Father and Dad

In this episode of Father and Dad, Fr. Steven shares the experience of his first Holy Week as a priest. He and his dad dive into the highs, the surprises, and the sacred moments of those unforgettable days.  Fr. Steven recalls the profound experience of speaking the part of Jesus during the Palm Sunday Passion Gospel and the fraternity of the Chrism Mass where he reaffirmed his priestly promises.In an unexpected turn of events on Holy Thursday Fr. Steven needed to step in for his pastor, Fr. Ted, who had suddenly fell ill.From the solemn reverence of Good Friday to the awe and glory of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, Fr. Steven reflects on what it meant to walk with Jesus through the holiest days of the Church's year through the unique lens of his priesthood.

Fr. Steven shares the incredible journey of writing The Bluff, a musical he and some friends have been working on for the past 10 years and is now set to be performed by a Catholic high school in Monroe, MI.He and Dad reflect on the creative process, how faith has shaped his storytelling, and the joy in surrendering all things to God.Join them for a thoughtful discussion on vocation, creativity and how priests - like everyone - are called to use their gifts for God's glory.Here is a link to the soundtrack for "The Bluff"https://open.spotify.com/album/3f4PKcLHNlCF2ppUoqMYnQ

The end of January brings with it Catholic Schools week.    Fr. Steven's home parish St. Thomas More traditionally holds and open house accompanied by a pancake breakfast on this Sunday.Fr. Steven has been assigned as the chaplain to two local catholic schools.    The first is the grammar school associated with his parish.    While pastor Fr. Ted serves more of an administrative role with the school Fr. Steven is able to serve as the “fun uncle”.Fr. Steven makes it a point to be there often during the week, greeting the young students when they arrive and seeing them at the end of the day.    One of the joys of working with these young children is that they do not hide their mood.   Whether happy or sad, they leave no doubt to their feelings.    Of course, the young students enjoy asking Fr. Steven any question that pops into their heads.Fr. Steven has started an Altar Server program at the school.   While the school has had altar severs, Fr. Steven provides a priestly presence.   He also strives to make certain to teach them something new every time they serve.The local catholic High School offers another opportunity for Fr. Steven.  Recognizing the importance of this time of life, he does his best to be present for the students.   He is also part of committee that is looking at the Catholic Identity of the school.

This was Steven's first Christmas as a priest and it marked his first time attending Christmas mass at a parish other than his childhood parish.   In recent history, midnight mass at our local parish has been a bit of a Caraher family affair with Steven and his brother serving at the altar and his mom playing music.Now that Steven is a priest, the challenge is to integrate that into our family life.    Even during non-holiday times, Steven's time is not his own in that various emergency events may pop up.At Steven's new parish, he and pastor Fr. Ted decided to celebrate Midnight mass on Christmas Eve.    Both Fr. Steven and Fr. Ted planned to make this a special mass including lighting by candlelight and chanting all of the mass parts.One adjustment that Fr. Steven has been making while settling into the life of a priest is how the pacing differs from seminary.   During seminary, everything was a sprint with a definite start and end.    Semesters had beginning and end dates followed by a break period.    In contrast, the rhythm of parish priest life is more of a marathon where the pace is set for the long run.

The Prodigal Son has returned!Father Steven was invited to speak at St. Thomas More, his home parish.     Pastor Father Mike of St. Thomas More invited Father Steven to speak during our annual 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration.Though a parish priest's life is filled with many activities, priests must work to constantly strive for spiritual growth.Father Steven's talk preparation flowed out of this ongoing formational work.    Work such as ongoing prayer, reading and reflection provided the root from which the fruit of his talk flowed.Coming home to St. Thomas More helped form his 40 hours talk.  Reflecting on his personal journey, Father Steven's home parish is where he first heard the call of his priestly vocation and where his love of the Eucharist was kindled.    This is the place where he received his first communion and where he served as an Altar Server.   His home parish is also where he grew in devotion to Mary.Drawing from the Book of Revelation,  Father Steven's talk calls us back to our first love of the Gospel.     He called us not to let the rhythm and work of life to make us forget that love.Father Steven has also been called upon to speak at other places most notably another Prodigal Son visit back to his college alma matter IU to speak to address a group of college men.

The past week Father Steven spent 4 days on a convocation of the priests of the Diocese of Gary.    During these convocations Priests of the diocese come together.These convocations occur approximately every 2 years.    One of the greatest blessings of these gatherings is the confraternity among brother priests.    The group celebrated mass and prayed together during the gathering.   In addition presentations were made by outside speakers.     One of the outside speakers was a chaplain from Fr. Steven's college parish at Indiana University.Next month, Fr. Steven will be visiting his Indiana University parish where he has been invited to give a talk whose topic is "Things I wish I knew when I was in College."

Father Steven learned that the life of a priest can often be unpredictable.     Days that were once open can quickly fill up.Recently, Fr. Steven found that his open day was immediately filled.   One of these items was a funeral.     Fr. Steven discussed how he prepares for a funeral.The first part of preparation is getting himself ready; praying and deepening his understanding of death.    The second part is preparing with the family member or members.    First it is an opportunity to listen to them about the love and affection that they have for their loved one.   Also, as part of this preparation Fr. Steven makes certain to review the planned readings with them.As a closing note.    Fr. Steven recommends that we all plan ahead and ease the burden on our loved ones by proactively scheduling as many details as you can for ourselves.   This would help ease the burden and be a tremendous gift to your loved ones.  You can reach out to your parish and get the details that you need.

Father Steven has been at his parish assignment for 2 months and has been settling in to the life of a parish priest.Along with parish life, Father Steven has been assigned as priest for both a pre-K through 8 grammar school and a local Catholic High School.   Father Steven has been doing his best to be available and getting to know everyone.We discussed how these assignments came about and ultimately, it is the Bishop who makes these assignments.   It is the Bishop's job to understand the needs of his diocese and know his priests so that can can put them where they can flourish.One of the promises that Father Steven made when he was ordained was obedience to the Bishop.   There is a beauty to this obedience in that when the Bishop makes his assignments, you trust that is where the Lord wants you to go.In many ways, this provides freedom.   Rather than stress over what is the right thing to do, obedience allows Father Steven to focus on doing the job well.

Father Steven and Dad both attended the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress the past weekend and shared their experiences.The 2024 National Eucharistic Congress was the first held since 1976.   This gathering was the culmination of several years of work in coordination with the National Eucharistic Revival.     Eucharistic procession pilgrimages from the North, South, East and West all converged on Indianapolis for the start of the Congress.Dad had not originally planned on attending but on the Sunday prior to the Congress Father Steven suggested that he drive down for the Saturday session.Father Steven attended Wednesday through Saturday.   He found a daily rhythm of mass, different tracks of sessions, an exhibition hall and evening keynote speakers.    One of the session tracks was for priests.Dad jumped in "mid-stream" with the Congress for 1 day on Saturday.    There were many things to see and Dad planned his day to see as much as possible.A highlight of Saturday for both Father Steven and Dad was the Eucharistic Procession through downtown Indianapolis.Ultimately, what matters most is what fruit this Congress bears.

The day following his ordination, Steven celebrated his first mass at his home parish.  Numerous brother priests and fellow seminarians celebrated this mass with Steven.Steven found the mass a mixture of both the surreal and natural.   Natural in that he had prepared for this and surreal in the realization that this had all come to fruition.The homily for this first mass was given by Fr. Chris Stanish who served served as Steven's first Spiritual Director.    Fr. Chris's homily focused on making certain that the mass never becomes routine.The experience of consecration impressed Steven deeply and he realizes that he will be processing this meaning for the rest of his life.  Being ordained a priest changes who a person is.    This caused Steven to reflect on the unity of his heart with Jesus and the life-long call to pour out his whole self.After communion the choir sang for Steven a song that was commissioned for his ordination.    The lyrics of the song come from Prayer of Abandon which Steven prays every day.Finally, Steven thanked all those who helped and guided him along his path, notably calling out is Mother and Father last.    Steven presented his Mother with the Maniturgium, a cloth used to clear the chrism oil that the Bishop poured on his hands.   And to his Father Steven presented the Stole that he wore while hearing his first confession.Next up for Steven is his first assignment, which begins July 1, 2024 at Our Lady of Consolation.   Much more to come!Link to Prayer of Abandon by Saint Charles de Foucauldhttps://www.charlesdefoucauld.org/en/priere.php

Ordination Day finally arrived!The day Steven has been preparing for these last 6 years - and even his last 28 years - came and with it a full cascade of moments, memories and emotions.Steven and Dad review the Ordination mass itself and various highlights of the day.Also discussed are particular moments that stuck out for each.     Key among these were the anointing of Steven's hands with the Chrism oil, Steven being vested by Fr. Mike and then concelebrating his first mass.Another highlight was the welcome embrace from all of his brother priests, young and old.Steven shares his thoughts and reflections on each of these particular events of his Ordination Day.

Steven graduated from Sacred Heart Major Seminary and with that, ended 23 consecutive years of schooling!Steven took this time to reflect back on his academic priestly formation which began in 2018 at Mundelein Seminary.The transition from college where he studied Mathematics to the seminary and Philosophy proved more challenging than expected.    Figuring that the logic and mathematical thinking would easily segue into philosophy, Steven discovered things more challenging.Steven worked hard and things started to click.   He found that understanding Philosophy helps one prepare for studying Theology.    How you look at things sets foundation for how you look at God.   Philosophy serves as a handmaid to Theology.Transitioning to Theology was not only a transition in studies but a transition between seminaries as Steven moved from Mundelein to Sacred Heart Major. While Philosophy is more "ivory tower" in nature, Theology is based on revelation, what we have received from the Lord.   Mining and more deeply coming to know what we have received from the Lord, it is Faith seeking understanding.Reflecting on his growth from 2018 Steven feels he has grown in how he looks a the world.   With a more clear understanding of the source of human thought it can only help to unpack the Good News.Leaving nothing but fond memories of his seminary years, Steven now looks forward towards ordination.

[Production note: apologies for the imbalance of the sound on this episode.]Steven was in town for Easter and got to serve as a deacon during the Triduum at his home parish.Before the Easter break Steven partook in his final Scrutiny with the Bishop.   This was a time to check in and make certain that there was no ambiguity at all.One last set of Final Exams await Steven as he wraps up his seminarian career.     He has an upcoming 2 day comprehensive exam, the first day written and the second day oral, covering all that he has learned over the last 4 years.    This the the STB (Sacred Theology Bachelor) exam which consists of three sections; sacramental theology,  scripture and moral theology.

Last month we discussed how during his final semester Steven has been practicing administering the various sacraments.Over the past month Steven was able to perform several "practice" confessions with his brother seminarians.     Afterwards, Steven and his classmates were able to review each other's styles.We discuss the challenges that lay people face with the sacrament of Reconciliation.   Regular confession helps aid the conscience and allows it to be better formed.We also chatted about Priests themselves - do they go to confession and if so, how.

With Priestly Ordination right around the corner, Steven  started his final semester at school.   This period of time is unique in that it offers the opportunity to prepare and pray through the mass and the sacraments.His "Mass Practicum" class during this final semester of formation involves practicing reciting the mass parts.    It's been an edifying experience going through this with his brother seminarians.Steven and his brother seminarians have also practiced confessions.    It has been an encouraging experience sharing and learning with brother seminarians.Some of Steven's classes this semester involve studying canon law on marriage and other teachings of the church that are at the forefront of contemporary society.

Steven is home for the Christmas Break.   At the beginning of the break he went shopping for a chalice.For Steven it is important to choose a chalice that reveals the beauty of what is happening during consecration.   The priests actions at the altar and the chalice gives a message.   It can serve as a catechesis.When choosing, there are guidelines for chalices.      These Guidelines can be found in General Instruction on the Roman Missal.At the start of the upcoming New Year, Steven will attend the Seek Conference in St. Louis.   This conference serves as a powerful witness to young adult catholics about the truth and beauty of the Christian life.

After a quick visit home during the Thanksgiving Break, Steven is back at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.Steven is in the middle of a Marian Consecration that he is SHARING with several fellow seminarians.    This consecration is timed with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.Steven first learned about the Marian Consecration while in college and was initially resistant to the idea.     During the Summer after his first semester in seminary, Steven along with his Totus Tuus team consecrated themselves to Mary.Since then, every year, Steven has renewed this consecration on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.One typically spends 33 days in preparation for the consecration.    This preparation consists of prayers and reflections.   The model is to form oneself by pouring your heart into the "mold" of Mary.Book Recommendation: 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley.   Published by Marian Press:  https://shopmercy.org/33-days-to-morning-glory.html

Architecture matters.Last weekend, while visiting Detroit-area college friends, Mom & Dad were able to attend mass where Steven serves as a deacon and got to hear him preach.    One of our friends is an adult student at Sacred Heart Seminary and so we took the opportunity to take a tour of the school.The design of Sacred Heart seminary reinforces its mission.    Contained in a single building with several wings, the center of the structure is the chapel.   Surrounded by courtyards, the whole building speaks to its mission.The hallways themselves are filled with history.    Spanning over 100 years, individual class pictures adorn the corridor walls.    Along with giving witness to history, these photos show other young seminarians, filled with the same energy as the current building occupants.Sacred Heart also embraces the whole, integrated character.    Though the chapel is at the center, in the corners are an auditorium for entertainment and arts and a gymnasium for physical activity.Sacred Heart also opens the doors to its local community.    A highlight is the upcoming Trick-or-Treat event when children from the community stop by for candy.

At the end of the Summer, Steven was offered the chance to join a trip to Medugorje.    While a visit to Medugorje was not on the top of his list of places to visit, Steven happily joined.On his first evening, a group of pilgrims shared that they were witnessing the miracle of the Sun.    Steven was also blessed to be able to witness the miracle as well.    Also, at the end of his trip Steven experienced the smell of roses when no one around him did.Moved, and energized by this generous gift, Steven wrapped up his Summer and was ready to focus on his final (and 23rd consecutive) year of school.Steven was given advice prior to his Diaconate year to "enjoy his year as a deacon".    There is a uniqueness to this time that will never happen again.    Rather than spend his time waiting for priesthood, Steven's approach to his final year is to accept the grace of the current time.During his Deacon year at Seminary, Steven has been assigned to a local parish.   This weekend work helps get his feet grounded and accustomed to the rhythm of priestly life.

Steven has been enjoying his Deacon assignment this Summer.    The opportunity to get more engaged with parish life has been a blessing and full of joy.One of the highlights has been preaching the homily at Sunday masses.   Unlike his first homily for which he had several months to get ready, Steven enjoys the weekly cadence of reflecting on the next week's readings while preparing a homily.Steven has also been able to preside over the sacraments of baptism and last rites.Steven's favorite activity this Summer has been participating in a eucharistic procession.   As deacon, he was able to carry the monstrance for a portion of the procession.Next week, he will be heading out on a week long visit to Medjugorje, site of recent Marian apparitions.    He will be traveling with a local priest and a group of college-aged youth.

On June 3, 2023 at Holy Angels Cathedral by the power of  the Most Reverend Robert J. McClory Bishop of Gary, Steven Caraher was ordained into the order of the Diaconate.I was a beautiful day both in weather and the ceremony.    Though he did not sleep much the night before, Steven woke up full of energy.Seeing most of the priests of the diocese and many of the deacons participating in the ceremony, it felt part of the Mystical Body of Christ.During the Litany of the Saints, while Steven lay prostrate on the floor, it was a powerful moment.   During this time Steven prayed for specific gifts; courage, wisdom, security in his vocation and the grace to remember names and forget sins.When the time came for the Bishop to lay his hands on Steven, he felt a powerful feeling of peace overwhelm him.    Many graces; specifically peace and joy have flowed from being a deacon.For Dad, seeing him proclaim the Gospel and preach the homily at our local mass, it sunk in that Steven was a different man.

As Steven counts down the days until his ordination into the Transitional Diaconate, he has a couple of weeks of free time which raises the question; how do seminarians and priests spend their free time?First and foremost it is important to remember that time off is not a vacation from the vocation.    The idea is not to escape, but more so to breath fresh air and gain fresh perspectiveThe key is to not stop praying.     Life in the seminary provides structure that ensures your day has room for parry.    When you take that structure away, you need to make certain that prayer remains.As priest need to recharge.    Prior vacations, specifically Hiking in the Rocky Mountains provide memories and images that come back in prayer.

As a Seminarian and in the future as a Priest, Steven has set himself up to be a target of temptation.When he first announced his interest in the priesthood to Fr. Mike, Steven experienced the feeling that he did something wrong.    Reflecting on that moment, Steven realized that this was a "word from the Enemy".One  avenue of attack is what St Ignatius refers to as the "false lover".    Someone who is not liked by the parents or society but you keep around and can't tell anyone about.    Your feelings encourage you to keep thoughts secret.In this battle, discernment is the key.   A major part of discernment is to have people to whom one can bring these concerns.   Steven has been blessed to have a fraternal group in the Seminary where seminarians can shared their struggles.As a priest, important to be mindful of how you spend your time and not letting yourself get distracted.The laity play a role in this spiritual battle.    The job of the priest is one who delivers the message.   The laity have a charism to evangelize the world.

Being ordained to the diaconate is the first step towards Holy Orders.     This step involves Steven make several promises; notably one of Obedience to the Bishop and a promise of celibacy. During the last 4 years of seminary, a seminarian goes through different evaluations.    The process of priestly formation is not just the discernment of the seminarian but it also involves a series of evaluations.    For Steven's formation, he just completed the final of three evaluations.Now that Steven has passed this final evaluation, the next step is to petition the Bishop.     Ultimately it is the bishop who ordains deacons and priests.     Steven was required to hand write a petition to be approved.     If accepted, the next point will be a one on one in person interview with the Bishop.     This interview is known as a scrutiny.In conjunction will all of these evaluations and interviews, is it required that Steven take a 5 day silent retreat which he will be doing over his Spring Break.

Steven recently took a trip to Washington DC to participate in the March for Life.     This was his second time participating in the march.    He found it important to be there with others, publicly witnessing.One aspect of the march was that Steven participated while wearing clerics.     The first time that Steven had ever worn clerics was the prior time Steven had participated in the March.     Steven shared how he felt a little awkward, not being an ordained priest, yet wearing clerics.Steven has found that while wearing clerics people will open up to you.    It is a great conversation starter.   You have a public presence.  Wearing clerics makes a public statement and many people are curious.When Steven began in the seminary as a philosophy student, his dress was a collared shirt and a tie.    Now that he has progressed to be a declared candidate Steven wears clerics full time while at school.No specific guidelines exist for when priest wear or do not wear clerics.      Steven has found wearing clerics in public as a symbol of commitment, much in the same way that a man wearing a wedding ring demonstrates a public commitment.

Steven is in town for the Christmas Break.   Over the break he spoke at the local Holy Name Society and shared in a Bible class on Hebrews.    The teacher of his class authored a book of Catholic Commentary on Hebrews. It was great that Steven could share what he had learned, but it brought up a bigger question for Dad, "How does the Bible fit it with seminary?"Steven mentioned the Four Pillars of the Program of Priestly Formation which are Spiritual, Intellectual, Pastoral and Human Formation.    For each one of these, the Bible is uniquely incorporated.By design, the Priestly formation of seminary includes the whole Bible.   And the focus is not just on the words, but on taking those words to heart.Also, scriptural studies should not end once a priest leaves seminary.     Steven reflects on the challenges of being a parish priest and how he will need to make time for scriptural studies.Here is a link to the Catholic Commentary on Hebrews.

Steven's vocation has given our local community witness to the process of Discernment.    People are able to see that discernment is not instant magic.    Rather, it is a real process that involves time and work.Steven reviews several practical tools of discernment.     First off is Commitment.    You have to actively engage.    It won't come to you, you need to work to open yourself up.     Also, building up a prayer life is a must.   Ultimately you are looking to build a relationship.    This takes time.    Good spiritual direction is crucial.   You should not and can not go at this alone.   Steven mentioned Pastores Dabo Vobis which was written by Pope Saint John Paul II.   This writing talks about the priesthood and what it takes to form a priest.     Noted are a couple of challenges with this modern world.   The fist is the materialism of our culture which emphasizes having more than being.      Secondly our culture confuses freedom with license.    Improperly seen, freedom as license makes one a slave to their passions.   Properly seen, freedom is the ability to choose The Good.     Seen in this light priestly celibacy is less of a giving up and more of a gift.Discernment brings with it many struggles.   A common struggle is the belief that you are not worthy.Ultimately, know that discernment requires work and that there will be many struggles and many graces along the way.

Mom and Dad visited Steven at Sacred Heart Major Seminary to witness his installation to the minor order of Acolyte.     The minor order of Acolyte marks Steven's progression on the road to ordination.     There are many different descriptions of the minor order of Acolyte one of which is that he can officially serve at the altar.Part of Mom and Dad's visit was a tour of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.    In many ways, this seminary is like a monastery; a world within itself, order within the urban world that surrounds it. In preparation for the diaconate Steven has been taking a class in which he practices administrating the sacraments.    Since Mom and Dad were in town, he took the opportunity to practice the sacrament of Matrimony and have them renew their vows after 29 years of marriage.

We begin the episode reviewing Steven's daily routine at Seminary.      Each week day does follow a pattern.    Dad looked back on his college days and recalled how he would try to schedule as much activity as he could, even scheduling to do homework on Friday evenings - which never happened.We all need rest.   Even God rested on the 7th day.Steven recalls how he sought rest from sources that paradoxically left him more tired.    Fortunately, he met a priest in seminary who outlined 3 authentic restful activities:1. Relate to God2. Relate to Others3. ExerciseAdmittedly, activity number 3, exercise, caught Steven by surprise but he has found the Exercise, does provide rest.It's also important to spend time on activities that help you  refocus on what is important.Steven has begun meeting on a monthly basis with a group of priests who gather for a 1-day retreat that includes group prayer, shared reflection and confession.    Though he has just started with this group, it has already begun to bear fruit.

Entering his 5th year of school and with the Transitional Deaconate a year away, the risk running on autopilot is real.    With the routine of the school schedule, work must be done to stay focused.Habits are important to make this happen.  Starting with a Morning Holy Hour, before the rest of the day gets busy and while his mind is clear, Steven has found great benefits from this habit.This issue is not just for the seminary.    In the future the risk of falling into a functionalist life as a priest is real.   How do you live an integrated life as a Priest?    The answer is that a Priest must pray.     Vulnerability is important in prayer.    We can't experience God's mercy unless our prayer is authentic.Developing a community of brother Priests who keep each other on track is important  - but that is a topic for a future episode . . .

As Steven's Summer 2022 assignment draws to a close, we reflect on his experiences.     During the Summer, Steven worked an internship at a local parish.Steven previously worked Summer assignments but now that he has a few years of experience he has additional perspective to appreciate and understand the work that is entailed.Parish culture plays a key role in pastoral life.    The parish where Steven was assigned has a priority of evangelization and discipleship.     The parish has several initiatives in place and Steven got to see the fruit of these efforts.An added bonus was that Steven was able to serve as a chaperone for high school students who attended a Summer teen conference.A key lesson from this experience was that parish priests need to learn time management and leadership skills.     To be effective, the modern priest can not micro-manage.    It's impossible for priests to do everything.    Instead, they must learn to lead.Another lesson is that priests need to make time for their own prayer life.    In contrast to seminarians who have prayer time part of their school schedule, a parish priest must work to carve out time for prayer.The biggest takeaway for Steven this Summer is the desire to nurture a parish culture that is evangelizing.We would also like to give a shout out to the Shine Bright Like the Firmament podcast by Madeline Shepley.    This podcast features conversations with scientists who are practicing Catholics to show that faith and science don't need to be mutually exclusive.     The show can be found at the following link:https://shinebrightlikethefirmament.buzzsprout.com/

In this episode Steven turns the tables and interviews Dad for his perspective on being the father of a seminarian.Dad discusses what life was like before Steven declared his vocation.     He and Mom saw the calling in Steven but they gave him room to grow and mature, wanting the decision to be an organic one.At first Mom and Dad struggled supporting Steven.    We didn't want to pressure him but we wanted to show our support.    Referring to the process of discernment helped provide clarity in that Mom and Dad could support Steven's discernment, wherever it took him.Our family life was also impacted at the start of Steven's discernment process.   Steven's announcing his calling to the priesthood was a good thing, but it impacted our family.   It took time for the whole family to grow into it.As parents of a seminarian, a multitude of good will has come our way.    We have been blessed by many graces and in many ways it has helped us deepen our faith.     One of those blessings has been hearing people share their good wishes for Steven.Being a father of a seminarian brings with it many great graces.    It's not the loss of a son but the gain of a man.

Steven recently returned from a class trip to Italy.   Traveling with fellow seminarians, Steven's journeys took him to several notable sites.Starting with Assisi, where Steven was able to celebrate mass at the tomb of St. Francis Steven was also able to pray at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis.    These two holy men offer a flesh and blood example of living a holy life.Next stop was Florence and its art with day trips to Sienna and Orvieto.   Orvieto is the home of one of the oldest eucharistic miracles.The final stop was Rome where Steven and his compatriots visited as many churches as possible.In the end, this trip to Italy proved to be a pilgrimage, an opportunity to touch base with the faith.

It's springtime at the seminary and with that comes ordinations.    Five of Steven's housemates were ordained to the transitional diaconate.One of the most common questions that Steven gets as a seminarian is, “Are you a deacon yet?”.    There are three different levels of holy orders.    The first is the level of Deacon, the second is Priest and the third is Bishop.Seeing people that he knows be ordained brings with it a more human aspect of Holy Orders.   Before Seminary, priests seemed like people who were different.     Now, the guys who he lives with are becoming ordained.Having the chance to witness this offered an opportunity of seeing their peace and their joy.    Also it is a chance to see that there are different charisms.This is also a check in for Steven.    Steven is in the  ‘on deck' circle for next year.  It's OK to come in with a different set of skills.     Look at charisms of others but you also need to recognize your own talents.Seeing the challenges ahead has lead to a deeper trust in the Lord.   You may not have same skills as everyone else but must learn to trust in the Lord that he will provide the Grace to do what is needed of you.

One of the segments of formation has been weekly evangelization visits to a local college campus every week.Evangelization was something new for Steven and it was also new for most fellow seminarians.   In order to prepare them seminarians first receive training before going out in the field.    A street ministry group came to offer them advice and tools.    A big tool is to establish the relational aspect with others and keep the conversation positive.One of the things that Steven likes to do is to offer people free rosaries in the hopes that it can spark a conversation.     Steven has received a wide variety of responses, everything from insults to engagement and, unfortunately, indifference.Evangelization provides a certain Joy.    It is a beautiful exercise in trust.   You may not know how your engagement ends up in sowing the seed of the Word and how people will eventually respond.This experience has helped greatly in Steven's pastoral formation.   Being able to evangelize has offered a chance to integrate academics with the Real World.    Engaging with evangelization tests what has been learned in school.   A resulting benefit has been realizing what you need to work on and need to improve.

Steven is taking a class in learning how to give homilies.     It's important that this class is given before being installed in the diaconate, when Steven may be called upon to give homilies.Speaking in public on a regular basis is a scary thing, but shouldn't dissuade one from the seminary.    There are classes available and you will be guided in what it takes to prepare.     And remember; God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.Giving homilies is more of a habit than a thing, you do once a week.   Preparation for next week's homily begins on Sunday evening.    Along with reading the Gospel and the readings for the week, look at the Psalm and the prayers that go along with the mass.Ultimately, it needs to flow from your faith life.    Homilies are not a separate part of being a priest, rather they flow from your life.  Personal testimony is also important.    People respond to that.The Parish priest needs to be immersed in their parish.    A pastor can not live apart from the people they are to serve.  The world doesn't want to hear from teachers, it wants to hear from witnesses.

This month we discuss Spiritual Direction.    Steven's first encounter was when he began discerning for the priesthood he read a book that spoke of Spiritual Direction.     At its core Spiritual Direction is when you and another person who is more mature in the Faith both walk together and discuss how the Lord is working in your heart in prayer.We discuss the different phases of Spiritual Direction for a Priest.     The first phase is discernment before seminary.    Oftentimes people discerning a vocation begin by keeping it to themselves.     But, at some point you need to take the next step and make this public.  One of the first things that is recommended is you get a Spiritual Director.For Steven, this first phase greatly helped him in his prayer life.    He was challenged to reflect on what does it mean to be on this journey with the Lord.The second phase is where Steven is now; a seminarian.    In seminary, Spiritual Direction is readily available and expected.   Steven has a primary Spiritual Director with whom he will work through all his time at seminary.     This focus is to reflect on his prayer life and his whole life and see where the Lord is leading him.    The goal is to ground yourself in identity as a beloved son of the Father that's been saved by ChristThe third phase is as a priest.    It is highly recommended that all priests seek out a Spiritual Director.    This should be someone who is not a peer-priest but rather someone who is more advanced in the spiritual life than you.      

Steven was in for Christmas Break and Dad commandeered him to speak at our local Holy Name Society.Steven based his discussion on a talk that he heard about the different ages of The Church.     This talk was based on the following book;   From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age by Monsignor James P. SheaChristendom is the age when the institution and structures that you come in contact with are Catholic and Christian.     This brings with it pros and cons.  The great intellects of the day study and reflect on matters of the Church.     The arts and culture are directed towards the Church.     Some of the cons of an age of Christendom are that people may look a the Church as a path to political power.     It is also more difficult to evangelize.It is clear that we are moving out of an age of Christendom to an Apostolic Age in which society is hostile to Christendom.    To be a Christian is to be countercultural.There are some pros to an Apostolic Age; Christians must be stronger in their faith.    Also, you don't have to go far to evangelize.The challenge for modern vocations is recognizing that we are in an Apostolic Age.   We can not rely on the old ways of an age of Christendom to provide vocations.

Steven was recently installed to the ministry of Lector.     This comprises one more step along the path towards ordination.Steven is now in his 4th year of his 6 year path.     We discuss the differences between the 8 year path, in which a seminarian's 4 years of college work towards the end goal, and the 6 year path in which a seminarian begins his path after college, first studying 2 years of philosophy before working on his 4 year Theology degree.During the 2nd year of Theology, seminarians are installed in the ministry of Lector.    This comprises one of the steps towards ordination.     Previously, these steps were referred to as Minor Orders.

Steven had a long weekend and used the chance to visit the home of a fellow seminarian.     This reminded Dad of a concern he and Steven's Mom had that the priesthood would be a lonely life.    Just the opposite has been shown to be true.    This is not a solitary life.    At the start of his discernment, Steven shared these concerns as well.   He wondered if the life of priesthood would be lonely or one that brings joy.     This thought was on his mind the first time he visited a seminary.   During this visit Steven was pleasantly surprised to witness a lively atmosphere.     A big part of seminary is learning how to integrate parts of your life and a blessing of the seminary is fraternity among the priests.The greatest fraternity on Earth is the Catholic priesthood.   You are brothers with the priest in the parish next door and equally a brother with the priest halfway around the world.Ultimately, one has to make it a priority to stay connected.    You have to work at it.    The same holds true for a marriage as for the priesthood.

It's time for a check in with Steven and his discernment process and how it has matured.First, we define what discernment is and what it isn't.Discernment is a process.   Steven speaks to his discernment process during college and his wish for a ‘St. Paul Moment'.     It never (or hasn't yet) came.We discuss some of the touch points and challenges along Steven's path of discernment.    A lot of the work has been pruning away of things that are not true and working towards clarity towards what is true.Seminary is like unwrapping a gift.     As you keep unwrapping there are new things to be discovered.Discernment at the start may be scrupulous as one worries about ‘getting everything right'.   It is only through the process that a sense of ease and comfortability develops.  

We welcome Steven back to the World of the Talking after completing a 30 day retreat.     Based on the exercise of St. Ignatius the participant goes through the Life of Christ.Moving forward from the retreat Steven gained a new sense of life to the scriptures.Second year of Seminary at Sacred Heart is set to begin.    We discuss the upcoming class schedule.Finally we talk about how discernment is at the heart of Seminary and the maturation of Steven's discernment.     There is a beauty in the struggle of discernment.   You don't have to be completely comfortable with being a seminarian to be a seminarian.

What do Seminarians do during the Summer?    This is Steven's 4th Summer while being a seminarian and we review all 4 Summers.During Steven's first Summer, he participated in Totus Tuus - a traveling Vacation Bible School.The next Summer Steven spent the Summer in a local parish, living at the rectory.   This provided a picture of the life of a parish priest from the inside.Last year was “Covid Summer”.    Steven was able to put his technical skills to use, setting up parishes for live streaming of masses.This year, Steven will be embarking on a 1 month silent retreat during the month of July.    Prior to that Steven worked with Christ in the City where he engaged with the homeless population.NOTE: We will not be publishing in July due to Steven being on silent retreat.

The Bishop announced today that the universal dispensation from attending mass on Sunday and holy days is being lifted.     It's time to get back to mass!It's time for the 'smells and bells' of church.    Time to be physically present.Steven recalls his time as an altar server offered an intimate look at the mass and the eucharist.      Even before he was an altar server he sat in the front row and to this day he continues to want to be close to the altar.We discuss the mystery of God being transcendent and above us and yet at the same time intimately united with us via Jesus taking on our human nature.  In the early days of Christianity it was scandalous to think that God would take on human flesh.In a sense Jesus gave us on the job training.   He taught us to be physically present.    Like a good leader, Jesus shows us how to do the work and then calls us to do the same.

As Steven wraps up the school year, ordination is 3 years away.    This brings up the questions; What is a Priest? and the more important question is; Who is the Priest?What then, is the role of the Laity?    We all have a Universal Call to Holiness.Jesus has atoned for our sins, but this desires a response from us.      This response flows from the understanding that we have been rescued.     In this age when it is harder to live an authentic Catholic Faith, we are called to be the Leaven of the World. 

A blessing of the age in which we live in is our access to scripture.    This can be seen as a fulfillment of Vatican II which calls for bringing the sacred scriptures into the hands of the people.We have a wide array of materials available to us now.     In particular, for Lent we discuss two items, an online Bible Study and a TV Series (The Chosen).We discuss Creative Prayer.   St. Ignatius teaches a type of prayer called Imaginative Prayer.  As a way of drawing us closer to the scripture we use our imagination to allow us to draw in to the biblical stories.   

Steven and Dad reflect on childhood thoughts of Lent. The season seemed negative and an empty desert.Now, as adults, we welcome this time. We discuss the three Pillars of Lent; Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Using Spring Training as a metaphor, Lent can be an opportunity to focus on working on issues that need improvement.Embrace the communal aspect of Lent as the whole Church encounters the season.Lent encourages us to recall the Kerygma; the central message, the seed of the Gospel.

Pope Francis declared 2021 to be the Year of St. Joseph and Steven's rector at Sacred Heart Major Seminary is devoting a series of his monthly lectures to this topic.Steven and Dad review Pope Francis's Apostolic Letter “Patris corde”. We discuss how St. Joseph serves as a model of the virtue of Obedience.As a 'man in the shadows' St. Joseph serves as an unsung hero who is fit for the times. We discuss the virtues of Fatherhood and review how the Year of St. Joseph calls upon men to Step Up in this time of need.

Home for Christmas, Steven spends time in a new rectory during the break. We discuss their daily routines. We discuss daily requirements of priests. Steven breaks open his breviary as we review the Liturgy of the Hours.

We discuss our childhood introduction to the Rosary and our adult rediscovery. We share our perspectives on how we pray and the fruits we find.Overcoming the fear of saying it wrong and how sometimes it can be a struggle.The Rosary is a prayer that puts us in the place to be found by Mary. We discuss the special place of Mary for priests. Before Jesus began his public ministry, he was formed for 30 years by Mary. In a similar fashion, Mary works to form priests.We discuss a Marian Consecration. Books referenced by Steven: - 33 Days to Greater Glory by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley - True Devotion to Mary by St Louis de Montfort

How do we get through tough times? Faith, Hope and Charity - the Theological Virtues - offer a wellspring of prayer.Faith: There is a strong desire to be with other people. We are not made to be alone. Being together means being vulnerable. The fundamental principle of Faith is one of Relationship.Hope: The early church provides a powerful example of Hope. Their hope was the saving message of Christ.Charity: How are we going to make ourselves a gift to others?