HERE AT THE HEART
Unsatisfied with the answers he gave to his friend , Dr . Clarke felt inspired to understand his Catholic faith more deeply , and seek answers by reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible from cover to cover .
This investigation led him to patristics — the study of the lives , writings , doctrine , and theology of the Fathers of the Church . With a BA in psychology from Roanoke College under his belt , he went on to obtain degrees from Franciscan University of Steubenville ( MA in theology and Christian ministry ), and Ave Maria University ( PhD in Biblical theology ). He also expects to complete an S . T . L . with the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in early 2023 .
After teaching at a number of universities and seminaries , Dr . Clarke was teaching at St . Patrick ’ s Seminary & University in Menlo Park , California , a job he enjoyed , but Michigan was always on Dr . Clarke ’ s radar . Growing up , he spent a week in the state every summer with his godfather and family . Then as an adult , he came to know and respect Sacred Heart .
“ I ’ ve long been impressed by the world-class faculty at Sacred Heart ,” he said . “ As soon as you start studying theology in the U . S ., you read the words of Dr . Mary Healy , Dr . Ralph Martin , and Dr . Robert Fastiggi .”
Father Jeremy Davis is returning to Sacred Heart after working as the assistant director at the Santa Maria del Mexicano , a boarding school for troubled and abandoned youth , a place he never would have imagined himself as a young unbelieving economics and Spanish student at Benedictine College . After graduating in 2006 , he served in a Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity ( SOLT ) Mission in Benque Viejo , Belize where he experienced a radical conversion and eventually received his confirmation . In 2008 he entered the SOLT novitiate and studied philosophy at their house of studies in Corpus Christi TX before studying theology at Sacred Heart from 2011-2015 . Upon ordination , he was sent directly to Mexico where he managed five houses and three schools . He also managed a care facility for abandoned elderly and a home for adolescent boys .
In 2020 he was asked by his superior to go for further studies and completed a licentiate ( S . T . L .) in Patristic Theology at the Pontifical University of Mexico in May of 2022 . While he misses the children he served for the first seven years of his priesthood , and considers them family , he is overjoyed with his new mission field , “ I have found great joy serving in the SOLT Family of Parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit and teaching at Sacred Heart ,” explains David , “ It is a joy and an honor to form these men .”
Mr . John Lajiness will be stepping into the role of Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Sacred Heart Major Seminary , a move that for him feels like returning home .
Lajiness first made SHMS his home when he entered as a seminarian after high school obtaining his philosophy degree in 1998 and studying theology for a year at the Pontifical
Gregorian University in Rome . He eventually discerned the vocation of married life , but always felt called to ministry .
“ I had a strong passion to lay down my life for the Lord ,” said Lajiness .
Lajiness has worked at several parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit and served as Assistant Dean / Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management from 2004-2008 . He obtained his master ’ s degree in theology from Sacred Heart in 2006 .
Now as Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management , Lajiness serves lay ecclesial ministers who want to dive deeper into their Catholic faith , and men who are discerning the permanent diaconate . He assists students as they take the first step to enrolling at Sacred Heart and then works for their success as they determine their path of learning and growing . In addition , he looks forward to working with moderators and the team of priests within the context of the new Families of Parishes model .
“ One of my deepest desires is to be a resource to them ,” Lajiness said . “ Being guided in the richness of the faith can help so many at a parish level , and there are many different ways to do that .”
As Lajiness settles in at Sacred Heart , he feels right at home . At the same time , he hopes God will push him beyond his comfort zone and guide him to be a “ spiritual multiplier ”, that is , Lajiness prays he will help form disciples who will deepen their faith at Sacred Heart and then bring others to the Lord .
“ I truly believe Sacred Heart is a unique place and the Lord is doing unique things here ,” he said . shms . edu 35