There and Back Again, Twice...
There and Back Again, Twice...
11/06/2019
Since it has been almost six weeks since I last posted, I thought it was time for an update. Especially in light of this week being Vocations Awareness Week. As we continue you on in the school year, I ask that you all continue to prayer for Vocations - for stronger and healthy marriages, for dedicated women and men religious, for active permanent deacons, for faithful priest, and for all devout and generous single people - may they all realize the grace and love of Christ in their Vocations.
Having been quite some time, I have been back home to the Diocese of Sioux City twice in the past six weeks. The first time was over the weekend of October 5 and 6. I was able to serve as a sponsor for my cousin Riley's Confirmation. I also assisted with the Mass, and was present on the altar in cassock and surplice. This was a first in my home area, and it was very interesting. I am still not quite used to wearing them, but that is to be expected. Confirmation was a beautiful Mass and it was great to see family and friends, if even I was home just briefly.
After Confirmation weekend, midterms approached rather quickly. While I survived the tests and exams, and the results were all passing marks, I found myself achieving at a lower level than I have ever been used to, something that I had to get over very fast. Academics are not the sole purpose for being in seminary, actually they are one of the lower priorities. Falling in love with Jesus is the most important reason a man is in seminary. While this is not a shocking concept, it is definitely an area I need to grow in.
When midterms finished, we had a few days off for Fall Break. I traveled home (this time driving) to see family and friends and was able to relax and unwind for a few days. I was able to assist at weekend Masses, where a young woman entered the Church, and the CD of A celebrated the deceased members of the previous year. It was great to be apart of the small church community of North Central Iowa again. It very much has a family feel to it that I often took for granted growing up. While the Churches I have visited in St. Louis have been wonderful, there is just something special about Church in your home town.
Seminary continues to challenge and push me to grow in new ways each and every day. Most weeks fly by, now that routine has set in. I find myself hesitant and eager at the same time when it comes to growth and the challenges placed before me. Hesitant because change is never easy, and it takes a special grace to receive the things we need to work on or are lacking in. Eagerness comes with wanting to improve and get better, through every situation. I find myself asking, "What can I take away from this?", in regards to all events of my day, perhaps now more than ever.
I appreciate you all tuning in to read another edition. Hopefully you do not have to wait as long for the next one.
Peace and All Good,
Jake
11/06/2019
Since it has been almost six weeks since I last posted, I thought it was time for an update. Especially in light of this week being Vocations Awareness Week. As we continue you on in the school year, I ask that you all continue to prayer for Vocations - for stronger and healthy marriages, for dedicated women and men religious, for active permanent deacons, for faithful priest, and for all devout and generous single people - may they all realize the grace and love of Christ in their Vocations.
Having been quite some time, I have been back home to the Diocese of Sioux City twice in the past six weeks. The first time was over the weekend of October 5 and 6. I was able to serve as a sponsor for my cousin Riley's Confirmation. I also assisted with the Mass, and was present on the altar in cassock and surplice. This was a first in my home area, and it was very interesting. I am still not quite used to wearing them, but that is to be expected. Confirmation was a beautiful Mass and it was great to see family and friends, if even I was home just briefly.
After Confirmation weekend, midterms approached rather quickly. While I survived the tests and exams, and the results were all passing marks, I found myself achieving at a lower level than I have ever been used to, something that I had to get over very fast. Academics are not the sole purpose for being in seminary, actually they are one of the lower priorities. Falling in love with Jesus is the most important reason a man is in seminary. While this is not a shocking concept, it is definitely an area I need to grow in.
When midterms finished, we had a few days off for Fall Break. I traveled home (this time driving) to see family and friends and was able to relax and unwind for a few days. I was able to assist at weekend Masses, where a young woman entered the Church, and the CD of A celebrated the deceased members of the previous year. It was great to be apart of the small church community of North Central Iowa again. It very much has a family feel to it that I often took for granted growing up. While the Churches I have visited in St. Louis have been wonderful, there is just something special about Church in your home town.
Seminary continues to challenge and push me to grow in new ways each and every day. Most weeks fly by, now that routine has set in. I find myself hesitant and eager at the same time when it comes to growth and the challenges placed before me. Hesitant because change is never easy, and it takes a special grace to receive the things we need to work on or are lacking in. Eagerness comes with wanting to improve and get better, through every situation. I find myself asking, "What can I take away from this?", in regards to all events of my day, perhaps now more than ever.
I appreciate you all tuning in to read another edition. Hopefully you do not have to wait as long for the next one.
Peace and All Good,
Jake
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