On May 8, Fr. John Czyzynski, SCJ, was the commencement speaker at the 2026 graduation ceremony at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.
“The diploma or certificate that you receive indicates that you have a solid foundation, a good start preparing you for whatever ministry God calls you,” said Fr. John to the graduates. “I hope you go forth with an open mind and an open heart to keep learning how to be a good servant-minister of God’s people. Keep taking time to pray, to be connected with God, so that the work you do is God’s, not yours. Keep studying and reading and listen to the people whom you serve in ministry. They have much to teach us. As Karl Jung, the famous psychologist once said to his students: ‘If you just shut up and listen, your client is trying to make a counselor out of you.’
“Listen to the people God calls you to serve. They can help you be a better minister.
“Dear graduates, congratulations! Go out there and give God and God’s people your very best. May God be with you and may you be with God.”
Click here to read Fr. John’s speech in full.
Following his speech, Fr. John was conferred emeritus status for his many years of service to SHSST. After a social and dinner, the evening ended at the province mausoleum, where Sacred Heart faculty and staff continued a tradition of holding an informal toast for the many SCJs who built not only SHSST, but the Dehonian presence in the United States. It was a time to share stories and give thanks.
Click here to view photos from commencement.
Fr. John is pictured above (left) receiving emeritus distinction from Fr. Stephen Huffstetter, SCJ, SHSST president-rector.
