Father Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 2005, has joined the Saint Vincent Seminary faculty following completion of his doctoral studies at The Catholic University of America. He is now teaching Sacred Scripture, with classes including Johannine Literature.
Following graduation from Serra Catholic High School in 1983, he earned a bachelor of science detree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. He then pursued a master of business administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1993.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree and working for his master’s degree, he worked for a year in aerospace and for 17 years in the special metals industry before coming to Saint Vincent.
Following a year in the novitiate, he professed simple vows as a Benedictine monk in 2006, the same year he began seminary studies. He professed solemn vows in 2009.
He was ordained a deacon on July 23, 2011 in the Archabbey Basilica by Most Rev. Lawrence E. Brandt, Bishop of Greensburg, and served his deacon year at Saint Nicholas Parish, Nicktown.
He completed the master of divinity degree at the Seminary, and the bachelor of Sacred Theology degree, both in 2012 with highest honors. Father Nathanael was also awarded at graduation the Sacred Scripture Award, given to the graduate who has most demonstrated excellence in the study of Sacred Scripture; and the Diakonia Award, honoring a graduate who exhibits praiseworthy academic performance and service to the Seminary community through building student morale and spirit, exercising leadership within the community, and demonstrating creative outreach to others.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 2012 by Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, Bishop of Erie, in the Archabbey Basilica.
He began graduate studies at The Catholic University of America in 2012 and successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in December of 2017. The title of his dissertation is “‘That The Scriptures Might Be Fulfilled’ Through Perfect Worship: John 19:36-37.”
Other roles at the Archabbey have included serving as assistant to the director of Archabbey Finances and Investments (2006-2012); socius of novices (2006-2011); faculty member of Saint Vincent College (2007-2009); assistant junior master and assistant archivist (2011-2012).
Father Nathanael is the son of Mary Ann Polinski of Duquesne and the late Raymond E. Polinski. He has two brothers, Raymond J. of New Kensington and Richard V. of Bethel Park.
