Thirteen Instituted Into Ministry Of Acolyte

Thirteen seminarians from Saint Vincent Seminary were instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte at Saint Vincent Seminary on October 12 by Most Rev. David David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. The seminarians are from the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina; the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky; Saint Bernard Abbey, Alabama; the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the Diocese of Erie, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and Saint Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania.  The acolyte is instituted for service at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon.

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DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN

John M. Roy of Johnstown is the son of Roger Roy Jr. and Terri Roy of Johnstown. He is a 2015 graduate of Mother of Divine Grace School, Ojai, California and had a double major in the bachelor of arts program in mathematical science and philosophy at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON

Justin D. Damask of the Diocese of Charleston is the son of Paula Damask of Hatley, Wisconsin and the late Michael Damask. He is a 2015 graduate of Newman Catholic High School, Wausau, Wisconsin. He studied philosophy at the University of Dallas, Irving, Texas, in 2018. He also studied mechanical engineering at the University of South Carolina. In 2020 he earned a Ph.B. (bachelor of arts) degree in philosophy from the Catholic University of America, where he studied philosophy and Classical civilizations. In 2021 he received the Ph.L. degree from CUA in philosophy.

Michael Boshra Ghattas of Myrtle Beach is a 2013 graduate of Myrtle Beach High School. He graduated from Horry Georgetown Technical College with an associate degree in science/civil engineering in 2015. He continued his education at Trident Technical College (2016-2017). He entered the seminary at the University of Dallas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2020. Then he attended The Citadel from 2020-2021. He continued his studies at Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary, Florida, in 2022 before transferring to Saint Vincent Seminary. His parents are Boshra and Sahar Ghattas of Myrtle Beach.

Daniel L. Perry of the Diocese of Charleston is the son of Daniel and Beth Perry of Boiling Springs, South Carolina. He is a 2014 graduate of Landrum High School, Campobello, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in information management systems from the University of South Carolina in 2018. He earned a master of arts degree in philosophical studies for missiology discipleship from Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in 2021.

DIOCESE OF COVINGTON

Joshua D. Heskamp of Elsmere, Kentucky, is the son of David and Therese Heskamp of Wadsworth, Ohio. He is a 2006 graduate of Wadsworth High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Akron in 2010. He has also studied philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio State University, and been enrolled in paralegal studies at Cuyahoga Community College, Parma, Ohio.

Justin H. Schwarz of Renton, Washington, is the son of Paul and Thu Huong Schwarz of Renton. He is a 2016 graduate of Kennedy Catholic High School, Bunen, Washington. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy/theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2020.

DIOCESE OF ERIE

Michael C. Scanga is the son of James V. and Kimberly A. Scanga of Sharpsville. He is a 2015 graduate of Kennedy Catholic High School, Hermitage. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology in 2019 and a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Gannon University, Erie, in 2021.

DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH

Brian M. Myler is the son of John J. and Bonnie L. Myler of Pittsburgh. He is a 2004 graduate of Penn Hills High School. He studied civil engineering at Pennsylvania State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2008. He earned a master of business administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013.

Erik L. Pintar is the son of Frank A. and Angela M. Pintar of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He is a 2011 graduate of Wauwatosa East High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical and computer engineering and human computer interaction from Carnegie Mellon University in 2016.

SAINT BERNARD ABBEY, ALABAMA

Brother Romanus Davitt, O.S.B., attended Pleasant Valley High School in Jacksonville, Alabama, completing his studies in 1994. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in 2021 from Wallace State Community College/Belmont Abbey College in philosophy. His parents are the late Lawrence Davitt and the late Pamela Jean Clements-Chaney.

SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEY

Brother Romuald Duchene, O.S.B., is the son of Patti Gentz of Minneapolis, and the late William Duchene. He is a 1998 graduate of Saint Anthony Village High School, Minnesota. He earned a bachelor of science degree in history from The Citadel in 2002 and the master of arts degree, summa cum laude from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2021.

Gilbert Kagan Heater, O.S.B., is the son of Richard W. and Diane O. Heater of East Stroudsburg. He studied at Lancaster Bible College, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in music composition in 2009. He also studied at Liberty University. He received the master of arts in Catholic philosophical studies degree, summa cum laude from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2021.

Angelo Kurt Lichtenstein, O.S.B., is the son of Gary Lichtenstein and Maria Alampi of Sandyston, New Jersey. His sister is Emily Lichtenstein of Newton, New Jersey. He is a 2008 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School in Newton. He earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from The Citadel in 2012. He received the master of arts in Catholic philosophical studies degree, summa cum laude from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2021.

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