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semester begins + Aquinas + Contemporary Philosophy + Medieval + Ministry + Amber Spyglass
MASS – (Fr Michael) — God is the same yesterday as today, on vacation, on retreat, back in the daily routine. Do you believe in Jesus? How is your life different because of your belief?
AQUINAS in the 20th CENTURY – (Fr Vallee) — this is a senior level course that focuses on the rediscovery of St Thomas Aquinas thought in the 19th & 20th centuries, in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics and anthropology. Readings will be from Gilson, Maritain, Marechal, Rousselot and John Paul II’s Fides et ratio. No term paper. Tests are open notes & open book — (translation: It’s hard!). Large class.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — started reviewing Modern Philosophy era. LOTS of reading. Martin Buber – I and Thou … Hans-Georg Gadamer – Truth and Method … Martin Heidegger – Introduction to Metaphysics … Edmund Husserl – Phenomenology and the Crisis of Philosophy … Soren Kierkegaard – Either/Or (our first reading assignment) … Karl Marx – Communist Manifesto … Friedrich Nietzsche – The Anti-Christ … Paul Ricoeur – Oneself as Another … John Robinson – Honest to God … Adam Smith – The Wealth of Nations … Alfred North Whitehead – Religion in the Making. — I should probably be reading right now!
MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Vallee) — reviewed a timeline of philosphy periods. This class will focus on Augustine (Confessions), Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica, On Being and Essence, The Thought of Thomas Aquinas). Our main test is Frederick Copleston’s A History of Philosophy, vol II. 2 papers. — finally some Augustine & Aquinas!
MINISTERIAL PRACTICUM – (Fr Michael) — reviewed the basic about ministry (from last semester). This course will be about the practical skills need for ministry. Next year, we’ll be assigned Monday night “Apostalic Work” in the areas of CCD catechesis or Homebound Visitation. We’ll be going out to visit other seminarians in their work assignments throughout the semester. Today, we also learned “How to Create a Lesson Plan” for CCD class. — finally some hands-on!
DOTS — “Kr” Lauds blessing — listened to first half of The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials trilogy) on audio
X-Mas Midnight Mass
Did some last minute Christmas shopping. Served 6pm Christmas Vigil Mass with Msgr Strano & Deacon Lou at my home parish of St Bernadette Catholic Church in Hollywood, FL. At 11pm, there was a Christmas Program combining a history of Christmas tradition from around the world with the choir’s carols. I had a short reading part from Genesis (God kicking Adam & Eve out of the Garden of Eden). Then Midnight Mass. The procession began with our “Army of Acoloytes” (high school alter servers). I carried in the holy water to bless the nativity scene on the alter. A beautiful service. After Mass, I got a great picture with my family and our Pastor Father Dalton.
1st sem grades
Today I received my grades for my first semester in St John Vianney College Seminary:
Arts & Ideas – (Fr Vallee) — B
Ancient Philosophy – (Fr Santos) — B+
Modern Philosophy – (Fr Santos) — B
Ministerial Methods – (Fr Michael) — A
Intermediate Spanish – (Dr Jimenez) — B
Intro to Old Testament – (Fr Michael) — A
DOTS — Stephen King’s The Mist [PF]
Family Day + StB
MIAMI FAMILY DAY — today, Archbishop Favalora hosts all the Miami seminarian & their families for a Mass & luncheon. We started the morning with a seminarian group picture in our black suits (for a vocation poster) at ~9:45am. I served as “cross bearer” for the 11am Mass —by the grace of God, I didn’t fall over with that heavy 2-piece cross. The Archbishop have a great sermon including family support and after Mass gave all the servers a “ring blessing.” After Mass, we had a great lunch.
HOME PARISH — later in the afternoon, at my home parish St Bernadette (in Hollywood, FL), I joined the RCIT class for their Christmas party and served with incense with Mgsr Strano.
MOVIE — The Nanny Diaries with Wendy’s & canolli.
Gaudeamus skit + gifts
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — last exam & turned in reflection paper on “Amadeus highlighting the Modern Period”
GAUDEAMUS — There’s a tradition at the seminary, called Gaudeamus, where a skit is performed to make fun of seminarians. At the end of the first semester, all new guys are highlighted. At the end of the second semester, seniors are highlighted. Since I’m a “new guy,” over the last week, guys are asking what I think they “have on me.” I have no idea — hopefully nothing that will haunt me throughout seminary. After dinner at 9:30pm, we all gather in the Community Room for the “show.” Just when I think I’m safe, the FIRST guy that comes out is “ME” — making fun of me taking fruit (if that’s all the got, I dodged that bullet!). The whole skit was hillarious with great impressions, including the Rector Fr Michael, Fr Santos, Fr Vallee, & Bishop Noonan.
CHAPEL GIFTS — Our last activity together (besides tomorrow’s morning Mass) was Night Prayer in the Chapel. Afterwards, each class presented their Christmas gifts to their chosen priest and the Rector’s staff presented each of us with a gift — a SJV personalized messenger bag — AWESOME!
Amadeus
SPANISH 2 – (Dr Jimenez) — Final Exam. — I guess it went ok?
EVENING MOVIE — tonight, we watched Deck the Hall drive-in style with a projector outside for the whole community.
WRITE A PAPER — today I re-watched Amadeus for my Arts & Ideas reflection paper due tomorrow. Here is my opening paragraph:
The Modern period, beginning with the Renaissance, is most known for its ideas in rationalism, empiricism, enlightenment and romanticism. A reflection of the time can be seen in the he 1984 film Amadeus, based on Peter Shaffer’s stage play. The story takes place during the end of the 18th century and is based on the lives of two composers of the time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Within the film, signs of the “modern period” can be seen. More specifically, the modern traits of displaced eschatology, the rise of the genius and technology are demonstrated in Amadeus.
2 exams + semester evaluation
OLD TESTAMENT – (Fr Michael) — 36 multiple choice questions. (found out later — 2 wrong 94%)
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — 5 essay questions. (found out later — 93%)
SPANISH STUDY SESSION – (Dr Jimenez) — we had a great EXTRA review session with our professor.
SEMESTER EVALUATION — at the end of each semester, each seminarian is given a written evaluation (with an interview). Mine went very well. What was observed: I’m open and engaged in formation, quiet, mature, willing to serve others, responsible and diligent in academics and house duties. What I need to work on: share my gifts more confidently within the seminary community. Final recommendation: I should continue in the program of priestly formation. — It wasn’t nearly as scary as some veterans made it out to be.
Lost Sheep + cram day
MASS – (Fr Santos) — the Lost Sheep gospel reading — don’t forget importance of the other dependent communal shephards (fellow seminarians).
STUDY GROUPS — since I have no exams today, it’s cram day for 2 exams tomorrow (Ancient Philosophy & Old Testament). Burger King & CVS runs. -Cef
EVENING MOVIE — Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer
“philosopher soccer”
Yesterday was our exam on Modern Philosophy (not easy) and tommorrow is Ancient Philosophy. As some of us took a break from a study session, we found this YouTube video from Monty Python about Philosopher’s Football (Soccer) that has the (Ancient) Greeks verse the (Modern & Contemporary) Germans. — Hillarious! (but only because I kinda-know some philosophy)
first 2 exams + Publix
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — Final Exam #1 — I think I over-studied with little sleep. (found out later — 78%)
MINISTERIAL METHODS – (Fr Michael) — Final Exam #2 — 25 multiple choice questions. (found out later — 2 wrong 92%)
EVENING MOVIE — Rescue Dawn in community room
DOTS — naps — Publix (ice cream, cakes, drinks, sub) — Dinner “mystery ball” w Oz — watched 3 comics (Josh, Francisco & Ron White)
vocation Mass + Jubilee Rosary + 4 movies
VOCATION MASS – (Fr Manny) –the Miami seminarians were asked to serve this morning for a special vocations Mass on this feast of the Immaculate Conception. Afterwards, we helped serve refreshments outside the Main Chapel.
JUBILEE ROSARY – (Archbishop Favalora) — 7pm tonight was a Rosary with the Archbishop during this Jubilee Year Celebration of the Archdiocese of Miami here at our Main Chapel @ St John Vianney College Seminary. Beautifully done.
MOVIE DAY — today, I watched 4 movies throughout the day … The Muppet Christmas Carol … Back To The Future … The 5th Element … Rat Race … with L-Wendy’s & D-McNuggets … I have no explanation 🙂
postmodern + Monsignor + Christmas dinner
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — “frail bird”
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — finish Hegel. Turned in reflection paper on Locke.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — finish Neoplatonism. Turned in reflection paper on Epicureanism.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — as the last day of class before finals week, we covered the Post-Modern Period in 1 day.
VIGIL MASS + MONSIGNOR – (Fr Michael) — [2 battleships practicing] we celebrated a Vigil Mass for tomorrow’s feast of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Noonan began Mass by announcing our rector Fr Michael Carruthers has been made a Monsignor (along with 20+ others in our diocese during this Jubilee Year), but he still prefers us to call him “Father.” — Congratulations!
CHRISTMAS DINNER — especially for faculty member, we had a big Christmas Dinner with ham, pork, rice & beans, green beans, po-ta-toes, fudge pie, key lime pie, apple dessert, & a bowl of strawberry/blueberry “mix” — GREAT!
spinach + Robitussin
MASS — [left shine]
SPANISH – (Dr Jimenez) — chaper 14 test + dictation + evaluation.
LUNCH — food court @ Dolphin Mall with J.
DINNER — Spinach lasagna (with nuts & hard pasta)? + Robitussin drink + scarce salad bar.
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE – (Fr Michael) — part 2 on Virtues for new guys.
TV — watched last to episodes of Pushing Daisies procrastinating 2 philosophy papers due tomorrow. [a blessing in disguise]
Neoplatonism + worklist
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — Hegel’s Absolute Idealism. Also got back our last quiz (22/30).
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — Neoplatonism. Philosophical “GOD” eminates.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — sick — no class.
WORKLIST — today I had McCarthy Chapel … easy … so I also did trash & floors. I took a picture of the grounds worklisters.
Austrian food night
EVENING PRAYER — today I led evening prayer before dinner.
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — today’s theme is Austria. Great food with apple struddle for desert!
dialectic + stoicism + Serra dinner
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — Francis Xavier – preach the Gospel … if necessary use words.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — Hegel’s “dialectic” … thesis – antithesis (“marker is NOT a turkey“) – synthetic. Look up Anthropic Principle = Hegel?
ANCIENT – (Fr Santos) — handout on Epicureanism & Stoicism. — I think I’ll do my reflection paper on Epicureanism.
SERRA CLUB DINNER – (Fr Manny) — the Miami Pre-Theologians (me) helped our vocation director at the annual Serra Club Dinner honoring Religious men & woman at St Martha Catholic Church next to the Archdiocesen Pastoral Center. — Great people, food and Christmas caroling!
pre-T BBQ
WASHING DISHES — I cleaned some more.
FOOTBALL — finally some “American football.”
EVENING BBQ — we had a community BBQ at our Pre-Theology homes for dinner. Squired chicken & shrimp, cornbread, corn, baked po-ta-toe, ice cream, brownies … awesome food & fellowship!
ice skating + dish washing + cleaning
FIELD TRIP — today, 25+ guys went ice skating as one of the Rector’s optional field trips.
CLEANING — Since the Pre-T houses are hosting the Sunday night BBQ, we spend much of the day cleaning for all our “visitors.” B & I tried to find a Wal-Mart (which didn’t happen), but we found a (Spanish) Catholic Bookstore & a Paintball shop. We eventually got to Target to get cleaning supplies. We both got Swiffer Wetjets, but forgot batteries.
DISHES — This weekend, I have dish washing duty after meals. It’s dirty, wet & hot. I still like it. After dinner, we wached Mr Bean’s Holiday … funny.
Leo X + Pieta + Las Culebrinas
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — Andrew the Apostle — known as the introducer.
NO PHILOSOPHY CLASSES — Fr Santos is out of town.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — modern philosophers. Renaissance popes Sixtus IV (Sistine Chapel), Alexander VI (Borgia – nepotism), Julius II (warrior) and Leo X (Medici). Michelangelo‘s Pieta. Our chapel’s murial — zodiac references.
MIAMI DINNER — today Fr Manny took all the Miami seminarians out to dinner to a fancy local Cuban restaurant Las Culebrinas. Great food and even better desert.
DOTS — “bread shark” — grass smell
moral virtues + Jim Gaffigan
SPANISH 2 – (Dr Jimenez) — new chapter 14.1
TV CATCH-UP — watched missed episodes of The Unit & Cane.
RECTOR’s CONFERENCE – (Fr Michael) — about Moral Virtues (see seperate post).
PRE-T HOUSE — watched standup Jim Gaffigan. Night Prayer. House “cleaning” meeting.
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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