What is your favorite class?
Church Fathers | Dr. Daniel Keating
Has the pandemic impacted the way you view the role of your vocation?
As seminarians, we live in an interesting place in the Church: we are laity but working toward becoming clergy. This pandemic has really helped me focus on this "time before" my (God willing) ministry as His priest. At first there was much anxiety in the disruption to daily life but God has used this time to help focus me on the "now" of my vocation. He is showing me how deep the riches of His Church really go as I have been encouraged to pray more with Scripture, read more of the Fathers and the Catechism, and immerse myself in the meaning behind the sacramental life of our Church, especially while being distanced from the actual sacraments. It is hard to say how God will use this time of pandemic in our future ministry but I know He will as He continues to bless the "now" of our seminary formation.
What do you miss about being in class at the seminary?
While our professors have done a great job delivering content through electronic platforms, there is a classroom energy that cannot be replicated online. I miss feeding off each others’ ideas and questions as we learn together. I didn't think I would ever say this-- let alone put it in writing-- but I look forward to the fall term when we can physically meet in a classroom again!
Have you taken up new hobbies or skills during social distancing?
I’ve developed a skill of dodging neighbors awkwardly during walks: who is going to cut to the other side of the street first? Is a greeting still appropriate even though you are actively avoiding each other?? As far as hobbies, it’s not new, but I do enjoy cooking-- and, strangely, cleaning up-- so it has been nice to get back in the kitchen again!
How are you practicing “spiritual closeness” during “social distancing”?
Watching daily Mass online has helped maintain spiritual closeness on top of keeping my normal prayer periods. I also brought home the staff and seminarian photo directory and intentionally pray for a member of our community daily. I even had the opportunity to lead a virtual Funeral Vigil.