feeling & healing @ IPF
I’m still here at IPF (Institute for Priestly Formation) in Omaha, Nebraska feeling & healing in prayer through all the experiences each day.
Sorry I haven’t posted … I’m trying to get the most of all that’s available … not to miss any opportunities to grow in graces as the Lord reveal more of my identity each day … discerning His plans for me.
I was randomly (not to say God doesn’t have a hand in it) listening to this song (Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I Belong”) and felt the need to post it. I think it shows the journey, with its highs and hows (consolation & desolation), that most of us here (and anywhere) are experiencing each day as we come to know the Lord deeper and more intimately each day.
— God bless & be holy!
I also found this piano version someone posted:
explaining IPF to Grandma
Even though I was in my room with food poisoning, a brother seminarian recorded the class for me. The first hour was Fr Jim Rafferty in the Hall, asking the question to all of us … “How do you explain IPF to your Grandmother (or any non-seminarian)?” Since we’re about half way through the summer program, today was a summary to remind us of what we’ve experienced so far and not to forget the essentials. He received several good possible responses to the question, but he helped us see an even greater integration of all the different parts of IPF by speaking on “Liturgy.”
We’re beginning a new course titled, “IPF 504: The Mystery of the Liturgy: Receiving in Celebration and Life.” Since we’ll be discussing “Liturgy” in the “big picture” sense, we needed to remind ourselves that Liturgy is not limited to simply liturgical celebration and Mass, but “Liturgy” permeates our lives. In the Mystery of Liturgy, we don’t just acknowledge the Trinity exists, but live in celebration of that mystery in the Mass and beyond it, encountering the Trinity in all things and responding in our own generosity. God’s activity is outward toward us beyond our celebration of ritual — it spills out and over into all of life.
Fr Rafferty shared a recent experience stuck in Detroit on a connecting flight to Scranton. There was a oil leak on the plane, an overbooked flight, a request for volunteers to give up seats, a group that prayed together for volunteers, and more. Through the stressful situation, a series of people and events brought him to a realization that he “lost his expectation that God was doing things for me.” That loss of consciousness of God’s Presence in all brought an opportunity to refocus on God instead of self. Similarly, we come to the liturgy to experience God and receive all the love of the heart of Jesus for us. My experience of liturgy is enriched by my integration of prayer to my whole life in growing in consciousness of God.
Goal #3 for the Liturgy course is “To equip the seminarian with practical personal skills for deepening the receptivity of that Trinitarian life (interpenetrating liturgical celebrations, personal prayer, and daily life and ministry).” This is where we reviewed the more prominent “prayer tools” in our IPF Toolbox that we’ve been integrating all summer.
A.R.R.R. …… (a structure for personal prayer) Acknowledge (thoughts, feelings & desires), Relate (to God), Receive (from God), Respond
Lectio Divina …… reflecting on daily readings, Pope and church documents, events of the day, etc.
Spiritual Senses …… the way we are aware of the invisible reality of the spiritual life. Many times related in the language of poetry.
Repetition …… returning to a place of deep affective movement weather consolation or desolation to receive more.
Discernment of Spirits …… assisting of our interior movements, recognizing their origin — from God, ourselves, or the evil spirit. Remembering our principle foundation is “I want to be as close to God as possible” so I cooperate with that which is from God and reject that not from God.
Colloquy …… personal conversation with God (may be written in journal), reflecting on today’s journey in receiving the continuous Liturgy
poisoned Pickle burger @ Sonic
After communal Night Prayer, on our way to return of Hertz rental car (for our trip to Mt Rushmore+), we drove through Sonic to celebrate having a car to get around in (we’re getting a bit tired of the bus system). I ordered a Sonic burger with NO pickles and, (as my colorful history with pickles would have it), I received a plain burger with a beef patty and JUST pickles on it. We were already on the move and didn’t want to go back, but I ate the burger (minus the pickles) anyways. My first bad experience at my favorite burger place. I would have take a picture of the burger, but it was too dark.
[This “Pickle burger” ended up being the root cause of my food poisoning experience over the next few days.]
I also noticed that our Hertz rental car came with a GPS that you’d normally pay extra for, but with Brian’s shmoozing of the Hertz counter-girl (with stories of Pittsburgh & St. Petersburg), we got it for free (which is exactly what it’s worth). It’s called the Hertz NEVER Lost, but any emphasis to a name like that should be a clue it should be called the ALWAYS Lost … not the most reliable. I wish I brought my Garmin … i miss her (Cassandra) voice.
Natural Family Planning (NFP), Catholic birth-control
Today’s lecture was on Natural Family Planning. The first hour was a presentation in Riggie Hall by couples that teach the program from The Couple to Couple League (CCL). The second hour was back in the classroom for question-and-answer session with one of the couples. A lot of great info and lots of great questions. For the basics about the Catholic view on birth-control and contraception, check this out.
What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)? NFP is a way of following God’s plan for achieving and/or avoiding pregnancy. It consists of ways to achieve or to avoid pregnancy using the physical means that God has built into human nature. Today’s NFP should not be confused with Calendar Rhythm Method taught in the 1930’s.
NFP consists of two distinct forms: Ecological breastfeeding is a form of child care that normally spaces babies about two years apart on the average. Systematic NFP is a system that uses a woman’s signs of fertility to determine the fertile and infertile times of her cycle. Couples seeking to avoid pregnancy practice chaste abstinence during the fertile time of her cycle.
Systematic NFP consists of various “methods” or systems that seek to determine the fertile and infertile times of the cycle. The “Ovulation Method” focuses primarily on the mucus sign. Other couples use a temperature-only form of NFP, and some use the cervix sign in combination with either the temperature sign or the mucus sign. We were taught how to use a cross-checking system called the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM). It uses all the common signs of fertility in a cross-checking way.
A FREE 156 page manual is available on-line at NFP and more.org in PDF format called Natural Family Planning: The Complete Approach by John and Sheila Kippley. Basically, there is a chart (blank available in pdf format) that is used to track the changes in cervix, cervical mucus and temperature daily. (In one hour, I think we learned more about the female anatomy than most married men do.) Each variable has a code at the bottom of the chart to note: (from chapter 2, pdf)
TEMPERATURE (when a woman wakes up) is taken with a digital thermometer (oral, vaginal, or rectal). Before ovulation, the waking temperature is lower than it is after ovulation. In the five or six days before ovulation, the higher levels of estrogen tend to depress or lower the waking temperatures slightly. After ovulation, progesterone causes the waking temperatures to rise.
Before ovulation, the CERVIX undergoes four changes: (1) cervix rises slightly; (2) the mouth of the cervix (cervical os) opens slightly; (3) the tip of the cervix becomes softer; and (4) the cervix secretes a mucus discharge. Around ovulation or usually right after ovulation, these changes in the cervix are reversed.
Before ovulation, the CERVICAL MUCUS first appears as a somewhat tacky substance and then becomes more fluid. It usually starts a few days after menstruation, but sometimes it can start toward the end of the period. As it becomes more fluid, the mucus becomes slippery and stretchy, and usually produces sensations of wetness on the outer lips of the vagina (the vulva).
Besides bombarding us with lots of science, they were proud to note that “We have no doubt that married couples who are properly instructed and motivated can practice the cross-checking Sympto-Thermal Method at the 99% level of effectiveness for avoiding pregnancy.”
NFP can also be used for couples who are trying to have a baby. We also had the option to visit the Pope Paul VI Institute located in Omaha, NE that does extensive medical research dedicated to providing morally and professionally acceptable reproductive health services. They include the CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare System and NaPro Technology that has helped women conceive children, while respecting the Catholic Church view against in-vitro fertilization.
The Couple to Couple League (CCL) offer classes for couples and have computer software to help track all the variables into cool colored charts (I could definitely see guys getting into this … like me). They said some couples have it on a laptop next to their bed (there’s something creepy about the sound of that … but I can see it happening). The software they offer is CyclePRO, but I couldn’t find a screenshot of it. I did find another popular ovulation & fertility software available called Hormonal Forecaster with many kinds of visual displays (the STM chart screenshot is shown here).
Besides all the technical info with science and the Catholic Church view on fertility, the idea of personal intimacy of a married couple started to get minimized. The couples started sharing their own lives and the application of NFP in their marriages. Through their own experiences, they recommend that the couple always do NFP together. Even though the woman’s body is where all the signs come from, the husband should be the one to record the readings to actively be involved, pay attention to his wife’s needs more sensitively and find ways of intimacy outside of sexual union during their times of fertility. They also posted a chart that concluded divorce is lowest in couples that practice NFP. The chart showed a bar graph of “divorces per 100 marriages.” In 1960’s, it was 26 per 100. In 1970’s, it was 32 per 100. In 1980, it was 50 per 100. For NPF users, it was LESS THAN 5 per 100 marriages. (I’ve got some doubt about this research … a little too good to be true … no real source cited.)
Other questions about fertility and Catholic teaching can be found here.
Some personal testimonies of Catholic couples struggling with infertility.
Christopher West & “Theology of the Body” (day 2)
Today was day #2 (see day #1 here) of the highly anticipated lecture by Christopher West, titled “Priestly Celibacy and the Redemption of Sexuality.” It was a presentation of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” directed for us seminarians in our journey toward priesthood. It was very rich in theological language, yet applied to our immediate lives, especially in the area of our personal sexuality. It was very well received.
He used a lot of song references from the 80’s to highlight points. I wrote some points for my reflection as I was trying to keep up:
- Theology cannot only be “in the head” … it must be “in the will” as well
- mysticism or neurosis
- Carl Rainer, “Christianity will be mystical or nothing at all.”
- Ephesians 5 is the summa.
- Marriage is liturgy and liturgy is marriage.
- A married man can become a priest, but not vice versa.
- First choose between marriage or a consecrated celibate … then discern priesthood.
- Sang Steve Winwood’s song “Bring Me a Higher Love“
See day #1 of lecture, with links on Theology of the Body & video of Christopher West.
Christopher West & Theology of the Body (day 1)
Today was the highly anticipated lecture by Christopher West, titled “Priestly Celibacy and the Redemption of Sexuality.” It was a presentation of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” directed for us seminarians in our journey toward priesthood. It was very rich in theological language, yet applied to our immediate lives, especially in the area of our personal sexuality. It was very well received … and this was only day #1.
He used a lot of song references from the 80’s to highlight points. I wrote some points for my reflection as I was trying to keep up:
- 80’s song “Blinded by Science” –> science has blinded us; our bodies are theological, not only biological
- U2 song “Desire“
- Peter Gabriel’s song “In Your Eyes” lyrics demonstrate a “twisted mystic” that hints at “Song of Songs”
- In seminary, we learn to “inseminate” the “bride” (Church)
- Bruce Springstein’s song “Everybody has a Hungry Heart“
- Bookends of the Bible begins with Adam & Eve and ends with the NEW Adam (Jesus) & the NEW Eve (Church). This is a great analogy of how “God wants to marry us”
- Are we eating from “fast food” or a “starvation diet”
- “Idolatry of body” verses “Iconography (window to heaven) of body”
- Devil is the “enemy” of human nature (body & soul union). He wants to separate. Horror movies show this with ghosts or corpses.
- On the Cross, the giving “flow of blood & water” is the giving of “His seminal flow” (from St Augustine)
- Eve “takes” the apple (gift) denying the trust of “receiving” the gift
- Lust “extorts the gift”
- Even my will is “grace.” “All is grace.”
Weblinks to Theology of the Body resources:
special effects left 4 God
EASTER VIGIL @ Cathedral 8pm — a beautiful and event-filled Mass with lots of pictures (’cause it’s the last time I’ll be serving at it).
Sometime during the second reading, the power went out and we had to adjust rather quickly. It was decided to cut out the “bells” (my job) during the singing of the Gloria because it may drown out the singing if the microphones and organ have no power. Aside, Javier predicted the power would come back when I ran the bells. I laughed it off until the power actually DID come back during the singing of the Gloria … so … the lights would have come back during the ringing of the bells! … A wise seminarian reflected on the event after Mass and concluded it was a sign to remind us that “God is in charge of the special effects.” — Amen! 🙂
Beautiful Mass. The Lord has Risen, Halleluia!
[Note: the last picture fulfills Ryan’s prophecy: “Don’t let Chris take your picture, or it will end up on his blog.” — to complete an evening of fulfilled prophecies … 🙂 ]
last minor serving
CATHEDRAL — Since I’m graduating from St John Vianney College Seminary (minor) in Miami, FL and (God-willing) moving onto major seminary of St Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL … I wanted to take a lot of pictures while serving my last “minor” Cathedral Mass on the Easter Vigil.
Here is us seminarians getting vested in our cassock & surplice before Mass.
As “cross“, my first serving duty was to hold the tray for the Easter Candle blessing. The items included nails, a knife, tongs for the charcoal fire, and a personalized candle for Archbishop Favalora (that Hector had something to do with).
Vocation talks @ AMHS
Yesterday (Monday) and today, we did “Vocation Talks” at Catholic high schools. I, along with Nick and Fenley, spent the day at Archbishop McCarthy High School (AMHS) giving talks in theology classes about the vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life … mainly our personal testimonies of how we came to be in seminary. There are about a dozen other seminary brothers doing the same thing at other Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese of Miami … all in an effort to promote Vocations.
The day was GREAT! We were well received by all students and teachers with some excellent questions about vocations ranging from general to personal questions on our own discernment journey. Each of us did about 8 to 10 talks throughout the day … I did fewer than the others cuz I spoke over my 10 to 15 minutes … 🙂 … but we eventually covered all students of the school over the two day period.
We started the day off with Mass with Fr Chris Bartos. Fairly new to giving our vocation testimonies, we were a bit nervous about sharing out life journeys, but managed to connect with the teenagers very quickly. The questions ranged from the simple (like “Can you still play paintball when you become a priest?” — my most common questions of the day) to the more challenging (like “How do you know where you’ll be assigned when you become a priest?” and “Why would someone choose to be a diocesen priest over a religious priest?”) to the super personal (like “Are you afraid you may want to get married after becoming a priest?”). We could definitely feel the attention they gave toward Catholic vocations in their thought provoking questions and comments.
Thank you to the Serra Club for arranging the talks and the staff at Archbishop McCarthy High School for their great hospitality … with extra-special thanks to Fr Chris Bartos and the students who walked us around the beautiful campus as our “guides” each day [there were more than just in the pictures]. They all helped to make it an effective experience and lots of fun! — Thanks again!
An AWESOME day full of graces, blessings and growth in the Kingdom of God! — Lunch in their new cafeteria was awesome too … 🙂
best brownie @ AMHS
The last couple of day, I was with a couple seminarian brother doing vocation testimonies about our journey to the seminary at Archbishop McCarthy High School (AMHS). I’ll do another post about the actual talks, but wanted to post some pictures on the beautiful campus that I took walking around, most especially their new cafeteria.
Their chapel, in the center of the campus, has morning Mass everyday with Fr Chris Bartos @ 7:20am. The chapel is absolutely beautiful [I posted more pictures of it during the summer when I was working with the summer school “Work Study Program”].
Their cafeteria was just finished and opened back in September and has an amazing selection of “5 star” food [with some “5 star” prices … according to some kids], but is definitely a experience. Subs, wraps, pizza, chicken, salads, desserts and lots more that I forgot. Personally, I had their pizza one day and a turkey wrap the next … both delicious. But what I will never forget … is the softest, moistest, chocolateyness, most delicious BROWNIE EVER!!
P.S. Sorry Nick … for catching you in all the pictures 🙂
Walk for Life @ SJVC seminary
Today is the annual “Walk for Life” done throughout the US with multiple locations around the Archdiocese of Miami. Our seminary was one of the locations. The day began with Mass with Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan with a full Chapel.
don’t be a loser … commit
MASS – (Fr Santos) — Gospel about the beheading of John the Baptist.
There are 3 kinds of people in this world: (1) Runners avoid their problems, (2) Watchers sit on the fence; both avoid pain, hurt and becoming vulnerable when dealing with difficulties of life. They lose out on triumph, victory and joy that (3) Those that Commit have as their reward.
more basketball
SPORTS NIGHT (take 2) — again, Sports Night was delayed … so no volleyball … I “played” basketball again … my calves are rock hard.
Salesian Spirituality
"Hey, that's St John Bosco!"
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE – (Fr Alvarez) — for a change, our Vice Rector / Dean of Men did the conference for the whole house on Salesian Sprituality. He shared some great personal experiences on St John Bosco, Salesian Spirituality, his “Preventative” System of Education (promote love over punishment), his 3 Pillars (reason, religion & kindness … also music and games), and some application to our lives & ministries.
Love is all important. Be sure people feel loved.
Meet people where their at. And yourself as well.
It’s a spirituality that helps us realize we need to have fun!
coco morning
It’s cold today … even at breakfast! Hot chocolate for sure!
basketball + clean shoes
SPORTS NIGHT — since Sports Night was delayed (HS practice) until 9:30pm, not enough guys for volleyball. The basketball players needed 1 more to make even teams, so I “played” (there must be a better word for what I did).
Beforehand, I finally cleaned those dirty white shoes.
spiritual awareness + God alone suffices
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — No prophet is accepted in his home … Fr Omar laugh … Spirituality is about awareness … stay awake!
HOLY HOUR – (Fr Michael) — “God alone suffices”
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen. — 1Peter 5:6-11
Haitian food night
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Haitian food nite. Great food, especially the pumpkin “freedom” soup!
diet: “More Priests Less #s” week #4
The new diet plan here at the seminary, “More Priest, Less Pounds,” (by Fr Jose Alvarez) is still in effect Week #4. Some guys are getting results. There are a lot more guys working out at our gym (and some local gyms). — I’m starting to feel fat just being around all these health-nuts!
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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