Meet The Seminarians
Ten men are currently studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Evansville. Here is information that they offered to The Message about themselves.
TYLER TENBARGE
Age: 25
Date of birth: January 22, 1988
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Mark and Susan Tenbarge
Names of brothers and sisters: Kendra, Trent, Dana, Brian, Krista, Blake
Current parish: Sts. Peter and Paul, Haubstadt
Hometown: Evansville
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
I entered seminary at Bishop Simon Bruté and Marian University in January 2009 after working for the National FFA Organization. I attended Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School, Haubstadt Community School, Gibson Southern High School and did a bit of coursework at Purdue University before college seminary.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed?
Since entering seminary, I have graduated from Marian University (2012) and Bishop Simon Bruté Seminary, spent a semester studying in Rome (2011), completed a summer at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha (2012), and just wrapped up a summer at Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville.
Where will you be this fall?
I will return to St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology as a second year theology student.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I have been in seminary for five years and have three to go. Seminary has been a blessing, and time at Saint Meinrad, at parishes and doing supervised hospital visiting will be good, too. That should be most of what is left for me.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
My family, my friends, other seminarians, my pastor and people from all over the diocese affirm the call I feel toward priesthood. That is a tremendous gift.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
I find preaching and working with youth to be areas of ministry that give me a lot of life. I have also enjoyed growing in the knowledge of our faith with adults at Bible studies or on retreats.
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
• The importance of preaching
Jesus gave us a great command: to love God and neighbor. He also gave a great commission: to go out to all the world and spread the good news. There are very few things more important than speaking the truth well and with love.
• The Strategic Plan
I think the Strategic Plan is a gift to our diocese. Our Church is a Living Body, one that moves, grows, etc. Stewarding our practical resources and services is part of our job as a living community.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
This summer was speckled with encounters of Catholics speaking the truth and testifying to Christ at work among us. I encountered this particularly at World Youth Day in July. Witnessing others speaking freely is empowering. I hope others get to experience that, too, here at home.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
The priest’s job is to help others find how God is calling them. But that’s also my job and yours. Of course young men will be able to see in the priest a possible reflection of themselves one day. However, parents, teachers and all of us ought to encourage vocations. If we are going to have a strong Church, we need everyone being who they were created to be, and all of us have a hand in either encouraging or discouraging others we encounter on our way.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
My childhood pastor, the late Father Francis Schroering, was known for saying, “It’s not that hard. Just be kind.” I think people just want a pastor, who loves them, who listens to them and who tries his best to live a holy life. Pope Francis is a good model, and so are many of our priests here in the Diocese of Evansville.
JONATHAN BLAIZE
Age: 26
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Larry and Lisa Blaize
Names of brothers and sisters: Erin (Blaize) Landthrip
Current parish: Sts. Peter and Paul, Haubstadt
Hometown: Mount Carmel, Ill.
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
I will begin formal study to the priesthood this fall at St. Meinrad through the pre-theology program. I attended Allendale Community School, Mount Carmel High School, Wabash Valley College, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Ivy Tech Community College.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed?
Having just entered seminary, I have not yet had the opportunity to complete other formation programs, though I am looking forward to them.
Where will you be this fall?
St. Meinrad Seminary
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I expect to complete the pre-theology and theology programs at St. Meinrad.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
My parents, sister, priests and parish community all affirm me as a seminarian. I would not be where I am without their love and support.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
The area of ordained ministry that is most attractive is administering God’s grace and mercy through the sacraments, especially Reconcilliation and the Eucharist.
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
• The importance of preaching
I believe good preaching is deeply important. Preaching inspires us to pursue the things of God, and gives us a sense of focus and mission to do His will.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
Hopefully, the Strategic Plan will enable the Church in our diocese to use our resources as wisely and effectively as possible for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom and the salvation of souls. I know that it has given me, personally, the realization that God has entrusted His work to each one of us, and His Church will only thrive in-so-much as each one of us responds and cooperates with His Grace.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
I have seen people come alive in their faith and find their meaning and purpose in God. This excites me more than just about anything with the ministry.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
The role of the priest in supporting vocations is vital. The authentic Christian witness of the priests in my own life is a large part of what has inspired me to pursue this vocation, and without their very real and prayerful support, I would have not thought I could enter the seminary in the first place.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
I believe the qualities people most want to see in a diocesan priest is genuine, Christ-likeness. I believe people want to see priests who love the Lord, live their faith, and have real love and concern for their parishioners.
JOHN PFISTER
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Jim and Mary Jane Pfister
Names of brothers and sisters: Greg, Alex, Richard, Daniel, Chris, Lisa Williams, Ellen Wilderman
Current parish: Holy Cross, Fort Branch
Hometown: Fort Branch
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
Gibson Southern High School, Indiana University with a B.S., University of Southern Indiana with an M.B.A.; St. Meinrad, philosophy
What other formation programs or processes have you completed?
Cursillo, pastoral associate for my cluster, rosary leader, finance commission at my parish, summer assignment at St. Joseph Parish in Jasper
Where will you be this fall?
St. Meinrad, first year theology
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I am looking forward to formation in preaching, counseling and sacraments. Within theology I have an interest in Biblical studies.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
Cursillo community, pastor, parochial vicar, parish managers and all the Catholics and Catholic organizations that send me notes of encouragement at St. Meinrad.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
Every priest I have met in our diocese has aspects of his vocation I find attractive, and personal attributes I aspire to.
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
• The importance of preaching
The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist are paramount to every priest’s mission.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
God’s plan for the Kingdom will unfold as it should.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
St. Meinrad is chock full of good preachers that shine with the light of Christ’s love, bringing enthusiasm to the student body.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
The priest has a special role, leading by example a good and holy life. But don’t forget every Catholic, including priests, must evangelize and encourage vocations to the young in all manner of vocation; religious, married and the single life.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
Qualities of a good priest include: recognizing my own limitations, surrounding myself with talented Catholics, knowing when to ask for help, and understanding it’s about Christ – not about me, and relying on prayer. People want to see a hard-working steward of community assets that is prayerful and full of zeal from the Holy Spirit.
JERRY PRATT
Age: 47
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Jerry Sr. and Martha Pratt
Names of brothers and sisters: Steve Pratt
Current parish: St. Clement, Boonville
Hometown: Chandler
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
I just completed a two-year pre-Theology program at St. Meinrad, earning a master of arts degree.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed?
I’ve spent time with the wonderful people at Good Shepherd Parish and Precious Blood Parish. This summer I served with “One Bread, One Cup” at St. Meinrad.
Where will you be this fall?
First Theology – St. Meinrad
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
Four more years! I began the Theology program at St. Meinrad this fall.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
I’m blessed to say that my vocation is affirmed throughout the diocese! I can’t wait for the day when I can give back to this great diocese.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
I’m ready to tackle whatever God sends my way. I know if He gives me a task, He will also give me the tools to do it.
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
• The importance of preaching
Preaching is vital on one’s ministry.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
Just a little over 18 months ago, we started using the new missal at Mass. Look how it’s become second nature to us already. Once the Strategic Plan has been implemented, a stronger diocese will emerge before we know it!
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
The TEC program and the “Source and Summit” encourage me that the diocese is focusing on our youth – our most vulnerable constituency.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
Aside from family, no one is more vital to supporting vocations than the priest.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
Authenticity, holiness and openness.
LUKE HASSLER
Age: 21
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Lynn and Clare Hassler
Names of brothers and sisters: Nathan and Jacob Hassler
Current parish: St. Philip
Hometown: Evansville
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
I started seminary at Brute Seminary in Indianapolis. I attended St. Philip School and then moved on to Mater Dei High School.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed?
This past summer, I worked at an internship for One Bread One Cup at St. Meinrad
Where will you be this fall?
I will be attending Brute Seminary in Indianapolis.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I hope to move on to St. Meinrad to finish my studies.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
My friends and family
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
The role of a priest in a parish community
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
• The importance of preaching
Preaching is important because it connects scripture with everyday life.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
The Strategic Plan can potentially bring our diocese closer together as the body of Christ.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
The joy of the young Church and seeing the work of Christ in their lives.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
Relatability is very important for a priest, especially when ministering to the younger Church.
ANDREW THOMAS
Age: 20
Place of birth: Fishers, Ind.
Parents’ names: Mike and Melissa Thomas, Steve and Jennifer Myers
Names of brothers and sisters: Ben, Carl, Sydney and Caleb Meyers, Chris Thomas, Megan Sturgeon
Current parish: St. Vincent de Paul
Hometown: Vincennes
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
I began in 2010 at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, I have attended Flaget Elementary School and South Knox.
Where will you be this fall?
I will be attending Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I plan to finish out my time at Bishop Bruté and move to St. Meinrad for my final four years.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
As a seminarian I am affirmed by my parish community, parents and the Catholic community in the Diocese of Evansville.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
The area of ordained ministry I find most attractive is the ability to work with the faithful to help grow the Church and spread the Gospel.
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
• The importance of preaching
Preaching is important because it allows the Word of God to draw the faithful into the presence of Christ. Preaching, while important, is not just words. It is an action.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
The Strategic Plan will strengthen the diocese and allow the Church to more effectively do the work of Christ.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
The Church and her faithful make me excited about ministry.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
What makes a good diocesan priest is authentic love for Christ and His Church.
LARRY DURCHHOLZ
Age: 20
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Larry and Joyce
Names of brothers and sisters: Mary Alice, Elaine, Emily, Mark, Frank
Current parish: Good Shepherd, Evansville
Hometown: Evansville
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
I began studying for the priesthood at the beginning of 2013 at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary. Up until that point I had attended Good Shepherd Catholic School and Reitz Memorial High School.
Where will you be this fall?
I will be entering my sophomore year at Brute.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
Upon graduation from Bute, I expect to go on to St. Meinrad for the next phase of formation.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
To be honest, the friends I have made through participation in Holy Redeemer Youth Group, GS (Gioventu studentesca) and TEC retreats have been the ones who affirm me in my vocation by their witness and encouragement.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
What is most attractive to me is that by being able to stand in persona Christi, I may be God’s instrument to provide healing and peace to others through the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick.
• The importance of preaching
I believe that preaching is one of the most important assets to a priest as well as to the larger community of faith because through it the priest can spread the Gospel message as well as explain Church teaching for those willing to hear it.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
Although some may feel hurt by the effects of the Strategic Plan, I believe it is something that will only make our diocese stronger and more unified, just like bringing the logs and embers together serves to keep a campfire burning bright and hot.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
In my parish alone, just seeing how the whole community will come together in times of joy as well as times of trial in order to get the job done while growing closer to Christ makes me excited to see in what ways other parishes come together to solve problems as well as celebrate.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
I believe priests play an essential role in supporting and fostering vocations because just as a good and fruitful married couple or a passionate and caring religious person shed light on their healthy vocation, a joyful and compassionate priest shares a glimpse of what Holy Orders could look like for a person.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
A desire to be out among the parishioners and the community and a willingness to communicate the Gospel effectively and not just when it is pleasant to hear.
KEVIN EFFRON
Age: 18
Place of birth: Greenwood, Ind
Parents’ names: Michael and Janet
Names of brothers and sisters: Ian, Shannon, Sofia, Anne, Sean
Current parish: St. John, Daylight
Hometown: Newburgh
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
My education started in New Jersey when I went to Allamuchy Township School. With the exception of a year and a half of home school, I attended Allamuchy from the first to eighth grade. My freshman year of high school was spent at Hackettstown High School before I moved to Newburgh and graduated from Reitz Memorial High School. Last year I studied at Bishop Brute Seminary in Indianapolis.
Where will you be this fall?
This fall I will be a sophomore at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I plan to get my bachelor’s in Catholic studies from Marian University while at Brute after which I will study theology for your years at St. Meinrad.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
Some of the greatest sources of affirmation for myself have been members of my parish. The prayerful support I receive from them is a big help in my discernment every day.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
The two areas of ordained ministry I find the most attractive are those of a parish priest and a liturgical theologian.
• The importance of preaching
Preaching is very important because within each homily or talk given by a priest there is always something of value that can be taken away from it.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
The Strategic Plan is going to be very good for our diocese. The consolidation of parishes will help each church to receive more sacramental aid from priests.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
Traveling the Diocese of Springfield with Totus Tuus this summer I am able to see the immense thirst of faith within the Church’s youth and seeing that fire within them has definitely excited me for the future.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
The priest has an integral role in supporting vocations. A priest needs to do what he can in helping his parishioners discern their vocation.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
The quality that is the most important to be seen in a diocesan priest is fidelity to God, his bishop and his parish.
ADAM BERENDES
Age: 18
Place of birth: Evansville
Parents’ names: Joe and Theresa Berendes
Names of brothers and sisters: Laura, Jack, Lance
Current parish: Resurrection, Evansville
Hometown: Evansville
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary, Mater Dei High School, Resurrection Grade School
Where will you be this fall?
At Bishop Simon Brute Seminary in Indianapolis
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I will attend Bishop Simon Brute until graduation, then St. Meinrad
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
Family, TEC, Holy Redeemer Youth Group, Gioventu Studentesca and friends
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
Continuous service of others and God
• The importance of preaching
Way of explaining the Gospel and relating it to everyday life
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
It will bring the parishes closer together and fit the needs of the future Church
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
The movement of youth becoming more involved in the Church
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
One of the most powerful ways of showing young men the gift of ordained life
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
Able to listen, receptive, not too hard on themselves, leader, respectful, serve others
FLETCHER KITCHELL
Age: 18
Place of birth: Evansville
Parent’s name: Beckie Kitchell
Names of brothers and sisters: Tyler, Olivia and Maggie
Current parish: Sacred Heart, Vincennes
Hometown: Vincennes
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education (including grade school, high school and college?)
This fall I will be starting my studies at Bishop Simon Brute college seminary. All other education has come from Vincennes, Flaget Elementary for grade school and Rivet for middle and high school. I graduated from there this past May.
Where will you be this fall?
Brute
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I first need to get through my freshman year of college.
Who – or what – affirms you as a seminarian?
I really enjoyed my Theology classes throughout high school. I learned that I liked learning about my faith which, at the time, I didn’t really appreciate. And on top of that, I was pretty good at it.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
There’s not one thing in particular I find most attractive. I do, however, enjoy children so I would be thrilled to have an assignment associated with kids. But ultimately it will be up to the bishop.
• The importance of preaching
I think preaching is incredibly important. It’s one of the most common, if not the most common, ways a parishioner interacts with the pastor.
• The Strategic Plan. How will it impact the Church in our diocese?
I think it will be good in helping the people come together, not just in the new parishes or their respective deaneries, but across the diocese.
• What have you seen in the Church in the last months that makes you excited about ministry?
The people. They are, without a doubt, the best part of the diocese. From the lay communities to the priests (and we do have some great priests). I have been so blessed to be able to call this diocese my home.
• The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
A priest’s role in inspiring and supporting is PRICELESS. Without my past couple of pastors, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.
• Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
Pope Francis is a great example for all people, not just priests, to aspire to be like. He has qualities not often found in society today. His humility.
