WASHINGTION, D. C. — The Washington Theological Union commenced its 40th academic year last week with a Welcome Mass on Sept. 3.
Fr. John Burkhard, OFM Conv, president of the WTU, celebrated the 5 p.m. Mass of the Holy Spirit, which was attended by Holy Name friars includingGregory Jakubowicz, OFM, chief operating officer of WTU, Francis Di Spigno, OFM, HNP’s director of post-novitiate formation, and Vincent Cushing, OFM, president emeritus of WTU.
“More than 100 people crowded into the Connelly Chapel of Holy Wisdom for the Mass,” said WTU communications director William Heaton. “A large number of OFMs from Holy Name Province attended, and we welcomed their participation during the Mass. Daniel Horan, OFM, played the piano, Frank Critch, OFM, played guitar, andStephen DeWitt, OFM, served as a Eucharistic minister.
The liturgy was followed by a community cookout at which new students were formally welcomed. This was an opportunity for students to meet the professors, Heaton said. The gathering also included alumni and friends of WTU.
Since 1968, the WTU has been educating religious students as well as lay students. This academic semester kicks off WTU’s 40th anniversary celebration
This year’s incoming class comprises 56 new students, according to the Aug. 22 issue of Pulse, WTU’s weekly e-newsletter, which quoted Joanne Cahoon, director of enrollment services. Current students include parishioners from the Province’s St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Md., as well as alumni of St. Bonaventure University.
Heaton has established a WTU group on the LinkedIn networking site to enable WTU alumni to stay in touch.
Editor’s Note: Information about WTU’s commemoration of its 40th anniversary will appear in future issues of HNP Today.