Five Kenrick-Glennon seminarians to be ordained transitional deacons for other dioceses

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend

Five Kenrick-Glennon Seminary students are being ordained transitional deacons for other dioceses this month.

All are expected to complete their master of divinity degree by spring 2013 from Kenrick School of Theology. Each is also working toward completion of his master of arts in theology.

Transitional deacons are seminarians in their last year of preparation for ordination to the priesthood. A transitional deacon may baptize, distribute Communion, witness marriages and lead rites for Christian burial.

Three men will be ordained for the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan., at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka, Kan., by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Nathan Haverland, 28, is the son of Phillip Haverland and the late Janice Rogers. His home parish is St. Patrick in Kansas City, Kan. He earned bachelor of science degrees in astronomy and physics from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.; a master's degree in nuclear engineering and radiological science from the University of Michigan; and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. He served his supervised ministry at St. Norbert, Epiphany of Our Lord, St. Alban Roe and St. Joan of Arc parishes.

Daniel Schmitz, 27, is the son of David and Gail Smith. His home parish is St. Dominic in Holton, Kan. He earned bachelor's degrees in business administration in finance and in entrepreneurship from Wichita State University and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. He served his supervised ministry at St. John Vianney High School, teaching senior religion classes.

Quentin Schmitz, 32, is the son of Giles and Roxie Schmitz. His home parish is Sacred Heart in Baileyville, Kan. He earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from Kansas State University and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. He served his supervised ministry at Our Lady of Providence Parish.

Two men will be ordained for the Diocese of Bismarck, N.D., at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck by Bishop David D. Kagan.

Thomas Grafsgaard, 26, is the son of Gerald and Kathy Grafsgaard. His home parish is Corpus Christi in Bismarck. He earned bachelor's degrees in biology and philosophy from St. John's University in Minnesota. He served his supervised ministry at St. Peter Parish (Kirkwood).

Corey Nelson, 29, is the son of Tim and Annette Nelson. His home parish is Our Lady of Grace in Minot, N.D. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and humanities from North Dakota State University. He served his supervised ministry at St. Clement of Rome Parish.