Father Hoesing recognized for contributions to Catholic education

Growing up as a Nebraska farm boy, Father Paul Hoesing learned not to expect accolades for his labor.

That’s why being recognized for his work in preparing laborers for the Lord’s vineyard came as something of a surprise.

The Archdiocese of Omaha priest, who is president and rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, received the Lumen Vitae (Latin for Light of Life) Medal from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, during the university’s Vocations Jamboree back in March.

“The university offers it in recognition of meritorious service for those who have been champions of Catholic education,” said Msgr. James Shea, University of Mary president. “It’s a chance for us to hold up, in front of our students, exemplars who have contributed in significant ways to education in the Church.”

Past recipients include Bishop Robert Barron, Scott Hahn, George Weigel and other influential Catholic luminaries.

Medal recipients are not simply servants of Catholic education but visionaries, Msgr. Shea said.

JUST DOING THE WORK

“I was actually surprised by (the award),” Father Hoesing said. “When you grow up on a farm you just do the work that’s in front of you. … You don’t look for recognition. … Farmers don’t promote themselves.”

Father Hoesing, who grew up on the family farm near Menominee and in St. Boniface Parish, learned from his parents both the value of hard work and a commitment to education. With his mother’s encouragement and support, his father earned two master’s degrees and taught high school and college agronomy, all while working the farm.

Following Father Hoesing’s ordination for the Omaha archdiocese in 2002, educating and mentoring young people soon became an integral part of his priestly service.

During his first assignment as assistant pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Omaha, he also served as chaplain and teacher at Roncalli Catholic High School. He then served two years as associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish in O’Neill while also teaching at the parish’s St. Mary High School.

In 2008, he became the archdiocese’s vocations director and served in campus ministry at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and in a support role at Wayne State College. He was elected president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in 2013 and served on the faculty of the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha.

Father Hoesing joined Kenrick-Glennon Seminary’s faculty in 2015 as dean of seminarians and director of human formation, became vice-rector for formation in 2019 and president-rector in 2022.

A VESSEL OF GOD’S GRACE

University of Mary leadership was familiar with Father Hoesing’s work through his service on its Board of Regents and the numerous men from the Bismarck diocese who have attended Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, which led to his selection as a Lumen Vitae Medal honoree.

“We’ve been profoundly impressed by the quality of the formation that the men are receiving at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary,” Msgr. Shea said, “and we know that a lot of it has to do with the deep dedication, the spiritual insight and an accent on human formation that Father Hoesing insists upon in everything that he does.”

“We really admire the ways in which Father Hoesing has allowed himself to be a vessel of God’s grace,” he said. “His work in vocations … has advanced a particular segment of Catholic education … the formation and education of future priests.”

SERVING THE MISSION

Father Hoesing said the award carries a significance beyond mere personal recognition.

“As I thought about it, I realized it’s all about serving the work … the mission,” he said. “And what’s the mission? The mission is making disciples, making people realize that Jesus Christ has died and risen for you, and His life is available to you.”

“Cultivating the men who will convey the Gospel in a way that’s compelling and personal; we really try to do that at Kenrick – form men who can inspire others to follow the Gospel well.”

The award is a nod to that reality, Father Hoesing said.

“For young men who will be laboring in the vineyard, we’ve done this work so that the mission can be promoted,” he said. “So, I felt it wasn’t a personal award as much as it was a mission award. You’re serving the mission, and if this recognition serves the mission, great. Let’s celebrate that.”

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