Our beloved campus chaplain, Fr. Marc Lenneman, has been appointed by Bishop Vetter to be the Pastor/Rector of the Cathedral of St. Helena, effective July 1. Fr. Marc will be fulfilling a role currently held by Monsignor Kevin O’Neill ’73 and upon his appointment, Monsignor O’Neill will become Pastor/Rector Emeritus of the Cathedral. We are certainly sad to see Fr. Marc move on from Carroll, but we are glad he won’t be far and also excited for him and his new role with the Diocese of Helena. Read more about coming changes to Campus Ministry at Carroll College
Reflections on Fr. Marc Lenneman
Fr. Marc, you have my profound thanks for all you have done for the students of Carroll and for this Diocese by inspiring so many young men to enter the priesthood. Your contributions to this campus are immeasurable, the Chapel being perhaps the most visible, but the changes and blessings to our students may possibly outlive even that beautiful structure. You will always be welcome here as a true SAINT!
John E. Cech, Ph.D.
President of Carroll College
I have had the great pleasure of working with Fr. Marc since my beginning here at Carroll in 2012. From his support to me as a teacher of the tradition and faith, to my support for his love of students in Masses and retreats, I have appreciated the work we have been able to pursue together. Fr. Marc has become both my priest and my friend. In friendship he is loyal and witty. We never lacked a laugh at the expense of an insane world or each others' foibles. As a colleague, I believe that he has shown the greatest amount of courageous leadership I have seen at Carroll College or beyond, a courage that stems, paraphrasing the words of the author Jonathan Rodgers, his "love of God more than his fear of evil." I'll miss his presence here.
Eric E. Hall, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Catholic Studies
Hunthausen Professor of Peace and Justice
Fr. Marc was the biggest basketball fan on campus, he led us in pregame prayers and cheered the Saints to many victories. We will miss his leadership but know that he will still be involved in Carroll Athletics and cheering the athletes on.
Kurt Paulson
Carroll Men’s Basketball coach
“You’re not made for comfort, you’re made for greatness” - Fr. Marc.
This quote has stuck with me all through my sophomore year. It’s so comforting to know you have someone in your corner praying for you and devoting his entire time to lead students closer to Christ. Someone who wants to see us all succeed and fall in deeper love with our Lord. That someone is Fr. Marc. He always fights for us students and for our college. Having him at Carroll has been an absolute gift to us and even though he won’t be physically present at Carroll that much anymore, we all know that he’ll still continue to fight and care for us.
Sofia Frongillo
Sophomore
In my very short time here - I'm humbled by his constant prayers for the college....at every mass....prayers before every meeting....just an ongoing sustained prayer for the College itself, what we do and the students we serve. Such a powerful gift to be held in everlasting prayer for over 16 years, that I believe has sustained the College on its darkest days.
Kathleen O’Leary
Interim Vice President of Student Engagement and Mission
I arrived at Carroll apparently just a year or so after Father Marc. But I didn't know that, because by the time I came to Carroll, Father Marc was so much a part of its fabric. As one not of the Catholic faith, I have appreciated Father Marc's tireless concern for students' spiritual growth, whichever their particular spiritual path. And I have appreciated Father Marc's skill and athleticism on the racquetball court -- never has getting beaten down felt so right!
Alan Hansen, PhD
Professor, Communication Studies
Father Marc is a visionary, an intellectual giant, a charismatic leader, and most importantly an extremely dedicated and loving father. What a gift to this place and to the Church. The Lord was truly working through him, loving His children and guiding His flock. Thank you Jesus, for this good priest. Carroll is immeasurably a better place for Father Marc's long laboring and love that he poured out into the students who walked these halls for 16 years. The Campus Ministry program that he built will endure and grow by God's grace. Thank you Father Marc for your dedicated and loving priesthood.
Chris Yakawich
Assistant Director Campus Ministry
When I think of Fr. Marc, I think of wisdom, courage, zeal, and love. His love for the Lord is exemplified in his words and actions. He has served as the spiritual leader--a visible representation of the faith this place was founded on—has profoundly impacted countless lives by bringing people, young and old, to know the love of Jesus. He is what Jesus has called us all to be-- sharers of the Truth, courageous in the cross we each will bear, to be ever faithful, trusting, and to love and serve the Lord so that others may see and witness Him through us.
Fr. Marc, you have truly been a faithful servant, thank you for all that you have done for this community, you will be missed!
Janet Johnson
Carroll Nursing Professor
Colossians 3:15 calls us to be thankful and it's incredibly simple to give thanks for the time that Fr. Marc has served at Carroll College. Through the peaks and valleys of life, Fr. Marc has easily made a forever lasting impact on so many people while at Carroll College. He has been an exceptional testimony of answering God's call to serve the Lord as well as showing students how crucial our 'yes' is to be an example of Christ's love as well.
From moments of hope and success, to times of despair and uncertainty, Father Marc has been a great emulation of patience, encouragement, and compassion. Words are inadequate to express the gratitude that so many of us share in thanking Father Marc for his light on our campus.
Mailee Bui
Sophomore
Fr. Marc has been greatly influential in my spiritual life, encouraging me to live the faith in a very human way. His example of going to all places, whether it is eating in the STAC, playing basketball, or just having good conversation with students, shows me how to live the faith in all parts of life. He is certainly a father figure to me, and I will miss seeing him as often. But he reminds us all that no matter what happens, so long as we have Christ at the center, life will be full of abundance.
Luke Ostberg
Sophomore
I am so grateful to have gotten to grow in my faith these past two years under the guidance and love Fr. Marc has provided this campus. He is an incredible example of what it means for a father to hold his children accountable in their faith life and in their actions as they go out into the world. I'm so grateful for all that he's given, and all that he continues to give.
Macie Frans
Sophomore
Fr. Marc is a true example of what it means to be a servant leader. I, like so many of my classmates, have found the news of his upcoming assignment bittersweet. From my very first visit to Carroll, I could tell that he and his ministry team were doing great things on this campus, and I fondly remember a conversation in which he helped convince me to attend Carroll instead of another Catholic college much closer to my home in New York. Being a Peer Minister these past two years has been a highlight of my time at Carroll, and I am profoundly grateful to Fr. Marc and the rest of the Campus Ministry team for their support. As I prepare for graduation and the upcoming pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi led by Father Marc, I look forward to maximizing these last couple weeks of his chaplaincy and I look forward to staying in touch as I head to veterinary school in Scotland this fall.
Fr. Marc, thank you again for everything!
St. Joseph of Cupertino…pray for us.
Daniel Hirshorn
Senior
Fr. Marc has been an incredible spiritual father for this campus for 16 years. I remember when I was visiting Carroll during my senior year of high school. I was unsure about Carroll until I went to Mass and heard his homily. Mass is always beautiful, no matter who is celebrating, but I was especially struck by Fr. Marc's homily and immediately wanted to become part of the Carroll community. He speaks so truthfully to young people and presents the faith as the way to live a joyful and exciting life.
Anna Jarman
Senior
One of Fr. Marc’s inspiring quotes for students on a pilgrimage to Rome in 2010 was “walk with a purpose”. That is exactly what Fr. Marc has done during his time at Carroll. He has walked with a purpose to inspire, teach and share the Catholic faith, Truth, Light and Peace of Jesus Christ. He has also inspired many alumni, parents and friends who listen to his homilies. The opportunities created through pilgrimages, retreats, service learning trips and weekly sacramental opportunities have allowed students to grow in their faith. Thank you Fr. Marc for the blessing you have been to Carroll.
Kathy Ramirez '87
Sr. Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, OIA
Father Marc has made an impact on my life that I don’t think either him or myself realize quite yet. His fervor for the faith inspires us every day and he has played an integral part in my relationship with Jesus. Thank you, Father, for all of the ways you have impacted myself and all the other students at Carroll.
Mason Yochum
Junior
Fr. Marc had a dynamic way of sharing the faith that not only inspired us but drew us closer to Jesus in the sacraments. He reminded us of God's divine mercy and inspired us to contemplate sainthood. I am particularly grateful that he was there [at the Cathedral] for my first communion in 2010 and then 10 years later, baptized our youngest son at All Saints Chapel. Fr. Marc certainly has had a lasting impact on Carroll College and perhaps most importantly, his faith was exemplified in the love he showed our students. Although he will be sorely missed on campus, we look forward to seeing how the Lord will use him at the Cathedral. Thank you Fr. Marc--you have been a blessing to us!
Meredith Krutar
Carroll Nursing professor
Fr. Marc has been such a wonderful spiritual father to me in my time at Carroll and I know many, many students can say the same. His love for the students is shown in the way he so passionately carries out his vocation as a priest. It is very evident that he wants to get to know us better so that he can bring us closer to his dear friend Jesus. Fr. Marc always reminds us of God's love for us, a lesson that is never done learning. One of my favorite things about Fr. Marc is how he is a healthy man that eats well but when it comes to spoiling us students, he'd buy out the entire stock of Oreos to do so! Thank you, Fr. Marc for all you have done for us students and for all the sacrifices you make that we do not see.
Bridget Braden
Senior
While I have only known him for a relatively short time, he has definitely touched my life and the lives of my family members. We are able to be better people because of the thoughtful and positive impact he has made on our lives!
Chris Aimone
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
I’ve never met a priest who is genuinely willing to give up so much of his time to be with students on campus. Ever since freshman year, Father has always made time to give me genuine advice about some struggles I was going through, and it is because of his guidance, truthfulness and faith in God that I've learned from my struggles and am here today, back to trusting in myself through God and learning how to lean on him throughout my days. I'm beyond grateful to have met him and spent the past three years of my life learning so much about my faith from Genesis all the way to today. I will truly miss him and miss his inclusiveness on campus with his students and athletes. God has blessed us with his presence here, and no matter where we end up being I will never forget his impact on my life.
Elissa Mazkour
Junior
In May 2014, I had a providential/coincidental encounter with Father Marc at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome following a papal audience! Although I had met him before then, I was blessed to see him in his leadership role with a group of exuberant Carroll College student pilgrims! His facilitating those journeys gave many students an indelible spiritual experience in their faith lives. After then I have had several occasions to visit with him and be the recipient of his generosity! Father Marc is a true disciple of the message of love of Jesus Christ! I wish him my very best as he embarks on this next phase of his pastoral journey.
Judge Mike Salvagni (retired)
Class of 1969
Father Marc has been instrumental in showing what spiritual fatherhood looks like coming from the clergy. Many often forget that priests are husbands and fathers too. Husbands and bridegrooms to the Catholic church and spiritual fathers to those they mentor. Father Marc exemplifies this in all that he does. In my junior and senior years, our morning prayer times often crossed in the Chapel, and seeing the devotion and humility before the Lord of which Fr. Marc prayed was always a beautiful sight to witness. Fr. Marc will be greatly missed, but I am so excited to see the beautiful way he ministers to the bigger diocesan parish at the Cathedral.
Katherine Korbuszewski
Class of 2020