Blessed Edmund Rice School adds seven alumni

Graduates are committed to serve the Church.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Posted: 06.19.09

Bishop Frank J. Dewane congratulates Alicia Bartol–Thomas during the May 31 Blessed Edmund Rice School for Pastoral Ministry graduation ceremony at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, as Dr. Andrea Molinari, school president, looks on. Bartol–Thomas was one of four graduates to receive a master’s degree in pastoral theology. Three others were awarded diocesan diplomas in pastoral theology.
BOB REDDY | FC

VENICE | The new graduates of the Blessed Edmund Rice School for Pastoral Ministry are examples of men and women who have answered the call to self-sacrificing service to the Church.

The 12th Rice School graduating class held its graduation exercises May 31 at Epiphany Cathedral. Four of the graduates were awarded a Master of Arts in pastoral theology from Barry University in Miami, while three others were awarded diocesan diplomas in pastoral theology.

Receiving a master’s degree were Daniel Pieper, Susan Puchalla, Alicia Bartol-Thomas and Margaret Lynch. Receiving diocesan diplomas were Christopher Puchalla, who received his posthumously, Deacon Thomas Grant and Susan Kelly.

Each graduate had a special story to tell, but a few in particular brought the story of what the Rice School is all about into perspective, said Dr. Andrea Molinari, president.

“You are not alone in your commitment, but you each bring something special to the Church that will help it grow,” Molinari said.

Pieper earned his master’s by overcoming not one, but two bouts with brain tumors. His professors marveled as his determination in overcoming great odds while continuing his studies, when school could easily have gone by the wayside.

Dominican Father Gerard Austin, a Rice School professor, said Pieper is a “beautiful example of the role the Holy Spirit plays within us. Through the years I saw his spiritual conversion. … He is the perfect example of positive thinking and an inspiration to us all.”

Christopher Puchalla was given his diocesan diploma shortly before he died in November 2008. Molinari said Puchalla reflected the true meaning of what the Rice School means to its graduates by beaming with pride.

Puchalla’s son, Christopher Jr., stood in for him at the ceremony and received a plaque in his honor. The plaque will be placed at the main Rice School offices in Port Charlotte.

Puchalla’s wife, Susan, received her master’s degree during the graduation and spoke about what it meant for her to be there.

“This is the time to reflect on our journey,” she said. “All we are is a result of having God in our lives. It is time for a theological reflection, a time to reflect on the images of those people who supported us in being here.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane awarded students their diplomas and placed Rice School medals around their necks as part of the ceremony.

Dr. Kathleen Schwartz, diocesan director of education, then presented the graduates for service in the Church to Bishop Dewane and to the people of the Diocese of Venice.

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