I'm still here

I haven't written for about two weeks - not a pattern I want to get into.

I found myself to be getting distracted and forgetful about things. For instance, just this past week, I forgot about 3 papers till either hours before they were due or the night before. I used to be very good at never writing any dates down and remembering every assignment and test date, but with having my mind in two places - school and parish - I am finding I have to get my act together.

My internet usage has been gradually changing. I have noticed that I am less drawn to Facebook lately and more committed to writing and following blogs and communicating on Twitter. I find these two portals to be appealing and quite fun. I don't know if I am losing interest with Facebook or if it just spreads me too thin - it is something I will have to see as time goes on.

I think it is important for everyone who has access to multimedia and social networking tools to communicate the message of God's love, beauty and truth in all its facets so that we all play a role in evangelizing the world and giving the millions of internet users access to resources, sites and thoughts on the faith that we profess and the God whom we love.

I am by no means an expert in any of these tools nor the most eloquent of internet orators, but I want to share what I can so that hopefully my little contribution to the vast resources made available to us on the internet can help one person or strike a chord in someone's heart. Only God knows the power and impact our lives and words have on others - it is our duty to serve and plant the seeds - let God worry about the harvest it produces.

I think Blessed Pope John XXIII puts it clearly: "I’ve done the best I could in your service this day, Oh Lord. I’m going to bed. It’s your Church. Take care of it!" 

Citing church documents

Handy for beginning a new school year

4th Theology

It has come!

After seven years of seminary formation, I am now in the infamous 4th Theology year of seminary. I am a transitional deacon and only a matter of months away from the priesthood.

When you are young and starting out in the seminary, you look at the 4th year men, the deacons, and view them as little less that immortal and privileged to be where they are. Being in their shoes was unimaginable reality, but now it is!

This semester I am taking courses geared heavily towards the practical and ministerial aspects of both the diaconate and the priesthood. Going back to the parish every weekend will be an invaluable lesson and enriching experience. I will be able to bring my experiences from my ministry in the parish back to class and synthesize everything and hear the experiences of my classmates.

I have a mixture of feelings and emotions. I am very anxious for this new seminary experince and being able to get back to the parish which I have come to love and feel at home at. It also excites me to think that this is my last year of school and seminary. It is rather intimidating though to think that within a matter of months, I will be assuming the role and responsibilities of the priesthood - it is getting real!

I was very anxious and antsy to be ordained a deacon. You wait years for it and you desire to do all that the deacon can do. Now that it is here, I am very content and peaceful in that I am now a deacon. I now have been entrusted with a lot and I am comfortable with waiting one more academic year for priesthood. I really want to take full advantage of what the diaconate can offer for me and how I can grow in this role.

Also, I see how awesome the responsibilities of being a deacon are and I appreciate the reminder prep time to get ready for the even more surmounting tasks and responsibilities entailed in the priesthood.

Let's crack open those books...for one last year!