Year 2 in the Midst of Covid-19

 Year 2 in the Midst of Covid-19
August 27th, 2020

Good Morning All,

As we celebrate the Memorial of St. Monica, the faith filled and prayerful mother of St. Augustine, my mind turns toward her unwavering faith and devotion to prayer. 

On Monday, I began my second week of class here at Kenrick. Year 2 is off to a good start and is going to offer many graces. While our schedule this year is somewhat lighter, the courses themselves will be more academically rigorous than last year. Metaphyics, Natural Theology, Modern Philosophy, Crusades, and a course on Church History/Philosophy, will provide many chances for new learning and appreciation for the faith. I am certianly glad to be back learning in the classroom, and not through Zoom. 

When I arrived three weeks ago, I moved from my old room and into my new room  in another wing of the seminary building. My new suitemate is a new Pre-Theology 1 student from Witchita, Kansas. This year, our Formation Advisor has worked very hard to incorporate Pre-Theology 1 with Pre-Theology 2, so many of us are sharing our suites with a new student. At first I was not too thrilled about this prospect, but after the first few weeks it is safe to say that it is going great. The fraternity in our own class is growing stronger, and we were also able to build fraternity with the incoming class from the get go. There are 30 of us in total, which is the largest Pre-Theology Group Kenrick has ever had. We are 30 diverse personalities, from all walks of life, all age brackets, and all over the Midwest. 

Being back at the Seminary with my Brother Seminarians has brought me great joy. Connecting with them over phone and Zoom during the Summer and our exile last Spring was becoming difficult. It is just not the same. Now I can sit in my room reading and hear the laughter of my class from down the hall, or someone stops in just to say hello or to grab a piece of chocolate from the dish. The Seminary community is life-giving! It is a built in support system that is always present. 

While being back in St. Louis is great, my heart also calls out to my family back in Iowa. I became far too comfortable being close to them again for five-months after only being away for a short time. One thing that is helping me with this, is constantly praying for all of them. That is one way I can feel connected even though I am not there in person. At least I can be there spiritually!

As you begin a new school year, a fuller work schedule now that Summer is ending, or you continue on in your daily routine, remember that God Loves YOU! I challenge you also to reach out to those around you who are in need of help. Pray for the World, she needs it. 

"Nothing is far from God!"    - St. Monica

Pax et Bonum,
Jake

P.S. - Pray for me and I'll pray for you!