MTSM Hosts Day of Reflection for the Permanent Deacon Class of 2025

Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology’s (MTSM) 2022-23 academic year marks the beginning of a three-year journey for the latest class of men studying to be ordained as Permanent Deacons. The MTSM Permanent Diaconate Formation Program is a field of study that is only offered every three years. This year 15 men, from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Covington, have been accepted into the program and will be ordained as Permanent Deacons in 2025.

On Saturday, August 6, MTSM hosted a Day of Reflection for the Permanent Deacon Class of 2025. The Day of Reflection was an opportunity for the new candidates and their wives to meet one another as they embark on the next three years of formation and spiritual development. The day included conference sessions, Mass in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great and time for reflection and prayer.

“I like to think our Day of Reflection sets the tone for what they are about to enter into as a candidate and as a couple,” explained Rev. David Sunberg, Director of Permanent Deacon Formation Program and Spiritual Director at MTSM. “It’s a chance for couples to immerse themselves in the extended family that will support them during the next three years.”

Below are the members of the Permanent Deacon Class of 2025:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Mark Bade, St. Christopher, Vandalia, Ohio
Chris Bergman, St. Mary, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ron Burwinkel, St. John the Baptist, Harrison, Ohio
Tim Geiger, St. Susanna, Mason, Ohio
Chris Jasek, Our Lady of Good Hope, Miamisburg, Ohio
Roger Kaiser, Holy Trinity, Coldwater, Ohio
Jim Menart, St. Peter, Huber Heights, Ohio
Jack Rivetti, St. Peter, Huber Heights, Ohio
Phil Theodore, Incarnation, Centerville, Ohio
David Ulmer, St. Columbkille, Wilmington, Ohio

Diocese of Covington
Jason Gibson, St. Timothy, Union, Kentucky
Tom Kissel, St. Pius X, Edgewood, Kentucky
Terry Mason, St. Barbara, Erlanger, Kentucky
Eric Wehrman, Blessed Sacrament, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
Steve Winbigler, St. Joseph, Cold Spring, Kentucky

For additional information about the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program at MTSM, visit www.athenaeum.edu or call 513-231-2233.

MTSM is the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s graduate-level Catholic Seminary and School of Theology. Founded in 1829, our 75-acre campus prepares men for ordination and to the priesthood and permanent diaconate as part of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. In addition, our School of Theology offers classes for graduate and certification programs for laity, clergy and religious.