The St. George chapter of the Dead Theologians Society are pictured on a pilgrimage the group took last summer. Pictured left to right is Kassondra Gooley, Mya Dissing, Abby Mitchell, Macee Bortnem, Dillon Unzelman, Peter Wegleitner, Anthony Bjergaard, Eric Dissing and Fr. Paul King. (Not pictured is Eli McMahon and Rebecca Schartz). (Photo/Submitted)

Marylou Nagel | Writer 

St. George’s chapter of the Dead Theologians Society (DTS) is off to a busy and fulfilling fall. The group of high school and college students meets three Wednesdays per month and regularly over the summer in Hartford.  
Dead Theologians Society is a national organization founded and run today by Eddie Cotter. “Individual parishes or organizations apply to become a chapter, which St. George did several years ago,” explained Shane Van Diest, Director of Evangelization and Religious Education for St. George in Hartford and St. Ann in Humboldt.
The group has steadily grown as the word has spread both in church and in religious education classes. The students delve into the lives of the Saints while strengthening their faith. “DTS is intended to catechize and evangelize young adults with a special focus on learning through the lives of the Saints as well as a focus on praying for the Souls in Purgatory,” added Van Diest. “DTS is inspiring the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow.”
A special charism of the group is to pray for the release of the Souls in Purgatory. Its motto is, “Dead to the World, Alive in Christ!” This is inspired by Romans 6:11, in which St. Paul tells us to be dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus.
The St. George Chapter of DTS is led by Eric Dissing and Rebecca Schartz, with a vital role also contributed by St. George and St. Ann parish priest, Father Paul King. The group went on a pilgrimage to Wisconsin last summer with stops at the Holy Hill Basilica, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, and Lambeau Field, where they were able to tour the home of the Green Bay Packers.
The Dead Theologians Society always welcomes new members. For more information, please contact Shane Van Diest at DRE@stgeorgehartford.com or Eric Dissing at eric.j.dissing@gmail.com.