Archive
Metro Zoo + Coffee House
RECTOR’s SOCIAL TRIP — This month’s excursion was to Metro Zoo. — A little too cold for me today.
SUPERBOWL SET-UP — lots of cooking happening the last couple days in preparation for tomorrow’s FEAST! — TV setup.
COFFEE HOUSE — Evening @ the Pauline Book Store. Full house until 11pm +.
China Buffet II
nite volleyball
SPORTS — after our Rector’s Conference, there was outdoor volleyball. — Great time.
simplicity of life: quid animo satis?
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE — today’s talk was for “returning guys” on the “Simplicity of Life” in more detail than earlier introduced. This is the basic outline of the talk.
I. The Evangelical Counsels
A. Chastity
B. Obedience
C. Simplicity of Life
D. Qualities Beyond Basics (to grow deeper)
E. Posture that creates openness
II. Poverty / Simplicity
A. Pinching limitation …
B. In regards to Present possesions — a lack
C. In regards to Future possessions — insecurity
D. First of the Beatitudes (reminds us God will provide what we need … trust)
E. In Religious Life —> freeing
F. Look at Complications in our lives
G. Look at Identity
III. Poverty Flows out of Hope
A. Faith —> Certainty in Present
B. Hope —> Expanding Certainty of Faith regarding Future
C. Obstacles to Hope: Possessions of the Particular
1. The Attribution of Certainty to Particular Things we already possess.
2. Hope has to do with non-possession, and the Virtue connected to that is Poverty
IV. Deepening Levels of Understanding
A. Eternal Level
B. Next Level: Freedom
C. Deeper Yet: Gladness (= Joy)
D. Deeper Still: Lacking Nothing
V. Detachment / Indifference
A. People live without thinking about this
B. Example of Painting
C. Comparison applied to Everyone
D. Poverty belongs to dynamic of Knowledge: it is Intelligent and full of affection
VI. Lectio: Matthew 6:25-34 …
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, 19 and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. — Matthew 6:25-34
home for Sunshine?
Tonight, walking thru the neighborhood, a brother seminarian (big B) and I stopped to talk to a neighbor and had a great conversation about the Gospel of John, Samaritans, and resurrection. We also grew quite attached to her dog, Sunshine. She’s a 1 year old mix of Beagle and Pug (a “Puggle“) who needs a home, since the owner can’t take care of her anymore. We’d love to take her, but I figured the complications with that arrangement at the seminary are more headache than it’s worth.
After getting home, I tried brainstorm why we couldn’t have a dog? It could bite someone. It’s probably an insurance liability. Take care of a dog may just add another distraction from formation. Don’t know?
It does bring the sacrifices of community life in better focus. Consideration for the others immediately around us. We sacrifice one want for another need. As ministers, we are called to empower others to care for those around us (even pets) instead of trying to “save” others under our own strength. Give the Spirit the room it needs to work in others … but help get it the spark started. 🙂
La Strada @ classic movie night
CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHT — tonight, we had a showing of the 1953 classic Fellini B&W film La Strada with discussion afterwards. I thought the film was way to simple, predictable, slow and boring. But afterwards, we had an open discussion with Dr Solis, Fr Vallee & Fr Alvarez about the symbolism and meaning behind its “simpleness.” I definitely have a greater respect for fim study after that … I didn’t see any symbols until they were pointed out … I’m too simple-folk. Glad I went!
Bishop Noonan @ Confirmation prep
CCD — Since I’m a catechist for 10th grade Confirmation preparation (@ St Timothy’s), I went to the Confirmation prayer service led by Bishop Noonan. Kids, parents and sponsors prayed together with a very meaningful reflection by Bishop Noonan on Baptism, parents, purpose of marriage, our growth in faith, our call to service, our lives of prayer, and our response in Confirmation. — Awesome … I’m glad I went!
cold worklist
WORKLIST — today’s a cold day to drive the golf cart around, but someone has to do it.
Argentinian food night
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Argentinian food nite. Steak, blood sausage, great dessert!
Obama inauguration
We got out of class early in order to watch the historical presidental inauguration of President Obama as our 44th Commander in Chief. Last night’s holy hour was offered up for the country and its near-future during these difficult times of war and economic instability. March for Life is this Thursday … it’ll be interesting to see what President Obama says then … we continue to pray for the Holy Spirit’s divine hand.
“More Priests, Less Pounds” diet: week #2
The second week of Fr Alvarez’s diet plan (called “More Priests, Less Pounds“) is in effect. This week’s exercise plan goes beyond just walking up & down stairs … there is some JOGGING … look out!
“More Priest, Less Pounds” diet plan: week #1
Since some of the guys in the house had requested the option of a diet food program, the Rector suggested Fr Alvarez (our Dean of Men) to use his coaching background to put together a diet & exercise program for the house. The result is the Fr Jose Alvarez “MORE PRIEST, LESS POUNDS” diet plan.
This is week #1 … weigh in each week … exercises get more difficult each week … this week is a series of walking up and down the halls & stairs — I guess sweating isn’t on the list of things to do this week. I hope it does well!
new semester Mass
We just got back to seminary yesterday afternoon. Today is a the first day of classes for the Spring Semester. A great Mass with most of the seminary priests.
back in seminary
This afternoon we were all back in seminary. Rector’s Conference to get us back on the same page. Holy Hour with Benediction to get us back in focus. Spring Semester classes start tomorrow morning!
brother left
Upon getting back to seminary from Christmas break, the big surprise to most was one of our brother seminarians leaving formation over the break. “E” was a Pre-Theology Miami brother (like me) who moved onto another chapter in his life who I already miss (as the house does as well). Being in seminary does mean you’ll become a priest. It’s a place of “discernment” toward the priesthood. It’s something I remind friends and family. Moments like these remind me, as well.
I’ll keep him in my prayers and try to keep in touch.
— I hope I never get used to brothers “leaving.” It hurts, but even that’s a blessing.
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
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