CLASS OF 2021
In May there will be 19 graduates representing six countries. Each week, we'll share the intriguing paths they took to get here and highlight the ones they're charting.
Timothy Schmeling - Master of Theology

What brought you to Saint John's Graduate School of Theology and Seminary?
I came to the SOT/Sem to pursue a Th.M. focused on Sacred Scripture. I thought it would be interesting to study Scripture in a Benedictine milieu. I was drawn to Saint John's Abbey and University because of their storied tradition.

How will you be spending your time once your coursework is complete?
Fr. Launderville gave me a strong interest in the Book of Ezekiel. I plan to continue my study of this book.

What are your future goals and plans?
I currently teach historical theology in a small Lutheran seminary. I was asked if I would consider doing more graduate work to teach some Old Testament courses as well; a Th.M. focused on Sacred Scripture will help facilitate this.

How do you hope to use your degree?
There are some interesting parallels between monastic and Lutheran approaches to the study of Scripture. Saint John's deepened my awareness of these parallels, and I plan to use my experience at the SOT/Sem to flesh them out further.
Daniel Hernandez Flores - Master of Divinity

What brought you to Saint John's Graduate School of Theology and Seminary?
The excellent theology programs, the good fellowship, and scholarships. As a Crosier religious priest candidate, Saint John's Abbey also offered me excellent spiritual architecture for my ongoing religious formation.

How will you be spending your time once your coursework is complete?
I will continue to spend my time building community, praying, and serving in my religious community. I am also looking forward to serving my brothers and sisters as an ordained minister soon.
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What are your future goals and plans?
To serve as Spiritual Director in the formation commission for religious life in the Order of the Holy Cross.

How do you hope to use your degree?
I hope to teach the sacraments and help others open the scripture with awe and wonder.
Jennifer Haman - Master of Arts (Ministry)

What brought you to Saint John's Graduate School of Theology and Seminary?
I would have to say that, through a series of starts and stops, God opened up a way for me to pursue a graduate degree at the SOT/Sem. My tendencies as a strengths-finder are a gift that I am continually utilizing. As I consumed the educational opportunities that the Diocese of St. Cloud had to offer, I was introduced to YTM. The Youth in Theology and Ministry program at Saint John's sparked something in me. That interest led to further inquiry, and the rest was me following the "breadcrumbs," so to speak, to arrive at the YTM Master's Degree Cohort.

How will you be spending your time once your coursework is complete?
I'm not sure what I will do with all the free time! I look forward to a little freedom from the coursework - time with family, pursuing hobbies I have put aside for my studies, and a little traveling as COVID allows.

What are your future goals and plans?
Currently, I work full-time as Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Church in Sauk Rapids, MN. Only God knows what He has planned for my future, but I anxiously await the next adventure!

How do you hope to use your degree?
No matter what God has planned for me, I know I will integrate all the things - academic, spiritual, friendships and fellowships, etc. - I have acquired in my time at the SOT/Sem in whatever ministerial situation I find myself in. This experience has been truly rewarding and one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced!
Samuel Broback - Master of Theological Studies (Systematics)

What brought you to Saint John's Graduate School of Theology and Seminary?
I completed my undergrad at Saint John's, and after exploring other graduate schools, Saint John's was the place most welcoming and encouraging of me to push my theological ideas. The community made me feel at home.

How will you be spending your time once your coursework is complete?
I will be applying to Ph.D. programs soon!

What are your future goals and plans?
I would love to become a theology professor after my Ph.D.

How do you hope to use your degree?
I hope my degree will allow me to shape students' minds and contribute to Catholic theological developments in the future.