Et tu Bellringer!
Bellringer, Bellringer why hast thou forsaken me?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Reading Class
One of the classes we take as Seminarians is public speaking. Being used to speaking from my time at Trinity, I feel very confident about this part of my schooling. None the less each week we have to practice doing the readings for Mass, etc. On days when it is our turn to lector the professor comes to Mass and quietly listens in and informally evaluates us. At the same time each week in class he grades us on our readings. The professor who teaches this course is 100% convinced that one of my buddies, Mike, from the diocese of Manchester, is the best reader in the world. So, no matter what he says or how he reads, Mike always is held up as the example. Being the good friends that we are we tease him mercilessly about it and enjoy many laughs. The teacher's pet is always a good target.
Well late last night I enjoyed a good laugh when visiting Mike and friends. Around midnight Mike remembered he was the assigned lector for the next morning's Mass. Wanting to be prepared he had me look up his reading for the next day. To his horror and to my joy it was ridiculously long. In fact if I don't say so myself it was the longest passage I have ever seen. I laughed so loud, knowing he would have to read it. Look at how long the reading was, not to mention what it is about.
In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim,
who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna,
the daughter of Hilkiah;
her pious parents had trained their daughter
according to the law of Moses.
Joakim was very rich;
he had a garden near his house,
and the Jews had recourse to him often
because he was the most respected of them all.
That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges,
of whom the Lord said, "Wickedness has come out of Babylon:
from the elders who were to govern the people as judges."
These men, to whom all brought their cases,
frequented the house of Joakim.
When the people left at noon,
Susanna used to enter her husband's garden for a walk.
When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk,
they began to lust for her.
They suppressed their consciences;
they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven,
and did not keep in mind just judgments.
One day, while they were waiting for the right moment,
she entered the garden as usual, with two maids only.
She decided to bathe, for the weather was warm.
Nobody else was there except the two elders,
who had hidden themselves and were watching her.
"Bring me oil and soap," she said to the maids,
"and shut the garden doors while I bathe."
As soon as the maids had left,
the two old men got up and hurried to her.
"Look," they said, "the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us;
give in to our desire, and lie with us.
If you refuse, we will testify against you
that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you."
"I am completely trapped," Susanna groaned.
"If I yield, it will be my death;
if I refuse, I cannot escape your power.
Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt
than to sin before the Lord."
Then Susanna shrieked, and the old men also shouted at her,
as one of them ran to open the garden doors.
When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden,
they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her.
At the accusations by the old men,
the servants felt very much ashamed,
for never had any such thing been said about Susanna.
When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day,
the two wicked elders also came,
fully determined to put Susanna to death.
Before all the people they ordered:
"Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah,
the wife of Joakim."
When she was sent for,
she came with her parents, children and all her relatives.
All her relatives and the onlookers were weeping.
In the midst of the people the two elders rose up
and laid their hands on her head.
Through tears she looked up to heaven,
for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly.
The elders made this accusation:
"As we were walking in the garden alone,
this woman entered with two girls
and shut the doors of the garden, dismissing the girls.
A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her.
When we, in a corner of the garden, saw this crime,
we ran toward them.
We saw them lying together,
but the man we could not hold, because he was stronger than we;
he opened the doors and ran off.
Then we seized her and asked who the young man was,
but she refused to tell us.
We testify to this."
The assembly believed them,
since they were elders and judges of the people,
and they condemned her to death.
But Susanna cried aloud:
"O eternal God, you know what is hidden
and are aware of all things before they come to be:
you know that they have testified falsely against me.
Here I am about to die,
though I have done none of the things
with which these wicked men have charged me."
The Lord heard her prayer.
As she was being led to execution,
God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel,
and he cried aloud:
"I will have no part in the death of this woman."
All the people turned and asked him, "What is this you are saying?"
He stood in their midst and continued,
"Are you such fools, O children of Israel!
To condemn a woman of Israel without examination
and without clear evidence?
Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her."
Then all the people returned in haste.
To Daniel the elders said,
"Come, sit with us and inform us,
since God has given you the prestige of old age."
But he replied,
"Separate these two far from each other that I may examine them."
After they were separated one from the other,
he called one of them and said:
"How you have grown evil with age!
Now have your past sins come to term:
passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent,
and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says,
‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.'
Now, then, if you were a witness,
tell me under what tree you saw them together."
"Under a mastic tree," he answered.
Daniel replied, "Your fine lie has cost you your head,
for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him
and split you in two."
Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought.
Daniel said to him,
"Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah, beauty has seduced you,
lust has subverted your conscience.
This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel,
and in their fear they yielded to you;
but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness.
Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together."
"Under an oak," he said.
Daniel replied, "Your fine lie has cost you also your head,
for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two
so as to make an end of you both."
The whole assembly cried aloud,
blessing God who saves those who hope in him.
They rose up against the two elders,
for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury.
According to the law of Moses,
they inflicted on them
the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor:
they put them to death.
Thus was innocent blood spared that day.
Well late last night I enjoyed a good laugh when visiting Mike and friends. Around midnight Mike remembered he was the assigned lector for the next morning's Mass. Wanting to be prepared he had me look up his reading for the next day. To his horror and to my joy it was ridiculously long. In fact if I don't say so myself it was the longest passage I have ever seen. I laughed so loud, knowing he would have to read it. Look at how long the reading was, not to mention what it is about.
In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim,
who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna,
the daughter of Hilkiah;
her pious parents had trained their daughter
according to the law of Moses.
Joakim was very rich;
he had a garden near his house,
and the Jews had recourse to him often
because he was the most respected of them all.
That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges,
of whom the Lord said, "Wickedness has come out of Babylon:
from the elders who were to govern the people as judges."
These men, to whom all brought their cases,
frequented the house of Joakim.
When the people left at noon,
Susanna used to enter her husband's garden for a walk.
When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk,
they began to lust for her.
They suppressed their consciences;
they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven,
and did not keep in mind just judgments.
One day, while they were waiting for the right moment,
she entered the garden as usual, with two maids only.
She decided to bathe, for the weather was warm.
Nobody else was there except the two elders,
who had hidden themselves and were watching her.
"Bring me oil and soap," she said to the maids,
"and shut the garden doors while I bathe."
As soon as the maids had left,
the two old men got up and hurried to her.
"Look," they said, "the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us;
give in to our desire, and lie with us.
If you refuse, we will testify against you
that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you."
"I am completely trapped," Susanna groaned.
"If I yield, it will be my death;
if I refuse, I cannot escape your power.
Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt
than to sin before the Lord."
Then Susanna shrieked, and the old men also shouted at her,
as one of them ran to open the garden doors.
When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden,
they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her.
At the accusations by the old men,
the servants felt very much ashamed,
for never had any such thing been said about Susanna.
When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day,
the two wicked elders also came,
fully determined to put Susanna to death.
Before all the people they ordered:
"Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah,
the wife of Joakim."
When she was sent for,
she came with her parents, children and all her relatives.
All her relatives and the onlookers were weeping.
In the midst of the people the two elders rose up
and laid their hands on her head.
Through tears she looked up to heaven,
for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly.
The elders made this accusation:
"As we were walking in the garden alone,
this woman entered with two girls
and shut the doors of the garden, dismissing the girls.
A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her.
When we, in a corner of the garden, saw this crime,
we ran toward them.
We saw them lying together,
but the man we could not hold, because he was stronger than we;
he opened the doors and ran off.
Then we seized her and asked who the young man was,
but she refused to tell us.
We testify to this."
The assembly believed them,
since they were elders and judges of the people,
and they condemned her to death.
But Susanna cried aloud:
"O eternal God, you know what is hidden
and are aware of all things before they come to be:
you know that they have testified falsely against me.
Here I am about to die,
though I have done none of the things
with which these wicked men have charged me."
The Lord heard her prayer.
As she was being led to execution,
God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel,
and he cried aloud:
"I will have no part in the death of this woman."
All the people turned and asked him, "What is this you are saying?"
He stood in their midst and continued,
"Are you such fools, O children of Israel!
To condemn a woman of Israel without examination
and without clear evidence?
Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her."
Then all the people returned in haste.
To Daniel the elders said,
"Come, sit with us and inform us,
since God has given you the prestige of old age."
But he replied,
"Separate these two far from each other that I may examine them."
After they were separated one from the other,
he called one of them and said:
"How you have grown evil with age!
Now have your past sins come to term:
passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent,
and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says,
‘The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.'
Now, then, if you were a witness,
tell me under what tree you saw them together."
"Under a mastic tree," he answered.
Daniel replied, "Your fine lie has cost you your head,
for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him
and split you in two."
Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought.
Daniel said to him,
"Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah, beauty has seduced you,
lust has subverted your conscience.
This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel,
and in their fear they yielded to you;
but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness.
Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together."
"Under an oak," he said.
Daniel replied, "Your fine lie has cost you also your head,
for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two
so as to make an end of you both."
The whole assembly cried aloud,
blessing God who saves those who hope in him.
They rose up against the two elders,
for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury.
According to the law of Moses,
they inflicted on them
the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor:
they put them to death.
Thus was innocent blood spared that day.
Marriage
This week in our Theology class we have been discussing the beauty of marriage and the special graces God pours out upon married couples. The more we talk about marriage, the more we have explored the Catholic Sacramental understanding of them. This focus has been heavily centered upon the reality of the husband and wife becoming one, through marriage, for the remainder of their lives. The more I think of my own parents the more I realize just what that means, and how profound God's grace is therein. Through marriage, couples truly become one and grow together in a manner that transcends understanding and in a depth of love that is so great.
I used to make fun of a friend of mine for her choice of a favorite film, about an old couple growing old together and looking back on their life together. I wish I could remember the name of it, but nevertheless it ended with them visiting in the nursing home together. The more I think about the more I get it. True love and marriage is epitmozed by that depth of love that one shares, that depth that is so evident in grandparents and elderly couples one encounters, many who have spent 50, 60 years together in marriage. You can't help but see how they truly are one in love, and you can see the amazing gift God gives through the sacrament of marriage. You can also see the depth of their love and oneness in that their existence is forever intertwined with one another. They are not two married persons, but rather a couple, always and forever. Sadly that beautiful notion of love is so much different than the shallow love touted in movies and pop culture today.
A good friend and deacon in our building recently told me a story about a marriage ceremony he attended many years ago. He told me how wonderful it was until the couple got to their vows and pledged "to stay together however long their love should last." How sad indeed that they did not understand that true love lasts forever!
Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad.
I used to make fun of a friend of mine for her choice of a favorite film, about an old couple growing old together and looking back on their life together. I wish I could remember the name of it, but nevertheless it ended with them visiting in the nursing home together. The more I think about the more I get it. True love and marriage is epitmozed by that depth of love that one shares, that depth that is so evident in grandparents and elderly couples one encounters, many who have spent 50, 60 years together in marriage. You can't help but see how they truly are one in love, and you can see the amazing gift God gives through the sacrament of marriage. You can also see the depth of their love and oneness in that their existence is forever intertwined with one another. They are not two married persons, but rather a couple, always and forever. Sadly that beautiful notion of love is so much different than the shallow love touted in movies and pop culture today.
A good friend and deacon in our building recently told me a story about a marriage ceremony he attended many years ago. He told me how wonderful it was until the couple got to their vows and pledged "to stay together however long their love should last." How sad indeed that they did not understand that true love lasts forever!
Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Leaving
One of the strangest parts of living in a seminary occurs when someone leaves. Seminarians can leave for many different reasons. Some are asked to leave, others decide they need a break to sort things out and others decided they just aren't being called to be a priest.
Last week, a friend of mine from the seminary decided it was not for him. Wanting to exit quietly and without fanfare he left early in the morning, choosing only to say good bye to a few of his closest friends. The rest of us discovered later in the day when the generic email was sent stating (... _________ is no longer in formation at Saint Mary's Seminary" The Seminary always sends the exact same email, as to protect the privacy of those who leave and therefore not explain why.
It is a strange experience to say the least and I always find it a bit unsettling. You eat lunch with someone one day and they are gone by dinner without a word. It may just be me, but I worry for those who leave, especially if I think they might have been asked to leave. Their lives take brand new directions and I always wonder where they will end up. In the end all I can do is pray. Nonetheless, the sudden and unexpected departure of seminarians always seems to throw a pall over the place, kind of like someone has died.
Not sure if this makes sense, but I figured for my blog to be real it must be real.
So this week I mourn the loss of a friend from the seminary formation program, although I also celebrate with great joy, his discernment and realization that God is calling him somewhere else.
God calls each of us to different places in life. Our job in the end is to figure out where he is calling us to.
In the end I don't consider someone who leaves the seminary to have dropped out, but rather to have been called elsewhere.
(side note: yes, I purposely put the title leaving to get your attention, and make you wonder. But for the record I am not going anywhere anytime soon :)
Last week, a friend of mine from the seminary decided it was not for him. Wanting to exit quietly and without fanfare he left early in the morning, choosing only to say good bye to a few of his closest friends. The rest of us discovered later in the day when the generic email was sent stating (... _________ is no longer in formation at Saint Mary's Seminary" The Seminary always sends the exact same email, as to protect the privacy of those who leave and therefore not explain why.
It is a strange experience to say the least and I always find it a bit unsettling. You eat lunch with someone one day and they are gone by dinner without a word. It may just be me, but I worry for those who leave, especially if I think they might have been asked to leave. Their lives take brand new directions and I always wonder where they will end up. In the end all I can do is pray. Nonetheless, the sudden and unexpected departure of seminarians always seems to throw a pall over the place, kind of like someone has died.
Not sure if this makes sense, but I figured for my blog to be real it must be real.
So this week I mourn the loss of a friend from the seminary formation program, although I also celebrate with great joy, his discernment and realization that God is calling him somewhere else.
God calls each of us to different places in life. Our job in the end is to figure out where he is calling us to.
In the end I don't consider someone who leaves the seminary to have dropped out, but rather to have been called elsewhere.
(side note: yes, I purposely put the title leaving to get your attention, and make you wonder. But for the record I am not going anywhere anytime soon :)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Prayer Request
Last evening I recieved a phone call from my Aunt, who is one of the most giving and generous people I have ever met. A dear friend of was in a terrible car accident and is in need of prayers.
It would mean the world to me if you would please pray for Jonathan Ebbs, who was struck by car yesterday and is currently hospitalized and in bad shape.
It would mean the world to me if you would please pray for Jonathan Ebbs, who was struck by car yesterday and is currently hospitalized and in bad shape.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
2 Great Teams, 2 Great Accomplishments!
A huge congratulations to the Trinity Boys Basketball Team and the FIRST Robotics Team, who both scored huge victories this weekend. The Boys Basketball team crushed Memorial to enjoy a David and Goliath scenario. The accomplishment of winning the state boys basketball championship is huge. It is even greater when you consider Trinity only has 450 students and Memorial over 2,000. Nice work boys!
On another note a huge word of congrats to the FIRST team who scored second place at an international robotics competition this weekend in Annapolis, MD. I was able to visit the team Friday afternoon and really enjoyed cheering them. I was amazed at their talent and ingenuity. It truly is a great weekend to be a pioneer.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig
Every year on St. Patrick's Day I am filled with great pride and disgust. I am proud of my Irish hertiage and the faith that is at the heart of it. I am filled with disgust with the growing notion that some how we celebrate Ireland, and the life of St. Patrick by getting drunk. Nothing in fact is further from the truth. St. Patrick's Day is meant to be a family day and a day in which to reflect on the great spiritual tradition of St. Patrick. A true celebration of his life involves a trip to Mass and a celebration with family and friends (much like thanksgiving). Those who drunkenly celebrate St. Patrick's Day with wild parties and green beer do a major disservice to the country of their ancestors and their faith. Ireland is an amazing place, filled with amazing people. May God continue to bless her and all those who celebrate this day. Enjoy, raise a toast, offer a prayer and enjoy some time with family and friends.
Atomriug indiu
niurt tréun:
togairm Trindóit
faístin Oendatad,
i nDúlemon dáil.
Atomriug indiu
niurt gene Críst cona bathius,
niurt a chrochtho cona adnacul,
niurt a essérgi cona fhresgabáil,
niurt a thoíniudo fri brithemnas mbrátho.
Atomriug indiu
niurt gráid hiruphin,
i n-aurlataid aingel,
i frestul inna n-archaingel,
i freiscisin esséirgi
ar chiunn fochraicce,
i n-ernaigthib uasalathrach,
i tairchetlaib fáithe,
i preceptaib apstal,
i n-iresaib foísmedach,
i n-enccai noebingen,
i ngnímaib fer firén.
Atomriug indiu
niurt nime,
soilsi gréne,
étrochtai éscai,
áni thened,
déni lóchet,
luaithi gaíthe,
fudomnai mara,
tairismigi thalman,
cobsaidi ailech.
Atomriug indiu
niurt Dé dom luamairecht.
Cumachtae nDé dom chumgabáil,
ciall Dé dom inthús,
rose nDé dom remcisiu,
cluas Dé dom étsecht,
briathar Dé dom erlabrai,
lám Dé dom imdegail,
intech Dé dom remthechtas,
sciath Dé dom imdítin,
sochraite Dé dom anacul
ar intledaib demnae,
ar aslagib dualche,
ar forimthechtaib aicnid,
ar cech duine mídúthrastar dam,
i céin ocus i n-ocus,
i n'uathud ocus i sochaidi.
Tocuiriur etrum indiu inna uili nert-so
fri cech nert n-amnas n-étrocar frista-i dom churp ocus dom anmain,
fri tinchetla sa-ibfh-aithe,
fri dubrechtu gentliuchtae,
fri saíbrechtu heretecdae,
fri imchellacht n-ídlachtae,
fri brichtu ban ocus goban ocus druad,
fri cech fiss arachuille corp ocus anmain duini.
Crist dom imdegail indiu
ar neim, ar loscud, ar bádud, ar guin,
condom-thair ilar fochraicce.
Críst limm, Críst reum, Críst im degaid,
Críst indium, Críst ísum, Críst uasum,
Críst desum, Críst tuathum,
Críst i llius, Críst i sius, Críst i n-erus,
Críst i cridiu cech duini immumrorda,
Críst i ngin cech oín rodom-labrathar,
Críst i cech rusc nonom-dercathar,
Críst i cech cluais rodom-chloathar.
Atomriug indiu
niurt tréun:
togairm Trindóit,
cretim Treodatad,
faístin Oendatad,
i nDúlemon dáil.
Domini est salus,
Domini est salus,
Christi est salusñ
salus tua, Domine, sit semper nobiscum.
St. Patrick's Breastplate
I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever,
By power of faith, Christ's Incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan River;
His death on cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the Cherubim;
The sweet 'Well done' in judgment hour;
The service of the Seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death-wound and the burning
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Riverdance
Last Night all of the Seminarians from Manchester and two priests from the Seminary went out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day early. We went out to Slainte (Irish word for Cheers), a Baltimore Irish pub for dinner. The food was great and all authentic Irish cuisine. Following dinner we walked around the old port, Fells Point, and then headed back into the city to see Riverdance. I had never been to Riverdance before and loved it. It was really neat to see Irish dance on display, as well as the dances of many other countries around the world.
All in all it was an amazing night. It was nice to take a break from the "rat race" and enjoy good friends, good food and good fun.
As we get closer and closer to Easter the frenzy of papers, exams and works seems to be intensifying greatly. Please keep me in your prayers!
On another fun note the seminary was host today to 150 8th graders from a neighboring parish. I signed up to help give a tour and had a blast. It reminded me of teaching, something I still miss. I had a group of 25 students for 30 minutes. I arranged my tour so that rather than bore them with all the boring stuff (history, paintings, etc....) I would show them what the really wanted to see. In order to do it I needed to insist that we walk super fast, but it was worth it. I took the kids to the choir loft, the awesome study room in the library with rolling chairs on a tile floor..., the secret stairwell, the cafeteria, the lounge and for my grand finale, homemade-warm-chocolate chip cookies. They of course loved it and I was told when they left "you rock." None-the-less it was great fun and I was happy to bring a little life into the place.
I think for so many people the Church is always thought of has old and boring. I suppose some people in it might be, but I also know there is a lot of life in the Church. I really think the more we can bring life and joy back into the Church the more it will flourish. For me the Catholic faith is so rich and beautiful, I cannot imagine it ever being anything but full of energy. I still have a long way to go on my journey, but one thing I still have, and will never lose, is my passion for the faith and for life.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Free Catholic Schools?
I recently have run across a bunch of articles on the Diocese of Wichita's Catholic Schools. Apparently twenty years ago they launched a Diocesan wide stewardship drive and really cultivated a sense of ownership in their schools. As a result their parishioners tithe (8%) to their parishes. Thanks to careful planning and generous hearts, all Catholic school are free to Catholics. In case you were wondering that is 34 elementary schools and 4 high schools in a diocese of 120,000 Catholics. Now to be fair the people are making huge sacrifices to make it happen and everyone is investing. None-the-less it is a model to look at.
Let us never forget, fortune favors the bold!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/to_save_nycs_catholic_schools_156479.htm
Let us never forget, fortune favors the bold!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/to_save_nycs_catholic_schools_156479.htm
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sad News!
I was devastated to learn today that St. Mary's Elementary School in Claremont will be closing at the end of this year. St. Mary's was to celebrate its 120th anniversary next year. The enrollment has dropped in half, to approximately 85, over the past few years. This news is incredibly sad for Catholic schools in New Hampshire and really has upset me to the core. I am not sure what the answer is, but the challenge and importance of saving our Catholic schools is great. I wonder if it would be ever possible to assemble the top minds in education and business in the state to plot a strategy to save these gems in our midst. My heart breaks to lose another school, and I know all to well it is only a matter of time before we lose more.
I do not believe for one minute that the days of Catholic Education in New Hampshire are over. To the contrary, I believe bright days lay ahead. The challenge is to use our Yankee ingenuity to make the impossible reality and to have the audacity to place our hope in Christ. In the past, generations of immigrants with much less were able to do the unthinkable and build great churches, schools and hospitals. I can't help but think what we can do if we are willing to dream, to invest and to give from our hearts. Now more than ever is the time to act boldly. We can quietly retreat or we can march bravely forward. Call me a fool, but I think our best days are ahead and that we need to start making them a reality. I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Crazy Day, Crazy Work
Between now and Easter is crazy time at the Seminary. As there are no real breaks there is a ton of work on the burner. This week I am hoping to write four papers! I completed 90% of one today and will continue plugging away at things later in the week.
Tomorrow will be a crazy day as I will be headed back to New Hampshire to attend a school board meeting at Trinity. I am excited to be going back and to have a chance to finally attend a meeting in person. In the past I have been particpating via speaker phone.
Tomorrow I will be rushing to the airport after class and taking the 500pm flight. At 6:20pm I will run to a waiting car and hopefully arrive just in time to start the meeting with a prayer. Then I will take part in the meeting and take the 6:45am red eye flight in the morning and arrive in time for class to start. Craziness I know, but for Trinity anything.
Tomorrow will be a crazy day as I will be headed back to New Hampshire to attend a school board meeting at Trinity. I am excited to be going back and to have a chance to finally attend a meeting in person. In the past I have been particpating via speaker phone.
Tomorrow I will be rushing to the airport after class and taking the 500pm flight. At 6:20pm I will run to a waiting car and hopefully arrive just in time to start the meeting with a prayer. Then I will take part in the meeting and take the 6:45am red eye flight in the morning and arrive in time for class to start. Craziness I know, but for Trinity anything.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Staples: The Slowest Place on Earth
Last Night we dutifully went to Staples to prepare and photocopy the Seminary newspaper. Three hours later we left. I have decided that a certain Staples in the Baltimore area is the slowest and least helpful store in the entire country, if not in the entire planet. I have also decided that God has decided I need to work on my patience. He is correct.
more to follow.....going to bed.....must lead morning prayer tomorrow.....will finish the Staples story and let you know how prayer goes...later today....
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!
more to follow.....going to bed.....must lead morning prayer tomorrow.....will finish the Staples story and let you know how prayer goes...later today....
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Extra, Extra Read All About It!
This semester one of my small projects, and by small I mean Mr. Nelson small project, which of course means very large and involved, is the house newspaper. Believe it or not I am back in the newspaper business and this time as editor. Thanks to the help of some awesome seminarians I was able to create a 16 page newspaper that is set for print on Friday. (not bad for a house with 65 guys)
Over 1/3 of the house contributed articles on everything from Lent, to a humorous gossip column, Dear Abby style section and my very own column on History. I hope you enjoy it.
Dust on the Bookshelf
by: Andrew Nelson
*** When I first got the idea to write this column, I was not sure what direction to take. I considered writing a history column about the Church in Baltimore and the United States. However, the more I began to think about it, the more I realized that we are part of something special here, something no other seminary can lay claim to. We, as the men of Saint Mary’s, are students of the oldest Catholic Seminary in the United States. We are part of a long and proud tradition that has defined the Church in the United States.
On my first official day as a seminarian, I remember being shown the library as part of the tour. My astute guide happily pointed to another building from the preaching lab window and noted that there are the “archives.” Since that day, I have been curious as to what might be in those archives. What treasures of St. Mary’s’ history might it hold? So, infused with energy and a good bit of curiosity, I presented myself to Susie in the library (who, I might add, has to be one of the nicest people in the world) and requested to visit the archives for “research.” In reality I just wanted to go exploring. The next thing I knew, Susie handed me a telephone, and a mysterious woman picked up the other end.
“Hello, Archives” she said. “How can I help you?” I froze. What now, I thought. “I would like to visit the archives.” Enthusiastically, the woman on the other end scheduled me for an appointment the next day. Just at the moment I thought I was out of the woods, she asked me what materials I would need. I froze yet again. What materials? I was not sure what to say; I wanted to see everything. Suddenly, before my eyes, my entire plan of snooping around the archives was falling apart. She had figured me out. Then, as if struck by lightning, I blurted out “the Lincoln assassination documents, of course.” She replied, “Okay, we will have them ready for you.”
The next morning after breakfast as the hour of my appointment began to approach, I realized I had no idea how to get to the Archives. I went outside and knocked on some doors of the Archives building, but there was no reply. I walked around the entire wing and found no way in. I was beginning to believe it was part of some conspiracy that Dan Brown was sure to write about. So, I made my way back to the library and presented myself to Susie. I knew if one of the nicest people in the world could not help me, no one could. She quickly explained to me that you can’t go to the archives on your own; they come for you. Suddenly my adventure was getting intriguing. As I patiently waited for the archivist to meet me in the entry of the library, I had visions of an elderly man taking me down winding staircases to a dusty basement, by candlelight, of course. Next thing I know, a young archivist was leading me to a special elevator. We got in, and she waved a CIA style I.D. card by a special reader and the suddenly the next thing I knew the elevator was moving to another level. My heart began to pound as the bell rang, and the doors opened wide. Then, before my eyes, I entered a huge room with two desks in it. On my right was a giant counter which was separating me from row upon row of stacks.
I was quietly ushered to a table where the Rector’s journal from the 1860’s waited. A careful journalist would have noticed his name, a giddy history buff instead just dove in. I quickly turned to Holy Week 1865 to discover the chilling words of the spiritual leader of St. Mary’s on the day of President Lincoln’s assassination.
“All the nation has been startled this morning by the appalling intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln. This foul crime, which will inspire with horror every man's heart, is the greatest calamity which might befall this country. … Oui allons -(which translated, means (what next?/where do we go from here?)”
I cannot begin to imagine the fear, uncertainty and sadness that must have befallen the country that day. Upon reading further I discovered that the Seminary tolled the bells from 3:00-5:00PM that night and observed a special period of prayer. The journal indicates that the President was remembered in evening prayer. What is amazing is that the journal still indicates that little changed for the seminarian. I could not help but wonder how a seminarian’s journal might have compared. It was clear the rector was receiving a great deal of information, but one could not help but wonder how much beyond the simple facts the seminarians themselves would have known.
The President’s state funeral was held on April 19th. St. Mary’s seminarians spent that time in prayer in the chapel, wearing cassock and surplice. The bells again tolled, this time from 1:00-3:00PM, an ironically appropriate hour. On the 21st, the funeral procession made its way to Baltimore where it was welcomed by tens of thousands of Maryland residents. In fact the crowds along the funeral train route were so great that the authorities did not know what to do. People waited hours, even days, to get a glimpse and to pay their respects.
The entire seminary community attended the funeral procession when it arrived in the city. They departed St. Mary’s at 7:30AM for the Cathedral, where they waited for the procession to pass by. Several senior members of the St. Mary’s community took part in the procession itself, which lasted until a little before 2:00PM. The rector’s notes indicated that after arriving back at 2:30PM, seminarians had dinner and recreation until 5:00PM followed by an evening free of classes.
After reading through the journal, I was amazed at just how different life was back then, yet how much it was still the same. All I could hear in the back of my head was the voice of Mike Farrow saying “Gentlemen, all we have is time.” Indeed, I wondered just how true that was as I briskly thumbed, through hundreds of pages of the rector’s journal which covered decades, all the while realizing that I was covering a seminarians entire formation period with a few deft slights of the hand. I could not help but wonder how many fascinating stories, exciting tales and seminarians’ lives were at my finger tips. Before I knew it, my time was up. I gently closed the book and was escorted to the secret elevator and back to the pages of another time, another rector’s journal which likely noted Monday, February 23rd 8:00AM Sulpician Meditation, 11:30AM Mass, 5:15PM Evening prayer, warm weather… just another day in history.
Over 1/3 of the house contributed articles on everything from Lent, to a humorous gossip column, Dear Abby style section and my very own column on History. I hope you enjoy it.
Dust on the Bookshelf
by: Andrew Nelson
*** When I first got the idea to write this column, I was not sure what direction to take. I considered writing a history column about the Church in Baltimore and the United States. However, the more I began to think about it, the more I realized that we are part of something special here, something no other seminary can lay claim to. We, as the men of Saint Mary’s, are students of the oldest Catholic Seminary in the United States. We are part of a long and proud tradition that has defined the Church in the United States.
On my first official day as a seminarian, I remember being shown the library as part of the tour. My astute guide happily pointed to another building from the preaching lab window and noted that there are the “archives.” Since that day, I have been curious as to what might be in those archives. What treasures of St. Mary’s’ history might it hold? So, infused with energy and a good bit of curiosity, I presented myself to Susie in the library (who, I might add, has to be one of the nicest people in the world) and requested to visit the archives for “research.” In reality I just wanted to go exploring. The next thing I knew, Susie handed me a telephone, and a mysterious woman picked up the other end.
“Hello, Archives” she said. “How can I help you?” I froze. What now, I thought. “I would like to visit the archives.” Enthusiastically, the woman on the other end scheduled me for an appointment the next day. Just at the moment I thought I was out of the woods, she asked me what materials I would need. I froze yet again. What materials? I was not sure what to say; I wanted to see everything. Suddenly, before my eyes, my entire plan of snooping around the archives was falling apart. She had figured me out. Then, as if struck by lightning, I blurted out “the Lincoln assassination documents, of course.” She replied, “Okay, we will have them ready for you.”
The next morning after breakfast as the hour of my appointment began to approach, I realized I had no idea how to get to the Archives. I went outside and knocked on some doors of the Archives building, but there was no reply. I walked around the entire wing and found no way in. I was beginning to believe it was part of some conspiracy that Dan Brown was sure to write about. So, I made my way back to the library and presented myself to Susie. I knew if one of the nicest people in the world could not help me, no one could. She quickly explained to me that you can’t go to the archives on your own; they come for you. Suddenly my adventure was getting intriguing. As I patiently waited for the archivist to meet me in the entry of the library, I had visions of an elderly man taking me down winding staircases to a dusty basement, by candlelight, of course. Next thing I know, a young archivist was leading me to a special elevator. We got in, and she waved a CIA style I.D. card by a special reader and the suddenly the next thing I knew the elevator was moving to another level. My heart began to pound as the bell rang, and the doors opened wide. Then, before my eyes, I entered a huge room with two desks in it. On my right was a giant counter which was separating me from row upon row of stacks.
I was quietly ushered to a table where the Rector’s journal from the 1860’s waited. A careful journalist would have noticed his name, a giddy history buff instead just dove in. I quickly turned to Holy Week 1865 to discover the chilling words of the spiritual leader of St. Mary’s on the day of President Lincoln’s assassination.
“All the nation has been startled this morning by the appalling intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln. This foul crime, which will inspire with horror every man's heart, is the greatest calamity which might befall this country. … Oui allons -(which translated, means (what next?/where do we go from here?)”
I cannot begin to imagine the fear, uncertainty and sadness that must have befallen the country that day. Upon reading further I discovered that the Seminary tolled the bells from 3:00-5:00PM that night and observed a special period of prayer. The journal indicates that the President was remembered in evening prayer. What is amazing is that the journal still indicates that little changed for the seminarian. I could not help but wonder how a seminarian’s journal might have compared. It was clear the rector was receiving a great deal of information, but one could not help but wonder how much beyond the simple facts the seminarians themselves would have known.
The President’s state funeral was held on April 19th. St. Mary’s seminarians spent that time in prayer in the chapel, wearing cassock and surplice. The bells again tolled, this time from 1:00-3:00PM, an ironically appropriate hour. On the 21st, the funeral procession made its way to Baltimore where it was welcomed by tens of thousands of Maryland residents. In fact the crowds along the funeral train route were so great that the authorities did not know what to do. People waited hours, even days, to get a glimpse and to pay their respects.
The entire seminary community attended the funeral procession when it arrived in the city. They departed St. Mary’s at 7:30AM for the Cathedral, where they waited for the procession to pass by. Several senior members of the St. Mary’s community took part in the procession itself, which lasted until a little before 2:00PM. The rector’s notes indicated that after arriving back at 2:30PM, seminarians had dinner and recreation until 5:00PM followed by an evening free of classes.
After reading through the journal, I was amazed at just how different life was back then, yet how much it was still the same. All I could hear in the back of my head was the voice of Mike Farrow saying “Gentlemen, all we have is time.” Indeed, I wondered just how true that was as I briskly thumbed, through hundreds of pages of the rector’s journal which covered decades, all the while realizing that I was covering a seminarians entire formation period with a few deft slights of the hand. I could not help but wonder how many fascinating stories, exciting tales and seminarians’ lives were at my finger tips. Before I knew it, my time was up. I gently closed the book and was escorted to the secret elevator and back to the pages of another time, another rector’s journal which likely noted Monday, February 23rd 8:00AM Sulpician Meditation, 11:30AM Mass, 5:15PM Evening prayer, warm weather… just another day in history.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Snow Day****
It is snowing hard and that means only one thing to all of us who are in school on the Eastern seaboard, SNOW DAY! Except if all of your teachers live in the SAME building as you. :( :( :(
Sunday, March 1, 2009
No Need to Panic, Everyone Remain Calm, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
As mentioned in previous posts I have recently been installed as a lector, which is the first of many steps in the priestly formation process. As part of our formation process we are taking classes in public speaking and how to properly read at Mass etc.... I have sensed recently that the faculty are not happy with the way we are reading. Needless to say there is a lot of pressure to read properly and in the tone and manner proper and expected. Five minutes ago I just checked the schedule for this week and discovered I am scheduled to read at tomorrow's Mass with Archbishop O'Brien presiding. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. No need to panic, no pressure really, just reading for the first time at a Seminary Mass with a bigtime VIP in town. Keep me in your prayers tomorrow at 11:30am and I will keep you up to date.....
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