Two join growing list of seminarians

Jim Blahnik and Joe Brisson are the two newest men to join the formation program as seminarians for the Diocese of New Ulm.

Jim Blahnik, 28, a native of Spring Valley, MN, has worked in the Rochester area for the past nine years. He is currently a junior at the University of St. Thomas and will be working and living in Sleepy Eye next summer. He enjoys golf, reading and spending time with his family and friends.

Joe Brisson, 23, grew up in Bloomington and is currently a second semester freshman at St. Thomas. His hobbies include spending time with his mother and brothers, shooting pool, bowling, and being with friends. Over the past few years, Joe has been involved in the A-TEC retreat program sponsored by the New Ulm diocese.

The Diocese of New Ulm has eleven seminarians in three separate formation programs.

Two seminarians, Mark Steffl and Craig Timmerman, recently began their studies at the North American College in Rome. While in Rome they will study at the Angelicum where they will receive their formal theology training. Both men plan to be ordained in 2004. The other nine seminarians continue their training at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.