Mount St. Mary’s University recently inducted two retired priests from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington into its Academic Circle of Excellence Alumni Hall of Fame. Msgr. Karl Anthony Chimiak, a 1980 Mount St. Mary’s Seminary graduate, and Msgr. John Joseph Enzler, a 1973 graduate, received the honor in recognition of their dedication to faith, service, and leadership.
The university held the induction ceremony on Jan. 25 at its campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Academic Circle of Excellence Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service and achievement in their respective fields.
Msgr. Karl Anthony Chimiak: Service in Ministry and Military Chaplaincy
Msgr. Karl Anthony Chimiak has dedicated his career to pastoral ministry and military chaplaincy. After his ordination, he served in several parishes within The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, including St. Michael Parish in Ridge, Holy Ghost Parish in Issue, Sacred Heart Parish in La Plata, St. George Parish in Valley Lee, and St. Joseph Parish in Beltsville.
Alongside his parish assignments, Msgr. Chimiak served as a chaplain for the Maryland State Police, providing spiritual support. His service also included a role in the U.S. Air Force, where he was assigned as a Catholic chaplain at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Additionally, he served as the pastor of Our Lady of the Skies Parish located on the base.
Msgr. Chimiak attended the ceremony and accepted his induction.
Msgr. John Joseph Enzler: Commitment to Charitable Work
Msgr. John Joseph Enzler has served in numerous leadership roles within the archdiocese, including as president and CEO of Catholic Charities of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Under his leadership, Catholic Charities expanded its outreach, assisting more than 167,000 individuals annually through more than 50 programs, including multiple shelters in Washington, D.C.
Due to prior priestly commitments, Msgr. Enzler was unable to attend the ceremony. In his absence, Bryan Zygmont, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, accepted the award on his behalf.
Mount St. Mary’s University Celebrates Leadership in Faith and Service
Founded in 1808, Mount St. Mary’s University recognizes alumni who exemplify its mission through professional achievements and service. University President Timothy E. Trainor stated, “Each of these distinguished alumni has made significant contributions in their fields, reflecting the values and education they received at the Mount. We are proud to honor them and celebrate their accomplishments.”
The induction of Msgr. Chimiak and Msgr. Enzler highlights their dedication to faith and service. Their careers—one through military chaplaincy and pastoral leadership, the other through parish ministry and charitable outreach—demonstrate the significant impact clergy can have on their communities.
Their recognition serves as an inspiration to current and future students of Mount St. Mary’s University, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to developing leaders who serve others with compassion and faith.
