Life here has not changed much since last I wrote. I am still really enjoying all that I am experiencing here but classes have been getting more intense and it is about time for a relaxing break. It is amazing how fast this semester has flown by. I already have received my schedule for next semester and I have 1 more week of classes and finals week and then I am finished with my first semester here in the seminary. The biggest changes that have occurred in the past few months are that I received a new ministry spot an hour away from the seminary (in Evansville, IN) and three seminarians (upper year) have discerned out.
First I will try to describe the difficult process of discerning out. This is a constant presence in the seminary and it can happen at any time. This is hard for the seminarian discerning out, his close friends, and the whole community. All of the guys that discerned out have sent e-mails explaining their situation and when they will be leaving. Each time this happens and I witness someone discern out it centers my mind on the purpose that we are all here – to figure out if becoming a priest is God’s vocation for our lives. I always pray for those who discern out because I know it is hard to leave and I cannot imagine the emotion that is involved in that decision. What I do see are the reactions of their close friends. You can clearly tell that it is very hard for them, but at the same time they seem to be able to cope with it by understanding that ultimately it is God’s calling us to this vocation and not our personal motivation. Since I have not known those who have discerned out very well it seems to be an occasion for reflection on where I am in my discernment. It is a reality check of sorts and as of now I know that I am in the right place.
As for my ministry spot: a couple of weeks ago I was assigned a parish to observe for the rest of my year in 1st philosophy. I will be working with 2 fellow classmates to find out the “culture” of the parish and present our findings at the end of the year. We were assigned to St. Theresa’s Parish in Evansville, IN. It will be interesting to see what we find, but most importantly it will help if we ever become pastors of a new parish. The whole reason for this assignment is to try to simulate what it would be like to get to know a parish as a new pastor. We are going to be getting involved in every aspect of the church and school and learn how they function as a community. By learning their “culture” we would then be able to be better pastors for them. This ministry is just another example of how every aspect of our lives here should be directed toward becoming a better priest for the future.
Ending on a bright/touching note I want to describe a seminarian that has become a role model for me during my first few months here. This seminarian is blind and has the visibility of a small pen hole. When he got to St. Meinrad a few years ago someone had to teach him how to get around the school by memorizing the number of steps it takes to get to specific places. Now he is preparing the vestments for the priest and preparing the sanctuary for daily Mass which in itself is a miracle to me. He has a great sense of humor, he is very nice, and has a special affection toward trains. He is a great witness to me every day I see him but recently he nearly brought me to tears because he altar served at Mass. It was an inexpressible moment but very touching to see someone be so humble and courageous.
He has challenged me to live my life differently and it reminds me to live life like a quote from The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen:
“It requires choosing for the light even when there is much darkness to frighten me, choosing for life even when the forces of death are so visible, and choosing for the truth even when I am surrounded by lies”
So I hope those who read this are changed by his witness also. Let us turn next week into a joyous time of thanks for all the gifts we have. I pray that everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving no matter where you are and that you choose to bask in the light, choose life to the fullest, and choose to live in the Truth.
Much love,
William Burmester
