Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Sept. 11, 2003 edition of the Inland Register)

Seminarians studying for the Diocese of Spokane enjoyed a day of prayer, reflection, and recreation at Waitts Lake as they prepared for a new academic year. In the front row, from left, are Bishop White seminarians Vincent Van Dao, Jeremy Burris, Ralph Hetzel, Ricardo Flores Mendez, Luis Alfonso Rivera, Kris Leistritz, Gustavo Ruiz, Kevin Oiland, and Keith Holowecky. In the back row are seminarians in theology programs: David Kuttner, Luke Tomson, Mike Ishida, Matthew Nicks, Pedro Bautista Peraza, Jimmy Peak, Kenny St. Hilaire, Alejandro Zepeda, and Peter Amah. (Not Pictured: Sean Harrell) (IR photo from Bishop White Seminary)

All new and returning seminarians studying for the Diocese of Spokane gathered Aug. 11 for a day of prayer and recreation.

The morning began with prayer and Mass offered at St. Joseph Church, near the town of Valley, Wash. Following the Mass, the seminarians traveled to Chewelah, for a formal brunch prepared by the Altar Society of St. Mary of the Rosary Parish.

Father Jose Luis Millan, pastor of St. Mary, joined the seminarians for the meal. Formal photographs were taken of all new and returning men and then they were off to Waitts Lake for an afternoon of recreation.

Pete and Katie Ries once again offered the use of their family cabin on Waitts Lake for this annual seminarian gathering.

Seminarians spent the afternoon fishing, swimming, and jet skiing. In addition, Doug Banks, principal of St. Thomas more School in Spokane, donated the use of his ski-boat for the day.

Bishop Skylstad led the seminarians in Evening Prayer and spent some time outlining his expectations of seminarians studying for the Diocese of Spokane.

Several diocesan priests and members of the Priestly Formation Council joined the bishop and semi-narians for the evening barbeque.

According to Father Darrin Connall, Director of Vocations for the Spokane Diocese, “This event is a great opportunity for our returning seminarians to welcome the new men and also to renew friendships with guys studying at different seminaries.”

Four new men are studying for the Diocese of Spokane this year. This year’s seminarians number 19 in all.