Mid-Semester Theological Reflection

Last week, I completed my Capstone Defense Presentation.  The culmination of all my study here at Mount Angel Seminary flashed before me.  The title of my senior thesis is "Theosis and Liturgy:  A Historical Study of Deification to Understand the Transformative Power of Roman Catholic Liturgy."  This Eastern Theology has expanded my understanding of Liturgy.  I first heard about the notion of Theosis when I attended a two-week retreat/conference called "Renewing Liturgy, Renewing Life," led by Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman & Sister Kathleen Harmon from Dayton, OH, a few years ago.

In this paper, I give a historical background to the notion of theosis.  I hope to expand this paper into a Master's Thesis in the future.  I have about 49 days till graduation, and I still have a lot of work to do.  I pray that all the seminarians persevere in these last days of classes and all will be able to show forth what they learned.

Lent 2012

"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel!"

My Journey into 2012!

Hello everyone! I know that I haven't updated my blog in a while. The last time I updated it was during the summer break. Wow, that was almost 6 months ago. Don't worry, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

It is now 2012 and I am entering my last semester of College seminary. At the end of the semester, I will earning a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelors of Arts in Religious Studies. Last week, we had our Annual Silent Retreat at Mount Angel Seminary. This year's retreat master was Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco. With his literature background, Archbishop gave us fresh looks at scripture passages and linked them with the theme. Although it was not explicitly stated, I think the theme was "Earthen Vessels". Overall, this retreat was much needed and was much refreshing.

During the retreat, I read the book "The Joy of Priesthood" by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti. Msgr. Rossetti also gave me inspiring words of encouragement in my discernment to the Priestly life.

This semester, I am taking 17 semester credits to finish up. I will also be defending a senior capstone project. Currently the title of my paper is "Theosis and Liturgy: How the Liturgy leads to Deification." I am so excited for this semester and hopefully I will be continuing on to another seminary to complete my Seminary formation.

With These Hands...

Last night for almost three hours I was washing dishes at McDonald's. Yes, I am working at McDonald's this summer to pay for any expenses this coming school year at the seminary. As my finngers were geting very wrinkled from all the grease, soap, and hot water, I reflected on my vocation.

I couldn't fathom the idea that with these hands, one day God will make himself present through his body and blood. With these hands, God will baptize His children into His divine life. With these hands, God will forgive people of their sins. With these hands, God will anoint the sick and bring them comfort. With these hands... these simple hands.

I pray that more in our diocese will listen to God's call and repond with a firm YES!

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

Heavenly Father,

your Divine Son taught us to pray to the Lord of the harvest

to send laborers into His vineyard.

We earnestly beg you to bless our diocese and our world

with many priest and religious

who will love you fervently and gladly and courageously send their lives

in service to your Son's Church,

especially the poor and the needy.

Bless our families and our children,

and choose from our homes those who you desire for this holy work.

Teach them to respond generously and keep them ever faithful

in following your Son Jesus Christ,

that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit

and with the inspiration of Saint Damien and Blessed Marianne

the Good News of redemption may be brought to all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Abiqua Falls Hike- My Lenten Walk With Jesus

This past weekend, I went to Abiqua Fall with the seminary hiking group. When I first signed up for the hike, I was told that it was going to be only a 1.5 mile hike down into the falls and 1.5 mile back up. The whole hike was about 9 miles. This was my lenten offering. I offered the pain and suffering of walking up the mountain, down the steep hillside, and then back up again.

It was worth it though, to see the falls at the end.... It was amazing....