A Third of the Way There! {God Willing}

As the summer draws to a close, I am beginning to notice the many transitions that have taken place since May. First, I recently completed my 2^nd year of philosophy at St. Meinrad seminary and graduated with a Masters of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies. Also, I was able to spend a month of the summer at my home parish (St. Joseph in Conway, AR) which was not only a needed time of rest, but an opportunity to experience and live out the day to day routine of a diocesan priest. Lastly, this August I will be starting my first year of theology at St. Meinrad. Our class will be adding over twenty-five new seminarians for the four year theology program. Yes, four more years then, God willing, I will be ordained a priest! That also means three years from now is my projected ordination as a transitional deacon. When looking at the four years that I have left I know that it will go by quickly, but I can’t help thinking that recent graduates of high school and I will both be graduating in 2017. This has made me reflect on the importance of discernment and formation in the years ahead. I have taken discernment seriously the past two years, but the transition into theology gives me a refreshed and renewed focus on growing closer to God and following His will for my life.

This past year I have experienced God's faithfulness and goodness in new ways and I can't wait to see what God has planned for me in the future. Please continue to pray for me and I thank you for the support and love you have shown me. Life has been good to me and as the summer wraps up I am becoming more aware of the many blessings in my life. I am very appreciative and I keep you in my prayers. 

With Christ,

William Burmester