By Cheri Perkins Mantz, Catholic Herald Staff

ST. FRANCIS — As a student at Saint Francis Seminary from the mid- 1930s to the mid-1940s, John Hentzner received financial assistance.

“I was helped a lot by lay people, as well as priests, at St. Bernard Parish in Wauwatosa,” he said. “I liked the seminary. That’s where my heart is. The reason I want to help others is because I was helped.”

Following his ordination in 1945, Fr. Hentzner stopped off at the seminary to see how much money he owed for his formation. That’s when he received the surprising news.

“I went and asked what my bill was and he said, ‘It’s all paid for.’ I was given a bequest from someone who wanted to donate to a student,” he explained.

A retired priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Fr. Hentzner has helped 151 seminarians during their formation at Saint Francis Seminary by providing them with $113,360 in scholarships since 1991.

Fr. Hentzner, 86, established his fund through Catholic Knights. Sixteen years ago he deposited a lump sum and each year scholarships are funded by the interest generated from that one-time deposit.

A committee, including Fr. Hentzner, selected the eight seminarians who were awarded the scholarships this year. They each received a $1,000 scholarship.

“They apply and we determine whether they’re needy and worthy,” said Fr. Hentzner. “They give an account of why they want to be a priest and they get the approval of their pastor and rector.” He said the candidates also present tax information to make sure they truly need the funds for their seminary payment.

According to Tom VanHimbergen, Saint Francis Seminary’s director of finance and administration, the total cost of formation for each seminarian is $40,000 per year. This includes their academic formation, room and board, medical costs, books and more. VanHimbergen said that each seminarian is responsible for funding $1,500 toward their formation, as well as doing 200 hours of community service per year.

At a reception Jan. 31, some recipients were on hand to thank Fr. Hentzner while he handed the check over to Fr. Mike Witczak, rector of Saint Francis Seminary.

“They come up to me and thank me so I’m happy to help,” Fr. Hentzner said of the scholarship recipients. “The good Lord has been good to me so I’m happy to give to others. It’s money well spent.

“That’s my legacy to my priesthood and I’m happy that when I die all my benefactors are in this fund.”

Knowing that “vocations today are very important,” Fr. Hentzner said he hopes to inspire fellow priests to follow suit and donate to seminarians.

Fr. Hentzner served in three parishes before attending The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and becoming a teacher of Greek and Latin at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. He taught at the seminary for 22 years.

“Seeing boys learn; that’s the fulfillment of it,” he said. At the check ceremony, some scholarship recipients shared their gratitude of Fr. Hentzner.

“It just shows that he’s serious about promoting vocations and he’s supporting the priesthood by supporting those who, God willing, will join the priesthood,” said Luke Strand, a third-year seminarian.

“For me, his generosity is appreciated and also his sense of returning the favor … it’s a powerful witness to his gratitude and generosity,” said Ken McManaman, a first-year seminarian.

“It’s very generous,” said Dan Janasik, in his third year at Saint Francis Seminary. “He’s (grateful) for the time he was (at the seminary) and he wants to pass on that legacy and we’re grateful for that.”

The seminarians agree that the scholarships make their lives easier and allow them more time to focus on their studies, instead of figuring out how to raise enough money to cover their costs.

“There’s a portion of financing that we’re responsible for,” said Janasik. “Seminary formation is a full-time job so people who support us make this possible.”

“I’m happy to do it,” said Fr. Hentzner. “I thank the Lord I can do it. I’m happy to be a priest. I try to show my appreciation by helping others.”

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