Center for Catholic Studies Launches Endowed Fellowship in Honor of Monsignor Ed Ciuba

The Center for Catholic Studies is thrilled to announce the creation of the Monsignor Edward Ciuba Fellowship, established in honor of Monsignor Ciuba (‘55), a cherished priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and former seminary rector and professor of Biblical studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University. This annual fellowship represents a significant step in strengthening the connection between Seton Hall University and the surrounding Catholic community. As one of ten diocesan Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States, Seton Hall is rooted in a tradition of making the intellectual riches of the university available for the service of the local church. Designed to support faculty members or graduate students, the fellowship encourages innovative projects that bridge the University with local Catholic communities, including Catholic parishes, schools, ministries and organizations. This initiative fosters meaningful connections between academia and faith communities by enabling scholars to use their expertise to meet the Church's needs, ensuring a dynamic exchange of knowledge, spiritual growth and pastoral outreach.

The establishment of this fellowship is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Center for Catholic Studies, the Office of University Advancement and Development, along with a dedicated group of parishioners from the parishes at which Monsignor Ciuba served throughout his priesthood. Through their unwavering commitment, nearly $100,000 has been raised to endow this award within the first year of his passing into eternal life on January 19, 2024. Such generous support highlights the profound love, respect and admiration for Monsignor Ciuba's enduring contributions to the Church and the broader community.

Monsignor Edward J. Ciuba, born in 1935 in New Jersey to Polish immigrants, led an extraordinary life as a Catholic priest, theologian, author and advocate for faith-sharing movements such as RENEW International. Ordained in 1959, his priestly life was expressed in multiple roles, including seminary rector, professor of Biblical studies and pastor. Known to most as “Father Ed,” his passion for God’s Word and God’s people defined his ministry, particularly through his dedication to fostering small Christian communities where he sought to unite the Catholic intellectual life and parish life. His priestly ministry continued beyond his official retirement, where he remained steadfast in his mission to promoting our Catholic faith and fostering Christian discipleship through relationship. His passing on January 19, 2024, marked the end of a remarkable life but left behind a legacy of spiritual leadership and steadfast devotion to God’s work,one that influenced countless lives.

When asked to share about Monsignor Ciuba, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, president of Seton Hall University expressed, “As a gifted teacher, a genuine shepherd with a priestly heart and as Rector/Dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Monsignor Ciuba helped to form generations of ministers for service to the people of God.” 

Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Monsignor Liddy, the founding director of the Center for Catholic Studies, shared heartfelt words about his longtime friend Monsignor Ciuba: "Monsignor Edward Ciuba was a great man and a great priest. He always sought to bring people closer to the Lord and each other. He was especially fond of small group sharing—‘walking the road together.’ He was also an academic, a student of the Scriptures and contemporary culture." These reflections underscore the profound impact Monsignor Ciuba had on those around him, bridging the gap between academic inquiry and pastoral care. 

Linda Garofalo, program manager of Seton Hall’s Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership, reflected on the fellowship in light of Monsignor Ciuba’s life of stewardship, saying, “Monsignor Edward Ciuba’s treasure was the people of God. He spent his love, his life, his energy and his vast intellect, in meeting their needs. He bridged every situation that he encountered because of his wisdom and his humility. The purpose of this fellowship is truly a worthy reflection of Monsignor Ciuba’s legacy. To the extent that the recipients live by his priorities, in their personal and professional lives, they too will incarnate his gift to each one of us."

As word spread, the heartfelt words kept pouring in as Monsignor Ciuba’s legacy of humility, intelligence and pastoral care continues to resonate with those who knew him. Father Anthony Randazzo, Pastor at the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity in Westfield, encapsulated this, stating: “Humble and intelligent, compassionate and wise—befriending many faithfully—Ed lived at the crossroads in awe of creation, teaching the meaning of the Word—serving with a pastor’s heart.” 

Father Bob Stagg, pastor of Presentation Parish in Upper Saddle River where Father Ed ministered for many years even after his retirement, noted, “No doubt that Father Ed Ciuba has been one of the best the Archdiocese has ever produced -- a scholar, a leader of the seminary, and one of the best pastors in the diocese. Certainly a trick that no one has been able to do in the history of the diocese. His legacy is part of this Fellowship, which is at the intersection of pastoral life and scholarship. It’s a wonderful way to remember this priest.”

The Center for Catholic Studies looks forward to continuing his mission as the Center invites the first round of applications for the Monsignor Edward Ciuba Fellowship. Enthusiastic about the launch of this fellowship, Patrick Manning, Ph.D., current director of the Center for Catholic Studies remarked, "We are honored that the Center for Catholic Studies has been entrusted with preserving the legacy of Monsignor Ed Ciuba in this way. Father Ed embodied many of the values that inspire our work at the Center—bringing people together, integrating learning in different areas, and wedding the academic and the pastoral. We are excited to see what creative new initiatives our future faculty fellows will develop and what fruit they will bear for Seton Hall and the local church." 

By supporting innovative and impactful projects, the fellowship ensures that Monsignor Ciuba’s vision will live on, fostering connections between Seton Hall University, local parishes, and schools. Through the generosity of Monsignor Ciuba’s friends, this new endowment will provide a significant stipend, making it possible for faculty and graduate students to put their expertise in service of the Church. This initiative not only honors his legacy but also inspires future generations to walk the path of faith and scholarship together. In gratitude to God for Monsignor Ciuba’s constant “yes” to His service, the Center for Catholic Studies looks forward to continuing his legacy in service to the university and the Church.

The Center for Catholic Studies is now accepting applications for the fellowship. Those interested in finding out more information and applying for the fellowship can do so here. Applications are due April 1. 

Categories: Education, Faith and Service