Deacon Russ Kovash, MDiv, M.A.

Tonight Kenrick-Glennon Seminary celebrated their annual "Convocation," which is a fancy way of saying "graduation," in the St Joseph Chapel. Pictured above are all the men who have just been handed their masters degrees. In the bottom left Bishop Hermann congratulates the graduates, in the lower left. Included in that crowd is none other than Deacon Russ Kovash, seminarian of the Diocese of Bismarck, and soon to be ordained a priest. Tonight Russ and his classmates each received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology. Here are a few snapshots from the event.

This is Father Lawrence Brennan, the academic dean and vice rector of the seminary. Fr Brennan has been a pillar of the seminary community, working to prepare men for the priesthood in this institution for 22 years. This is is last year at Kenrick, and he will be dearly missed. Next year he will be working for the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

Pictured here are Bishop Hermann, the Archdiocesan Administrator of Saint Louis, and Monsignor Wojcicki, our seminary rector, congratulating the men who received degrees. Marco DeLoera, wearing the white surplice, is also pictured here. He acted as a master of ceremonies during the event.

Here is Deacon Russ, receiving one of his graduate degrees.

And this is Russ, happily departing, degree in hand.

This is Russ and I after the ceremony. I've enjoyed studying and living here with Russ over the last few years. He has been a great example and mentor for me. When I first came to Kenrick, Russ showed me great hospitality. He will be a wonderful addition to the presbyterate in the Bismarck Diocese.

Congratulations to Russ and to all of those who are receiving degrees this season.

-Jason