Meet The Men Studying For The Priesthood
Meet the men who are studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Evansville.
TYLER TENBARGE
Parents’ names: Mark and Susan Tenbarge
Siblings: Kendra, Trent, Dana, Brian, Krista, and Blake
Home town: Haubstadt
Parish: Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt
Date of birth: Jan. 22, 1988
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 College Seminary and Marian University in January 2009 after working for the National FFA Organization. I had 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 (e.g., CPE, Spanish Immersion, parish assignment, summer project)?
Since entering seminary, I have graduated from Marian University and Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, spent a semester studying in Rome (2011), completed a summer at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha (2012), served a summer at Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville (2013), and finished up a summer in Olympia, Washington doing Clinical Pastoral Education as a hospital chaplain.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
This fall I will be at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in my third year of theology.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I have been in seminary for six years and have two to go. Seminary has been a tremendous blessing, and more formation at St. Meinrad and continued work in diocesan parishes will do doubt continue to be a blessing.
Who—or what—affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
My family and friends have really been supportive. Being with our unique and wonderful group of brother seminarians has me giving thanks to the Lord so often, too. My pastor, Father Tony Ernst, is among the most supportive and encouraging priests I know. And, the people from all over the diocese have given so much of their hearts and hands to helping me grow in Christ. I feel so blessed.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
I think preaching and youth ministry will be areas to which I will continue to feel drawn and within which I will be given grace to work. Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit provides for us so long as we are open to the Spirit's lead. I just pray to remain open.
You thoughts on
Listening to the People of God
I recently heard a quotation that went something like this: "God deigned not only to give us his Word, but he also stoops to give us his ear." I think we often forget that the all-powerful God wants to hear us. A priest can do this by making himself available after Masses, in schools, and at family celebrations. He can also listen in the person of Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I hope people know that I will be there to listen to them, just as God yearns for them, too.
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
The changes that have happened and may happen in our parish structures are done in the spirit of love. Jesus Christ came and united a body of believers under his teaching, his example, and his love. Whether or not we are finding new ways to function as a diocese, we are called to continue becoming fuller disciples of Jesus. Whatever change or lack of change helps those guiding the process and those accepting the process to listen to and love like Christ is where we will find true peace.
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
Pope Francis is really challenging me. I have always thought of myself as one who accepts others with little judgement. Pope Francis is one who seems to do this more fully than anyone else I know. I hope to learn from his example and open my heart more fully to everyone.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
I think the most significant thing anyone can do to support vocations to the priesthood is by appreciating the beauty of priesthood. Each vocation is indescribably deep and powerful. If you see what is so unique and wonderful about priesthood, you will naturally begin to mention it to others who will also begin to see it, to your child where a seed may be planted in his heart, and to your pastor in little comments of thanksgiving for answering Christ and serving his Church.
JOHN PFISTER
Parents' names: Jim and Mary Jane Pfister
Siblings: Greg, Alex, Richard, Daniel, Chris, Lisa Williams, Ellen Wilderman
Home town: Fort Branch
Parish: Holy Cross Parish in Fort Branch
Date of birth: March 14
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 went to Holy Cross Grade School, Gibson Southern High School, Indiana University, B.S., University of Southern Indiana, M.B.A., St. Meinrad Lay Degree Program, philosophy year one, and currently enrolled in St. Meinrad Seminary.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed (e.g., CPE, Spanish Immersion, parish assignment, summer project)?
Last summer I completed a parish assignment with St. Joseph, Jasper. This summer I completed a parish assignment at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish at Christ the King Church and Holy Spirit Church. My ministry experiences include GED teacher, Jail and Prison ministries, and participation with the Legion of Mary who brings the Eucharist to the homebound, the sick, and those in elder care facilities.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
2nd Theology at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
Every day is an exciting day at St. Meinrad. Whether it is academics, spirituality, ministry, or liturgy, each day is a blessing from God. The interaction of those in my path has given the Lord so many opportunities to speak to me. Praise God! I'm listening Lord!
Who—or what—affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
The people I pray with every day, in every circumstance, affirms my vocation. Trying not to oversimplify, for me it all comes down to this.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
Caring for the needs of a Parish community is my goal. Every community that I have observed is blessed with a caring priest that adapts to the needs of the particular community. Every parish has an individual identity and ministries that can be enriched or expanded. It is very exciting imagining myself in such a role.
Your thoughts on:
Listening to the People of God
Active listening is a skill each person can develop. It goes beyond just being quiet, or merely hearing. It is the same skill needed for quieting one's mind to listen for God. Whether it is in contemplation or prayer, listening for God or listening for God through the people of God, active listening makes for a good pastor.
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
The needs of God's people are difficult to articulate outside the context of our everyday life. In other words, by being open to God speaking to us through every experience we have, the needs of every individual, family, friend, and community become apparent.
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
Pope Francis challenges the entire Body of Christ to "live" the message of the Gospel. It is not enough to understand it or to only proclaim it. Those things must be done but we are each called by Christ to live the "good news". Contrary to so many ways of today's culture, we must step outside our comfort zone to bring the Word, Jesus Christ, to so many that desperately need Him.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
I think that people can support candidates to the priesthood by making the "ask". Some people are too shy or meek to tell people they are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Affirming them by asking if they have considered it, or supporting them when they disclose they are discerning, may make a difference in a potential candidate’s life. If it is someone for whom you have a Christian love for, making sure they understand your love extends beyond the eventual final discernment, positive or negative, it is helpful for them to see in your words and deeds that your love is not connected in any way to their decision.
JERRY PRATT
Parents: Martha and Jerry Pratt
Sibling: Steve Pratt
Parish: Good Shepherd Parish in Evansville
Hometown: Chandler
Date of birth: Oct. 20, 1965
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 have a lot of fun being a Castle grad and getting good-natured fun poked at me. My undergraduate degree was in elementary education from the University of Southern Indiana. In 2013, I received my master’s of arts in Catholic philosophical studies from St. Meinrad. I just finished my third year at St. Meinrad and so I am entering Second Theology this semester.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed (e.g., CPE, Spanish Immersion, parish assignment, summer project)?
I was given an incredible opportunity this past summer to spend a 10-week Spanish Immersion program in Antigua, Guatemala. The experience was amazing! If I start describing it in this space . . . well . . . there won't be any space left! I'd love to tell you all about it. When we see each other in the diocese, don't hesitate to ask. Next summer I will complete my Clinical Pastoral Education -- or CPE -- a chaplaincy program that will last all summer long. For now, suffice to say that I can speak a little Spanish, but I'm better at comprehending what is being spoken to me. Hey, it's a little hard to teach an old dog new tricks, huh?
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
I just finished my third year at St. Meinrad and so I am entering Second Theology there this semester.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
Next summer I will complete my Clinical Pastoral Education -- or CPE -- a chaplaincy program that will last all summer long. As of this writing, I don't know where my placement will be, but I would like for it to afford the opportunity to continue to practice and learn Spanish.
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
So far, I have encountered affirmation in just about every aspect of my diocesan life. My parents and friends, parishioners, and fellow seminarians encourage me far more than they are likely aware. My experiences in Guatemala this past summer only added to my certainty that I am currently pursuing my true vocation.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
I truly believe -- and this is not because I'm starting to get a little closer to ordination -- that I will find whatever area of ministry in which Bishop Thompson places me most attractive. There are so many wonderful opportunities in our diocese. It would be difficult to name just one or two or five.
Your thoughts on
Listening to the People of God
Obviously, the People of God are the sheep of His flock -- how many times have we heard that in recent years? A good shepherd will grow increasingly aware and attentive to the sounds of his flock. He is charged with their care and well-being, but he can only do so when he knows their fears and troubles intimately. In time, the flock will respond to the shepherd because they, too, have been attentive to him and will know he is there as protector and comforter. If, as priests, we are charged with tending to a portion of God's Flock, how can we do so if we don't listen to their voices, their fears, their troubles? How can we do so if we don't work in such a way that the People of God will recognize that we are truly and humbly a protector and comforter for them?
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
As the diocesan strategic planning process is likely in its final stages as these last couple of years come to pass, there may be some people who might think the work is done. Not true, of course. What's next is to be sure that all of the new relationships, clusters and parishes that flowed from the strategic planning continue to meet the needs of our diocese. One step in the process may currently be in implementation, but there is still much to do!
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
The Holy Father certainly has the attention of the world! Among the many positive impacts he is having on the Church, his message of living a life of love and a life of simplicity have rung truest with me. I have always tended to focus too much on the "things" in life and not nearly enough on the people I encounter. Pope Francis is constantly reminding me of this challenge and why it is so important.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
I've had the good fortunate to speak with a number of seminarians about this very question. The overwhelming response: Someone (often their pastor) mentioned to the young man that he might make a good priest -- and then told him why! You see, we shouldn't sow the "you'd make a good priest" seed to every young man we meet, because it’s simply not true. When you see a guy who impresses to the point that "he'd make a good priest" comes to mind, talk to that young man and tell him what you see that causes you to think as you do. You never know, that may be the day and time when those words will ring truest to him.
ROSS GENTRY
Parents’ names: Dennis and Beth Gentry
Siblings: Nick Gentry, Kyla Beier
Parish: St. Mary, Ireland
Hometown: Jasper
Date of birth: May 31, 1989
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 am just starting my studies towards priesthood. I begin First Philosophy this fall at St. Meinrad. I went to Ireland Elementary, Jasper Middle School and Jasper High School before starting college. I spent one semester at IUPUI, and then transferred to USI where I earned a B.S. in elementary education.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
I will begin taking First Philosophy courses at St. Meinrad.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
Well, I have six years of studies ahead of me before ordination (God willing), so I expect quite a bit to happen. What that is exactly, I'll find out.
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
This is a tough one to answer as I just recently became a seminarian. I can say, though, that I have the support of everybody I interact with.
Your thoughts on
Listening to the people of God:
(I'd like to mention first that, as a new seminarian, my responses are likely to be altered during my time at seminary.) It is very important to listen to the People of God. How else can you know their strengths, weaknesses, wants and desires? With that knowledge you can better fulfill God's plan for/with them.
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
Part of the answer is in the question . . . the needs of the people. Along with that, we need to think about them as individuals. How do they learn? What do they know? How are they in relationship to God, the Church and the ministers?
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
Pope Francis has challenged me to break out of what has been the norm. That is, I need to reach out to everybody, not just those who come to me.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
There are five big things anybody can do: Pray, pray, pray, listen and inform. Pray that those who might be called to the priesthood go and discern. Pray that we all have the courage to take that step and break free from society telling everybody that you have to get married (there are other vocations). Pray and ask God, "am I called?" During all of that, listen. We do a lot of one-way conversations. God could be calling anybody, but if your ears and hearts are closed, how can He let us know? Lastly, let those who think they might be called know that there is a discernment process; you don't commit to the priesthood right away. Go and discern. If you're not called, then fine! You have gone through a process that made you a better man and you can continue to discern God's will for you.
LUKE HASSLER
Parish: St. Philip, Posey County
Hometown: Evansville
Parents: Lynn and Clare
Siblings: Nathan and Jacob
Date of birth: April 8, 1992
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 (e.g., CPE, Spanish Immersion, parish assignment, summer project)?
This past summer I worked at the Catholic Center for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in the maintenance department. I also took a few classes at Marian University.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
I will be a senior at Bruté 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 (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
Every year I have been in seminary, I am more and more inspired by the people in my parish community and in the diocese as a whole.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
The role of the priest at a parish. Being able to be with people in the good times and in the bad times.
Your thoughts on:
Listening to the People of God
I think that it is important to listen to the people of God because they are the Church and a priest who is not connected to the people is not an effective priest.
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
I think that it is important to realize that we are all part of the Body of Christ, and that the point of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan is to keep us all united as one.
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
Pope Francis has been a terrific role model in putting into practice what he teaches. His call to live simply has been a challenge for me in living in a materialistic society.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
The fostering of vocations is just as important for the people as it is for the priest. The priest can't help foster a vocation unless he knows about it. I would encourage anyone who thinks someone is called to the priesthood or religious life to bring it to the attention of the priest. It is a community effort.
ANDREW THOMAS
Parents’ names: Mike and Melissa Thomas, Jennifer and Steve Myers
Siblings: Ben Myers, Carl Myers, Amanda Faulkner, Chris Thomas, Megan Sturgeon, Sydeny Myers and Caleb Myers
Parish: St. Vincent de Paul, Vincennes
Hometown: Vincennes
Date of birth: May 31, 1993
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 formal study at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary. My education started at Flaget Elementary then in the second grade I moved to South Knox Elementary. I finished at South Knox Middle-High School.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
I will be at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary this Fall.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
I hope to attend St. Meinrad School of Theology.
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
I am affirmed by family, friends, holy priests, and all the people that reveal Christ to me. It gives me so much joy and I am affirmed when I see people faithful to the Church.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
I find serving the people of God the most attractive.
Your thoughts on
Listening to the People of God
The pastor is meant to bring Christ to his local community and if someone needs Christ to listen then a pastor can listen as Christ.
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
We are all people of God. As we go through tough changes it is important to know that as long as we remain faithful to the Church -- all She is and all She says -- if we remain faithful our needs will be met.
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
He has challenged me to be authentically in love with Christ and willing to spread that love with the world.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
People can support vocations with prayer and by talking about them. In our noisy world it is hard to hear the voice of God, so it takes our voice to spread God's call.
LARRY DURCHHOLZ
Parents: Larry and Joyce Durchholz
Siblings: Mary Alice, Elaine, Emily, Mark, Frank
Parish: Good Shepherd, Evansville
Hometown: Evansville
Date of birth: March 23, 1993
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 attended Good Shepherd School in grade school and later attended Reitz Memorial High School. I spent one semester studying as a math major at Marian University after high school and then entered seminary the second semester, transferring my residence down the road to Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary while continuing studies of philosophy at Marian with the other seminarians.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
I will be a junior at Bishop Simon Bruté College seminary this fall.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
God willing, I graduate from college in 2016 and then continue on with graduate theology studies at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
As of late, my experience with priests and those involved in the TEC community has really affirmed me as a seminarian. The priests by the sheer joy they have, no matter what they are facing, are just so uplifting because if their example is anything to follow, I know I can have that same joy and fulfillment as a priest one day. Those in the TEC community have affirmed and blown me away with the love that they show to everyone. They will love you while getting to know you and then love you even more for being who you are, even if you are a goofy seminarian like me!
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
Any part of the priest's ministry that gets one out among all the people he serves is the most attractive part to me. I love to listen to others as they tell their stories as it helps me to better relate to them and understand them and where they come from.
Your thoughts on
Listening to the People of God
It is of the utmost importance. The church is not about only the ideas and opinions of the priest, but also of those of the whole body of Christ! The church would be a very different and probably sickly thing if priests were to forget to listen to the people God has entrusted to them!
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
A helpful thing to think about is that it is not only about ourselves and our own parish, but about the WHOLE diocese. What may not seem helpful to us, may help those who are in more need than ourselves.
In what ways has Pope Francis challenged you?
On our seminarian retreat back in August, we started to read and discuss Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, and one of the sections talks about how society has become so hooked on consuming and that man has been reduced to a being of consumption. It's something so challenging because we live in the thick of it! Right after we finished discussing that section, I threw away a disposable cup, and it hit me like a brick wall.
What can people do to support vocations to the priesthood?
What any normal person can do to support vocations to the priesthood is to encourage and affirm the virtues they see in young men around them. If you think someone would make a good priest, tell him every once and a while; it will definitely plant a seed that could blossom into a beautiful vocation down the road. Don't badger the poor man though! No one should feel like they have been forced or guilted into formation for the priesthood.
ADAM BERENDES
Parents: Joe and Theresa Berendes
Siblings: Laura, Jack, Lance
Parish: Resurrection, Evansville
Hometown: Evansville
Date of birth: Dec. 10, 1994
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 last year at Marian University and will be there again this year. I attended Resurrection grade school and Mater Dei High School.
Where will you be this Fall (Fall of 2014)?
Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary and Marian University
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?
Continue to study philosophy at Marian University and then study theology at St. Meinrad.
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian (e.g., parents, TEC community, priests, your experience in the parish)?
My family is my biggest support group along with my friends and parish community.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? (Or perhaps, whose ministry do you find attractive?)
The most attractive part of the priesthood is being able to be there for the people and to administer the sacraments.
Your thoughts on
Listening to the People of God
Listening is an important part of a priest's duties because it is the priests responsibility to be present to the people of his parish and the church as a whole.
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan. What should we think about as we care for the needs of our people?
I think that we should to continue to provide for the needs of our Church community through opportunities to deepen the faith and continue to teach the young people of our diocese.
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