly/3Tc5Xd2
UPDATE: AUGUST 1, 2022
WE’RE ON YOUTUBE!
The St. Joe Alumni YouTube Channel contains over 100 audio and video recordings that capture some memories of life in the seminary, recent developments, plans for the future, and the shared reflections and recollections of some alumni.
The recordings are organized into these playlists:
A New Direction
A 2008 video walking tour shows the grounds after the seminary’s closing. A brief 2021 video shows the Burton Street side of the grounds. Two videos show the new Samaritas facility. The fifth video is a WOOD-TV news report on concerns about the planned construction of housing on the former seminary’s athletic field.
St. Joseph Alumni Zoom Meetings
Beginning in late 2020 several seminary alumni met on Zoom to share memories of life at St. Joseph Seminary and discuss issues of today.
St. Joseph Seminary Choir
Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961) prepared 13 audio recordings of Missa Liturgica and Missa Choralis, directed by Fr. John Thome. The organist was David Gemeund (Class of 1959).
1961 Graduation Mass
Recorded by Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961)
St Joseph Seminary 2-Part Videos
These two videos were prepared by the late Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961), and present snapshots of life in the seminary in the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Class of 1961 Reunions
John Mullally prepared a video collage that includes early class reunions and the 1994 reunion that included a Mass celebrated by Fr. Jim Swiat, with remarks by Fr. John Thome. The second video shows alumni meeting in the refectory.
The Mikado
Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961) prepared an audio recording of the entire 1960 musical. Fr. Robert Rose (later Bishop Rose) was the pianist.
UPDATE: JUNE, 2022
JUNE 6, 2022 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
Participating in this session:
■ Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
■ Tom Dalton (1959-60)
■ Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
■ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
■ Rick Gietzen (High School Class of 1967, Christopher House 1967-69)
■ Mike Murphy (Class of 1966)
■ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
“The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz“
(At 1:13) Rick Gietzen discussed this podcast as “very enriching and brings the scriptures to life.” Podcast info at https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration
A recording of this Zoom session is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJWJj-Y79po
UPDATE: MAY 31, 2022
ALUMNI ZOOM ON JUNE 6, 2022
The next Zoom session is set for Monday, June 6, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
Reservations are not required, although an RSVP is appreciated to stjoememories@gmail.com.
Zoom sessions are recorded and can be viewed on our YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3xzJqfx
MAY 19 ALUMNI LUNCH
Seventeen alumni met for lunch at the Black Rock Bar & Grill in Portage to renew acquaintances and exchange memories. For some it was the first time meeting their classmates face-to-face in 50+ years. Some had attended the 2018 get-together and/or have been participating in alumni Zoom sessions.
In the front row left to right are Mike Popowich (High School 1968-72), Paul Banner (Class of 1966), Al Grabinski (Class of 1966), Frank Unger (Class of 1965), Frank Marfia (Class of 1966), Pete Garthe (Class of 1966), and Mike Murphy (Class of 1966). In the back row left to right are Jerry Stain (Class of 1966), Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966), Jim Lozer (Class of 1966), Dick Galant (Class of 1965), Stas’ Popowich (Class of 1966), Carl Occhipinti (Class of 1968), Al Wahmhoff (Class of 1966), Dave Hooper (Class of 1964) and Tom Occhipinti (Christopher House 1971). Not shown in this photo is Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966), who took the photo.
More photos at https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/may-19-2022-alumni-lunch/
UPDATE: APRIL 10 & 23, 2022
MAY 19 ALUMNI LUNCH – RSVP ASAP
An informal get-together of alumni is coming on Thursday, May 19, 1-4 pm, at the Black Rock Bar & Grill in Portage, 550 Trade Centre Way, at NW corner of I-94/Westnedge Ave.
RSVAP to Albert Wahmhoff at at ajwahmhoff@aol.com.
Be there or be square!
UPDATE: APRIL 2 , 2022
WHAT THE 1950 CENSUS REVEALED ABOUT THE SEMINARY
The newly released 1950 census report reveals a few details about life – or at least about those who were living – at St. Joe’s Seminary on April 1, 1950.
Here are the links on our website to download the three pages of the report:
Page 1 – https://bit.ly/3x1cMFO
Page 2 – https://bit.ly/3u1IcK3
Page 3 – https://bit.ly/3NKxFL6
A suggestion: For enlarged view of the page, download it and save on your computer. Then click on the file to open the computer’s image viewer.
THE FACULTY (Titles are not listed in the report.)
Msgr. Edmund Falicki (age 45)
Msgr. Louis Verreau (age 44)
Msgr. Joseph Shaw (age 41)
Fr. Joseph Zaskowski (age 36)
Fr. John Matusas (age 50, born in Lithuania)
Fr. James Moran (age 31)
Fr. John Thome (age 28)
Fr. William McKnight (age 28)
Fr. John Hougterp (age 26)
Fr. Louis Van Bergen (age 26)
RELIGIOUS SISTERS
Nine were listed under the occupation category of “Nun” along with their ages and place of birth. Sr. Mary Christopher, R.N. is listed as age 50 and born in Germany. Alumni from the 1950’s and 1960’s may recognize the other sisters. Although their family names are not included in this roster, census reports for other municipalities do include this information.
STAFF
Charles Fewless, who lived with his family at 654 Burton, is listed as “Seminary Caretaker”.
STUDENTS
The 1950 census began counting college students at their college residence rather than at their parents’ addresses (probably to obtain a better count of where postwar students were actually living). Among those on the St. Joe roster was “Robert J. Rose” (age 20).
WHAT YOU CAN FIND ABOUT YOUR FAMILY & COMMUNITY
It may take a little time to become familiar with conducting searches in the 1950 Census Report, but eventually you’ll find lots of data about your family, your neighborhood, your parish church (including the pastor and assistant pastor) and even the parish school you attended in the 50’s (with the names of the nuns).
UPDATE: MARCH 25 , 2022
WHO’S WHO IN 1956-57 FACULTY PHOTO?
When this photo was included in the website page Remembering Bishop Rose, some alumni wondered who are these priests and when was the photo taken. With some help from Msgr. Terry Stewart and the faculty list in Norb Bufka’s book, we now know that the photo was taken during the 1956-57 school year and the names and tenures of these faculty members (with their titles at that time):
Seated (from the left):
■ Fr. John Thome (1946-65)
■ Fr. Joseph Zaskowski (beginning1946)
■ Msgr. Joseph Shaw (1936-66)
■ Msgr. Edmund Falicki (1930-57)
■ Msgr. Louis Verreau (1933-58)
■ Fr. James Moran (1945-74)
■ Fr. Francis Hackett (1953-57)
Standing:
■ Fr. William Zuidema (1954-57)
■ Fr. Joseph McKinney (1954-62)
■ Fr. Robert Rose (1956-71)
■ Fr. Leo Rosloniec (beginning 1955)
1978 YEARBOOK: READ IT ONLINE…OR GET YOUR OWN COPY
In his book Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) notes that St. Joe’s Seminary changed dramatically in 1969 when college students moved to Christopher House near Aquinas College and took classes at the college.
Renamed St. Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary, it became an on-site high school with the focus on training young boys for the priesthood and other possible vocations. Norb notes it “began to look like a regular high school by adding a yearbook and obtaining class rings.”
The 1978 yearbook provides a snapshot of life in St. Joe’s three years before its closing in 1981.
You can read it online at https://bit.ly/3JCl2PQ or get your own copy from Angela Yondo at the Diocesan Archives. She has several boxes of the yearbook and wants to downsize by making them available to alumni. Contact her at ayondo@grdiocese.org to make arrangements.
UPDATE: MARCH 11, 2022
“IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!”
The Mass of Christian Burial for Most Reverend Robert J. Rose, Bishop Emeritus of Grand Rapids, was held at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on March 11, 2022. Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, archbishop of Detroit, presiding.
▪ A video of the service – https://bit.ly/3tJrbTu
▪ The online worship aid – https://bit.ly/WABishopRoseFuneralMass
▪ Remembering Bishop Rose: A Video Tribute – https://bit.ly/34GwQ4w
▪ St. Joseph’s Seminary alumni remember Bishop Rose – https://bit.ly/36chogE
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, with your Saints for ever, for you are merciful. (4 Esdras 2:34-35)
We’ve assembled some memorable photos of Bishop Rose that date to his years at St. Joe’s. If you have some to share, please send them along to stjoememories@gmail.com.
BISHOP ROBERT ROSE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Diocese of Grand Rapids has announced the arrangements for Most Reverend Robert J. Rose, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, who passed away on March 2, 2022.
All are open to the public. The Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website and Facebook page.
Visitation
Thursday, March 10 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Friday, March 11 from 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew
301 Sheldon Blvd. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Vespers
Thursday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, March 11 at 11 a.m., Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, archbishop of Detroit, presiding
Interment
Resurrection Cemetery
May Bishop Rose now rest in eternal peace and enjoy the fullness of the glory of the Lord he served. Please remember him in your prayers.
“In The Name Of The Lord!”
BISHOP ROBERT ROSE HAS PASSED AWAY
The Diocese of Grand Rapids has shared the sad news of the death of Most Reverend Robert J. Rose, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, at the age of 92 on March 2, 2022.
He began his formation for the priesthood at Saint Joseph’s Seminary, where he completed high school and junior college in1950 and in1952 received a bachelor of arts degree from the Seminaire de Philosophie in Montreal . Further theological studies and preparation for the priesthood were completed at the Pontifical Urban College in Rome. On December 21, 1955, he was ordained to the priesthood by Clemente Cardinal Micara, Pope Pius XII’s Vicar General.
In 1956 Father Rose was assigned to the faculty of St. Joe’s, where he served for thirteen years teaching religion, Latin, Greek (classical and New Testament), French and music (chant). From 1969 to 1971, he served as the first director of Christopher House.
The statement from Grand Rapids Bishop Walkowiak summarizing his many accomplishments is at https://bit.ly/3pB0K13. Read his biography at https://bit.ly/3tr0N0O.
Bishop Rose’s motto “In The Name Of The Lord!” appears at the bottom of his coat of arms. He chose this scriptural phrase because of its significance to him since the earliest days of his decision to serve the Church.
A good man, priest, and bishop and an inspiration to those of us who knew him as seminary students.
We’ve assembled some memorable photos of Bishop Rose that date to his years at St. Joe’s. If you have some to share, please send them along to stjoememories@gmail.com.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 16, 2022
FEBRUARY 7 ALUMNI ZOOM
The recording of this session can be viewed at https://bit.ly/34HFrDI
ALUMNI PARTIPICATING
▪ Paul Banner (Class of 1966)
▪ Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
▪ Jim Blanchard (HS Class of 1971 & Christopher House)
▪ Tom Dalton (1959-60)
▪ Mike Donnelly (1961-66)
▪ Dick Galant (Class of 1965)
▪ Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
▪ Bill Gebhard (Class of 1966)
▪ Rick Gietzen (1967-71)
▪ Thierry Lach (1970-74)
▪ Frank Marfia (Class of 1966)
▪ Mike Murphy (Class of 1966)
▪ Chris Shea (High School Class of 1966)
▪ Frank Unger (Class of 1965)
▪ Al Wahmhoff (Class of 1966)
▪ Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
HIGHLIGHTS
▪ Follow-up discussion of turbulence of the 1966 year.
▪ Discussion of the plan for 2023 Synod alumni listening session (starts at 44 minutes)
▪ “Sententiae” opinion newsletter that was published only one time before being banned ( starts at 1 hour 40 minutes)
REMINDER: SYNOD 23 ALUMNI LISTENING SESSIONS ON MARCH 14-16
As noted in the January 19 Update, Norb Bufka is organizing two special alumni listening sessions to gather input for a report that will be sent directly to Pope Francis for inclusion in Synod 23.
The sessions are set for March 14 (7-9 pm ET) and March 16 (4-6 pm ET). To provide adequate time for discussion, each group will be limited to approximately ten alumni.
At the February alumni Zoom meeting, several alumni suggested topics that should be discussed during the sessions and are currently finalizing the list. We are planning to send details and a final reminder notice to all alumni in the coming weeks.
If you’d like to attend either session (and haven’t already done so), please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com and indicate which one you want to join. As the dates draw nearer, we will send participants the session login details and topics.
Any questions or suggestions or need additional information? Contact Norb at norbert609@sbcglobal.net or (989) 835-2832.
NEWS ABOUT BISHOP ROSE
Msgr. Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) reports that Bishop Robert Rose continues to reside at St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids and is doing well as he struggles with dementia. He still recognizes some of his visitors, but his memory is a serious issue. He does enjoy having people come to say hello. Short visits are best. His ability to converse is quite limited though he does make the effort.
He gets to Mass in the chapel quite often.
On February 28 Bishop Rose will turn 92. If you’d like to send him birthday greetings, the address is: St. Anne’s Home, 2161 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
Below is an article that appeared in the September-October 1956 issue of The Recorder that captured the spirit of the recently ordained Father Rose.
“His calm manner and ability as a teacher have won Father Rose the admiration of the entire student body. Multos annos ei optamus, felix prosper vivat!”
True then. True now.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2022
WHO REMEMBERS…Watching this bit of history in Msgr. Martin’s room in St. Henry’s Hall?
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2022
COMMENTS ON PLANNED LISTENING SESSIONS
In preparation for our February 7 Zoom session, here are two comments about Synod 2023 that can be discussed by the Zoom participants.
Pete Garthe (Class of 1966)
I am disappointed in the whole tenor of this synod exercise. I thought it was intended to allow the common lay person to give feedback to the Pope about his attitude on how the Church was doing and how it could improve. Instead, the questions to be considered are so general and subjective that I don’t see how the responses are going to have any impact at all on what the Church teaches or how we should live our lives.
For example, one question is “How do prayer and liturgical celebrations nurture me?” I would rather discuss: “How can we improve our common prayer and liturgy?” (going back to our English version up until a few years ago)
Another example of a synod question: “How might fallen away and disaffiliated Catholics understand or misunderstand the mission of the Church (to care for one another with love)? I would rather discuss: “Why do Catholics fall away?”
Another example of a synod question: “How is God speaking to us through voices we sometimes ignore? How do we create space for the voices of the marginalized? I doubt that there will be any marginalized people in attendance at the synods to answer this question.
Another: “How is the Holy Spirit inviting our community to grow in journeying together?” I am sure there will be many different answers by those who know what the Holy Spirit wants.
In short, I see this synod as a waste of time and money and a lost opportunity for the Pope to receive some critical feedback from the “faithful.” It will generate some pious, generalized responses with little practical effect on the Church’s true mission.
─ Pete <pgarthe@sbcglobal.net>
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
Hi, Pete, and all.
I appreciate your comments very much because this needs to be a group project. What I proposed was perhaps too rigid. You have opened the door to a wider listening session. There are these steps as I understand them:
▪ Set a time and date for the session. We did that.
▪ Decide what questions to ask.
▪ Hold the session. The session needs a moderator and guidelines for sharing. Someone needs to take notes.
▪ Prepare a report and send to the Vatican.
I suggest our discussion on Monday fill in the details.
I am very hopeful that what Pope Francis is initiating is a seed for change in the Church. We probably will not see any results, but it is a step in the right direction,
See you Monday.
─ Peace, Norb <norbert609@sbcglobal.net>
ZOOM INFO
The regular alumni Zoom session will take place on Monday, February 7 beginning at 7 pm ET. The url is https://bit.ly/3JcclMu. If asked, the passcode is 926608.
Two special alumni Zoom sessions focusing on the planned alumni statement for Synod 2023 are set for Monday March 14 from 7 to 9pm ET and Wednesday March 16 from 4 to 6pm ET. Details will be discussed during the February 7 meeting.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2022
ALUMNI ZOOM: FEBRUARY 7
Our next Zoom session will take place on Monday, February 7 beginning at 7 pm ET.
The url is https://bit.ly/3JcclMu. The required passcode is 926608
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) will update the group on the proposed Synod 2023 listening sessions. Another possible topic of discussion is Sententiae, the opinion publication/newsletter discussed below. If you have a point you’d like to discuss, please drop a note to stjoememories@gmail.com or mention it at the beginning of the session.
Registration is not necessary.
Looking forward to another great sharing of ideas and memories!
SENTENTIAE: OPINIONS FROM THE PAST STILL RELEVANT TODAY
Mike Donnelly, who served as an editor of The Recorder, recently came across a copy of “Sententiae,” a 5-page undated mimeograph-style newsletter that was published in 1965-66 by upperclassmen as a forum for sharing opinions.
Click here to download it from the alumni website
Contributors to its first edition included James Hanink, Joseph Radelet, Michael Murphy, Pete Garthe, Mark Gardeski, Fred Czarnowski, Chris Posterak, Rany Cirner, Tom Budzinski, Tom Drinan, Jim Lozer, and Gary Gleason, with commentary by an un-named “Moderator”.
Its Statement of Purpose describes it as “a bi-weekly selection of pure opinion as expressed by the seniors of our seminary” and continues “We hope that these opinions of ours will treat especially of such contemporary themes as Church renewal, the place of Catholic thought in politics, and certainly the philosophy of the seminarian’s development for the priesthood in a fresh, positive, and decisive manner. It is our desire to present you, the members of the senior house, with an open forum. Let us not forget that, as theologian Karl Rahner so cogently expresses it, “Ultimately it all boils down to the fact that every individual Christian is responsible in his own day and way for the Church and the life of the Church.” Sententiae intends to respond to the challenge of this responsibility.”
So far only one edition has been discovered.
UPDATE: PLANS FOR HOUSING ON FORMER SEMINARY GROUNDS
Dwelling Place Regional Community Land Trust will be hosting Zoom sessions on February 17 & 24 and on March3 on the design elements for the 42 homes slated for the former athletic field in the area south of the seminary’s main building.
Info and registration at https://bit.ly/3AT0ezX
UPDATE: JANUARY, 2022
INVITATION TO SYNOD 2023 LISTENING SESSION FOR ALUMNI ON MARCH 14/16
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
At our December Zoom gathering I brought up the “listening sessions” which Pope Francis is calling all Bishops to have in their dioceses in preparation for the Synod in 2023. The Pope also said people can submit their own report directly to the Vatican, so I propose we have a listening session with our group because we are a unique group and are from many dioceses.
The theme for the Synod 2023 is For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. In preparation for this Synod Pope Francis wants to hear from practicing Catholics, of course. But even more, he wants to hear from those who’ve walked away from the institutional Church, from other denominations, from men and women young and old. He wants to hear stories of how people have been hurt and what drove some away along with suggestions for how the situation(s) could have been better handled by the Church.
He also wants to hear what went well so that the Church locally and globally can embrace the ancient synodality as an essential way it operates. As former seminarians we have a unique gift for the Church in its expanding the meaning of synodality as a model for Church governance and participation.
If your bishop is sponsoring listening sessions, I encourage you to participate as much as you are able, but I have heard on reliable sources that as many as 50% of the bishops in the United States will not do anything.
This listening session will be good for us as well as the church.
The Vatican has issued a Preparatory Statement and a Diocesan Handbook.
The Handbook poses this question: “A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” How is this “journeying together” happening today in your local Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together? In responding to this question, we are invited to:
– Recall our experiences: What experiences of our local Church does this question call to mind?
– Re-read these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they bring? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds did they reveal? What insights have they elicited?
– Gather the fruits to share: Where in these experiences does the voice of the Holy Spirit resound? What is the Spirit asking of us? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? Where do we register a consensus? What paths are opening up for our local Church?”
This gives you something to seriously ponder prior to our actual meeting. I will send some more information as we get closer. It will then be an organized and fruitful sharing rather than off the cuff. There will be prayer, a hymn, sharing by each one without comment, and then a discussion of what has been shared so we can prepare a report from our group.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966) has offered to help with a special alumni Zoom sessions on this topic.
To allow more discussion, we have set up two sessions with approximately 10 participants per session. One session will take place in the evening, and one in the afternoon.
– Monday March 14 from 7 to 9pm ET
– Wed March 16 from 4 to 6pm ET
Please let us know which session you plan to attend (or if you have any questions or suggestions) by sending an email to stjoememories@gmail.com. As the dates draw nearer, we will send participants the session login details.
Peace and Happy New Year!
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
norbert609@sbcglobal.net
(989) 835-2832
UPDATE: OCTOBER 7, 2021
2008 VIDEO TAKES A LAST LOOK AT THE SEMINARY
Shortly after the June 22, 2008 ceremony marking the seminary’s closing, John Mullally (Class of 1961) prepared a video of the grounds. The video included a brief shot of the front of the Main Building that shows the statue of St. Joseph (pigeons included) that was later moved to St. Joseph the Worker Church. Also included are views of the athletic field where Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids is planning to develop 47 housing units. Inserted in the video is a color photo of the 1960 Student Baseball Team
John also sent along a 2-sided Self Guided Walking Tour of the Main Building that shows how it was used and changed over the years.
Lots of changes since 1919!
UPDATE – OCTOBER 1, 2021
(EVEN) MORE CHANGES PLANNED FOR THE FORMER SEMINARY
Dwelling Place and Bethany Christian Services are planning improvements to the properties located at 670 Burton and 2080 Union SE. Their respective projects will facilitate the development of 47 housing units and administrative offices and classroom space to support refugee and immigrant families.
The one- and two-story single family Dwelling Place homes are planned for the former athletic field in the area south of the seminary’s main building (now Samaritas Affordable Living) and east of the former athletic building (now housing Samaritas Child and Family Services). This WOOD-TV report looks at some of the concerns of neighbors in the Alger Heights community.
The Bethany Christian Services project includes a four-story expansion of its facility in the former St. Henry’s Hall for offices and classrooms and additional parking, playgrounds, and storage.
Info on the project and the approval process at: https://dwellingplacegr.org/dpclt-600burton/.
UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
THE 2021 REUNION− THE BEST LAID PLANS
An ad hoc planning group of alumni scouted locations, explored menu and beverage options, contacted classmates, and worked on the many other nitty-gritty details for an all-classes reunion to be held in late September. Alas, the resurgence of the Covid pandemic in the past few months led to the event’s cancellation. Special thanks to the committee for their efforts: Frank Maria (chair), Tom Dalton, Pete Garthe, Bill Gebhard, Thierry Lach, Dave Sipka, and Albert Wahmhoff. They’ll revisit the idea in the spring of 2022.
While this year’s get-together was a bust, take some time to enjoy these two very memorable reunions.
THE 2018 REUNION
Here’s a group photo taken at the August 10, 2018 reunion held at SS Peter and Paul’s Church. More photos are at https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/2018-reunion. Lots of familiar faces!
THE 1994 REUNION
In July 1994 the Class of 1961 hosted a reunion at St. Joe’s Seminary that included Mass celebrated by classmate Fr. Jim Swiat in the chapel followed by lunch in the dining hall. John Mullally provided the invitation shown here and two videos of the event. The first video (https://bit.ly/2XGavjx) includes color film snippets from earlier reunions followed by the beginning of the Mass. The second video (https://bit.ly/2XY6yHk) includes a homily by Fr. Swiat, the conclusion of the Mass, remarks by Fr. John Thome and scenes from the lunch.
UPDATE – AUGUST, 27, 2021
Remember the Statue of St. Joseph?
Tom Dalton sent along these photos of the statue that used to be on display on the fourth floor in the front of the seminary. The statue was removed in 2008 when the seminary was closed and is now at St. Joseph the Worker Church, located at 225 32nd Street SW in Wyoming MI. Fr. Steve Cron (Class of 1969) served as pastor until this June, when the Bishop granted him senior status.
A Few Notes & Questions
Even though St. Joseph was the seminary’s patron saint, the photos of the front of the building over the years don’t show the statue clearly, if at all. It does show up in two drawings – a 1920’s post card and the “House at Rest” drawing on the cover of the June 2008 ceremony marking the seminary’s closing. The drawings show areas on to the right and left of the statue. Does anybody recall whether there smaller statues in these areas or only widows?
Students in Fr. Joe Zaskowski’s maintenance group were responsible for cleaning out bird nests (and droppings) in this somewhat isolated area and gained access via doors located on the north side of the fourth floor dormitory’s lavatory. In the center of the construction photo below (taken by Tom in September 2020) there is a small two-pane panel that looks like an opening immediately behind the statue. On the left in the photo is a double door that opens into the area to the left of the statue. The photo doesn’t show what’s behind the drywall on the right side. Was there a similar doorway on the right of the statue, or perhaps, there was single corridor that provided access to the statue and windows. Does anyone remember the layout of this area? If you have any information/memories of the statue or the layout of the area in which it was housed, please drop a line to stjoememories@gmail.com.
UPDATE – AUGUST 6, 2021
AUGUST 2 ALUMNI ZOOM
The meeting can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/3C9sui6
The session started out with a (humorous?) look-back at the Liber and other memorable tomes, followed by an update on the September 23 reunion. Other topics included COVID vaccination and the July 30 Washington Post article.
Near the end of the session (approximately 1:36 on the timer), Norb Bufka commented on the importance of being respectful in our communications with one another:
“What unites us all is St. Joe’s. It’s good to keep in mind that we as a group are probably just as diverse in church and society and politics as the general society outside us. It’s very easy – and again I’m speaking for myself as well – to be very opinionated about some things that are obvious to me but other people will be or could be offended by them. I think it’s really important for us to keep that in mind and be respectful of each other and to [not] say things that are too inflammatory or divisive.”
Because the first Monday in September is Labor Day, the next Alumni Zoom session will be on Monday, August 30, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
BISHOP ROSE
On August 4th Msgr. Terry Stewart visited Bishop Rose at St. Ann’s Home. He has been moved and is now back in the room he had before COVID. It is pretty spacious, has a private bathroom and bookshelves and cabinets. His dementia is about the same, but he can’t remember too much of his seminary days now and struggles to speak clearly. He is genial, pleasant, and in good spirits when you visit him. He gets to the dining room again for his meals and to the chapel for Mass on Sundays. He can now have two visitors at a time. Visits still need to be scheduled by appointment.
Let’s keep Bishop Rose in our prayers.
UPDATE – JULY 17, 2021
ALUMNI REUNION COMING SEPTEMBER 23 – RSVP NOW
Plans are almost complete for a 2021 all-class reunion on September 23, noon-4pm, at the Diocesan Conference Center, located at Cathedral Square Center, 360 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids 49503. This replaces the earlier plan for an outdoors picnic-style event.
The group that is working on this event needs to hear from you ASAP.
DETAILS
The Conference Center is an excellent meeting facility with two features that make it ideal for our reunion – access to the diocese’s archives and the windows from the seminary’s chapel. The archives are a treasure trove of a 100+ years seminary artifacts and documents, some of which will be on display at the reunion. Alumni are encouraged to bring along photos (especially graduating class photos) and other memorabilia for display or donation to the archives.
The price for the light luncheon will be in the $25-$30 range (like in 2018). The menu, cost, and method of payment will be finalized shortly. As was the case last time, spouses/guests are welcome to attend.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING YOU TO DO
In working with the caterer we need to know how many people to expect and are asking you to submit by August 1 the RSVP form at https://bit.ly/3vfiekw (even if you submitted the earlier interest survey). Or you can send the information to the committee by email.
Frank Marfia – fmarfia99@aol.com
Tom Dalton – daltontandb@comcast.net
Pete Garthe – pgarthe@sbcglobal.net
Bill Gebhard – wmgebhard@gmail.com
Thierry Lach – thierry.lach@gmail.com
Dave Sipka – sipkadavid52@gmail.com
Al Wahmhoff – ajwahmhoff@aol.com
Looking forward to sharing memories, renewing acquaintances and making new friends on September 23!
UPDATE – JULY 7, 2021
Over the past few months Angela Yondo, Grand Rapids Diocese archivist, has sent along several more photos for the alumni digital scrapbook. Thank you, Angela!
1943 Faculty & Students
Photos of several chapel windows that were removed from the seminary in 1980 and are now on display at the Diocese Conference Center.
Bishop Rose
In June Msgr. Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) visited retired Bishop Robert Rose (Class of 1950) on the patio of St. Ann’s Home and reports that Bishop Rose enjoyed being able to get out of his room for the visit and is about the same, perhaps a little bit more confused but still his kind and gentle self.
UPDATE – JUNE 19, 2021
On June 16, 2021 Samaritas hosted an Open House at its recently opened Samaritas Affordable Living Grand Rapids, the site of the former St. Joseph’s Seminary at 600 Burton Street. The seminary’s Main Building has been converted into 53 affordable living units for low-income residents.
Tom Dalton, who has been providing photos of the changes at the old St. Joe’s since 2019, took advantage of the Open House to get these up-to-date photos of the transformation of the auditorium, first, second, and third floors. The guide noted that nothing has been done on the fourth floor, which served as a dorm for second year students.
The chapel has been converted into a community room. Much of this area was kept the same as a condition for the historic designation of the site. The choir loft, confessionals, lights, and terrazzo floors remain. The sacristy has been converted into a kitchen and food prep area. The stained-glass windows were removed in 2008, and some are now on display at the Diocese Conference Center. The faculty library on the first floor is being used to show people what a room/apartment looks like. The cortile has been transformed into a nice gathering spot, and a sheltered picnic area has been constructed on the west side of the building.
The sign reading “St. Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary” was uncovered in the workshop area and is now hanging on the east wall of the former locker room. According to Don Heydens (Class of 1964), the sign dates to the late 1970’s, when when Fr. Ted Kozlowski became rector in 1976, and Fr. Jim Kowalski became principal of the school. In his book, Norb Bufka notes that the seminary became a four year high school whose purpose was to prepare young men of high school age to seek out their vocation in life. Saint Joseph Preparatory Seminary closed its doors in June 1982.
Click on an image for a larger view.
UPDATE – APRIL, 202
BISHOP ROSE NOW 91 YEARS OLD
Msgr. Terry Stewart (Class of 1964) recently visited retired Bishop Robert Rose at St. Ann’s Home and reports that, although suffering from advanced dementia, he remains pleasant and peaceful as we might guess from our knowledge of him as our seminary professor. He doesn’t remember too much of those days at St. Joe’s, but occasionally things or events come back to him during conversations.
Bishop Rose graduated from St. Joe’s in 1950. He was ordained a priest in Rome on December 22, 1955 and joined the seminary faculty immediately on his return from Rome in 1956.
He became director of Christopher House and rector of St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. After that he was pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Muskegon Heights. In October 1981, Father Rose was named the second bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord and was ordained and installed on December 6. In July, 1989, he was appointed the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. After 22 years of episcopal ministry, Bishop Rose retired in October 2003 and now resides at St. Ann’s Home.
Msgr. Stewart notes that he gets to Mass, and the familiar rituals help him to understand. The isolation with no-in person visiting has added to his condition, but now at least there is some restricted visitation. He has a nice, pleasant room and is able to take some of his meals in the dining room.
Please keep Bishop Rose in your prayers.
APRIL 5 ALUMNI ZOOM SESSION
For the past few months, several alumni have been meeting on Zoom on the first Monday of the month to share memories of life in St. Joe’s in the 1960’s and to discuss a variety of topics, especially as they relate to our experience in the seminary and in the Church.
A recording of the April session is at https://bit.ly/3d7iFH7. If requested, the passcode is L%5R%AJb.
Participants in April’s session included Paul Banner (1966); Jim Blanchard (1967-1973 St. Joe’s and Christopher House); Bill Block (1963-67); Tom Dalton (1959-60); Dick Galant (1965); Pete Garthe (1966); Bill Gebhard (1966); Jim Hammond (1966); Dave Hooper (1964); Frank Marfia (1966); Stas’ Popowich (1966); Frank Unger (1965); Al Wahmhoff (1966); Jerry Willing (1962); and Bill Yagerlener (1966)
A major topic of discussion was the role of women in the Church historically and today. In its April 11 edition, the Detroit Free Press covered many of the same points and provides details on several of the religious communities that we talked about.
The next Zoom virtual get-together is scheduled for Monday, May 3, beginning at 7 p.m. If you’d like to be kept informed of upcoming sessions, please send a message to stjoememories@gmail.com
UPDATE – JANUARY 16, 2021
PREORDAINED: BOYS AS FUTURE PRIESTS
Thanks to Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) for calling attention to this book, in which Joseph Sheley focuses upon the experiences of adolescent males swept into American Catholic minor seminaries between 1950 and 1980. Sheley, President Emeritus of California State University Stanislaus, attended St. Pius Seminary in Galt, California. Future Priests examines his experiences in the context of what was happening in minor seminaries across the country.
Several St. Joe alumni have read or are reading the book and note many similarities to our lives at that time. It will be the focus of the Class of 1966 Zoom session on February 1, beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST. (Details below.)
Info on the book is at https://amzn.to/3q0loFL
FEBRUARY 1 ZOOM SESSION
For the past few months, several members of the Class of 1966 (and nearby years) have been meeting on Zoom to share memories of life in St. Joe’s in the 1960’s.
The next 2+ hour session will take place on Monday, February 1, beginning at 7 p.m. EST. The session will focus on Future Priests, and discussion will be led by those who have read the book, with reaction, remarks, and comments from all alumni. So far, Norb Bufka (61), Jim Lozer (66), Stosh Popowhich (66), Frank Marfia (66), Jerry Stein (66), Al Wahmhoff (66), Bill Yagerlener (66), Dick Galant (65), and Dave Hooper (64) have read or are reading it.
To participate in the Zoom session, here’s what you need to know:
- Based on our experience, we expect to limit the number of Zoomers to 25, and you must let us know if you want to participate. Send an email to stjoememories@gmail.com. Please include the years you attended.
- First to RSVP, first to be served. You will receive the Zoom link several days ahead of time.
Afterwards we’ll post a link to the video recording of the session so all alumni can view it.
QUESTIONS
-
- Who was/is the manager of the St. Joseph Seminary Facebook page?(https://www.facebook.com/St-Joseph-Seminary-216468158465958/)? It has 20+ followers who were in the seminary in the 1970’s. The last post was in May 2020. I’ve sent a message asking for info about them but haven’t had a reply.
- Did you attend the June 22, 2008 ceremony marking the closing of St. Joe’s? I have a copy of the printed program and plan to include a note about the ceremony in a future update. Additional details would be nice.
LOOKING BACK: 1957-60
Here are some remarks sent to Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) by Dennis Worthen, who enrolled at St. Joe’s in 1957, attended for 4 years, and would have been in the graduating Class of 1963. Note: the comments shared here are from two emails have been combined and slightly edited.
I bought and received your history of St Joe’s. Thanks for the inscription.
I discovered the alumni link after my sister told me about a newspaper clipping. I had fun looking through members’ names and was delighted to see Ed Oberle’s [Class of 1960] contact information. We had crossed paths briefly in Norwich, NY many years ago — and many years after St. Joe’s. Anyway, Ed and I connected by phone last week and had a great conversation connecting, remembering, and sharing. In the process he encouraged me to reach out to you with a couple of personal stories. Since I am also a historian, albeit of pharmacy, I know the power of memories in building a history, so here I am.
We were living in the Spokane, WA area in 1957. My father was in the Air Force. My mother was from Petoskey; we would return there to live when my father was assigned overseas. I applied to St Joes, however the response from Msgr. Falicki was – no – we are for the Grand Rapids Diocese. This 13-year-old responded that my family parish, although Franciscan, was in the Grand Rapids diocese. After several rounds of correspondence, I don’t remember taking any test, I was accepted and directed to report in September, 1957. I arrived after flying across the country as directed with a trunk containing clearly labeled clothing and probably some misgivings. I did have a cast on my right hand, a souvenir of a summer mishap, but otherwise seemingly sound of mind and body.
The entering class of 1957 was a large class, but not the largest according to your book. The 1st year dorm had bunk beds to accommodate the influx. The weeding started quickly (but not by Fr. Zaskowski). When we returned from the Christmas break there were no more bunk beds. That October, I was in the infirmary with Sr. Christopher. It must have been the flu. We were allowed to have the radio on, and the big news was the Russians’ launch of Sputnik.
I suffered from another church barrier during the summer after my first year. St Francis [Parish] was Franciscan; the pastor was not happy that I was in the diocesan seminary and didn’t want to write the required summer report. Now 15 years old, I was in a liturgical tug of war. By this time there had been a shift in the family. My mother and sisters were back in Petoskey. Her family were pillars of the community; the family business was the local Purina feed store. She called on the pastor and told him to quit playing games with me or she would get family and friends after him. It worked. I received a glowing report for being the ideal seminarian during the summer. No issues arose through the rest of my time in Grand Rapids.
Your book brought back many warm memories of my 4 years in Grand Rapids as well as a few not so nice. I don’t remember any student club activities, even with Ed’s help. I do remember mailing laundry home every week in the black laundry boxes. While functional, I recall being envious of others whose family were able to drop their laundry at the cortile, sometimes even with forbidden treats. In my second (or third) year I was assigned to be one of the library workers with Fr. Rose. This suited me much better than the ones who were assigned to Fr. Zas. Of course, everyone, but everyone, had to turn out to weed the myrtle.
Life has been kind to me. I received my BA from UofM and worked for a pharmaceutical company on a territory that stretched from Greenville to Mackinaw and Manistee to Rose City. I returned to graduate school with a wife and 2 children and then moved to Norwich working first in information services and later in professional affairs. We were transferred to Cincinnati in 1994 and I retired in 1999. Then I turned to teaching history of pharmacy and writing histories of pharmacy in WW II, clinical pharmacy, and other similar topics. My second career was productive and fun since I didn’t HAVE to do it. I stopped teaching in 2017 but still have several active research projects. My wife and I have been married since 1965, 55 years and counting.
Would definitely be interested in a future reunion if one is held. There aren’t a lot of familiar names on the distribution list of the alumni but enough to make the trip up from Cincinnati memorable. Would love to hear the stories, some of which you wrote about, including the demand for the dismissal of JE Shaw.
Ed Oberle told me that Fr. Rose was in a dementia unit. Very sad. I will send him a note of birthday greetings. I remember how he, Leo Rosloniac, and Joe McKinney were tossed in the lion’s den with the assignment to St Joes almost immediately after ordination. They weren’t a lot older than we were.
Funny note. I don’t have any materials left from my 4 years at St Joes – just memories. I am in the process of getting my research papers ready to transfer to the health center archives at the University of Cincinnati. In working through a file yesterday I found the class pictures of the 4 classes that graduated during my time at the sem. This trip down memory lane is something else.
Thanks for sharing your experience at St Joes. I have enjoyed your efforts.
May you have a safe and happy new year.
Dennis Worthen
UPDATE – DECEMBER 27, 2020
(Photos by Tom Dalton)
During the Christmas holiday break 100 years ago this week, students began moving into the new St. Joseph Seminary at 600 Burton Street. In 1919, under the leadership of Bishop Edward Kelly, the diocese purchased a twenty-two acre site in an area that was still rural with a large horse farm and riding stables to the south.
Ground was broken on November 20, 1919, and the building was blessed by Bishop Kelly on January 19, 1921.
UPDATE – DECEMBER 2020 (MIKADO EDITION)
John Mullally and Fr. Jim Swiat (Class of 1961) recently passed along an audio recording of The Mikado, the 1960 Christmas Play. The recording was prepared by their classmate the late Bob Lesinski.
The cast and crew shown above are from the disk liner prepared by Bob. There may have been some last-minute substitutions on performance day in the Three Little Lads.
Enjoy these memories …
Act 1
(Track 1) Overture – Rev. (now Bishop) Robert Rose
(Track 2) We Are Gentlemen of Japan – Chorus
(Track 3) A Wandering Minstrel – Gardiner, Chorus
(Track 4) Our Great Mikado, Virtuous Man – Cavera
(Track 5) Young Man Despair – Walsh, Gardiner, Cavera
(Track 6) Behold the Lord High Executioner – Gardiner, Derylo, Chorus
(Track 7) I’ve Got a Little List – Derylo
(Track 8) Three Little Lads From School Are We – Swart, Schrauben, Gallagher
(Track 9) Were You Not to Ko Ko Plighted – Gardiner, Schrauben
(Track 10) I Am So Proud – Walsh, Derylo, Cavera
(Track 11) With Aspect Stern, Finale Act I – Entire Chorus
Act 2
(Track 1) Overture – Rev. (Now Bishop) Robert Rose
(Track 2) Braid the Raven Hair – Swart, Schrauben, Gallagher
(Track 3) The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze – Gardiner
(Track 4) Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day – Gardiner, Cavera, Schrauben, Swart
(Track 5) Here’s A How De Do! – Derylo, Gardiner, Schrauben
(Track 6) Mi Ya Sa Ma & More Humane Mikado – Chorus, Swiat, Hahenberg
(Track 7) The Criminal Cried– Deryol, Walsh, Schrauben
(Track 8) The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring – Gardiner, Derylo
(Track 9) Alone and Yet Alive – Hahenberg
(Track 10) Willow, Tit Willow & There Is Beauty – Derylo, Hahenberg
(Track 11) For He’s Gone and Married Yum Yum & Finale – Ensemble
Here’s a link to all the songs in both acts: http://bit.ly/3aIbGmW
UPDATE – DECEMBER 2020 (MISSA EDITION)
As Christmas draws near, enjoy these recordings of Gaudeamus Omnes, Missa Liturgica, & Missa Choralis. They were recorded in the chapel some time between 1960 and 1961 by Bob Lesinski (Class of 1961). Fr. John Thome led the choir. The organist was David Gemeund (Class of 1959).
- Gaudeamus Omnes in Domino
- Missa Liturgica (Part 1) Kyrie
- Missa Liturgica (Part 2) Gloria (intonation by Msgr. Joseph Shaw)
- Missa Liturgica (Part 3) Credo
- Missa Liturgica (Part 4) Offertory Verse and Motet – Ave Maria
- Missa Liturgica (Part 5) Sanctus
- Missa Liturgica (Part 6) Agnus Dei
- Missa Choralis (Part 1) Kyrie
- Missa Choralis (Part 2) Gloria
- Missa Choralis (Part 3) Credo
- Missa Choralis (Part 4) Sanctus
- Missa Choralis (Part 5) Agnus Dei
Have a blessed and safe Christmas.
NOVEMBER 20, 2020
IT’S OFFICIAL!
Samaritas has opened the Affordable Living of Grand Rapids Community and the West Michigan Child and Family Campus.
The former St. Joseph’s Seminary has been transformed into into a 53-unit, low-income senior housing development. It also serves as the West Michigan headquarters for the organization’s child and family services departments, which provide foster care and adoption services, as well as assistance for the homeless, refugees, persons with disabilities and individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3lNUj6Y.
Take a tour:
UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2020
ST. JOE’S HISTORY IS FEATURED IN OUR HANDS
For a larger version of this article, go to https://online.flipbuilder.com/vulb/vusd/ You will see the cover of the Samaritas magazine Our Hands. Click or swipe on the right side of the screen to open the publication. To move through the magazine, click/swipe on the right side of each page until you reach pages 12-13. You can then enlarge the pages as needed.
NOVEMBER 20 DEDICATION OF FACILITIES WILL BE VIRTUAL-ONLY
In an abundance of caution the November 20 Samaritas Affordable Living and West Michigan Child and Family campus ribbon cutting will be an online virtual event only. The open house in the afternoon has been canceled.
Samaritas will host the ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. via Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/IamSamaritas. Mayor Rosalyn Bliss, Commissioner Kurt Reppart, and Sam Beals, Samaritas CEO will speak at the ceremony. The ceremony will be followed by a virtual tour of the chapel, apartments, and the new West Michigan Child and Family campus that was once the gymnasium.
AN HISTORICAL NOTE
Almost 100 years ago the first students moved into 600 Burton during Christmas week of 1920, and the building was solemnly blessed by Bishop Edward Kelly on January 19, 1921.
ALUMNI DONATIONS
So far Samaritas has received $2,375 from 20 generous members of the St. Joe Alumni network.
There are two ways of making your gift toward the goal of raising $5,000 that will be recognized with a plaque in the building lobby:
- Gifts by credit cards or EFT can be made through the Samaritas secure website: www.samaritas.org/donate. Choose “Giving Hope Capital Campaign” for designation and in the optional “My gift is in response to” indicate “St. Joseph Alumni.”
- Checks can be sent to: Samaritas Advancement 2000 32nd Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Checks should be made payable to Samaritas and include “St Joseph Alumni” in the memo or description.
If you already made your gift but aren’t sure you marked it to be counted as a gift from an alumnus, or if you have any questions, you can contact: Joel Lautenbach, Executive Director of Development, 616-916-0575 jlaut@samaritas.org
UPDATE – OCTOBER 2020
Front – October 13 2020
SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 20 OPEN HOUSE
On Friday, November 20, Samaritas will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the completion of the agency’s transformation of the St. Joseph’s Seminary main building into affordable housing for low-income seniors and the gym into office and meeting space.
This will be our last opportunity to view the seminary up close. Residents are expected to begin moving in early January.
Following the ribbon cutting, the public is invited to an open house and tour of the buildings, which have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Attendance at the ribbon cutting will be limited to invited guests, and reservations will be required for the open house to ensure the safety of those taking the tour.
Details will be announced shortly.
For the most recent photographs of the renovation, visit our website at https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/new_direction/. Thanks to Tom Dalton for his work in documenting the work in progress this past year.
ST. JOSEPH ALUMNI GIFT
Recognizing the many students who once walked the halls of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Samaritas invites St. Joseph’s Seminary Alumni to join together in supporting the transformation of the campus into a gift to the community.
If alumni contribute a total of $5,000, a plaque will be installed in the lobby alongside those of major supporters of this undertaking. Making a gift online is quite easy at the Samaritas secure website, www.samaritas.org/donate.
Several alumni have already donated, and we ask you to join in supporting this program to shelter the homeless and preserve an important part our history.
Details and donation instructions are in this message from Samaritas. Please make your gift today.
THE BULLETIN, MORE HISTORICAL PHOTOS ADDED TO OUR WEBSITE
The alumni website (https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com) continues to be updated with the addition of more photos and documents.
CLASS PHOTOS – https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/class-photos/
Almost all alumni class photos dating to the early 1900’s appear here. We’re still missing 1962 & 1965 (a very small class).
THE BULLETIN from 1966-67 is now online at https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/the-bulletin/, thanks to Frank Marifa (Class of 1966). A nice part of each year’s Bulletin is the list of faculty members and the roster of students for all six classes If you have copies of The Bulletin from other years, we would really like to add them to the website. Contact us at stjoememories@gmail.com to arrange getting them scanned.
A LOOK AT THE PAST (https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/looking-back-2) Photos from Saint Joseph’s Seminary: Personal and Historical Perspectives have been supplemented with many dating to the original seminary in the early 1900’s. Special thanks to Jim Blanchard (Class of 1971) and Angela Yondo of the diocesan archives for their work on this. If you have any from your days at St. Joe;s, we’d be happy to include them..
PEACE TO ALL!
We’re looking forward to the November 20 Open House … hope you can see St. Joe’s one last time … and please join in supporting this important work.
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961)
Bill Yagerlener (Class of 1966)
UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2020
Dave Huhn moving in first day September 3 1955
This photo from September 3, 1955 seems a timely memory to share. Msgr. Falicki welcomed a student as the school year got under way. The caption identities him as Dave Huhn.
We didn’t have a reunion this year, but there’s been a lot of memory-sharing behind the scenes.
UPDATED WEBSITE
The alumni website (https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com) has undergone some changes with the addition of new info and features.
CLASS PHOTOS
Jim Blanchard (Class of 1971) spent quite few hours in the diocese archives collecting most of the class photos dating to 1912. These framed photos at one time hung on the walls of the second floor and later in the senior chapel and refectory. Check what he found at https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/class-photos. If you have any of the missing years or better copies of any, please send them to stjoememories@gmail.com Thanks, Jim (and archive assistant Angela Yondo) for sharing these memories!
CLASS OF 1966
(https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/class-of-1966-3)
Thanks to Chris Mulcahy and Jerrry Stein for supplying most of these photos of what life was like at St. Joe’s in much of the 1960’s. If you have photos to share for your years at the seminary, please send them to stjoememories@gmail.com. We’ll create a similar page for them or add them to “A Look at the Past”.
A LOOK AT THE PAST
(https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/looking-back-2) The photos from Norb Bufka’s book have been supplemented with one showing the faculty in the early 1950’s, a high resolution version of the 1962 group photo in front of the Main Building, and others provided by Msgr. Terry Stewart and Chris Mulcahy.
THE RULE BOOK
(https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/the-rule-book)
Thanks to Jim Hammond (Class of 1966) for sharing his copy of “The Rules” that can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF. Norb Bufka provided the text version.
THE SEMINARY IN 2019
(https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/the-seminary-in-2018)
These photos offer a look at the grounds just months before the redevelopment of the property by Samitas and Bethany Christian Services.
A NEW DIRECTION
(https://saintjosephseminary.wordpress.com/photo-gallery)
Thanks to Tom Dalton for chronicling the transformation that’s been taking place on the campus.
Peace to all!
UPDATE – AUGUST 2020
NEW VERSION OF 1962 PHOTO
Another piece of St. Joe’s history has been added to this website – a photo taken in May, 1962 of students, faculty, and newly consecrated Bishop Charles Salatka (Class of 1938) following a celebratory mass at the seminary. This photo, provided by Jerry Stein (Class of 1966), is a high resolution, clear image that shows all students. In an earlier version, some students were cropped out, and it was difficult to see faces clearly. The photo has also been placed in the “Looking Back” section. Lots of familiar faces!
NOTE: Click on the photo for a larger version. Click again for an even larger version,
May 1962 Faculty, Students, & Bishop Charles Salatka
RENOVATION OF 600 BURTON
Apartment under construction – August 2020 (photo by Consolidated Electrical Contractors)After a slowdown due to the coronavirus virus, construction has resumed on the work of transforming the main building and gymnasium at our former home into affordable housing for older adults. Samaritas, one of Michigan’s largest faith-based nonprofits, broke ground on the project in November 2019. The main building is being renovated into 53 affordable apartment units and the the former gym into office space.
Tom Dalton, who lives nearby, has been chronicling the work with regular photographs of the exterior. Scroll down to view his earlier work.
A few tips when looking at the photos:
- Hover over a photo for the caption.
- Click on a photo for a larger view and to leave a comment at the bottom of the picture.
Here is the latest batch of photos … lots of areas we remember well. Thanks, Tom.
FIRST FLOOR & BASEMENT
THIRD & FOURTH FLOORS
GYM
EXTERIOR
UPDATE ON CLASS PHOTOS
Thanks to Jim Blanchard (Class of 1971) and Angela Yondo of the diocesan archives office, you can view photos of almost all of the seminary’s graduating classes dating to 1912. Visit the Class Photos section and see how many you recognize.
UPDATE – MAY 2020
FR. DENNIS MORROW
Sad news to report. Fr. Dennis Morrow passed away on Saturday May 16.
Father Den was ordained a priest on August 24, 1975, by Bishop Joseph Breitenbeck at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. He served at parishes in Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Ludington; as a pastor at St. Edward’s in Lake Odessa (1984-86) and at Our Lady of Sorrows in Grand Rapids (1988-93). He was pastor of SS. Peter & Paul in Grand Rapids since 1993.
His many hats included those of archivist of the Diocese of Grand Rapids since 1976 and a diocesan canon lawyer since 1981. In 1976 he was appointed by the city manager as chaplain of both the Grand Rapids Fire and Police Departments; and was greatly honored to serve his first-responder brothers and sisters, and through them the general public, for over 40 years.
Den was an avid fan of St. Joe’s and preserving its memory. As diocesan archivist he shared much information and many photos for Saint Joseph’s Seminary: Personal and Historical Perspectives, the history penned by Norb Bufka. He played a major role in the 2018 all-seminary reunion and hosted the memorable event at SS Peter and Paul Church, his parish.
More about Den, his life and his ministry (along with many photos):
- “40 years as priest, historian, police and fire chaplain” (https://bit.ly/3bWQXJ7)
- “Longtime Grand Rapids police and fire chaplain dies” (https://bit.ly/2XpMpG7)
- WOOD-TV video of funeral services (https://bit.ly/2XtIrvQ). The funeral procession, led by a horse-drawn caisson paused in front of fire department headquarters on the way to St. Andrew’s Cemetery, members of Grand Rapids Fire Department Pipes and Drums played “Amazing Grace.”
UPDATE ON 600 BURTON
Tom Dalton lives near St. Joe’s and has been taking a lot of photographs of the makeover. Here are a few recent shots of the changes. The circular driveway at the front is is being rebuilt. Windows are being replaced. The chapel roof has been replaced. Work continues on converting the gym into office space. [Scroll down for details and photos over the past year.]
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Here are some recent photos from Tom Dalton of the work-in-progress at 600 Burton Street. Top to bottom: (1) roof repair above the third & fourth floors, where the dorms were located, (2) view of the gym from the southeast corner, (3) another view of the gym, (4) front view, (5) view from the northwest, (6) view from the northeast, and (7) the east side of St. Henry’s Hall with a new fence (without barbed wire); a little left in center in the photo (in the trees) is the grotto. Thanks, Tom!
UPDATE – MARCH 2020
In this update: 2020 reunion info construction news, & Bishop Rose’s birthday
A face-lift and a new purpose
St. Joseph Seminary is undergoing a major re-purposing under new leadership. [Scroll down for details reported over the past year.]
The former St. Henry’s Hall is now used by Bethany Christian Services for some of its residential services, and the convent is being converted into office space for the agency.
Samaritas, one of Michigan’s largest faith-based nonprofits is behind the work on the main building and gymnasium at our former home. Since 1934 the organization has served people of all ages and backgrounds including providing resettlement services for New Americans, adoption and foster care, and residential communities for seniors and persons with disabilities, through assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.
Samaritas broke ground in November to transform the seminary into affordable housing for older adults. The first step was to register the St. Joseph seminary on the National Registry of Historic places to preserve its historical beauty. The façade and much of the original beauty will be maintained. The primary building will ultimately transform into 53 affordable apartment units for those 55 years and older. The site was selected for its size, location, and access to public transportation and commercial businesses. The project will finish in time to welcome residents by spring of 2021.
The most visible signs of change can be seen in the photos of the property’s front, taken by Tom Dalton, who lives nearby and is keeping a watchful eye on what’s happening. A trench has recently been dug for the new domestic water service, and the water service for the fire protection system. And a cement block wall has been built to separate 600 Burton from the other buildings, and utilities have been cut that ran between buildings.
The second phase is the conversion of the gymnasium. Currently Samaritas is located in many offices spaces throughout Grand Rapids. For many years, they have been searching for an opportunity to bring together its offices to create a hub of collaboration. The consolidation will serve several purposes including: allowing collaboration with foster care, adoption and behavioral health, meeting the needs of children seamlessly, providing additional rooms for visitation, therapy, and small group space for clients and staff. Space will also be available for accepting donations for New American’s making storage a possibility.
“It is exciting to see the beautiful and historic St. Joseph campus come to life again with an organization whose mission is to serve all people as an expression of the love of Christ,” notes Mary Cline, Corporate Development and Events at Samaritas. If you would like to support this conversion to affordable living through a gift, or would like more information, or schedule a tour, please contact Joel Lautenbach, Executive Director of Development, via email at jlaut@samaritas.org or telephone at (616) 916-0575.
“Multos annos ei optamus. Felix prosper vivat!”
The 90th birthday celebration for Bishop Robert Rose (center) was held at the Walker Roadhouse restaurant on February 28th his actual date. Present were (left to right) Bishop David Walkowiak; Msgr. Bill Duncan, Vicar General; Msgr. Terry Stewart, Patient Advocate/Power of Attorney; and Rod Wood, who helped him when he was residing at Camillus Woods.
Bishop Rose graduated from St. Joe’s in 1950. He was ordained a priest in Rome on December 22, 1955 and joined the seminary faculty immediately on his return from Rome in 1956.
He became director of Christopher House and rector of St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. After that was pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Muskegon Heights. In October 1981, Father Rose was named the second bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, and was ordained and installed on December 6. In July, 1989, following the retirement of Bishop Joseph Breitenbeck, he was appointed the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. After 22 years of episcopal ministry, Bishop Rose retired in October 2003 and now resides at St. Anne’s Home.
FYI … “Multos annos ei optamus. Felix prosper vivat!” is from the greeting in Latin that seminarians would sing on a faculty member’s birthday. It’s the equivalent of the Vulcan salutation “Live long and prosper!”
UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2020
Norb Bufka (Class of 1961) sent this letter to alumni …
Hi,
BISHOP ROSE’S BIRTHDAY
Bishop Robert Rose was a special priest at St. Joe’s for many of us. He joined the faculty in the fall of 1956, my first year there. He remained on during the tumultuous years of the later 1960’s and 1970’s. he was back at 600 Burton St. when he was a bishop, since that was the site of the diocesan offices. His office was in the former convent.
Bishop Rose will be 90 on February 28. Bishop David Walkowiak, the current bishop of Grand Rapids, Msgr. Terry Stewart and other priests will be taking him out to dinner on his birthday.
I invite you to send him a birthday card and some note of memory. His address is
Bishop Robert Rose
c/o St. Ann’s Home
2161 Leonard St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
In case you didn’t know, he is suffering from dementia and is no longer able to read and understand what he is reading, but he does seem to comprehend conversations, especially about St. Joe’s. So Msgr. Stewart will be reading your cards and letters to him.
Spring is on the way.
Peace, Norb
Norbert Bufka (Class of 1961)
Home: 989 835-2832
Norbert609@sbcglobal.net
UPDATE – DECEMBER 2019
A CENTURY LATER … A NEW PURPOSE (Part 2)
Like the 100 year old main building on the St. Joseph Seminary campus, St. Henry’s Hall and the convent are undergoing a transformation. The hall has been spruced up by a faith-based human service agency for its youth programs. The agency is renovating the former convent for office space. (NOTE: If you visit the property, the agency asks you to respect the privacy of its clients and avoid that part of the grounds.)
A little bit of history …
Named for Henry Joseph Richter, the first bishop of the diocese, St. Henry’s Hall opened in 1957 as a residence hall for upper grade seminary students. It contained 66 student rooms, 6 faculty suites, 4 classrooms, a library, recreation room, physics laboratory, and a chapel for private prayer. The building was designed to be twice the size, although the second half was never constructed.
In 2000 it underwent a complete remodeling into St. Henry Spirituality & Ministry Center by Bishop Robert Rose in his campaign “In the Name of the Lord,” which is his episcopal motto. It was designed to hold such activities as marriage encounters, cursillos, and parish retreats. Two student rooms were combined into a nice larger room accommodating a double bed, bathroom and shower. Tom Dalton was Director of the Center from 2001 to 2008.
In 2008 the diocese sold the entire campus to Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. The church established the Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of the Arts and Technology on the property and used St. Henry’s for elementary grades, and portable classrooms for middle school and high school until they could renovate the main building.
The school closed in 2017. In 2019 the campus was sold again to two parties. Samaritas purchased the main building and gym. Another service agency purchased St. Henry’s Hall and the convent. Both are busily renovating for their particular purposes.
The convent was constructed in 1948 for the Dominican Sisters, who provided food services for the seminary and operated the infirmary. (Remember Sister Christopher?)
The tunnels between the convent and main building and St. Henry’s and the main building are still there but dungy and not used.
One final history note …
The entire site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the mystifying points in the application form is a photo and reference to a small stone shrine located in a grove of pine trees behind St. Henry’s Hall. The form had no information on its date of construction and noted only “it likely contained a religious statue.
According to Doug Frantz, class of 1976, faculty member Fr. James Bozung spearheaded the construction with the assistance of Fr. Don Lomasiewicz and the class of ’76. He thinks it was completed in 1975.
Diocesan archivist Fr. Dennis Murrow, class of 1968, notes that the shrine included a simple painted statue of the Blessed Mother with blue and white robes. The statue was still there when the property was sold and no doubt removed afterwards.
NEW PHOTO GALLERY
We’ve added a new feature to the website ‒ A Look at the Past, a gallery that features a variety of photos of the campus from the past. If you have photos you’d like to share, please send them to StJoeMemories@gmail.com.
UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2019
A CENTURY LATER … A NEW PURPOSE (Part 1)
Breaking News: The entire seminary grounds have just been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Register is the federal government’s official list of properties deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance. Thanks to this listing Samaritas will qualify for tax incentives as it develops the property. The National Register of Historic Places Registration Form contains a detailed history of the seminary and the early years diocese.
The seminary’s main building, which was opened in 1921, is being converted into 53 affordable living units for low-income residents age 55 and older. Samaritas, a statewide social service agency, conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking in November and construction is well under way. The exterior of the 80,000 square foot historic structure will be kept intact, while interior renovations will include community rooms for group activities and events, a library, computer lab, and an exercise room. The project is expected to be completed by December, 2020. In addition to the senior apartments, Samaritas will use the gymnasium for its Grand Rapids Human Services Office.
More details in this MLive article: Nonprofit breaks ground on $16.2M senior housing complex in Grand Rapids. Info on Samaritas at www.samaritas.org
Take a work-in-progress look inside. Click on an image for a larger view. Photos were taken on November 14, 2019.
SAVE THE DATE
The 2020 reunion will take place on Tuesday, August 4.
- Noon to 4 p.m. Lunch about 1 p.m.
- Peter and Paul Parish Center
- 520 Myrtle N.W.
- Grand Rapids MI 49504
All former students and their wives, if applicable, are invited. Watch for more details.
PLEASE NOTE: Norbert Bufka, who was the main contact for the 2018 get-together would like someone (or some people) to take on the duties this time around … especially serving as the point of contact, keeping track of reservations/funds, planning the day, speakers, emcee, working with the parish, and more. If you’re able to help out, Norbert will pass along the ideas used last time. Contact him at norbert609@sbcglobal.net or 989-835-2832
UPDATE ON BISHOP ROSE
Bishop Robert Rose, who is 89 years old, is suffering from rather severe dementia. When it was evident that he could no longer live alone, he was admitted to St. Anne’s Home as a permanent resident.He is confused about how to operate phones and most electronic devices and telling time. He is unable to read so he cannot pray the Office and is not comfortable at Mass. He does enjoy visits and remembers most visitors especially if they remind him who they are. He has better remembering of those past events of seminary days and times past. He would welcome your visit. We ask that you always sign his guest book so he will know who came to see him. You can write to him or visit him at: Bishop Robert Rose, St. Ann’s Home, 2161 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Please keep him in your prayers.
St. Joseph's Seminary 