I placed this in my assignment parish's bulletin last weekend . . . Just a thought.
-------------------
On the front porch of the seminary residence at Saint Vincent’s are four columns, each with a letter – I, O, G, D. These four letters are the abbreviation of the phrase In Omnibus Glorificatur Deus, “In all things, may God be glorified”. This phrase reminds not only the Benedictines of the Archabbey and the men in the seminary, but in fact all of us, that all our actions need to be ordered to the glory of God.
Jesus calls us to share in His glory. Yet, like James and John in this week’s Gospel, we often seek after the glory that is measured in human standards. The glory that Jesus urges us to seek is found by drinking from the cup that He has received from the Father and accepting the baptism with which He had been baptized. Namely, the glory of the Lord is ours when we live out the Paschal Mystery of Christ: His Passion, Death and Resurrection.
Our dying to self to give life to others gives glory to God because, through this, we are not simply acting on our behalf. Rather, our words and actions are focused on building up the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Our entrance into the Paschal Mystery of Jesus allows us to fulfill the mission given to us at our baptism, which is to bring others to Christ. This is not often an easy task, and many of us shy away from “being Christ” to others. However, if we allow ourselves to focus our actions so that in omnibus glorificatur Deus, we see beyond ourselves and our human understanding, and the Holy Spirit opens us up to see, speak, and act in ways which bring glory to God and others to Christ.
James and John were ready to drink the cup and be baptized with Christ’s radical baptism without fully comprehending what that would entail: the ultimate sacrifice of one’s life for the Gospel message. For us who live in 2009, we know the Gospel message. But do we allow it to transform us so that we may live the Paschal Mystery faithfully so that in omnibus glorificatur Deus?
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, we are given the means in which we can transform our actions so that they bring glory to God. It is through the Holy Spirit alone that we can fully enter into the Paschal Mystery so that others may come to know Christ and His Gospel. And so, we must really ask ourselves that, in and through our words and actions, who is really receiving the glory? Are we acting for only ourselves, or are we acting for the glory of God?
24 October 2009
23 October 2009
Flying time
Time has been flying . . . We're a few days to T-8 months until priesthood ordinations -- God willing.
A big portion of my time recently has been split between school / school work and parish / parish life. I can feel the pull of being (back) in the parish full-time: it's something I love, and has been a part of me for many years. I'm enjoying my time at the parish, overall. Yes, there have been some challenges and decisions made in which I didn't fully agree with. However, I'm there to learn (through active and passive participation), and I feel that I am learning.
Things here at the seminary are going well. I have let go of many of the responsibilities that I have held here over the past few years. I needed to let them go, and better I do it now while I am around to answer questions than leave the poor guys grasping for answers. I still play a small parts around here, but am glad for learning how to let go . . . even though part of me would still like to be doing more.
I've begun to see a change in myself. Most of the time I believe this to be a good thing, but sometimes not. I guess I'm noticing myself in a different light: Life as an ordained man changes you - not completely . . . but I guess I'm taking some things more seriously (as I should), and allowing the things that would completely bug me to simply go to the side. (Not everything that bugs me, however. I've been holding on to some frustrations that I know I need to cool down, but every time I encounter them, I just become frustrated again. Patience is a virtue!) But no matter how I view them, I know that I am changing. I'm not the man who I was when I entered the seminary, nor am I the man who I was just prior to ordination. And while, for the most part, I am who I always have been, I continue to change as I continue to configure my life to that of Christ's. It's not always an easy thing to do, but it's what I'm called to do.
Well, I need to finish a few things to prepare to go to the parish in the morning.
Enjoy the journey . . .
A big portion of my time recently has been split between school / school work and parish / parish life. I can feel the pull of being (back) in the parish full-time: it's something I love, and has been a part of me for many years. I'm enjoying my time at the parish, overall. Yes, there have been some challenges and decisions made in which I didn't fully agree with. However, I'm there to learn (through active and passive participation), and I feel that I am learning.
Things here at the seminary are going well. I have let go of many of the responsibilities that I have held here over the past few years. I needed to let them go, and better I do it now while I am around to answer questions than leave the poor guys grasping for answers. I still play a small parts around here, but am glad for learning how to let go . . . even though part of me would still like to be doing more.
I've begun to see a change in myself. Most of the time I believe this to be a good thing, but sometimes not. I guess I'm noticing myself in a different light: Life as an ordained man changes you - not completely . . . but I guess I'm taking some things more seriously (as I should), and allowing the things that would completely bug me to simply go to the side. (Not everything that bugs me, however. I've been holding on to some frustrations that I know I need to cool down, but every time I encounter them, I just become frustrated again. Patience is a virtue!) But no matter how I view them, I know that I am changing. I'm not the man who I was when I entered the seminary, nor am I the man who I was just prior to ordination. And while, for the most part, I am who I always have been, I continue to change as I continue to configure my life to that of Christ's. It's not always an easy thing to do, but it's what I'm called to do.
Well, I need to finish a few things to prepare to go to the parish in the morning.
Enjoy the journey . . .
13 September 2009
A thought
Hopefully, this will be in my parish's bulletin this weekend.
-------------------------
A Thought from Deacon Rob
Three weeks have come and gone since I’ve started my final year in seminary. Three weeks which have given me many reading assignments, typed / homework assignments, opportunities to re-connect with old friends and make new ones, and opportunities to exercise my diaconal ministry both at Saint Mary’s and at Saint Vincent’s.
Yet one of the most important lessons that I continue to learn is how central the Eucharist is in the life of a Catholic. I continue to learn that lesson daily, and in that lesson I find new depths in not only knowing the love of God, but also in deepening my relationship with Jesus Christ. I continue to explore and discover the vast riches that this Mystery holds in my life, and in the life of every Catholic.
At the seminary, we are given ample opportunities to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I try to make time everyday to spend at least 15 minutes in conversation with our Lord. And I believe that anyone with a serious commitment to the Gospel would try to spend some time before our Lord at some point during the week between Masses.
Recently, an article appeared in Catholic circles by a priest from a mid-West college who concluded the article saying that Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is “a doctrinal, theological, and spiritual step backward”. This is such a sad statement! We have recently heard from Jesus himself for five weeks on how central His Body and Blood are to those who are His disciples. How can anyone who professes to be Catholic not want to spend some time with Him, to come to know Him and experience His love?!
We are called to come and sit at the feet of the Master. We are called upon time and again to “follow Him” (as we heard last week). To be in communion with Christ is to know what He says and to desire to live the way He lived. There is no better way in which we come to know Jesus than to spend time in conversation with Him who is Love itself . . . and the best way to do this is before His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
I encourage all to come early or stay a little bit before or after the Mass you attend on the weekends to know Christ better. I would also encourage, if your time permits you, to visit the Christ during the day in the church. He quietly waits for you and me to visit Him. Come, let us adore.
Enjoy the journey . . .
-------------------------
A Thought from Deacon Rob
Three weeks have come and gone since I’ve started my final year in seminary. Three weeks which have given me many reading assignments, typed / homework assignments, opportunities to re-connect with old friends and make new ones, and opportunities to exercise my diaconal ministry both at Saint Mary’s and at Saint Vincent’s.
Yet one of the most important lessons that I continue to learn is how central the Eucharist is in the life of a Catholic. I continue to learn that lesson daily, and in that lesson I find new depths in not only knowing the love of God, but also in deepening my relationship with Jesus Christ. I continue to explore and discover the vast riches that this Mystery holds in my life, and in the life of every Catholic.
At the seminary, we are given ample opportunities to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I try to make time everyday to spend at least 15 minutes in conversation with our Lord. And I believe that anyone with a serious commitment to the Gospel would try to spend some time before our Lord at some point during the week between Masses.
Recently, an article appeared in Catholic circles by a priest from a mid-West college who concluded the article saying that Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is “a doctrinal, theological, and spiritual step backward”. This is such a sad statement! We have recently heard from Jesus himself for five weeks on how central His Body and Blood are to those who are His disciples. How can anyone who professes to be Catholic not want to spend some time with Him, to come to know Him and experience His love?!
We are called to come and sit at the feet of the Master. We are called upon time and again to “follow Him” (as we heard last week). To be in communion with Christ is to know what He says and to desire to live the way He lived. There is no better way in which we come to know Jesus than to spend time in conversation with Him who is Love itself . . . and the best way to do this is before His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
I encourage all to come early or stay a little bit before or after the Mass you attend on the weekends to know Christ better. I would also encourage, if your time permits you, to visit the Christ during the day in the church. He quietly waits for you and me to visit Him. Come, let us adore.
Enjoy the journey . . .
10 September 2009
Procrastinating
Taking a moment to break from some school work.
I'll be updating soon.
Enjoy the journey . . .
I'll be updating soon.
Enjoy the journey . . .
25 July 2009
It's been a while . . .
I know . . . I apologize.
Becoming a deacon and entering into parish ministry on this level has been an awesome experience. I cannot believe the joy I feel from simply being around the people of God. This is something that I felt prior to entering the seminary while working in the parish, and in my summer parish experiences . . . but it feels different this year. Probably because I have the opportunity to do things that I never could have before as a member of the laity. Not to say that I didn't find joy during those years -- this is simply a different type of joy.
One of the biggest thrills I get is the ability to preach at Mass. It's wonderful, yet awesome, yet sometimes terrifying feeling to know that the Lord is using me to speak to His people . . . to open the Scriptures up and teach the assembly of the will of God. The Holy Spirit has been working overtime with me. While I sit and prepare my homilies for the weekend Masses (when I do preach), daily Masses are often unscripted. And while I have had a number of people say that they have enjoyed my homilies, I'm still waiting for the one to say that they didn't. I know that day will come, and part of me would like to have it sooner than later.
One of my other "peak moments" came recently in the airport in Lima, Peru, while waiting to board a plane back to the United States. One of my brother seminarians purchased a wall Rosary as a remembrance of his time in Peru, and he asked me to bless it. To be able to do that for a brother was a real honor . . . and a real blessing for me. It was, truthfully, a humbling moment. Again, to be God's instrument in such a fashion is quite a remarkable thought - and I'm really getting use to that.
All-in-all, I've had an awesome time as a deacon. Everything is preparing me for the "big" ordination next year. I can only hope that I continue to take these experiences, and, like Mary, ponder them in my heart, so that I can make this year truly a time to prepare to become a priest of Jesus Christ.
Homily for 26 July - 17th Sun. OT / C
My homily for this weekend.
--------------------------------------------
A little over a week ago, as was announced in the bulletin and is reflected upon in this week’s Pittsburgh Catholic, I and nine of my seminary brothers had the opportunity to visit the Maternidad de Maria Hospital in Chimbote, Peru, with Bishop Zubik. Our visit there consisted of coming to know the Maternidad and the people that they serve – both at the hospital itself, as well as visiting some of the people in their homes. It was a phenomenal experience, to say the least. The people of Chimbote, while some of the economically poorest in our hemisphere, displayed some of the greatest joy I had ever seen. It sounds perplexing, and somewhat of a paradox, I know. But their joy didn’t come from anything physical; rather, it was a joy based in the Gospel. These people live out daily their faith and conviction that the Lord will take care of all their needs.
The abundance – and even over-abundance – of graces that the Lord continually provides for His people is what is presented to us in today’s readings. The man who presented Elisha with the twenty barley loaves could not fathom how there would be enough bread to feed one hundred people. The Apostles questioned Jesus on how five barley loaves and two fish could feed over five thousand people! What Elisha and Jesus were able to recognize, however, is that the Lord cares for those who believe in Him and call upon Him in their time of need.
We, in our current society and culture, have a hard time understanding how people who don’t have the latest car, the fastest computer, the newest video game, or the biggest TV could ever be happy – or at least content. What we fail to recognize is that there is something more important than anything our culture or society can ever give us, and that is the gift of faith. The people of Chimbote recognize this, because their faith is lived out in some fashion everyday.
I’m not saying that we who are gathered here today do not have faith, nor am I saying that we don’t recognize the blessings that are ours. We have just become so accustomed to our lifestyles that we fail to see the abundance of gifts and graces that the Father has bestowed upon us. I get that way myself: I’m going out, I make sure I have my cell phone . . . I’m too warm, I put on the A/C . . . I become bored, so I turn on the TV or throw in a movie to watch. Our society has drifted from the Norman Rockwell-esque picture of the perfect summer – that of sipping your iced-cold lemonade while laying in your hammock in a vast field of flowers, enjoying the simple gifts of life – to our worrying about what will happen if the power fails, and I can’t have my A/C on while I’m watching the game. We neglect to notice those simple graces that God bestows upon us daily, such as: life, family, friends, faith – and we, in turn, forget to thank God for these “simple pleasures”.
Beginning this week, and for the next four weeks, we will hear and reflect upon the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John: the Bread of Life Discourse, in which Jesus gives to us His definitive teaching on the Eucharist and the centrality of receiving His Body and Blood in our lives. You see, to begin to recognize the abundance of the graces and gifts in our lives, we must first turn to and tune in to Him from where the graces and gifts originate. We must make the Eucharist THE priority in our lives – placing it above all others. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Christian life. If we are truly to live as disciples of Christ, how dare we not recognize Him from which “all good things come”?
To come before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, to offer Eucharist, which is Greek for “thanksgiving”, we come to recognize the awesome workings of God in our lives. When we come with simple and humble faith before the God of the Universe disguised in elements of bread and wine, those things which our culture and society deem as important take a backseat to those things which really are: our life, our health, our family and friends, and, ultimately, our faith.
The people of Chimbote, though lacking in material wealth, are able to recognize the abundance of gifts and graces that are theirs through their gift of faith. We can be like them. We only need to come to the Lord – especially in our prayer before the Blessed Sacrament – and recognize that, with simple faith, “the hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs”.
--------------------------------------------
A little over a week ago, as was announced in the bulletin and is reflected upon in this week’s Pittsburgh Catholic, I and nine of my seminary brothers had the opportunity to visit the Maternidad de Maria Hospital in Chimbote, Peru, with Bishop Zubik. Our visit there consisted of coming to know the Maternidad and the people that they serve – both at the hospital itself, as well as visiting some of the people in their homes. It was a phenomenal experience, to say the least. The people of Chimbote, while some of the economically poorest in our hemisphere, displayed some of the greatest joy I had ever seen. It sounds perplexing, and somewhat of a paradox, I know. But their joy didn’t come from anything physical; rather, it was a joy based in the Gospel. These people live out daily their faith and conviction that the Lord will take care of all their needs.
The abundance – and even over-abundance – of graces that the Lord continually provides for His people is what is presented to us in today’s readings. The man who presented Elisha with the twenty barley loaves could not fathom how there would be enough bread to feed one hundred people. The Apostles questioned Jesus on how five barley loaves and two fish could feed over five thousand people! What Elisha and Jesus were able to recognize, however, is that the Lord cares for those who believe in Him and call upon Him in their time of need.
We, in our current society and culture, have a hard time understanding how people who don’t have the latest car, the fastest computer, the newest video game, or the biggest TV could ever be happy – or at least content. What we fail to recognize is that there is something more important than anything our culture or society can ever give us, and that is the gift of faith. The people of Chimbote recognize this, because their faith is lived out in some fashion everyday.
I’m not saying that we who are gathered here today do not have faith, nor am I saying that we don’t recognize the blessings that are ours. We have just become so accustomed to our lifestyles that we fail to see the abundance of gifts and graces that the Father has bestowed upon us. I get that way myself: I’m going out, I make sure I have my cell phone . . . I’m too warm, I put on the A/C . . . I become bored, so I turn on the TV or throw in a movie to watch. Our society has drifted from the Norman Rockwell-esque picture of the perfect summer – that of sipping your iced-cold lemonade while laying in your hammock in a vast field of flowers, enjoying the simple gifts of life – to our worrying about what will happen if the power fails, and I can’t have my A/C on while I’m watching the game. We neglect to notice those simple graces that God bestows upon us daily, such as: life, family, friends, faith – and we, in turn, forget to thank God for these “simple pleasures”.
Beginning this week, and for the next four weeks, we will hear and reflect upon the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John: the Bread of Life Discourse, in which Jesus gives to us His definitive teaching on the Eucharist and the centrality of receiving His Body and Blood in our lives. You see, to begin to recognize the abundance of the graces and gifts in our lives, we must first turn to and tune in to Him from where the graces and gifts originate. We must make the Eucharist THE priority in our lives – placing it above all others. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Christian life. If we are truly to live as disciples of Christ, how dare we not recognize Him from which “all good things come”?
To come before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, to offer Eucharist, which is Greek for “thanksgiving”, we come to recognize the awesome workings of God in our lives. When we come with simple and humble faith before the God of the Universe disguised in elements of bread and wine, those things which our culture and society deem as important take a backseat to those things which really are: our life, our health, our family and friends, and, ultimately, our faith.
The people of Chimbote, though lacking in material wealth, are able to recognize the abundance of gifts and graces that are theirs through their gift of faith. We can be like them. We only need to come to the Lord – especially in our prayer before the Blessed Sacrament – and recognize that, with simple faith, “the hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs”.
24 May 2009
Getting ever closer
I'm daily getting closer to ordination, and it's somewhat surreal.
Having received my Call to Orders on Friday, 8 May, it's been a busy time in doing the final preparations for the ordination that I need to be doing, which have been primarily sending out invitiations and coordinating the reply cards as they come in. But, now, I also have two homilies to write: one for The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ [at my home parish] and one for the (transferred) Solemnity of the Sacred Heart [at my most recent assignment parish]. I'm looking forward to giving these homilies, but hope that I don't preach heresy. (I don't think that I will, though.)
Well, a little under three weeks.
Very exciting!
Enjoy the journey . . .
Having received my Call to Orders on Friday, 8 May, it's been a busy time in doing the final preparations for the ordination that I need to be doing, which have been primarily sending out invitiations and coordinating the reply cards as they come in. But, now, I also have two homilies to write: one for The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ [at my home parish] and one for the (transferred) Solemnity of the Sacred Heart [at my most recent assignment parish]. I'm looking forward to giving these homilies, but hope that I don't preach heresy. (I don't think that I will, though.)
Well, a little under three weeks.
Very exciting!
Enjoy the journey . . .
04 April 2009
The Group
I would just like to say that I am so very fortunate to lead a discernment group who actually want to listen to the Lord's voice, and be the voice of the Church.
That being said, the Group of college students that I lead continue to amaze me . . . and support me. Instead of me driving to the college campus this week to hold the meeting, the Group came to the seminary. They joined us for evening Mass and dinner. The college connected to the seminary, along with the parish on campus, hosted a Festival of Praise, to which some of the Group's members were coming to anyway. So, following Mass and dinner, we joined in the P&W with Adoration for the evening. Following the FOP, we went to a local restaurant for dessert and fellowship. Wow. Just, "wow". It was great food and greater conversation. These students know how to connect with the Church, and with each other.
I've noticed, especially through this Group, that there are young people willing to listen to the calling of the Lord to a deeper relationship with Him, even though if they're not positive on where that calling will lead them. They, like many, are open to test the waters of discernment, only if this means that they discover that religious life isn't for them, or that married life is for them, but there's still something deeper to that call. The joy of leading this Group for the past year has allowed me to venture into different avenues of explaining the faith in new - and sometimes quite different - ways.
I've also become more secure in my own discernment through this Group. Their support of me and of my vocation has been an outstanding testimony to know that there are people who support you, who are even excited for your vocation, because, perhaps, they see themselves serving the Church in a similar fashion.
As we enter Holy Week, I pray that they - and all of us, for that matter - take the time to reflect on the selfless offering of Christ's love exampled to us by His death on the Cross. I look forward to entering the Paschal Mystery in a deeper, more reflective mode. I want to enter it for those I lead - and for those I will one day lead, God-willing.
We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You . . . for by Your holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
Enjoy the journey . . .
That being said, the Group of college students that I lead continue to amaze me . . . and support me. Instead of me driving to the college campus this week to hold the meeting, the Group came to the seminary. They joined us for evening Mass and dinner. The college connected to the seminary, along with the parish on campus, hosted a Festival of Praise, to which some of the Group's members were coming to anyway. So, following Mass and dinner, we joined in the P&W with Adoration for the evening. Following the FOP, we went to a local restaurant for dessert and fellowship. Wow. Just, "wow". It was great food and greater conversation. These students know how to connect with the Church, and with each other.
I've noticed, especially through this Group, that there are young people willing to listen to the calling of the Lord to a deeper relationship with Him, even though if they're not positive on where that calling will lead them. They, like many, are open to test the waters of discernment, only if this means that they discover that religious life isn't for them, or that married life is for them, but there's still something deeper to that call. The joy of leading this Group for the past year has allowed me to venture into different avenues of explaining the faith in new - and sometimes quite different - ways.
I've also become more secure in my own discernment through this Group. Their support of me and of my vocation has been an outstanding testimony to know that there are people who support you, who are even excited for your vocation, because, perhaps, they see themselves serving the Church in a similar fashion.
As we enter Holy Week, I pray that they - and all of us, for that matter - take the time to reflect on the selfless offering of Christ's love exampled to us by His death on the Cross. I look forward to entering the Paschal Mystery in a deeper, more reflective mode. I want to enter it for those I lead - and for those I will one day lead, God-willing.
We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You . . . for by Your holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
Enjoy the journey . . .
01 April 2009
Ummm......
I really don't have that much to say, but felt that I needed to post something . . .
Ummm........
This week has been good so far, and I'm excited that we're getting closer to Easter Break. I'm looking forward to being back at my assignment parish for the final time (officially) before ordination and I get a new assignment. Life has been good, and I'm glad for that.
I made up my mind tonight to go to iPraise, a weekly event that is held on the college campus here. I don't ever really decide to not go, but by the time it rolls around, I often forget. But not tonight. And I'm glad that I went. I needed that time to just sit and be. (Well, I stood the whole time, but you get the point.) It was an awesome experience, and I'm glad I set aside that time. With papers, projects, assignments and exams looming in the not-too-distant-future, I needed that hour outside the set time of community prayer to regroup and re-energize myself. (Not that I don't do this on a regular basis, but iPraise helps me regroup in a different way . . .) I feel calm once again, and ready to finish the week of classes tomorrow.
I just want Break to be here, so that I can be in the parish again. I really miss it. That's where I belong. Ultimately. Right now, I need to be where God has me.
Enjoy the journey . . . .
28 March 2009
Things I've learned
God's been humble in teaching me new lessons and reminding me of old ones recently.
One of the lessons I've been reminded of and am constantly being retaught is about being able to trust in the Lord. I've been having my doubts as I approach my Diaconate ordination, and have been having a difficult time in turning over what I need to to the Lord. I had a few dark days a little over a week ago, but things have been better, and I'm happy for that. And I still get my moments of doubt, but I believe that the Devil's trying to get me away from here, and to not follow my vocation. I'm still here, and I'm not planning to go.
Another lesson is not to be judgemental of people. Not that I sit there and think things about other people, but I sometimes don't give them the benefit of the doubt. Recently I re-connected with a high school classmate on the (infamous) Facebook. I posted a link about the storm that's arisen over the Pope's comments about the use of condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS in Africa. My classmate made a comment about the link, and I thought, "Hmm. That's odd. I wonder what he exactly means by that." I checked out his page, and noticed the one group that he belongs to is a pro-life group on Facebook. I was a little shocked, to be honest. I mean, he and I were not the closest of people in high school: we were classmates who occasionally had a class or two together, and I didn't often think about where he stood on every issue. Honestly, it never crossed my mind. But I guess that I never associated him with a pro-life position because we had never really talked about it. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that he is pro-life, but I should not have jumped to any conclusions or presuppositions in my head, even if it was not even thinking about it in the first place.
Yes, God's been challenging me, but I need this. It's all for His will and work here on earth.
We're under the 70-day waiting period for ordination. I still have a few things to do before I really worry and focus in on it. But it will be there when I'm ready.
Enjoy the journey . . .
One of the lessons I've been reminded of and am constantly being retaught is about being able to trust in the Lord. I've been having my doubts as I approach my Diaconate ordination, and have been having a difficult time in turning over what I need to to the Lord. I had a few dark days a little over a week ago, but things have been better, and I'm happy for that. And I still get my moments of doubt, but I believe that the Devil's trying to get me away from here, and to not follow my vocation. I'm still here, and I'm not planning to go.
Another lesson is not to be judgemental of people. Not that I sit there and think things about other people, but I sometimes don't give them the benefit of the doubt. Recently I re-connected with a high school classmate on the (infamous) Facebook. I posted a link about the storm that's arisen over the Pope's comments about the use of condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS in Africa. My classmate made a comment about the link, and I thought, "Hmm. That's odd. I wonder what he exactly means by that." I checked out his page, and noticed the one group that he belongs to is a pro-life group on Facebook. I was a little shocked, to be honest. I mean, he and I were not the closest of people in high school: we were classmates who occasionally had a class or two together, and I didn't often think about where he stood on every issue. Honestly, it never crossed my mind. But I guess that I never associated him with a pro-life position because we had never really talked about it. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that he is pro-life, but I should not have jumped to any conclusions or presuppositions in my head, even if it was not even thinking about it in the first place.
Yes, God's been challenging me, but I need this. It's all for His will and work here on earth.
We're under the 70-day waiting period for ordination. I still have a few things to do before I really worry and focus in on it. But it will be there when I'm ready.
Enjoy the journey . . .
11 February 2009
Break time
I'm taking a break from preparing for my Eucharist exam tomorrow. There's A LOT of information to remember, and my brain needs a moment to rest from re-reading my notes. (At least the ones that make sense.)
This semester is turning out a little different than what I expected. On paper, the schedule looks great. However, after actually living it, it's a bit hectic. It feels a little disconnected to me, and doesn't give me a good solid block of time to do things, except on Tuesday mornings and Fridays, which is difficult for me since I'm not a morning person, and end up falling asleep while reading or preparing other projects. I'm dealing with it - and, in reality, it's not horrific, just a little disconnected in the way I was hoping this new schedule would run. But it is what it is.
Well, back to the grind. I think I'll do okay on the exam if I can just remember how this information goes together.
Oh, well . . . .
Enjoy the journey . . .
This semester is turning out a little different than what I expected. On paper, the schedule looks great. However, after actually living it, it's a bit hectic. It feels a little disconnected to me, and doesn't give me a good solid block of time to do things, except on Tuesday mornings and Fridays, which is difficult for me since I'm not a morning person, and end up falling asleep while reading or preparing other projects. I'm dealing with it - and, in reality, it's not horrific, just a little disconnected in the way I was hoping this new schedule would run. But it is what it is.
Well, back to the grind. I think I'll do okay on the exam if I can just remember how this information goes together.
Oh, well . . . .
Enjoy the journey . . .
02 February 2009
01 February 2009
One of the good . . . um . . . GREAT guys
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R., pictured above, is one of my favorite modern guys who is on his way to canonization. I first learned about him in 2000, when he received his Beatification - the only North American to have this done in the Jubilee Year. He was a contemporary of Saint John Neumann, and both served in the Pittsburgh area at the same time. A local connection, yes - but it becomes a little more personal for me as he was the founding pastor of my first assignment parish, Saint Joseph Parish in O'Hara Twp. (The parish was founded in Sharpsburg in 1845, and relocated to O'Hara in 1960.)
A little bit about Blessed Seelos . . . (taken from a prayer card):
Blessed Francis X. Seelos, C.Ss.R., arrived in America in 1843. Having studied for the priesthood in Germany, he asked to be admitted to the Redemptorists with a view to future work in America. He was ordained in 1844. Three years after ordination, he was appointed Master of Novices and spent one-third of his priestly life training future priests. In 1860 the Bishop of Pittsburgh (the Right Reverend Michael J. O'Connor) wanted Father Seelos to be his successor. Father Seelos asked to remain a humble priest and his request was granted.
He was stationed in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Annapolis, Cumberland (MD), Detroit, and New Orleans. He preached missions and retreats throughout most of what was then the United States. Transferred to New Orleans in 1866, he contracted yellow fever and died October 4, 1867. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession during his life and after his death.
I have placed my seminary formation under his intercession. I believe his prayers to be working for me. I received a first-class relic of him recently, and I now count it as one of my prized possessions. It's awesome to get to know this "humble priest", and I do pray that he will, one day soon, be canonized and recognized for the good he has done for the people of Pittsburgh, and the United States.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, pray for us!
A prayer:
Bountiful God, in Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos You have given Your people a model for those who labor joyfully in Your earthly kingdom. May his smile dwell on those who find life burdensome. In him, our eyes continually behold the gentleness of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
All information presented here, and any further information, can be found at http://www.seelos.org/.
Enjoy the journey . . .
29 January 2009
Thursdays
Thursdays . . . honestly, they've never been my favorite day of the week. (As Auther Dent says in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, "I could never get the hang of Thursdays.") But I've learned to live with them. I mean, they're not going away any time soon, are they?
I realized tonight, however, how much I had missed attending our seminary's Adoration / Night Prayer / Benediction on Thursdays. Last semester, the Vocations Discernment Group that I lead met on Thursday evenings, and that wasn't a bad thing over all, but I did miss the coming together in prayer with my brothers. It didn't really hit me until we were singing the hymn for Compline. Something inside me breathed a sigh of relief hearing the guys sing. I was home.
I guess that I need these Thursday nights . . . it gives me a break in the week to be in community and in the presence of the Lord in a way that's slowed down and relaxed. It gives me a chance to just be in the midst of the insanity of seminary life. I allow myself to reflect upon the cup, the chalice that the Lord is asking me to drink from, and, on most occassions, I can say, "Yes". And, with diaconate ordination only 125+ days away, I was able to pray a song-prayer from my youth this evening, and truly understand the depths of the message:
Lord, make me like you.
Please make me like you.
You are a servant,
Make me one, too.
O Lord, I am willing;
Do what you must do
To make me like you, Lord.
Please make me like you.
Whatever you do, Lord,
Please make me like you.
Can I drink the cup that the Lord is asking me to drink from? At this moment, I believe I can . . . and that feeling grows each day. Some days the will and ability is strong than others. But, when it comes down to it, I just need to have faith in God and His will for me.
Enjoy the journey . . .
I realized tonight, however, how much I had missed attending our seminary's Adoration / Night Prayer / Benediction on Thursdays. Last semester, the Vocations Discernment Group that I lead met on Thursday evenings, and that wasn't a bad thing over all, but I did miss the coming together in prayer with my brothers. It didn't really hit me until we were singing the hymn for Compline. Something inside me breathed a sigh of relief hearing the guys sing. I was home.
I guess that I need these Thursday nights . . . it gives me a break in the week to be in community and in the presence of the Lord in a way that's slowed down and relaxed. It gives me a chance to just be in the midst of the insanity of seminary life. I allow myself to reflect upon the cup, the chalice that the Lord is asking me to drink from, and, on most occassions, I can say, "Yes". And, with diaconate ordination only 125+ days away, I was able to pray a song-prayer from my youth this evening, and truly understand the depths of the message:
Lord, make me like you.
Please make me like you.
You are a servant,
Make me one, too.
O Lord, I am willing;
Do what you must do
To make me like you, Lord.
Please make me like you.
Whatever you do, Lord,
Please make me like you.
Can I drink the cup that the Lord is asking me to drink from? At this moment, I believe I can . . . and that feeling grows each day. Some days the will and ability is strong than others. But, when it comes down to it, I just need to have faith in God and His will for me.
Enjoy the journey . . .
23 January 2009
Down time?
Well, it's been a crazy time for me here. I spent last weekend and the beginning of the week doing stuff to prepare for events in the latter part of the week, which is now gone.
On Saturday, a group of us went to Franciscan University of Steubenville to spend some time at the FOP (Festival of Praise), which was needed after a hectic first-week of classes. We stopped at one of the guys' home on the way back, caught a bite to eat at Steak 'n Shake, and then headed back to Latrobe in snowy conditions. Sunday was a good day, getting some stuff done . . . lots of reading. Monday was pretty much back to the grind, as was Tuesday. All-in-all, I got done what needed to be done before Wednesday . . .
. . . Which was when we left for Washington, D.C., and the March for Life. The Vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was awesome. I had the opportunity to sit with my diocesan brothers from our minor seminary back home, and slept in the Shrine / Basilica overnight. The seminary was in charge of a Holy Hour from 2-3 AM, which I always enjoy. Some singing, and some silence. I got about an hour's worth of sleep before people were getting ready for the day. The March itself on Thursday was hectic, but very good . . . and I felt better for having been there.
Today was my day to run around the Pittsburgh area, trying to pick things up and get things organized. It was mostly successful. The diocesan brothers here went out for dinner, which was good to do - just to be out and relax with each other and have a good time was a nice way to end the week.
Tomorrow is unplanned, mostly. I have to attend the funeral for my cousin's mother-in-law, who passed away from complications with a stroke suffered earlier this week.
Other than that, things are going well, and I'm starting to settle in for the semester. It will be good.
Enjoy the journey . . .
On Saturday, a group of us went to Franciscan University of Steubenville to spend some time at the FOP (Festival of Praise), which was needed after a hectic first-week of classes. We stopped at one of the guys' home on the way back, caught a bite to eat at Steak 'n Shake, and then headed back to Latrobe in snowy conditions. Sunday was a good day, getting some stuff done . . . lots of reading. Monday was pretty much back to the grind, as was Tuesday. All-in-all, I got done what needed to be done before Wednesday . . .
. . . Which was when we left for Washington, D.C., and the March for Life. The Vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was awesome. I had the opportunity to sit with my diocesan brothers from our minor seminary back home, and slept in the Shrine / Basilica overnight. The seminary was in charge of a Holy Hour from 2-3 AM, which I always enjoy. Some singing, and some silence. I got about an hour's worth of sleep before people were getting ready for the day. The March itself on Thursday was hectic, but very good . . . and I felt better for having been there.
Today was my day to run around the Pittsburgh area, trying to pick things up and get things organized. It was mostly successful. The diocesan brothers here went out for dinner, which was good to do - just to be out and relax with each other and have a good time was a nice way to end the week.
Tomorrow is unplanned, mostly. I have to attend the funeral for my cousin's mother-in-law, who passed away from complications with a stroke suffered earlier this week.
Other than that, things are going well, and I'm starting to settle in for the semester. It will be good.
Enjoy the journey . . .
14 January 2009
It's begun . . . again
Well . . . we're back in school. The retreat was OUTSTANDING, and I got a lot out of it. I feel refreshed, and ready for the semester to end. In some ways I'm joking . . . but in other ways, I'm not.
The classes for the semester are: Eucharist
The Fourth Gospel
Pastoral Counseling I
Homiletics II
Deacon Prep Lab
Spanish Deacon Prep Lab
Independent Study: Pastoral Practicum in College Campus Ministry
Most of them require a lot of reading . . . which I'm not against . . . it will be a lot of time spent, though. They're all good classes. I think that I'll enjoy Pastoral Counseling and Deacon Prep the most. And, of course, my Independent Study will be awesome!
Although it's only been three days since we've started the semester, it's been a whirlwind of activity around here. Between classes, prayer, class prep and formation, we've been keeping busy. Today, the monastic community celebrated the 200th birthday of their founder, Boniface Wimmer. We had an outstanding service for Vespers, which opened up the celebratory year. I was leary about going . . . "another thing" that we had to do, but it was a great experience.
In any case, I should do reading . . . I'll post more soon.
Enjoy the journey . . .
03 January 2009
Going Back to Go Forward
And so, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009!
I'll be leaving early this afternoon to head to IUP and then back to Latrobe to prepare for the Spring Semester. Every year at this time, the entire seminary goes on retreat at a local retreat center. I mentioned this to a friend of mine when we met for drinks earlier this week. Jokingly, he said that I should never retreat . . . "You can't go forward if you retreat." However, for me - or for any Christian, really - to move forward in the Christian life (or in my case, formation), one does need to retreat so that one can "regroup" and take a step back, see where they've been, and move forward in their life.
I've always looked forward to the retreats that the two seminaries I've attended have offered. Of course, I've always enjoyed going on retreats. I'm looking forward to this one, since I'll be spending some time reflecting on the questions I'll be asked on the day of my diaconate ordination, as well as the readings that have been chosen. I'm also looking forward to the fraternity with my classmates, as well.
Well, Happy 2009 (again)! Be blessed.
Enjoy the journey . . .
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