Archive for May, 2009
When I was accepted into the formation program, I wanted to have a place for our class to talk about things going on with the discernment period or aspirancy path. I tried Yahoo groups, then Facebook. Both were okay but the thing that bothered me were all the requests I was flooded with. Some good, but others distracting. I envisioned a place where we’d have some good discussion leading to growth. But, I couldn’t get over the thought that any moment, the site could be sold, transferred or otherwise exploited.
Then this idea occurred to me and was obvious. I have maintained my blog here on my own and little to no hassle at all. I like sharing my experiences here because I never know who I will reach or how it will affect them. I leave how this comes about to God. My answer was a “discussion” forum. I like forums for the one reason, they bring like minded people together. There are forums for every topic and have been very helpful when I want to learn something or share something I’ve learned. This case is no different.
A couple weeks ago, I attended the ordination of 5 new deacons in our Archdioceses. It was something I will never forget. It stirred up feelings of humility, brotherhood and solidarity. It had me asking, “What could I do to help, to be of service?” My mind churned with possibilities as I pondered different ways to help these brothers in Christ.
Well, this is it. I have brought online a new community and have called it, “Deacons Path.” I did this because I think the path to “diakonia” never ends.
The location is: http://www.deaconspath.com
The scope is regional, national and global. Seeking to serve Catholic Deacons where ever they minister.
I am looking forward to your visit.
Peace of Christ be with you all.
May 22 2009 | announcements and deacon resources and formation and news and tech stuff | No Comments »
Last Sunday marked the end of our first “academic” year. When Father mentioned this, a whole range of thoughts and feelings came over me. I thought of the beginning, the middle and now the end. There were many opportunities for growth that can be paralleled with the happenings in the world right now. Being the “aspirancy” year, it was all about discernment-making better choices. We began to separate our “wants” into our “needs” and do you know what? I found we can get by with less. It’s a humbling experience.
Do we make good choices? Have you thought about this more deeply?
It’s reflecting, praying, assembling facts, seeking advice and experiencing a resonance within your heart that says, “yes” this is what I want to do, it’s right, wholesome and feels good to my soul. But it’s not without moments of indecision, fear and doubt. What I found is that these are only signs and elements of discernment, and it’s okay to experience them. They are not signs of unfaithfulness as many would think. Discernment is a cycle, it’s never-ending.
What’s left for us (our class) now is our Synthesis weekend. I mentioned this before. Last night, my wife and I gathered with friends and talked about the questions. It was enlightening how this worked out. We complimented each others responses by filling in soft spots in our answers. I was moved by the reflections each shared and they helped to bring my own to a fuller expression.
That’s what it’s been like all year: New experiences, reflections, honesty with ourselves and others, discernment and finding the path to wholeness. It’s true what the others who’ve gone before us said, “It’s a journey. One that changes you as you begin to place yourself in the hands of the Almighty, you accept the outcome no matter what it is. And, you know deep in your heart, you are better than you were when you began the walk, to take that path..”
I’m thankful for this opportunity and continue to pray to know and understand God’s purpose for me and pray for each of my fellow aspirants, that our path be opened and a new journey begin.
May 19 2009 | formation and inspiration | No Comments »
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the end of this formation year. It’s hard to believe we are on the cusp of Synthesis weekend. It’s been an amazing journey thus far. One that’s revealed more about me than I expected. It’s revealed the nature of true brotherhood in Christ, and amongst ourselves. I found myself drawn into deeper contemplation, and this was both surprising and pleasing to me.
Wrapping up the year with one last series of lectures, we will begin to formalize our thoughts, attempting to make a coherent statement of our experience thus far. It’s a somewhat anxious moment for me and I’m sure for the rest of my class. I just cringe at the thought of letting them down. I am preparing by studying as hard as I possibly can, but also finding that it’s not so much about study–as it is about reflecting. Or as my Pastor says, thinking “homiletically” which I think really means, conversationally–to be conversational about it.
I do believe that Jesus and the prayers of countless saints, will be with us.
I must get back to the finishing touches of my papers, but promise to return after the weekend to give an update. Please keep us in your prayers.
Thank you.
May 14 2009 | formation | No Comments »
So much has happened since Easter. Let me start with our last formation weekend. We enjoyed two sessions from Deacon Owen Cummings. The Deacon gave a bang up job on 2 lectures being “Faith and Reason” and the topic of Discernment. Both were great! The lectures on pastoral ministry and public speaking were spot on as well. We visited a “L’Arche which means “The Ark” out in Tacoma. It was a reminder that the often marginalized few are forgotten but through generosity and loving hearts, people give them a place to be all they can be. I truly feel blessed to have been able to visit and hear their story.
In other news, in the Archdioceses of Seattle, there were 5 new Deacons ordained. We were provided a rare opportunity to see them make both their oath of fidelity and profession of faith during our morning prayers. After witnessing that, I just had to follow-up this experience by accepting the invitation to their Rite of Ordination this last Saturday. I took many pictures, but perhaps the most touching was the Litany and the most inspirational, was the welcoming of the new Deacons into the Order of Deacons by their brothers.
We have another Formation weekend with lectures, then Syntheis weekend in June. Lots to ponder, so the whole class can use your continued prayers.
Thank you to all those following my journey. As this 1st year comes to an end, pray that my journey leads onto the path of Candidacy.
Peace.
May 04 2009 | formation and inspiration and prayer request and prayers | No Comments »
