Into Exile We Go
Into Exile We Go
3/22/2020
A little birdie (my Dad) informed me that I have not posted on my blog in a long time. After checking, it has been two and a half months. My last post was New Year's Eve. So here goes nothing.
Like many of you, the seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon have been sent home for the remainder of the year. We will be continuing classes, formation, spiritual direction, and counseling, as well as fraternity, online. In response to COVID-19, we have been sent to our home diocese in order to be safe and hopefully remain healthy. I will be staying at the rectory in Algona starting this week. My hope is that I can transition into online classes and everything else smoothly. I know that everyone is in the same boat. There are so many unknowns in these current times, but with God we will make it through.
I must say it was very hard to leave the seminary. This time in formation since August has been some of the best moments of my life. I have learned many things about myself, made amazing friends, and worked hard at becoming a better man. Seminary formation seeks to make all students who enter into better men and hopefully (God-Willing) someday good holy priests. Much to my own surprise I opened willingly, if not somewhat begrudgingly at first, to the formation process. By allowing formation to work with me and work on me, I have conquered many of my fears, become more open with my feelings and emotions (SHOCKING! I know), and have learned about the different things that cause my anxiety. The natural fraternity in the seminary allows all men who attend a sense of family and support in both the good times and the bad. This is one thing that will be different in moving back to the SC Diocese. We will not be able to engage in fraternity and formation face to face and in person.
One thing that will be helpful throughout this process was the composition of a Rule of Life that all members of the seminary were encouraged to create. The Rule of Life included things such as: how/when we intend to pray, who we will spend time with, when/where we will study, where we will live, when we intend to rise and retire, how often will we communicate with our classmates/friends, and when will we relax and partake in our hobbies. While this seems intense, I must say it was very critical to the transition I have been experiencing. Having a concrete plan in place to cope and deal with things that may come up will prove necessary in time.
In closing, I thought I would share a few notes with all of you about how to maintain your faith, even in this crazy and tumultuous times:
1. Continue to Pray - even though you cannot go to Church or the Adoration Chapel, try to maintain a daily prayer life.
2. Offer It UP - If you have worries, concerns, fears, anxieties, etc. offer them up to God on His Altar; God heals all wounds and guides us through all situations.
3. Streaming is Your Friend - Many places are streaming Masses, Rosaries, Stations of the Cross, take advantage of them; they are a great way to stay connected.
4. Reach Out - Reach out to those you know who are shut-in or alone; we might not be able to visit them personally, but we can call or videochat with them.
5. Stay Positive - Many things have been struggles for the people of the past, and they have overcome. Look to the example of the Israelite's - God never forgot them.
God Bless,
Peace and Prayers to All!
Jake
3/22/2020
A little birdie (my Dad) informed me that I have not posted on my blog in a long time. After checking, it has been two and a half months. My last post was New Year's Eve. So here goes nothing.
Like many of you, the seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon have been sent home for the remainder of the year. We will be continuing classes, formation, spiritual direction, and counseling, as well as fraternity, online. In response to COVID-19, we have been sent to our home diocese in order to be safe and hopefully remain healthy. I will be staying at the rectory in Algona starting this week. My hope is that I can transition into online classes and everything else smoothly. I know that everyone is in the same boat. There are so many unknowns in these current times, but with God we will make it through.
I must say it was very hard to leave the seminary. This time in formation since August has been some of the best moments of my life. I have learned many things about myself, made amazing friends, and worked hard at becoming a better man. Seminary formation seeks to make all students who enter into better men and hopefully (God-Willing) someday good holy priests. Much to my own surprise I opened willingly, if not somewhat begrudgingly at first, to the formation process. By allowing formation to work with me and work on me, I have conquered many of my fears, become more open with my feelings and emotions (SHOCKING! I know), and have learned about the different things that cause my anxiety. The natural fraternity in the seminary allows all men who attend a sense of family and support in both the good times and the bad. This is one thing that will be different in moving back to the SC Diocese. We will not be able to engage in fraternity and formation face to face and in person.
One thing that will be helpful throughout this process was the composition of a Rule of Life that all members of the seminary were encouraged to create. The Rule of Life included things such as: how/when we intend to pray, who we will spend time with, when/where we will study, where we will live, when we intend to rise and retire, how often will we communicate with our classmates/friends, and when will we relax and partake in our hobbies. While this seems intense, I must say it was very critical to the transition I have been experiencing. Having a concrete plan in place to cope and deal with things that may come up will prove necessary in time.
In closing, I thought I would share a few notes with all of you about how to maintain your faith, even in this crazy and tumultuous times:
1. Continue to Pray - even though you cannot go to Church or the Adoration Chapel, try to maintain a daily prayer life.
2. Offer It UP - If you have worries, concerns, fears, anxieties, etc. offer them up to God on His Altar; God heals all wounds and guides us through all situations.
3. Streaming is Your Friend - Many places are streaming Masses, Rosaries, Stations of the Cross, take advantage of them; they are a great way to stay connected.
4. Reach Out - Reach out to those you know who are shut-in or alone; we might not be able to visit them personally, but we can call or videochat with them.
5. Stay Positive - Many things have been struggles for the people of the past, and they have overcome. Look to the example of the Israelite's - God never forgot them.
God Bless,
Peace and Prayers to All!
Jake
Comments
Post a Comment