Meet our Seminarians!
Every year St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, sends seminarians to St. Joseph’s Home in order to volunteer on Saturday mornings. They have been participating in a spiritual class, attending Mass, and assisting in our Dining rooms. Our seminarians are Dane Dickinson, Jeff Filipski, and Brother Kevin Menard.
Dane Dickinson is from Fairfield, Iowa and is 33 years old. He attended Buena Vista University and has a degree in Business Education. Prior to entering the seminary, Dane was a catechist for a confirmation class and was involved in Youth Ministry. Dane felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age. However, it was only a couple years ago that Dane allowed the call to enter into his heart. Dane enjoys cooking, woodworking and working with his hands. At the seminary, Dane enjoys the community that is intentionally focused on building a closer relationship with God. He is grateful for his classes as he learns more about our faith and how it relates to life.
Jeff Filipski hails from the Chicago suburbs and is 30 years old. He attended St. Ambrose University and majored in Marketing and Finance. Jeff had been involved in Youth Ministry, feeding the poor/homeless and leading discerning groups before entering the seminary. Jeff shared why he entered the seminary: “Faith has always been a big part of his life. Through seeing the beauty of God’s Church, the Truth it contains and the generosity which the Lord has shown me, I felt God’s call to the priesthood.” Jeff is one of six children. He loves adventure and physical sports. Jeff played almost every sport, but volleyball and basketball are his favorites. Jeff loves to travel and have been to many countries including Brazil for the World Cup (Soccer) in 2014. He is looking forward to going to El Salvator this summer to work at an orphanage and learn Spanish. Jeff enjoys his seminary classes, and especially building community with his seminary brothers as they encourage each other in holiness.
Brother Kevin Menard is from Arlington Heights and is 31 years old. His grandmother is a Resident at St. Joseph’s Home. Brother Kevin attended Ave Maria University, Harper College, and graduated from Marquette University in Marketing. Brother Kevin attended St. Edna’s Parish and was the leader of Young Adult ministry. Brother Kevin is a member of the Canons of St. John Cantius and in temporary vows. Brother Kevin was drawn to the priesthood since he was young. He felt called “to give my life and nothing felt worth dying for except the Truth.” Brother Kevin owes his vocation to God, the direction and formation of his parents and through the love and intercession of our Blessed Mother. He enjoys living in a community of men going in the same direction toward Christ and the priesthood.
The Residents really look forward to seeing the seminarians on Saturdays. They bring life and joy to our Residents, and are a great witness of their faith.
Meet our Seminarians!