Profiles in Faith: The Stories That Shape Seton Hall’s ICSST Community

The responsibilities of those in ministry are considerable and widely known, but what often is not realized is the prayer, discernment and academic formation that form the foundation of ministry. Seton Hall’s Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) now highlights both the ministerial and spiritual lives of students and alumni in its Pathways 4:12 "Profiles in Faith" series. The series features the faith journeys, personal stories, and inspiring testimonies of its diverse student body of priests, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, lay students and other members of the ICSST community.

In one "Profile in Faith" reflection, diaconal candidate Anthony Cullen in the diocese of Trenton reflects on his ministry and calling. He draws his parishioners to Christ through his work in supporting the instructors and candidates in the CCD and RCIA programs. Through the ICSST program, Cullen gains "knowledge about the Church and its teachings" while learning how to "bring it to people" in practice. Striking a balance between a rich academic life and hands-on experience and practice, ICSST bridges the gap between acquiring knowledge on the one hand and evangelizing people in the world through ministerial service on the other.

Watch Anthony Cullen's story here. 

Last summer, Cullen attended an international seminar and pilgrimage co-hosted by ICSST and the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas called "Grace and Action: The Ministry of Catechists in the Footsteps of St. Paul." With him were 29 other pilgrims, including diaconal candidate Anthony Scarpantonio. While in Rome, Scarpantonio paused to reflect on the transformative impact of discerning his calling and share his experience as a graduate student studying theology. The affirmation he received in Rome helped him see how God is calling him to serve the Church.

Watch Anthony Scarpantonio's story here.

ICSST alumnus, parochial vicar of St. Bartholomew Church, Scotch Plains, also participated in the "Profiles in Faith" series, pondering the phrase "building up the body of Christ." The phrase has become so commonplace we might not give it much thought. But it’s time to revisit what it means: How is it done? What does it look like? Father Gonzalez emphasized that to build up the body of Christ means that "we preach the Word, but we must also live that Word. We must make the Word flesh through the relationships we build." When the Gospel message becomes living and real, priests and lay ministers evangelize by drawing others into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Watch Father Matthew Gonzalez's story here. 

The series also features ICSST graduate alumna Julie Whelan who draws on her academic formation to provide spiritual care to doctors, patients and families as a hospital resident chaplain. Whelan’s experience with ICSST still impacts her work today. Her abiding interest in an academic study of theology led her to publish a scholarly article on spirituality in the Book of Jeremiah.

Whelan’s scholarly interests also support her pastoral work. Sharing how the formation she received as a student profoundly guides her pastoral experience, she said: "The solid theological foundation has prepared me not only academically but also practically and spiritually." Her formation enables her to navigate others through the deep spiritual questions that arise in healthcare today.

Watch Julie Whelan's story here.

Similarly, Mary Landriau, a current student in the ICSST Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program, finds her theological education helpful as she walks with hope, compassion and Christian joy through the suffering she encounters in her ministry as a social worker. Landriau finds her ministry at the intersection of social work and theology as she serves those struggling with mental health challenges and suffering from substance abuse disorders. Landriau comments, "I continue to seek opportunities to accompany those who are suffering and live as a witness the joy I am experiencing." With the formation she receives in pastoral ministry through coursework, prayer, community, and faith sharing, Landriau finds she can better guide others toward healing and hope.

Watch Mary Landriau's story here.

Through the "Profiles of Faith" series, we hear a diversity of testimonies from the ICSST community. Each story brings to light the lifelong impacts of ICSST on the journey toward embracing a calling from God. Each voice reveals the joy of true Christian witnesses at work in the Church today. Each witness might even transform us today.

To learn more, please visit the Profiles in Faith webpage for more information.

Categories: Faith and Service