CHICAGO (March 24, 2006) - Fr. Dennis J. Lyle has been named Rector/President of University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary, the Archdiocese of Chicago seminary at Mundelein, effective March 20. He had been serving as associate professor in the Department of Christian Life at the seminary since 2000.

As Rector/President, Fr. Lyle serves as chief administrative officer of the seminary and is responsible for all aspects of seminary life. He replaces Fr. Thomas Baima who had been serving as acting rector of the seminary since the former Rector/President, Fr. John F. Canary was named Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago in February. Fr. Baima will continue in his role as Provost for the seminary.

“I believe that the leadership of the seminary will continue to be strong in the coming years as we seek to form seminarians according to the heart of Christ,” said Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago. “I ask you to keep Fr. Lyle in your prayers.”

A native of Chicago’s southwest side, Fr. Lyle attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School, Quigley South High School and Niles College of Loyola University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history, before attending the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1991 with a master of divinity degree and later received his licentiate in sacred theology from the University.

Fr. Lyle’s first assignment was St. Joseph / St. Bartholomew Parish in Waukegan. He was then appointed to the faculty of St. Joseph College Seminary in Chicago for three years before leaving for the Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome where he received a doctorate in moral theology. He returned to the University of St. Mary / Mundelein Seminary in 2000 as an associate professor and has served there since then.

Aside from his academic duties, Fr. Lyle has given numerous presentations about Catholic teaching at parishes throughout the Archdiocese. He also has provided retreats and missions for seminarians throughout the country. In addition, Fr. Lyle also serves on the Ethics Subcommittee in the Archdiocese of Chicago.