Lay Formation Alumni

Forming disciples. Proclaiming Jesus Christ.

All graduates of the Seminary – priests, religious, deacons and laity – are part of the alumni community of Saint John's Seminary. Saint John's Seminary has been granting academic degrees in higher education to laity, professed religious, and deacons since 2000. The Lay Formation Programs of Saint John's Seminary provide theological education and whole person formation and allow for specialization in one of two themes: acquiring skills to minister within the Church, or honing one’s skills to participate fully in the New Evangelization of the world.

These Distinguished Alumni Award recipients exemplify a person of faith who has made an impact evangelizing the culture and the world through their work and by the example of faith that they model.

Eric Landers, MTS 2017

The Evangelizing the Culture project was an opportunity to embrace my call to discipleship in light of my specific gifts and talents. It helped me to move my faith beyond my interior life and into the world at large.

Melissa LaNeve, MTS 2017, Director of Campus Ministry, Anna Maria College

The Evangelizing the Culture requirement was one of my favorite components in earning my MTS degree. I was able to use my personal creativity and unique gifts combined with all that I had learned through my degree program in order to create a Lenten series of reflections based on "being present" sent out through daily emails and an Instagram account (@presentcatholic). This project ended up being a foundational jumping off point for my future ministry work with young adults as the Director of Campus Ministry at Anna Maria College and as a founding member of the nonprofit, JESUS aCROSS the Border."

Ed Ciampa - MAM 2018

The way that Father Riley's Field Education training impacted me was probably the most important aspect of my MAM career as it led up to my continuing as a volunteer at D'Youville Health and Wellness Community in working with those with dementia. The training received with Father Riley allowed me to continue in this field where I met the Chaplain at D'Youville who suggested that I take courses in order to become a Chaplain myself. I am pleased to report at this time that I have just been provisionally accepted into the CPE Unit program (leading to Chaplaincy) at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen beginning in September. Praise God!