Pursuing a degree and a vocation

By Kylie Arvidson
Assumption University student, class of 2021
Special to THe CFP 
A shared passion for learning and faith formation has strengthened an important bond between the Diocese of Worcester’s Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies and Assumption University.
The partnership was developed in 2008 by Assumption President Francesco C. Cesareo and Bishop McManus to support and encourage those with a serious interest in the priesthood. Through Assumption’s Holy Name of Jesus Institute, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy for half the tuition cost, easing some of the burden individuals face in their pursuit of education and a higher calling.
“I have met with men from outside our diocese who desire to apply to seminary, who have had to delay entering seminary because of debt,” said Father Donato Infante, director of the diocesan Office for Vocations and co-director of the House of Studies. He said the relationship with Assumption has bridged this gap. Through the partnership, the tuition amount is reduced, and when combined with other scholarships, some men pay very little for their education.
“Debt can prove a major obstacle for someone who wants to enter seminary after college … Programs like the Institute help prevent situations like these from arising,” Father Infante said.
The House of Studies, founded in 2007, provides a place of residence and faith experiences for men discerning a call to the priesthood, where they may explore whether God is truly calling them, in a setting with others on a similar journey. Prior to the establishment of the House of Studies on Illinois Street, the diocese offered young men discerning a vocation a place to live and study at other locations.
“The House was founded because those who are considering priesthood often desire a community of like-minded individuals, where they can experience true friendship and spiritual fraternity,” Father Infante said.
Seminarians and those exploring a vocation to the priesthood living at the House of Studies can participate in one of several academic programs offered in the community. In addition to studying philosophy through the Institute at Assumption, international students can take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Worcester State University.
In comparing the relationships that the House has with Worcester colleges, Father Infante noted that the relationship with Assumption is unique, because a background in philosophy is important in one’s journey to God.
“All seminarians are required to have completed a course of studies in philosophy before they can begin studying theology,” Father Infante explained. “Philosophy has traditionally been called the handmaid of theology, and it provides the language that theology uses to speak about God.”
He added that the partnership furthers the mission of the Office for Vocations, which is “to help men hear God’s call to priesthood and respond to it,” as it provides a way for those pursuing the call of God to have an appropriate space to discern this vocation at the House, while still experiencing the best of what university life has to offer.
It is also synchronous with Assumption’s mission.
“As an institution founded on and steeped in the Catholic intellectual tradition, it is the responsibility of Catholic institutions of higher learning such as Assumption to support those studying for the priesthood or engaged in a process of discerning their vocation,” President Cesareo said. “Providing seminarians a strong Catholic liberal arts education, particularly the study of philosophy, provides them with the academic foundation to pursue their theological studies upon completion of their undergraduate studies. At Assumption, the seminarians, as well as all students, engage with their professors and each other in understanding the relationship between faith and reason, as they explore the fundamental issues of human existence in the quest for truth.”
Though Father Infante said there are not a large number of seminarians who participate in the program with Assumption, those who do benefit tremendously.
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for those who are exploring a priestly vocation, and I don’t think it is as well known as it should be,” he said. “I hope that in the years ahead more young men thinking about a priestly vocation will choose this program.”