Beginnings: Senior Year

In 2011, I was applying to seminary, and the thought of going to school for eight years sounded almost impossible. But, I felt a call from God, and wanted to answer it. I was accepted by the Archdiocese and began college seminary.

Now, a little over three years later, I cannot believe that I'm now a senior. I've seen seminarians and priests come and go, the seminary itself grow and change, and recognize that I am not the same person now as I was when I moved in on August 15, 2011.

These past three years have provided me with so many opportunities and moments of learning, growth, and prayer that I am so thankful for. I've had the opporutnity to serve Mass for over 23,000 people in Lucas Oil Stadium...twice, thanks to NCYC being hosted by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. I've gotten to expereince ministry to the poor, the homeless, the elderly, elementary students, high school students, parishoners of different parishes, among other groups. I got to serve for the Latin Rite Patriarch of Jerusalem. I have had the blessing of spending my college years in this beautiful seminary in the heart of a vibrant city, all while discerning God's will for my life.

Now, its senior year. Our seminary this year boasts 41 men from eight different dioceses and five different states. In a way, it's slightly odd hearing the freshman talk about their Intro to Philosophy class, or their First Year Experience Course. It seems like yesterday I was in those classes. Now, I'm beginning reserach for my senior thesis paper, and making sure I have all the requirements for graduation fulfilled. When I first entered seminary, my older diocesan brothers told me "It sounds like a long time, but it will be gone before you know it." Now that I'm nearing the end of my undergraduate studies, I'm getting hit over the head with that.

But, enough about the end. One thing that my experiences, especially my ministry experiences over the summers since entering seminary, have taught me, is a little phrase: Be where your feet are. By that, I mean it's important to live in the moment. It's important to be present to what's going on here, now, and be attentive to the workings of God in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Now, I'm not saying I need to or am going to ignore the past or what lay ahead, but those, in my opnion don't need to be my main focus. The last thing I want is for my senior year to slip by, me look back on it, and realize that I spent the whole time worrying about something that already happened in the past, or stressing over what I'm going to be doing this time next year in major seminary, wherever that place may be.

Instead, I'm going to try my best to focus on what Saint Teresa of Avila said: "Trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be".

I know in my heart that God has great things in store for this year of seminary. This year, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of our foundation. I also will have the chance to do ministry in a parish downtown--one of the most beautiful churches I've laid eyes on. Most of all, I'll be able to, with my brothers and with the help of the formation staff, continue to develop a relationship with God, and continue to grow and develop the courage to always say "yes" to His will, whatever it may be.

May we always trust Him, know that we are where He wants us, follow His call that He has placed in our hearts, and in all things, may God be glorified. Amen.

P.S---In this new school year, I want to update my blog more frequently than I have in the past. However, the blog site I was using wasn't exactly fitting the needs of what I wanted to do. To see my posts on my old blog, click here.

#seminary