Seminarian Matt Frisbee learned about more than ministry this summer at New Riegel All Saints. (Photo courtesy of Office of Vocations)

Jeremy Miller, Deacon Philip Smith and Nathan Bockrath were busy in a program called Clinical Pastoral Education. Participants work with the pastoral care team in a hospital setting to develop their skills in ministry, particularly to patients and their families.

George Mahas and Paul Schreiner spent the summer at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha. This program assists in the spiritual formation of diocesan seminarians through spiritual direction, daily prayer, a directed silent retreat and apostolic service. It is meant to complement the formation process in seminary and helps to deepen the seminarian’s spiritual life.

Chris Mileski had the unique opportunity to minister as chaplain assistant at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M. His background in scouting and prior experience at Philmont made him the perfect choice for this summer ministry.

The diocese is committed to sponsoring at least one seminarian each summer in an immersion program to learn Spanish. This year, Joe Tumasian attended a program in Antigua, Guatemala. Not only did he have daily private tutoring in the language, but he lived with a local family and learned about the culture and customs.

Scott Carroll spent his third summer at the University of Dayton, pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration. After he finishes an internship course this year, he will attain his degree.

Eight seminarians were placed in ministry assignments this summer. These assignments are meant to achieve several goals, among them: provide the seminarian with a diocesan priest supervisor and mentor, help him learn about various aspects of parish life, provide him with opportunities to minister (appropriate to his stage in formation), help him to become more familiar with priests and parishes in our diocese and aid him in learning to balance the spiritual, ministerial and personal aspects of his life.

Seminarians served in the following areas: Matthew Frisbee, New Riegel All Saints; David Kidd, diocesan vocation office; Deacon Michael Roemmele, Sandusky SS. Peter & Paul; Deacon Jerry Schetter, Tiffin St. Mary; Trevor Schroeder, Maumee St. Joseph; Jeffery Smith, Toledo St. Patrick Historic; Jeffery Walker, Rossford All Saints; Scott Woods, Port Clinton Immaculate Conception.