The Dehon Formation Community: preparing for ministry and religious life

Students, priests and brothers living and praying together in community

The Dehon Formation Community in Chicago is home to an international, intergenerational community of professed SCJs and those discerning religious life with the congregation. The community not only houses the initial formation programs (candidacy, novitiate, philosophy and theology) of the province but also welcomes SCJs from around the world on sabbatical or in graduate programs.

Do you feel called to a life of community, ministry and prayer, nourished by the Eucharist and based in the love of the Heart of Christ? Click here for information on a Come and See experience with the Dehon Formation Community, a weekend where you can learn about the Priests of the Sacred Heart and explore your vocation. You can also call our vocation office at 800-609-5559.

In their own words, members of the Dehon Formation Community introduce themselves:

Initial formation

Luis Alonso Barrantes (candidate)

My full name is Luis Alonso Barrantes, age 46. Feeling happy, healthy and holy I have been at the SCJ formation house in Chicago since January 7, 2015. I am now finishing my second year of philosophy at Saint Xavier University and I am blessed to continue to see God’s Will unfold. I was born in San Jose, Costa Rica, and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. I have three brothers and two sisters of whom I love and miss very much. Among my siblings, I am in the middle.

Thus far it has been a very exciting two years with so many changes. There are new faces coming in with excitement, but it is also sad to see some leave. Overall we are blessed to be having this experience in learning and growing in a deeper faith in what a true Dehonian is all about. My first summer ministry was working in Milwaukee with the ESL program, which was very rewarding. My most recent summer (2016) was spent in Nesbit, Miss., working to help serve the less fortunate. I was very captivated to see how hard everyone works in Mississippi and how much the SCJs’ hard work and dedication is needed in the various ministries. I pray that God continues to give them health and strength as they continue to give so much love through pastoral services, religious education, and social services in the volunteer programs, schools and all six parishes. I look forward to experiencing other SCJ ministries.

I am excited about the changes that have taken place in the formation house and I ask for your prayers that I can continue to grow stronger in my faith and develop a deeper love in my spirituality and for Fr. Leo John Dehon, SCJ founder.

 

Frater Justin Krenke, SCJ

 

My name is Justin Krenke and I am in my second year of temporary vows. I am 26 years old and was born in West Allis, Wis., but grew up in Milwaukee. I lived with my mom, stepdad, and two older sisters.

I learned about the Priests of the Sacred Heart from a vocational website that matched people with religious communities based on their interests. After I visited the SCJ community on a Come and See Weekend I became very interested and decided that this is the community for me.

During breaks from school I have worked in SCJ ministries. Through these experiences I learned that ministry isn’t just about going and helping people and then when you’re done, moving on to the next project. Ministry is about making connections with people, talking with them, and learning about and from them. It’s about showing people that you truly do care about their situation and you want to be able to help as much as you can, even if it’s just listening.

I am now in my senior year at St. Xavier University finishing up my undergraduate studies, and also taking classes at Catholic Theological Union.

Henry Nguyen (candidate)

I’m Henry Nguyen and I am in my second year of formation with the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ). I was born and raised in Orange County, Calif. I received my bachelor’s in psychology at California State University, Monterey Bay. I started my theological studies at Catholic Theological Union and am currently finishing my studies in philosophy at Saint Xavier University.

I am interested in being a Dehonian as they seek to work with the poor and are to be among the people. This past summer I was able to visit and work with the SCJ community in Mississippi at Sacred Heart Southern Missions. This experience deepened my desire to be an SCJ as I had the opportunity to work along and among those who are a part of the SCJ presence. It was a great experience to see SCJs in action.

I have been involved with parish ministries for many years now. I am currently a Youth Leader at St. Henry’s Parish and Queenship of Mary where I assist youth with their journey of faith and to grow closer to God.

Outside of serving in my ministries, I enjoy being outdoors hiking and camping and traveling the world. I also enjoy listening to music and watching movies with friends.  This next school year I am making it my goal to explore the city of Chicago a little more as there is so much to see here in the Windy City!

 

Frater James Nguyen, SCJ

I am James Nguyen, 27. I was born in Saigon, Vietnam, but raised in Seattle since I was four.  I am the middle of three boys, the oldest of whom is a Jesuit.  I am a graduate of the University of Washington (Go Huskies!) with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and sociology.

This year, I will conclude my studies at Loyola University and am looking forward in the spring to graduate with a master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling.  I will be doing my internship program at Asian Human Services working with the low income, uninsured, and underserved population in mental health.  I will also continue with my MDiv program at Catholic Theological Union.

In my spare time I enjoy exploring the outdoors on hiking, camping and backpacking trips.  I love to travel and my dream is to do a backpacking trip across the Himalayas.

What drew me to the Priests of the Sacred Heart is the charism and spirituality found in Fr. Leo John Dehon’s writings. Fr. Dehon always found comfort in the knowledge that God loved him tremendously, which is symbolized in the burning Heart of Christ.  Fr. Dehon wanted us who are dedicated to the love of God to be living examples of the love that Jesus had.  I strive to live in that spirit of our founder daily through my religious vows: “In poverty, I desire to give all I have.  In chastity, I desire to give all I am.  And in obedience, I desire to give all I will become.”

Frater Juan Carlos Castañeda Rojas, SCJ

In Fr. Dehon´s own Words: “Our whole vocation, our purpose, our duty, our promises, are found in these words: Ecce Venio, Ecce Ancilla” (Spiritual Directory, I,3). Ecce Venio!

“Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.”

Hola! I am Juan Carlos Castañeda Rojas but everybody calls me Juancho (family nickname). I am 33 years old and I am proud to say that I am from the city of everlasting spring: Medellin, Colombia.  I am crazy about horses, love cooking, and now am exploring some painting, which I also love. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Since I was a kid I felt that I was called to the religious life and decided that was my vocation. However, I never thought that it was going to be a long distance call and that following my vocation was going to bring me where I am now. In January, 2006, I responded to God´s call and came to the United States to start my discernment process with the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Such an amazing experience learning, not just the language and culture, but also about Fr. Dehon. Happily, I became an official member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in August, 2013.

My experience with the Priests of the Sacred Heart has been amazing, I always feel welcome and even though learning a new language was not easy, I always have found support from members of the community. The ESL program at Sacred Heart School of Theology was an amazing experience because I was able to meet SCJs from all over the world. Today I am experiencing a similar situation as I start my pastoral year in the beautiful country of Brazil. Here I have also found the support of all the members of this province and I have seen some of the people that I met when I was part of the ESL program and also in Poland (World Youth Day).

Answering God´s call, and as part of my formation process, I am facing a new challenge in my life as I try to make stronger the Ecce Venio as the pillar of my spirituality as a Dehonian. What I am living today is the missionary character of our congregation and the international perspective of our mission. We are Priests of the Sacred Heart and we are one in each country and place in which we are present as servants of love and prophets of reconciliation. Yes, I will miss my conferees in the U.S Province and especially the formation house in Chicago, but also I am absolutely sure that this is going to be a great experience in my life.

I am sure this year is going to bring many good things that will help me in my formation and growth as an SCJ. Ecce Venio as an answer of complete abandonment in God´s will, I offer this pastoral year as a renewal of my vows and desire to give my life to the service of the poor, the marginalized, and the ones in need.

Today I am living an amazing experience, maybe tomorrow it will be you!!!

Ecce Venio….

Patrick Skahill (candidate)

My name is Patrick Skahill and I was born on March 17, 1970, in Los Angeles, Calif. I’m the sixth child of nine, and I spent my first 18 years in Los Angeles before entering the U.S. military. I joined the formation community in 2014.  During the 12 years prior to joining, I lived in Las Vegas, working primarily as truck driver.

It was in Las Vegas that I heard and answered the call of Christ and service to the Church. I entered candidacy on August 22, 2014, the feast of the Queenship of Mary. It has been two years since I joined the formation community here in Chicago, so my discernment is still in progress.  However, I’m feeling a little more at home now in the formation house as well as in the Windy City.  It was difficult at first leaving everything behind as I am sure it is for most candidates. However, I’m pleased and happy that I made the move. I have met a lot of interesting people so far as well as good examples of faithful Christians who have shown nothing but hospitality, kindness, and patience. Praise be to God.

Currently, I am attending St. Xavier University to finish my bachelor’s degree and then will move on to Catholic Theological Union. I enjoy reading, exercise, and a good hearty conversation with friends.

Frater Joseph Vu, SCJ

I recently completed my graduate theology studies at Catholic Theological Union. Thanks be to God, I graduated in May, 2016, with a Masters of Divinity. I found my time at CTU fruitful and meaningful, and I feel that I can bring what I’ve learned there into the work I do in my ministry.

I continue my work at my ministry sites here in Chicago: St. Henry Parish and the Br. David Darst Center. I really do enjoy spending time with the youth and helping them on their faith journey. The ministries at these places have helped me grow so much as a person. Following graduation I am able and willing to dedicate much more of my time at these sites.

I met the SCJs through my youth group at my home parish. As a temporarily vowed member, my vows continually remind me of my dedication to live my life’s intent on being united with the Heart of Christ and to be in community with my brothers. This past summer has brought a great wind of change through the formation house. With new faces and a new community atmosphere, I am certainly excited to see what the new year brings!

Hoàng Lê Phong (Paul) – candidate

Xin chào! My name is Hoàng Lê Phong, but I go by Paul in the community. I am 24 years old. I was born in Hà Tiên, Kiên Giang, Việt Nam. My family immigrated to the United States in 2007 and settled in Houston, Texas. I graduated from the University of Houston in 2015. I am in my first year of formation and currently attend St. Xavier University for philosophy and religious studies.

My uncle recommended that I reach out to the Priests of the Sacred Heart during my initial discernment. At the Come and See weekends I was attracted to the SCJs simplicity and community life.

Last semester I was involved with the ESL program at the Vietnamese Association in Uptown, Chicago. Presently, I am a member of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (TNTT) as part of my ministry. I also help out with the Vietnamese language program for children at Queenship of Mary parish.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer, billiards, exercising, and watching GOT.

Angel Romero – candidate

My name is Angel Romero, I am originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. I am 32 years old and have studied and worked in law. I went to Estate University of Chihuahua, Mexico and served the Latin community in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. I am currently studying in the ESL program at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.

I have served as a Scripture reader in the Catholic Church since I was 12 years old. I have always loved being active. In my pilgrimage in the Catholic faith I have had great opportunities and experiences in my spiritual life, including people who told me about the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

What interests me in this religious community are the ideals of the founder, Fr. Leo John Dehon, in regards to spirituality and social justice. Today, I see this reflected in the defense of human rights and civil rights of people.

My hobbies are exercising, video games, and all kinds of reading.