Dr. Margaret M. Turek, STD, will be leaving her position as director of the Department of Faith Formation and Evangelization to serve as professor of Dogmatic Theology and director of the Master’s in Arts (Theology) program at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University, Menlo Park. Her resignation is effective April 30.
Dr. Turek led the Department of Faith Formation and Evangelization since July 2014.
Full story at Diocese of Oakland website.
Rev. Alfred Baca from the Diocese of Orange in California, has been appointed as Executive Director of the Secretariat on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, based in Washington D.C.
Since 2015, Father Baca has served as Pastor of St. Columban Church in Garden Grove, California. From 2009-2015, Father Baca served as the Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs in the Diocese of Orange. Prior to that, he served as Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Officer from 2007-2009.
Full story at Orange County Catholic.
It is good that Dr. Turek is going back to St. Patrick’s. Oakland needs her, but SPS needs her more.
I am not personally in favor of a lay woman teaching classes, or directing any program for seminarians, at the local seminary. What a loss! Where is the strong, enthusiastic Catholic clergy, to do the job of forming our future priests??
So, Linda Maria, I assume that you don’t favor any woman teaching a man? Do you agree that a woman with a Doctorate in Sacred Theology is unqualified to teach theology? Do you agree that a woman can’t have a positive influence in the formation of future pastoral priests? Do you agree that you often come across as someone who thinks women are inferior to men? Do you agree that a woman can’t be a strong, enthusiastic leader in the formation process? We don’t, by the way, have enough priests to fill all the seminary jobs because they are in parishes dealing with thousands of pastoral issues.
Linda Marie, the problem is that the shortage of priests translates to less diocesan clergy being allowed to pursue advanced theological decrees in favor of serving in the parishes. An accredited seminary (as SPS is) needs a certain number of doctoral degrees among the professors. Very few of us parish clergy are allowed to be away the 4-6 years it takes to obtain such degrees. I’m happy that an orthodox Dr. Turek with a demonstrated great love for the seminary and seminarians is back to assist SPS in its hour of need.
Fr. Michael, I appreciate your post! I am glad Dr. Turek is an orthodox Catholic! Is she married or single? I hope she is a good Catholic role model– and of course, a big supporter of pro-life, and Catholic marriage and family! I recall the days when seminaries had big restrictions– families could only visit at certain times, and women visitors were restricted, too. The focus was clearly on priestly formation– very serious, prayerful, and holy! With a very serious religious faculty of priests, serving to teach and form the seminarians, as future priests!
The Sulpician Fathers have been around for a long time (several centuries??) serving as seminary professor, forming future priests– their religious order’s charism. Too bad things no longer are working out, with them! I wonder what went wrong?
In Catholic school, many long years ago now, in the days before Vatican II– nearly every little Catholic boy considered a possible vocation to the priesthood– the priesthood was very impressive, and most Catholic boys also were taught to be altar boys! And as my mother used to say, back then– “the best and brightest boys in each class, will all probably be going to the seminary!” So many of them did! And both major and minor seminaries were full, everywhere!
I personally know that Fr. Al is a good and holy priest.
St. Patrick’s is currently in chaos with the abrupt departure of the Sulpicians. They are even exhuming their dead to be transferred to the East Coast.
I had the honor of working with Dr. Turek for several years. She is a remarkable person who combines the academic, pastoral, and the practical. Anyone who has been in her presence can attest to her Christocentric worldview, personal warmth, and holiness. I have never seen anyone manage to work as hard as she has while never manifesting even the slightest bit of stress. Unquestionably, this is a woman of great spiritual depth. While we are sad to lose her at the Diocese, she will continue to teach courses in Oakland. Our loss is St. Patrick’s gain.
I have been searching for Father Al Baca who is my cousin and his parents are are my Godparents!! If you could give an address to write him or a phone number to call I would be so very happy!! My name is Christine Bullington my mother was Esther Navarrette!! We were very close growing up especially with Gabe!! My # to reach me Father Al is 928)830-2264!! We Love you and Miss you Father Al, Nina and Nino!!