On October 7th, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the honorary title of “Monsignor” on seven priests of the Diocese of Fargo. Of these, five attended CMS and three either were former or are current members of the staff. Those who attended CMS are Msgr. Robert Laliberte, Msgr. Daniel Pilon, Msgr. Dennis Skonseng, Msgr. Jeffrey Wald, and Msgr. Joseph Goering. Msgr. Skonseng was a member of the CMS staff for almost twelve years; he is currently serving as Vicar General and Vicar of Clergy for all of the Diocese of Fargo. Among the current members of the staff honored are: Msgr. Schlesselmann, rector for the past five years, and Msgr. Laliberte, who has served over thirty years at CMS.

January 21, 2007

On January 21, Bishop Samuel Aquila presided over the conferral of papal honors for seven priests of the Diocese of Fargo at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo.

Family members, friends, seminarians and fellow priests filled the pews to capacity, as they joined in prayer for the men who have been recognized by Pope Benedict XVI for their exemplary service to the church and the faithful with the honorary title of “Reverend Monsignor.”

On May 10, 2007, five men graduated from Cardinal Muench Seminary; 4 from the college program and 1 from the Pre-Theology program. All of them had been accepted and ready to enter major seminary in the fall.

During the Graduation Mass the five graduates were admitted into candidacy (above). In the Rite of Candidacy, the bishop publicly accepts the seminarians as candidates for the priesthood and acknowledges their intention of studying theology for the purpose of receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders.