Archive for December, 2007
I began to fill out the paper work. I am blessed to have a wife who was able to locate all the documents I would need. I requested an electronic version of the application as my initial attempt to fill it out were a disaster. I went through that word document pretty quickly but need to go back over it.
I then worried about this 2-3 page “vocational autobiography”. This is very important and needs to communicate to them my faith journey. This is because the formation program is another part of this journey. I worried I would have a difficult time writing things long since buried in my heart. I opened the word document on my MacBook, and soon the thoughts just flowed. I know it is way too long, but I figured I would keep writing and then clean and synthesize it.
I went about filling out the reference forms. I’ve selected my references and gave copies to my pastor and his assistant, both of which know me for several years now. I served at Mass this evening and was very thankful for the progress thus far and afterwards spoke to my pastor. He’s an awesome person and explaining how things went made him very happy. He’s encouraged me to keep on going as there is something going on in my spiritual life that he is witnessing. I am quite sure this gives him great joy to see one of his own, enjoying and nurturing his faith. You know, I have to agree. Sometimes hearing all the problems can wear you down, and you wonder if you are doing any good at all, then God gives you a sign, the seeds you’ve planted are growing. Someday to bear fruit. I will give thanks to God for my pastor and my friends. They inspire me so.
There seem to be signs that the Holy Spirit is at work and is quite busy preparing me. It’s up to me to respond at each phase of the process. Respond by giving testimony and showing signs of my faith publicly. It felt strange, but I felt no fear as I asked my boss (and I’m not sure what his beliefs are) if he would write me a letter of reference to my church. He said he would be happy to. I am not afraid any longer. I just don’t want to let anyone down, let alone God. I pray for his guidance, but know he will have trials ahead.
God never tries anyone beyond their endurance. I must remember and live that.
December 07 2007 | inquiry | No Comments »
On Tuesday December 4th, I went to my 1st Interview. I met with 2 people, one of which I knew from when I was at Holy Trinity. She is the pastoral assistant there and a very nice person. Before it started, (they were still interviewing another applicant) I went into the church to wait. I figured since I was there, it would be beneficial if I prayed a bit. I was extremely nervous. I guess I was but up until that moment, this was something I always looked forward to, but now I was actually in the process.
Sitting there I was thinking to myself, I should pray so I just let myself relax and mediated on the call of our Lord to the disciples. I prayed for him to be with me and to allow myself to be open to the will of the Father. Relaxing and breathing was hard, because I was still getting over a bad cold which had settled in my chest. But with his grace, I was able to and felt totally at ease.
After I finished my meditation, I went into the hall and waited patiently and soon they came for me. The meeting went so very nice. It was like I knew them and they were kind to allow me to express myself. I could feel the Lord’s presence and him leading me. They told me I seemed totally at ease and had a nice glow about me. The last question was how I would feel about applying for the program. I felt so blessed at that invitation and immediately said I would love the opportunity and would not squander it.
They thanked me and encouraged me to go on to the next step. I was very happy and want to bask in the warmth for just a while…
December 07 2007 | inquiry | No Comments »
Bear with me, I am back dating this some. As I mentioned, this is a log of my journey.
So, I was called by The Vicar of Clergy office and a nice lady scheduled my initial interview or screen for 5:30pm at Holy Trinity in Bremerton.
I remember feeling excited and at the same time apprehensive. They would decide whether or not I even get to apply. If I was the right guy, I would get an application packet. Praying and Waiting…
December 07 2007 | inquiry | No Comments »
In early November, the Archbishop called for a new class of Deacons. Primarily, they were looking for people of different cultures. I went to an informational night held at St. Olaf. I seen Deacon Bob from Holy Trinity and I seen Rick and Dan from our parish. It was interesting!
I remember almost 2 years ago first bringing it up to Father and learning they had a class already formed. I was told to pray about this and apply when a new class was formed. It’s exciting because it’s finally happening. I am not sure how it will end up or if I will even be selected, but I intend to answer this call of God and see it through.
December 07 2007 | inquiry | No Comments »
Well, I’ve opened myself to the process of applying for the Deacon Formation program in the Archdioceses of Seattle. This blog which I installed on my MacBook Pro, will serve as my digital journal. I will keep a log of different things that come to mind. Eventually I might find a hosting service that might host it for me so I can share it with other people.
In the event that my application not be accepted, I will use it to further chronicle my faith journey.
Wish me luck!
December 07 2007 | inquiry | No Comments »
