Archive for the 'formation' Category
My good friend and fellow Deacon Candidate Dennis Kelley put his own unique spin on Sunday’s event:
On Sunday, December 6, twenty-four men and I were called by Archbishop Alex J. Brunett to Candidacy for the Diaconate in the Seattle Archdiocese of the Catholic Church. In the Rite of Candidacy, the Church accepts our offering, calls us to a three-year formation program and officially recognizes us as candidates for the diaconate.
We were each called forward by our full baptismal name, answered “Present,” walked to the altar, bowed, and took our place in front of the Archbishop. The Rite of Candidacy then was conferred. The experience was awe inspiring and humbling. I was so nervous that when I shook the hand of the spouse of one of my candidate brothers after the Rite I realized my hands were drenched in sweat.
Mary and I were joined by our youngest son Connor (oldest son Sean is a freshman in college and was unable to join us due to finals) and many family and friends. The biggest surprise came as I approached St. James Cathedral. I heard the voice of my mother Suzanne Arango call my name. But how could that be? She lives in Arizona this time of year. But off came her stocking cap and there she was. I was overjoyed by her surprise visit to town. Also there were my brother Dan Kelly and his daughters Katey and Sara, my uncle and aunt Glen and Susan Kelly who drove up from Waldport, Oregon, their son and my cousin Keven Kelly and his four-year-old son Finn. Even my mom’s best friend Marie Louise Wahlstrom, who has been close to our family for over 35 years, came.
Also in attendance, was the one-time Bellevue High School teacher who introduced me to the world of radio Bill Poirier and his wife Missy, my favorite WSU broadcasting professor Glenn Johnson who is also the Mayor of Pullman, fellow WSU Murrow College Professional Advisory Board colleague Joyce Szymanski, friends from work Paul Tosch and his wife Stacey, friends from church Randele and David Cross and their five beautiful children, John Olson, Peter and Ruth Wolff, our close friends Gary and Leita Garside, and buddies Peter Shmock and N.Y. Vinnie Richichi. The mother of friend Shannon Drayer delivered a card from her daughter who was at the Winter Meetings for Major League Baseball covering the Mariners, but sent her mom to represent her. Some in attendance are Catholic. Others are not. All are very dear for being a part of this special day. Words cannot express my deep gratitude for their presence.
My candidate brothers and I have been in formation since June 2008. It started with an Inquiry period (during the summer of 2008) and a full year of Aspirancy studies (September 2008 to June 2009). The vetting process is thorough.
Our intellectual formation happens over a weekend once a month and features classes taught by professors from Seattle University, University of Portland and Pacific Lutheran University. We have 300-500 pages of reading each month, numerous papers and other homework.
Our spiritual formation is placed in the hands of our own personal Spiritual Director, Pastoral Supervisor and others. Our pastoral formation happens in our parishes and by serving in ministerial internships. This year I am honored to be placed with the L’Arche Community on Capitol Hill and work weekly with “core members” who deal with mental disabilities and assistants who make up this unique community. It is my sanctuary from the chaos of being a member of the news media in these crazy times and my work managing KOMO Newsradio.
The formation process as a Candidate will last for three more years. With God’s good graces, formation will culminate in ordination as a Deacon in the Catholic Church in December of 2012. If you are so inclined, please keep Mary, my family and me in your prayers.
Advent Peace & Blessings…
December 09 2009 | celebrations and formation | 2 Comments »
Today’s the day. At 2pm, we will proceed through the Rite of Candidacy and officially be “Candidates.” Please keep the Deacon Class of 2012 for the Archdiocese of Seattle in your prayers.
December 06 2009 | celebrations and formation and prayer request | No Comments »
Saturday evening, we as a group were notified by the Vicar for Clergy, that Archbishop Brunett has received and accepted all of our petitions for Candidacy. This is an important step for us on our journey toward ordination as a Roman Catholic Deacon.
As a recap, last year was termed, our Aspirancy year. Not like aspirin, but as to aspire or aspiring. We are aspiring to become Deacons. The main focus in Aspirancy, was on discernment for Candidacy. It’s a big decision. Not only for us, but for our wives, children and extended family. Lots to consider, ranging from our jobs up through our spirituality. It was exciting not only to get to know one another as classmates, but ourselves as well. Aspirancy, was a path in itself, to which we were called by the Archbishop. He called, we responded.
Last July, after June Synthesis weekend, we waited to hear if we would be accepted into Candidacy. Everything we did was reviewed. This is because we have to be presented by the Church, that is, the body of Christ. It is our church that says, yes, they are qualified, and ready. It was a very anxious time for us, as some of our classmates were not selected. I would not want that job of evaluating and selection. It is hard and painful for all involved.
Selection is one thing, but we must petition in writing after selection to continue.
Here, we petitioned to take the next path, Candidacy. The Archbishop heard and responded by accepting our petitions. We are making a free-will choice to undergo a more intensive part of formation. It will raise the bar so-to-speak to the next level, challenging us to the task of even more discernment and balance of our lives.
The Rite of Candidacy is that formal presentation of ourselves to the Bishop, we will make both our intention and presence known and are resolved to undergo formation, and in turn be formally received, welcomed and blessed for this next part of the journey. I am very excited. A little nervous, but anxious to see what God has in store for me next. I know my brothers feel the same. Our lives will not be the same, because we are truly becoming public witnesses and ministers. I pray for God’s grace to be upon us all.
At this stage, I think it necessary to state the purpose of my blog. It is to chronicle my journey toward the Diaconate. To share with friends and family or whoever may find it interesting this journey I’m on.
If you have any interest in witnessing the Rite of Candidacy, it will be held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, WA on December 6th, 2009 at 2pm and all are welcome.
November 23 2009 | celebrations and formation | 3 Comments »
Yesterday’s celebration of the Feast of Christ the King reminded me of the often forgotten purpose of us as Christians. That is, we must always and everywhere work for the coming of His Kingdom.
Isn’t that what we pray for in the Lord’s prayer? Is it what we believe?
“Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, the King of kings.”
Colossians reminds us in our reading for mid morning prayer:
“We thank the Father who has made it possible for us to share in the saints’ inheritance of light. He has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves.”
And again the same letter speaks to us again in the noon time reading:
“All things were created through him and for him. Before anything was created, he existed, and he holds all things in unity. Now the Church is his body, he is its head. As he is the Beginning, he was first to be born from the dead, so that he should be first in every way.”
Finally, in the reading for afternoon prayer, Colossians says:
“God wanted all perfection to be found in him and all things to be reconciled through him and for him, everything in heaven and everything on earth, when he made peace by his death on the cross.”
I was reminded that the ways we work for this Kingdom, is often in conflict with the world around us. But that conflict doesn’t have to always be in shouting matches or protest. In fact, often, the best witness of this Kingdom, is going about in simple, quiet resolve performing faithful and faith-filled service to others.
Think that don’t make a difference? Sometimes, I’m tempted to think so.
However, gentle reminders to the effectiveness of quiet, patient resolve surface.
Yesterday, while on our monthly formation weekend, we were told of someone who wrote a letter to the Archdiocese, sharing their experience with a hospital chaplain–who is in our the formation class–that witnessed in the manner I just described. This person writing, who hadn’t had “any” good experiences with chaplains in the past, was overwhelmed with the patience and kindness this chaplain had demonstrated.
Get the picture?
Overwhelmed with patience and kindness. I was overwhelmed by the story myself, because that is my ministry. And this person, whoever they may be, has lived the image of bringing the Kingdom of Christ–to the ones needing it the most. It also spoke to me about how the Grace of God, was working within that person’s life. Which was something else we touched on this weekend. Cooperation with grace. Grace is a gift. It is much like prayer, always initiated by God. We can only respond to grace. Grace enables us to love without counting the cost. Enables us to respond with patience and kindness, enables us to act apart from our own desires.
All this brought two important questions to my mind,
What are you doing to bring about his Kingdom?
How will you answer, “Who do you say that I am?”
I know my answer.
November 23 2009 | celebrations and formation and ministry | No Comments »
My last posting was on a seminar hosted by the Seattle Archdioceses, which provided some much needed training in this area. Almost 2 weeks ago, my supervisor at the hospital asked me to attend another, hosted by the Hospice of Kitsap county. It was about the care of the dying, and respecting/fulfilling final wishes. This was another stellar class! It helped to prepare me–for what I think is–God’s plan for me. Helping patients and their families with this difficult moment, which is both an honor and blessing.
Both educational events, helped me to handle the pastoral care needs of this last Tuesday at the hospital. With this training, I was able provide this much needed pastoral care for this patient and his family. If anyone would’ve told me this as little as a year ago, that I would be doing work like this , I would have promptly told them they were nuts. No way. I just did envision it.
But! The miracle I am witnessing in my life, is due to the kind of formation I am receiving, as I approach the possibility of becoming a Roman Catholic Deacon. I am learning of so many gifts I have been given that are buried deep within me–and this is changing my life.
Serving God in this way feels good and is right where I want to be.
If you ever feel the slightest bit inclined toward service, follow it. It is God who is calling you into relationship.
Peace to all.
November 19 2009 | formation | No Comments »
Today I had an opportunity to take advantage of some awesome autumn weather and meet up with my Deacon mentor. I found we have something new in common because he now rides a 2010 Harley UltraClassic. It is a gorgeous bike. It appears to be a 2 toned Cobalt blue and black beauty and I think a 102 ci motor with a 6 speed trans. It was good to see them again and as always good for us to exchange thoughts on how the program is going for both myself and my wife Julia. We go back a ways to a time when we all were involved in Marriage Encounter. They’re a great couple and he’s been a great mentor.
October 11 2009 | formation | No Comments »
I received a beautiful prayer card from a gentleman in the Deacon Formation Program for the Archdioceses of Newark. I want to thank Brian for continuing to keep in contact as we share something in common. His class will be ordained (G-d willing) in 2011, with ours in 2012. Our classes could use your prayers! Thanks!
Isn’t this nice?
October 05 2009 | formation and prayer request | No Comments »
As I mentioned a few posts ago, my work within Hospital ministry has taken off. It’s been a blessing to meet and be in touch with so many new people. However, last week, was a week of firsts. Being in the presence of death was something I’d not experienced in quite some time, and certainly not in any capacity with the Church or her mission. No my previous experiences were all private/personal.
I felt honored at being ask to lead prayers for someone who’d just passed at the Hospital. I experienced many emotions within, but what really moved me were the prayers themselves, and the effect they had both on me and the family.
I was also blessed to be present as Viaticum and the Annointing were administered by my pastor to another person. What captivated and inspired me was how he interacted with the patient and family. Again, the prayers build hope and strengthen as well as commend. It’s so important for the Church to be present in these moments and I am aware how both the Deacon and Priest represent the Church in her compassion and caring for her members. I am also aware of how these experiences are shaping me as a potential minister–in ways I never imagined. They provoke deeper reflection and pose new questions, that challenge but strengthen my faith.
October 05 2009 | formation and inspiration and liturgy | No Comments »
This morning, I awoke with this thought about my ministry at the hospital. I started there in July or towards the end of it. Since then, I’ve experienced many different blessings that to my surprise, were unexpected. As part of my spiritual direction, I’ve taken to journaling (in written form) which helps me to understand the visits and my reaction to them. I knew I wanted to be part of this ministry last spring when we went on a field trip to the hospital. We were suppose to tour the place, but HIPAA constraints killed the idea. In attempt to rectify the situation there was a last minute hurdle overcome and we elected instead to meet with 3 Deacons already active in healthcare in their auditorium. These gentlemen amazed me with both their honesty and integrity. I left that day with heart pounding at the mere prospect of doing my internship next year in this ministry.
Well, here it is October 2009 and I am in internship at a Medical Center and the experience is very rewarding yet challenging. There is really no way for you not to become involved deeper in the lives of those being cared for. I’ve learned you have to open yourself up quite a bit to whatever is going on at the moment. To be available and totally present for the patient and to be sensitive for the privacy of others and in particular their vulnerability. I’ve found that as a person, you are vulnerable as well. Because in sickness or pain, even the best of us, succumb to anger and frustration and cast these out at others as a defensive mechanism. I’ve also found that autonomy is precious in an environment where it is sometimes taken for granted. You take the bad with the good though, letting each experience be a unique and new opportunity.
Working there, you see life in different stages–from birth to final moments in death–as well as the different stages of faith and grief. If you’re careful, you’ll see glimpse of that in the people you’re ministering to. It’s a fascinating place of struggles and conquest and I’m happy to have answered this call.
People often say, “What would Jesus do?” and I would have to answer, be present, fully engaged and aware of what’s going on with that person. To be compassionate, to suffer with them in humility and grace. This is the Gospel in action and follows what St. James once said, “Be doers of the word…” because in this way, we best practice what Christianity is all about. This becomes our “Unexpected Blessing”
October 01 2009 | formation and ministry | No Comments »
We’re officially off and running in our new formation year and our theme “Hearers of the Word.” Technically, we’re still Aspirants until the Rite of Candidacy which is scheduled for December. Tonight, we gathered for our first lecture which was on Canon Law, Tomorrow will have more on the Canon, Christian Anthropology, Documents of Vatican II, Singing and Scripture with the follow up on Sunday. We also began our new forum for leading prayer of which I was first to lead. We also seen a new element added–a feedback panel. This will give us guidance and help us to improve our leadership, especially public prayer.
Lord Jesus, I lift up our class, staff and faculty, to your love and guidance as we move forth this academic year.
“To you alone, Lord, we look with confidence; you are ever close to those who call upon you.“
September 18 2009 | formation | No Comments »
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