A former SJV parent recently told us, “I haven’t meant a former seminarian who isn’t thriving.” The witness of our alumni—more than 750 ordained priests and thousands of holy fathers and lay leaders—proves this in abundance. We were honored to catch up with three men whose time at SJV prepared them for the Lord’s call to live their fatherhood in the domestic church and lay ministry.
Corey Manning ‘14
Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Since SJV: I spent some time with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR’s) in the Bronx, New York then spent four years with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) before coming back to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Today: I am married with three kids and serve as Director for the Office of Marriage, Family and Youth at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
I miss SJV’s: Brotherhood, Holy Hours, and formation.
On my bookshelf: From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age by Msgr. James Shea; The Religion of the Day by Msgr. James Shea; The Impact of God: Soundings from St. John of the Cross by Fr. Iain Matthew; and Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America by John Van Epp, Ph.D. & J.P. De Gance.
How college seminary prepared me: SJV changed my life. All the areas of formation (human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral) helped prepare me for the ministry I do today.
Best part of fall: Time with my family, watching football, and going hunting.
David Fischer ‘01
Diocese of St. Cloud
Since SJV: I went to St. Thomas Law School, married my wife, Laura, and we began raising a family. In the early days, I was the Director of Legal Affairs and Gift Planning for The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota.
Today: We have nine children and are active members of our parish. Laura is a homemaker, and I am the head of business affairs and acquisitions at Angel Studios, the company known for THE CHOSEN and SOUND OF FREEDOM.
I miss SJV’s: Brotherhood. There’s something extraordinary when you are pursuing your vocation alongside other men who are passionate about their Catholic faith.
On my bookshelf: Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe.
How college seminary prepared me: SJV rooted my identity in relationship to the Father. Whether I am trying to love my wife and children, lead a company that’s releasing film and television shows in every country on the planet, or serving in my faith community, my foundation remains the Father. There’s no success or failure that changes my sonship.
Best part of fall: Sweatshirt weather.
Tom Schulzetenberg ‘05
Diocese of St. Cloud
Since SJV: I took some further time to discern priesthood before I was certain marriage was my vocation. I met my wife (JoAnn) through a mutual friend, and we have now been married for 15 years with six children (Mathias, Gianna, Therese, Felix, James, and Anton).
Today: I’ve been in various Catholic higher education positions for the past 12 years, from director of a study abroad program in Rome to development and enrollment. Currently, I work for Saint Mary’s University as Director of Strategic Projects.
I miss SJV’s: Common identity and purpose of a group of men and the inherent fraternity. That, and Fr. Baer.
On my bookshelf and currently listening to: What We Hold In Trust by Drs. Briel, Goodpaster and Naughton; In Search of the Unity of Knowledge by Maria Lacalle Noriega; and any number of audiobooks by Patrick Lencioni or presidential biographies while I’m driving or woodworking.
How college seminary prepared me: Catholic Studies gave me a lens for interpreting society and culture, and SJV helped internalize this through character formation and spiritual maturation.
Best part of fall: Fresh starts with a new academic year.