DETROIT ─ Sacred Heart Major Seminary granted certificates, diplomas and degrees to 88 graduates on May 2, closing the 2025-26 academic year.
The year’s class of scholars featured six Licentiates in Sacred Theology (STL) and 15 Baccalaureates in Sacred Theology (STB), both granted in partnership with the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
The celebration began with a Baccalaureate Mass in the seminary chapel, with Fr. Stephen Burr, rector and president of the seminary, emphasizing the patronage of Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“The beating heart of Jesus provides a rhythm to conduct our study and work and to be sent on mission as His own,” said Fr. Burr.
Following the Mass, attendees moved to the auditorium for commencement exercises.
Before the graduates were announced, Fr. Brian Meldrum, graduate pastoral formation director and director of liturgy, honored departing faculty members Dr. Peter S. Williamson, a retiring faculty member of over 25 years and holder of the Adam Cardinal Maida Chair in Sacred Scripture; Fr. Timothy Laboe, dean of studies and assistant professor of theology, who will begin a new pastoral assignment this summer; and Fr. Burr, who served as rector and president since 2021 and will also move to a new pastoral assignment.
Graduates in the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Theology were called to the stage to receive their certificates and diplomas in 11 areas of study.
“While all graduations are wonderful events celebrating knowledge, truth and life, seminary commencements are particularly joyful because each diploma handed out represents a whole life given in service to the Gospel, and a commitment to make Christ present in all places,” John Lajiness, Sacred Heart registrar and director of enrollment management, told Mosaic.
Lajiness noted the diversity of the graduating Class of 2026, representing the generosity of God's grace to His Church and the many ways He calls His flock to serve Him.
“We rejoice at the 16 men whose graduation from our master’s programs will be followed by their ordination to the priesthood, and the five men who will graduate with undergraduate Philosophy degrees as they progress to the next stage of their priestly formation,” Lajiness said. “This class also includes members of religious orders, men preparing for the permanent diaconate, women and men who will be serving our churches and communities in lay ecclesial ministry, and many other types of service.”
The Certificate in Catholic Theology (CCT) program includes students who studied through online programs and satellite campuses throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. Some completed their studies in a Spanish-language cohort offered by the seminary.
Angelica Gonzalez of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Southwest Detroit serves as a catechist and assists with the Retrouvaille marriage program at the parish, and earned her CCT at commencement.
“I took the classes because I wanted to learn more about God and about the Bible,” said Gonzalez. “I learned tools that will help me with the children I teach in catechism.”
Many enrolled at Sacred Heart to deepen their faith and become better disciples at home, at work and in their parish.
Paul Zbytowski was a parishioner at St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Parish in Westland when he began classes in 2021 to pursue a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) degree. He has served in evangelization and Christian service roles and is now the director of engagement at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Farmington.
“I started my MAPS because I wanted to improve my understanding of theology,” Zbytowski said. “I had a lot of practical knowledge to that point, but I wanted to make sure what I was saying and teaching was sound in the tradition of the Church.”
Zbytowski enjoyed taking classes at Sacred Heart and meeting other people working in ministry.
“It has been great to see the diversity of the people who love God and want to serve Him with all their person,” he said.
