As you well know, the sudden passing of Bishop Robert Christian left us without a President-Rector. While we continue to mourn this loss, the seminary also needs to look forward as the new academic year commences.
Today, the Archdiocese announced that Archbishop Cordileone is appointing Rev. Daniel B. Donohoo as President-Rector of St. Patrick Seminary & University, and Rev. Anthony Stoeppel as Vice-Rector. Both appointments are for five-year terms and effective August 15, 2019.
Fr. Donohoo (above left) has served the seminary with dedication for more than six years, most recently as Vice-Rector and Dean of Men. He has a keen understanding of the challenges of diocesan priesthood and the spiritual and human formation required for a successful vocation, and is uniquely prepared and qualified to take on the leadership of this important institution at this time. Fr. Donohoo’s previous positions at the seminary include terms as Dean of Students and Vice President of Administration. In addition, in his home Archdiocese of Indianapolis he served as a Judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal and led a successful program for continuing education for clergy. He also served as pastor of a number of parishes in the Indianapolis Archdiocese, including the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Fr. Donohoo was educated at the University of San Diego; Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium; and St. Patrick’s Seminary & University. He holds an MS in Marital and Family Therapy.
Fr. Anthony Stoeppel (above right) joins St. Patrick’s Seminary as a faculty member and as its new Vice-Rector. He brings significant diocesan experience to the seminary. He was most recently Vicar General of the Diocese of Tyler and also served as Chairman of the Parish & Mission Assistance Program and President of Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic Schools, as well as pastor of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, a largely Spanish-speaking parish in the Diocese of Tyler. Fr. Stoeppel attended Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, and holds a Doctorate of Sacred Theology in the field of bioethics from Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
Attached is the press release accompanying the public announcement of the new President-Rector and Vice-Rector. Please join me in praying for both Fr. Donohoo and Fr. Stoeppel in their new roles, that under their able guidance St. Patrick’s Seminary will grow in its mission to form men into good and holy priests.
Click here for press release.