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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.
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!
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.
Advent is here
With the busyness of writing term papers and studying for this exam week coming up, it’s easy to forget Advent is here and preparing myself for Christmas. Also being diligent in keep up with my seminary goals for this semester … prayer … study … community … service.
It’s nice to see “sacramentals” to remind us of something (and Someone) greater than the immediate here and now busyness. These Christmas lights in a brother seminarian’s room was nice to see today.
Tomorrow is my personal semester evaluation with Rector one-on-one. — I hope Ligo Orante is praying for me extra hard today 🙂 God bless & be holy!
graduate graces
NIGHT PRAYER — our seminary rector asked each class to have their own Night Prayer this week with group reflection on the graces that we’ve been blessed with. Tonight was the graduating class (Seniors + Pre-Theology year 2) in the McCarthy House Chapel. It wasn’t only great to express thanksgiving for graces I’ve noticed (especially in my 2nd year of formation), but to hear the graces that others have noticed helps me to recognize other graces that I’ve also received, but unable to “name” or appreciate. It was yet another grace-filled event in seminary.
Thank you, God bless you, and be holy!
DOTS — “Evangelicals” club @ World Religion class … graces of sacraments @ Pre-Theology seminary … gato y abuela @ dinner … freshly baked cookies afternoon + evening
Jeopardy + Charades @ CCD
CCD — tonight, in 10th grade Confirmation class, we played Jeopardy and Charades to review for their mid-term test before Christmas break. Lots of fun and lots of review!
Here are some of the “answers” … what are the “questions”?
catagory: FIRST DAY FAITH QUIZ
1. THE NAME OF THE FIRST POPE
2. THE STORY OF CREATION IS IN THIS BIBLE BOOK
3. MARY’S COUSIN
4. THE NAMES OF ALL THE GOSPEL BOOKS
5. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SAVED ON THE ARK
6. THIS APOSTLE WAS A TAX COLLECTOR
7. THE MEANING OF “CATHOLIC”
8. THE NAME OF ABRAHAM’S SON
9. ON THIS DAY, WE CELEBRATE THE SCURGING, CRUCIFIXION & DEATH OF JESUS
10. THESE ARE THE 2 TYPES OF SINS
category: CHAPTER 1 (of our text book)
1. GOD REVEALING HIMSELF TO US
2. COMMUNICATING WITH GOD
3. HEBREWS 11:1 SAYS IT IS “BEING SURE OF WHAT YOU HOPE FOR AND CERTAIN OF WHAT YOU DO NOT SEE”
4. THE PART OF THE BIBLE THAT FOCUSES ON THE FAITH RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD & THE ISRAELITES
5. THIS IS WHAT WE CALL THE SPECIAL GUIDANCE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT GAVE HUMAN AUTHORS OF THE BIBLE
category: PHONE CALLS (prayer)
1. GUESTURE MADE BY CATHOLICS AT THE BEGINNING & END OF PRAYERS
2. THE MEANING OF THE WORD ” AMEN ”
3. THE NUMBER OF DECADES (10) ON A ROSARY
4. IN THE LORD’S PRAYER, THE MEANING OF “HALLOWED”
5. THE NAME OF THIS PRAYER STYLE COMES FROM A LATIN WORD MEANING “CROWN OF ROSES”
category: FAMOUS CATHOLICS
1. THE CURRENT POPE
2. THE ONLY CATHOLIC U.S. PRESIDENT
3. WRITER OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS BOOK SERIES
4. THE VOICE OF “THE GOVERNATOR”, AN H1, FROM THE ANIMATED MOVIE “CARS” (2006)
5. RAPPER, MODEL, & ACTOR IN “THE ITALIAN JOB”
category: PHONE (prayer) TYPES
1. GRATITUDE FOR WHAT HE DOES
2. THE CREATED BEFORE THE CREATOR, USUALLY IN FRONT OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
3. ASKING GOD FOR MYSELF
4. GLORIFYING GOD FOR WHO HE IS
5. TUNING INTO GOD
volleyball basketball
SPORTS NIGHT — another awesome Tuesday with volleyball & basketball. I get so excited about volleyball, that I forget to take any pictures. Maybe next time.
BLOG STATUS — this is actually my first post this month. In some extra personal effort to get more engaged in seminary life by staying diligent to my “goals,” especially a Holy Hour everyday, I haven’t had much time to even download my pictures from my cellphone. Yesterday, with the extension of 2 paper due dates, it gave me some breathing room to get some posts ready (I’ll be backdating them). — Thank you for all your prayers and support! God bless & be holy.
Colombian food night
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — Tonight was Colombian food night. I forgot what everything was named, but it was all good, especially the dessert of banana in sweet orange sauce. Also showed some videos about Colombia … first one is sweet … second one is funny with lots of movie clips involving Colombia … check them out.
Colombia is Passion
Colombia: Are you willing to take the risk? (funny)
Pjanoo + SJVCS music video
I found this song a couple weeks ago and every time I listen to it, I picture a music video of seminary life here at St John Vianney College Seminary. It’s like a flying video camera visiting dormlife, meals, Mass, communal prayer, sports, fellowship, studies, staff, manual labor, social trips and the beautiful grounds. It changes each time I listen, but the only thing that doesn’t change is the elevation of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance by Fr Michael (rector) during our Wednesday Holy Hours … that happened at the 4 minute mark in the song. I just had to post it … it keeps me focused!
This is “Pjanoo” (Original Mix) by Eric Prydz. Enjoy and be holy!
worklist makak
WORKLIST (manual labor) — Cool weather was nice. Busy day today with lots of palm branches to pick up. Also found some proud weed-pullers. I also caught my golf-cart partner Manuel swinging from a palm branch like a makak (Creole for “monkey”). — Holy labor!
CCD: Saints + Rosary
CCD — For apostalic work (10th grade Confirmation religious education), we continued on the Rosary, reviewed the Mysteries, prayed the Joyful Mysteries, discussed All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Purgatory and debated “only saints go to heaven.” — next week they’re doing saint reports & presentations!
CCD: Christian music
APOSTALIC WORK — Today in 10th grade CCD class, we tried to review some things we’ve discuss so far by adding some discussion on application. We used some mainstream Christian songs and studied their lyrics to bring a Christian perspective to practical life issues. Here are the songs we used …
Life, sin, shame, forgiveness … “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
Heaven … “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
Effectiveness of prayer … “This is a Call” by Thousand Foot Krutch
Dating relationships … “Gone” by TobyMac
Parable of the Lost Sheep (Mt 18:10-14) … “Leaving 99” by Audio Adrenaline
CCD + BAPTiSM + 5 finger prayer
Tonight’s CCD class (religious education) was on “Prayer.” We used a PowerPoint slide show I made a couple years ago to profile the different types of prayer. I used an acronym I made up using BAPTiSM:
B A P T i S M =
B = Blessing (to invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity)
A = Adoration (the “created” before the Creator)
P = Praise (glorify God)
T = Thanksgiving (gratitude)
i = Intercession (I ask God for OTHERS) + Petition (I ask God for ME)
S = “Sorry” (ask for forgiveness)
M = Meditation (tuning into God)
When discussing Intercession, I suggested using the “5 Finger Prayer” that I personally like using:
5 FINGER PRAYER =
Thumb – Pray for those nearest you such as your family, parents, siblings, spouse, children, friends and co-workers.
Pointing Finger – Pray for those who instruct, heal and minister such as teachers, health care professionals, pastors and church workers.
Middle/Highest Finger – Pray for leaders in business, police and fire departments, military personnel, and local, state and federal government including the judiciary.
Fourth/Weakest Finger – Pray for those sick and in need, locally, nationally and internationally including the persecuted church and those who have suffered natural and man-made disasters.
Fifth/Smallest Finger – Pray for your needs.
darkness falls + care pack + volleyball
DARKNESS FALL on us during Evening Prayer right before dinner. The winds picked up and there was an erie feeling in the air.
One of our Brother’s Mother made snack care packages for all 60 of us seminarians. Thank you!
Volleyball was tonight. Foot injury during basketball.
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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