HERE AT THE HEART
( CCT ); three Basic Diplomas in Catholic Theology ( BD ); 1 Basic Diploma in Music Ministry ; 2 Intermediate Diplomas in Diaconal Studies ; 1 Associate of Arts in Ministry ( AAM ); 6 Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy ( ABP ); 10 Bachelor of Philosophy ( B . Phil .); 6 Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies ( MAPS ); 8 Master of Arts in Theology ( MA ); 16 Master of Divinity ( M . Div .); 16 Baccalaureates in Sacred Theology ( STB ); 10 Licentiates in Sacred Theology ( STL ); and one Alumnus Certificate .
While for many , the commencement marked the next milestone in their journey to the priesthood , for lay graduates , it marked the beginning of a journey to evangelize and bring Christ ’ s light to their parish communities .
Christina Ihlenfeldt graduated with her Master of Arts in Theology after many years of setbacks . She began her studies at Sacred Heart in 2015 , but left to care for her husband , who suffered a stroke and later passed away in August 2020 . A year later , she was diagnosed with breast cancer .
“ It ’ s definitely been all God ,” Ihlenfeldt told Detroit Catholic . “ Through various things in life , I said , ‘ Lord , if it ’ s meant to be , then it will be .’ I was [ originally supposed ] to graduate last year , but God has made a way .”
Ihlenfeldt serves as the Director of Discipleship Formation at her Family of Parishes , the South Oakland Vicariate Family 5 , which includes Our Lady of La Salette Parish in Berkley , the Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield , Divine Providence ( Lithuanian ) Parish in Southfield , and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Oak Park .
“ In my role , I have so many opportunities to be able to help revive people ’ s faith . There ’ s a yearning , there ’ s a hunger ,” Ihlenfeldt said . “ I ’ ve led a Bible study where I ’ ve realized that people really want to learn more . My hope and goal is to lead others to a real personal encounter with Jesus that ’ s going to , I believe , revive and infuse our Church in Detroit .”
Father Fox told the graduates it can be easy to doubt one ’ s preparedness for the mission of evangelization , especially in a world where so many forces conspire to distract people from Christ .
“ Sacred Heart Major Seminary is , for all of us , a place where we draw nearer to Christ . We profess our faith , and the Lord strengthens our faith as we grow in understanding of divine truth ,” Father Fox explained .
Father Fox pointed out that some draw a distinction between knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus , but said graduates of Sacred Heart seek to do both .
“ Here we will know Jesus , seek to know more about him , and in knowing more about him , we know and love him more ,” Fr . Fox said . “ Here we know Jesus in liturgical worship and prayer , intellectual study , community , and pastoral service . We strive to live entirely for Christ .”
As graduates allow the Lord to order their own lives , they become well prepared to go out and proclaim Christ ’ s words of eternal life , Father Fox said .
“ We must never allow ourselves to grow despondent over our sins , even when we find ourselves falling into them again and again ,” Father Fox said , quoting Msgr . Ronald Knox . “ There is something in us stronger than sin : divine grace , which is always thrusting up like a plant rooted in our souls , always claiming for itself . There is no autumn in your soul . As long as you believe in Jesus Christ and what his resurrection has done for you , it is always spring .”
Their time at Sacred Heart Major Seminary prepared the graduates to evangelize others and to live for Christ , Father Fox added .
“ This is what St . Catherine of Siena , whose feast we celebrate today , means when she says , ‘ Be who God meant you to be , and you will set the world on fire .’”
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