November 4, 2011
Seminarian profile
Tyler Tenbarge ‘blessed’ to be at Bruté’
Tyler Tenbarge
College Senior
Bishop Bruté College Seminary at Marian University
E-mail: tyler.tenbarge@gmail.com
Birthday: Jan. 22, 1988
Home Parish: Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Haubstadt
Parents: Mark and Susan Tenbarge, Haubstadt
Brothers and Sisters: Kendra, Trent, Dana, Brian, Krista, Blake
Education and Formation
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? I entered seminary in January 2009 at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis. I have been there since entering, aside from a semester studying in Rome. I attended Sts. Peter and Paul elementary, Haubstadt Community and Gibson Southern High School before working with FFA and beginning seminary thereafter.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed? None yet. After college seminary, I will have more.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination? I have been blessed to have been formed and educated at Bruté and for a semester in Rome. I hope the diocese continues to send me and others to great programs.
Your Vocation
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian? Everything and everyone I’ve encountered, it seems, has affirmed my vocation. My family and friends, my pastor and even my former employers all support my discernment. It has been a blessing.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? Many areas of ministry appeal to me. Youth ministry and vocations, missionary work and working with the poor, celebrating Mass with families, teaching about the faith — I hope to offer my all wherever I am called to serve.
Your Future
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
The importance of preaching. Preaching, i.e., teaching, is one duty we read about often in Jesus’ life as found in the Gospels. Spreading the good news is needed as much as anything.
Ministry in a cluster parish. What have you heard? What do you expect? My pastor serves three parishes in a cluster. I understand it is challenging, and yet it also seems rewarding. Parishioners are kind, generous and are willing to offer their gifts. I hope I’m blessed with good people as my pastor has been.
The role of technology, if any, in assisting with your ministry. Technology is a tool for ministry, though it cannot replace real presence of a personal encounter. I think there are great opportunities to employ technology. I need to remember to recognize that it is only a tool to a greater good, though.
The role of the priest in supporting vocations. It is the role of the priest to help guide and walk with anyone discerning his or her call. Those called to married life often have good examples and support in their parents. The priest needs to be the support for those called to priesthood or religious life. However, the family is critical in discerning all vocations.
Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest? My pastor, Father Tony Ernst, tells of advice he received from our former pastor, Father Francis Schroering (deceased). He says that Father Schroering used to say, “It isn’t hard. Just be kind.” I think people just want a good listener, someone who keeps his word and gives his best. Incredible homilies that last only five minutes and the perfect prayer in a troubled time are really powerful. But what people want is love. Sometimes we make it tougher than it needs to be.