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.

Anthony F. Caruso- M.A.M. 2024

These past seven years have been rewarding and fulfilling, both spiritually and intellectually. I have been a practicing Catholic my entire life, but in pursuing my degree at The Theological Institute I have had so many “aha moments” that I lost count of them long ago. Courses ranging from Old & New Testament to Fundamental and Moral Theology, Church History and Faith & Reason, as well as Field Education experiences introduced new ways of thinking for me, opened new doors of opportunity and – most importantly - helped me grow as a Catholic.

Susan Ho- M.A.M. 2024

As I reflect on my time of formation at the Theological Institute of Saint John’s Seminary and its impact on my faith life, the first thing that comes to mind are the words of our Blessed Mother: “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). Our Lord knows best: the key to my eternal happiness begins with doing His will, not mine.

Of the four dimensions of formation, I most gravitated towards Human and Spiritual Formation, learning and truly accepting the person God created me to be and allowing the Lord to slowly prune away my worldly ambitions so that His life may take root in mine.

I am thankful to God for having accompanied me on that blessed journey at the Theological Institute and He still does to this day, post-graduation.

Maribeth Scott-M.A.M. 2024

One of the most impactful parts of my education at the Theological Institute of

Saint John’s Seminary was my participation in field education. While I certainly learned so much from the classes, it was while working in the field that I was able to take that knowledge and apply it. I was also able to reflect on my experiences and discuss them with my supervisor to reflect how they were shaping me and helping me to grow in my faith. I am so grateful for my time in the field, exploring ministerial opportunities that may not otherwise have been available to me. I continue to use my experiences to inform my life and to continue the mission of the Church.

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

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!