Newman Graduates proclaim Good News

By ANH HOANG
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

"This is our call as Christians," said Fahlman, ordained to the priesthood in August.

Fahlman was also valedictorian for Newman Theological Colleges 31st annual convocation, Nov. 4, as well as the recipient of the Joseph MacNeil Outstanding Achievement Award presented by college president Kevin Carr and Kevin Feehan, past provincial general for the Friars of Edmonton.

"Coming here has allowed me to deepen my understanding of my faith," he said. "In coming here, I asked myself 'Why did I not come here earlier?'

"The world is so hungry for what is provided at this college."

For Fahlman, Newman is a place where "staff and students can express their faith without fearing the need to be sorry or ashamed . . . it's unintimidating.

The college has always been near and dear to retired Archbishop Joseph MacNeil. As this year's convocation guest speaker, MacNeil reminded the graduates how fortunate they were to be Newman students.

"Blessed are you to be given the opportunity to study theology and Scripture at such an institution."

But studying theology was not the only mission for the students; the mission was also to live what they learned, said MacNeil. "(You learned) what it means to be a Christian."

Grasping the significance of the Scriptures, understanding the spirit of Baptism, getting a glimpse of what the incarnation of Jesus meant, sensing the power of the Eucharist - these are taught in Newman's classrooms.

They are also examples of what MacNeil calls our admittance into the "inner sanctum of God . . . and that's scary.

"This is an enormous privilege open to only a handful of individuals."

As they stand among their families, friends and college staff, the graduates have learned what parts of Acts relate to the foundation of the Church. Some know the context of the Gospel of Matthew and why it has come to define Catholic Social Services.

"You may even know who wrote Ephesians," said MacNeil "What you do know is you know Jesus Christ and you know yourself much better.

"You know that much has been given to you, so much is expected."

Newman Theological College 2000 Graduates
Master of Divinity Father Bradford Fahlman Maureen Pukharj Gordon MacDonald Master of Theological Studies Wendy Ainsworth Father Nestor Gregoire Master of Religious Education Linda Arndt June Iwanicka Patti-Anne Kay Kyle Porter Peter Preston	Graduate Diploma in Religious Education Edward Jean Sean McGuinness Gary Simpson Bachelor of Theology Laureta Blondin Paul Bringleson Kathryne Storheim Diploma in Theological Studies Anne Riley Nancy Rutter

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