As Catholics across the diocese continue to seek deeper formation and education rooted in fidelity to the Church, one educational institution in our own backyard stands out for its mission, impact, and spiritual depth: Holy Apostles College & Seminary, located in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Founded in 1957, and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles, Holy Apostles has grown from a seminary for late vocations (the first seminary in the country to take delayed vocations) to a now diverse group of candidates for the priesthood and to an accredited college with more than 1,000 students. This last fall marked the largest enrollment in the school’s history.
Holy Apostles is a pioneer in faithful, affordable, and flexible online education offering fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology, philosophy, pastoral studies, sacred art, and more. Its online Master of Divinity in the New Evangelization is among the first of its kind, specifically designed for lay leaders. All theology faculty must be approved by their local bishop, ensuring a consistent Christocentric and magisterial approach to teaching.
In addition to its faithful programs, Holy Apostles boasts an impressive alumni network that includes many of the priests, deacons, religious and laity who serve in the Norwich and CT dioceses: Rev. John Antonelle, Rev. Richard Breton, Rev. Joseph De Costa, Deacon Octavio Flores, Rev. Martin Jones, Deacon Ben Locasto, Rev. Michael Phillippino, Fr. Dan Valente, MSA, and Holy Apostles first graduate, Fr. Ray Introvigne, to name a few.
Many of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and other religious orders have studied and graduated from Holy Apostlesalong with CT laity such as Alex Soucy '24, Executive Director of Crossroads 4 ChristIn addition to those who servour local community, Holy Apostles has a notable group of internationally recognized alumni as well including:
Matt Fradd, Catholic author and podcast host of Pints with Aquinas, Sean Forrest, motivational speaker and founder of Haiti180, Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, Providential Superior of the Marian Fathers, Rev. Wade Menezes, CPM, EWTN host and contributing writer, Rev. Daniel Reehil, VF, Pastor and exorcist for the Diocese of Nashville, Mother Adela Galindo, SCTJM, Foundress of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Rev. Chad Ripperger, SMD, Theologian and exorcist of the Archdiocese of Denver, Daniel O’Connor, author and professor, and Patrick Reis, Executive Director of Encounter Ministries among many others.
“My time at Holy Apostles gave me access to abundant resources that I still use in my podcasts and books to defend the Catholic faith. It also helped me understand new and exciting areas of thought in various fields of Catholic philosophy. Both philosophy and critical thinking are crucial to my defense of the faith, so I wanted to grow in that field and become a better apologist,” said alumnus Trent Horn, Catholic Answers apologist and best-selling author. “I chose Holy Apostles because of its fidelity to Church teaching and the college’s flexible format, which served someone like me who is married and works full-time,”
As more Catholics seek opportunities to deepen their faith and understanding, Holy Apostles continues to serve as a gift to the Church by offering faithful and affordable programs.
Parishioners interested in learning more are encouraged to visit www.holyapostles.edu, or speak with their parish leadership about educational paths in theology and ministry.
By Beverly Tryon