Returning from Retreat

The Cloister at the Jesuit Center - I spent many parts of each day here.

No – I did not just get back!  Nothing like returning from retreat over a month ago and not getting to post about it until now! Today, I’ll post today about the 30 day experience (though I’m unsure proper words exist to properly explain the experience).  Then in the next few weeks, I’ll write about some of my experiences here at St. Anne’s and some of the work involved in the preparation for Ordination.

As I wrote before I left, the Spiritual Exercises, developed by St. Ignatius, allow one the time and space to more fully enter into the Scriptures about Jesus. As the post and the link indicate, the Spiritual Exercises are an intense experience of prayer and reflection.  Throughout the four “weeks” of the retreat, I have no doubt that I gained tremendous insight into my relationship with the Lord and the Church.  I am even more certain I have some significant work to do  - and always will. (And yes, I kept quiet, off the phone and the computer for the 30 days!)

Fr. Joseph Currie, S.J.

One of the most important dynamics in the retreat experience is one’s relationship with his Spiritual Director. In today’s post, I’d like to talk to you a little about him. Fr. Joseph Currie, S.J. is the  Executive Director of the Jesuit Center and the Rector of the Jesuit Community at Wernersville. God definitely entrusted me to a good and holy man to guide me on this journey.

Fr. Joe has spent his whole life serving and ministering to others. From formation and missionary work in India to serving and leading Campus Ministry programs at Loyola and Fordham Universities to now leading and directing a powerful ministry in Pennsylvania, he appears to have always been open to where the Spirit might be calling him. Today, while also leading the Retreat Center and serving as a spiritual director, he is the leader of the community of Jesuits in Wernersville. This involves taking care of some of the older Jesuits, helping them make difficult decisions about ministry and health issues and providing encouragement and direction in difficult moments.

As a spiritual director, I think he got a sense of me pretty quickly and was able to gently lead me through the Spiritual Exercises. Always encouraging, Fr. Joe didn’t hesitate to raise some difficult questions about my experience on the retreat, my vocation to the priesthood and my role in the Church. Often when I thought I had it figured out, he’d raise another question and ultimately lead me back to prayer to discover the answer, or at least a direction. When I struggled, he always encouraged me to have faith that God would ultimately lead me through. (He was right.)

I have come to believe, throughout my life, that God has put different people on the path of this journey for reasons, that at times, I cannot understand. I am blessed to have met Fr. Joe for he not only led me through what was a grace-filled, but challenging 30 days, but provided a powerful example of what it means to be a good and holy priest. If I could have a quarter of the qualities of a man like Fr. Joe, I’m in good shape.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. " (Ps 139: 23)

Grace and Peace from Our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Jacob Onyumbe. I am a seminarian of the Diocese of Tshumbe (Democratic Republic of Congo) who happens to be studying at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.  I am going to share with you my experience as I approach the finish line of seminary formal formation.

A few days ago, I was speaking with a friend of mine who asked me what I found more exciting about starting my last year at the Seminary. I replied without delay, “The most exciting thing about this whole adventure is that I am greatly troubled by fear.”  The reply came, “Yeah, I know, fear of the unknown.” I did not say anything but smiled. This conversation, clear epitome of boredom, sums up my experience of a sprinter close to the finish line. Seventeen years ago, when I first declared that I wanted to become a priest, I had no doubt that it was the best way for me to live. I still do not understand why, but I seem to be deeply convinced about that. And it is sufficient for me. In the beginning, everything seemed easy and rosy. Even though I still have the excitement of those first days, there is a new member within the family of my feelings: fear (for want of a better term). This fear is far from what my friend thought I felt. I do not fear what is coming because it is unknown. Rather, it is as I get more glimpses into the mystery and the duties of Catholic priesthood that I become more immersed in wonder and awe. Maybe my expectations about priesthood are too high. I even forget to check my countdown to the diaconate, because checking it means resuscitating my new friend, “the fear of becoming a priest.” More and more I wonder if I am really fit for this ministry. Many people, friends, family, and even indifferent acquaintances seem to believe that I am fit for the ministry. I boldly question their beliefs.

Interestingly, I have become even more convinced than in my teenage years that it is as a priest that I want not only to live but also to die. I have no desire to overcome the fear of becoming a priest or to reconcile it with my countdown. Rather, I want to cultivate it as a reminder of the fact that I should never take my future life, my future work, my future being lightly.  It reminds me of my unworthiness and summons me to rely entirely on God without whom nothing is possible. It is He who will touch my lips in order to make me fit to respond to his call, “Whom shall I send?” (Is. 6:8). I fearfully look forward to the day when I will truly answer God’s call, not only by through ordination, but especially by laying down my life down for the Sheep of Christ.

Jacob Onyumbe

Coming Home

Hello blog readers!  I'm Jess, a former student and co-worker of John's.  What follows are my thoughts on returning to a familiar place after being changed by experiences I had while away.  Enjoy!

The first week of September is always a busy and exciting time for those of us in the field of education. It’s when we return to school after the long summer vacation and reconnect with other teachers. We meet our classes for the first time and trade the flexibility of summer for the stringency of a school day schedule with bells ringing every forty minutes to signal the changing of classes. When classes began last Wednesday at St. John the Baptist DHS I was feeling the anticipation of a new school year, as well as the excitement of a home coming of sorts.


Just over two years ago I decided to leave my position as a Religious Studies teacher at St. John’s and dedicate a year of my life to service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. I was placed in rural Montana where I served as the academic tutor and after school program coordinator at St. Labre Indian School. Early in my year in Montana I realized that twelve months of living and serving in the Northwest was not going to be enough and I signed on to do a second year with JVC Northwest. I moved from the middle of nowhere to the Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. There I taught in the YMCA’s alternative high school and helped young adults transitioning out of homelessness to connect with resources.

Over the past two years, many people have asked why I would give up a job I loved to move across the country and work for free. Initially my answer was because a year of service was something I had always wanted to do; because living somewhere other than New York was something I felt I needed to experience; because I didn’t want to wake up at fifty and realize I was still teaching in the high school I had graduated from for no other reason than because it was easy and comfortable.

What I realize now is that I did not give up two years of my life to do service. Rather I gained some of the most formative experiences of my life while serving those in need. Because I was JV, I can ask my students to have a seat using the language of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and I understand the story of Custer’s Last Stand from the Native perspective. Because I was a JV, I can see past the tough exterior of young people I encounter on the street and realize that behind each pair of baggy pants is a kid who just wants his story to be heard. And that’s only the beginning. Because I was a JV, I know that television is certainly not a necessity, that strangers can quickly become friends who take the place of family when you’re far from home, and that not eating meat every day won’t actually kill you!

Last Wednesday I woke up and returned to work at St. John’s, the high school I graduated from, in my new capacity as Campus Minister. In the midst of the busy-ness of the new school year, I found a place that was indeed comfortable and full of familiar faces. Having been a JV, however, I can say that I work there not just because it’s easy and comfortable, but because like home, it’s the place I belong.

"With God all things are possible."

       I greet you in the Name of Jesus Christ.  My name is Fr. Rodnev P. Lapommeray and I, along with Fr. Dariusz Strzelecki and Fr. Daniel Rajski, was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 4th, 2011 by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio for service to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.  My ordination was an experience for me beyond words.  What a joy and a humbling privilege to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ Himself!  I am thankful to God for having called me to this vocation and to Holy Mother Church and my diocesan bishop for ordaining me. I was in direct formation for six years. It was a process of opening my heart and mind to have the Holy Spirit mold, form and conform them to the very heart and mind of Jesus Christ.


       Formation to become a priest has not always been an easy or care-free road, and I am aware that priesthood will not always be a life void of sacrifice. Yet, I know it was God who saw me through and molded me during my formation. Now it is God’s grace that will enable me to be the priest He wants me to be—a holy priest who brings others to come to know, love and serve Him.

       By human standards, this may appear unattainable. Yet, “With God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26). In preparation for ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ, this scripture passage from the Gospel of Matthew was the one I chose for my ordination prayer cards.  It is God who accomplished the grace in me all throughout my years of formation to become a priest. He is the one who calls ordinary men like me to do extraordinary things for His glory. Imagine that through the prayers of a priest combined with those of the gathered Church at the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, bread and wine are transformed into the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, all things are possible with God.

       As I grow in priestly ministry, I am coming to a deeper understanding of this truth. In my short time as a priest, I have been consoled and amazed by the ways God has put me in the path of various people who needed to experience His love and healing.  The Holy Spirit has put me in places and situations where just a word or gesture from me as a priest was able to bring others peace and consolation. I am seeing in ever new ways how it is God who is working wonders through me and will continue to if I let Him. God wants to and can work amazing things in all of us for His glory.  We just need to be small enough to allow Him to.

       If you happen to be discerning a big decision or feel called by God to a certain walk of life, whether to become a priest or religious or whether to marry that person, take on that service job or adopt that child, trust in God. Trust that there is nothing He calls us too that He will not give us the strength to do, no matter how seemingly sacrificial, countercultural or impossible the task may be. I have learnt this truth as a seminarian and am learning it more and more as a priest. Turning to God in prayer will help us discover this. Let our prayer be that God’s will (no matter how difficult) may be done in our lives, and not our own; His plan is always better. I pray and invite you to pray to God with me in the words of our Blessed Mother Mary, “May it be done to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38). For as the Angel Gabriel said when announcing to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, “nothing is impossible with God “ (Luke 1:37).

Fr. Rodnev Lapommeray serves at the parish of Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York .

Serving the Church? How?

            Hello, my name is Jaeyoung (Paschal) Choi. I am a friend of John Sureau. Generously, he asked me to post my experience to share with you. One of the biggest trips in my summer vacation was a pilgrimage to Korea for fourteen nights with Korean-American teenagers. I was one of the leaders of the pilgrimage for thirty-six teenagers.

            I would not expect that my kids memorized all historical backgrounds of the Korean Church and shrines. Rather, I tried to give them a point why you are Christians based on Korean Church history. As long as I know, it was successful. Besides, I have learned many things from them: how to serve the Church and what should I give to the Church.

            Being with them was like serving a small church (ekklesia, a gathering in Greek). I was serving those who were listening to me, those who were not, those who were doing good, those who were sick, those who were being healthy, and those who were injured (fortunately not many guys). Moreover, I have learned serving the Church is not about an abstract idea but an act. When I was cleaning a toilet to wash poop (one of my kids did) away, I realized this!

            On the pilgrimage, I could have a day to spend with my family. When I met my mom, I started to complain about the kids. As they were a small church, they were like little sheep, bad sheep: sneaking alcohol in at night and doing whatever they want. I didn’t think that they could be compared to sheep. What I heard was that sheep were naïve, innocent, and very listening carefully to a shepherd, but the kids did not.

            However, since my mom worked in special high school for teen-troublemakers, she has given me an excellent advice. Her point is, “Give them your love. Let them feel that it is a great and happy pilgrimage, when they look back the trip in their future.”

            I never forget the last day of the trip, when we all shared our impressions out of the pilgrimage. One girl stood up and said with dropping tears, “I apologize as one of the participants that we never listened to staff during the pilgrimage. I feel whole-heartedly that you guys still love us. Thank you for everything for the pilgrimage.” God worked through our hearts. Giving them knowledge was not the point of the pilgrimage, but my love and my care.

            I have learned how to serve the Church through them. It is not about an idea but an act (washing poop away)! Besides, I have a great lesson, what should I give to the Church. I did not only give them summery of the history of the Korean Catholic Church, but through him, I really gave them my love. I have truly acknowledged through our pilgrimage, “God is Love.” (I Jn. 4:8) 

Rejoice in the Lord, not in the world.

Jaeyoung Paschal Choi           

Parish Social Ministry

Deacon John speaking with a
parishioner after Mass

I'm a new reader of John Sureau’s blog and am pleased to be among the people he has asked to write a ‘guest posting’.   My topic is Parish Social Ministry, which is something that runs deep for me.

I coordinate our Parish Social Ministry program at Saint Anne’s, where we are fortunate to have Deacon John as a seminarian from his assignment in late June to his ordination in December.   One of his first comments to me was that he was glad to see us publish these words in the bulletin each week on the PSM page:  “Saint Anne’s is here for you…" If parishioners are struggling with something and not sure where to turn, our parish provides confidential support and assistance.  Serious illness, financial problems, marital difficulties, unemployment, mental health concerns and caring for the ill and elderly are issues we all may face at different times in our lives.  "Saint Anne’s is here for you” is the message we strive to live each day.

Parish Social Ministry is our faith community’s response…to the needs we perceive in each person we encounter, and to God’s call to share our gifts in service to one another.  At Saint Anne’s, PSM includes direct service for people who are ill, elderly, poor or hungry.  Support is offered to the bereaved, to those who are unemployed, to those who have cancer, to those who have disabilities and to persons who are divorced.  Small communities have been formed for mothers in our parish, for seniors, for families who have children with special needs and for people in their ‘middle years’.  Together, we seek to find God in the Eucharist we share as a faith community and in the relationships we form with one another - especially with those who are most vulnerable.

In Parish Social Ministry, we strive to bring hope and comfort to people in need by being present to them, listening without judging, finding common ground, offering assistance and giving of ourselves with compassion, whatever their difficulties may be.  A prayer we have often shared is:

                  “Father, we ask You to increase our competence and compassion.  Help us reaffirm our covenant with You and Your people.  Give us sensitivity and patience, but also a sense of humor.  Teach us that as we ‘do’ for others that we ‘be’ with them.  Teach us the ministry of presence.  Amen.”

John Sureau, in the short time he has been with us, has demonstrated his understanding of this message and his willingness to live it.  The faith community of Saint Anne’s is blessed to have him spend this part of his journey to ordination among us and we are thankful for the gift of his pastoral presence. 

~ Linda Leone

Basil Bliss's first two months as a Deacon

      Ordained on May 14^th. There were eleven of us, closely bound in friendship throughout the four years of formation. Over the last two months, we continued to share our experiences, our duties, our homilies and our anxieties. Last week we met for a BBQ with our wives, laughed together and prayed together.

      The exhilaration I felt at Ordination continued for weeks. There was a Mass of Thanksgiving with relatives, friends and parishioners. There was a welcome calm after the excitement that lasted for two weeks. Then, there were wakes to be done. When was the last time I read the rite? In my third year !! I needed to review the rite. When was the last time I looked at the Baptismal rite? In my second year!! The lack of familiarity with the rites demanded my review. I even sat in when our two seasoned Deacons did a wake service or a Baptism. An old friend lost his wife at age 57, and he requested that I do the vigil. His son played baseball with my son. and we coached together. No pressure here. Finally, there was a meeting with my new Pastor and a schedule to follow. I welcomed planning and the stability of a schedule of when I’d do Baptisms or Masses or preach, and with three Deacons, we’d rotate the wakes. I do feel I am part of a family at St. Anne’s, working with dedicated Priests, Deacons, and Parish staff.

     My spiritual growth continues. I had indeed felt that growth in the Seminary. I have continued with Morning and Evening prayer, and I continue to read Biblical commentaries on the readings each week. What was that Marine motto? Now my thoughts have turned to the New Missal, and getting to read the changes in the prayers. I volunteered to write an article on the history of the lectionary and am now working on one on the Liturgy of the Word. Is there an easy way to explain the changes in the Creed?

      I want to visit the homebound. Working precludes this, except on weekends. I found time to visit and bring the Eucharist to the father of a friend in a rehabilitation center. Need to do more of this. I have taught high school Theology for the last 8 years, and am implementing a new curriculum mandated by the USCCB. I will be responsible for the RCIA and Confirmation education for students as well. Just enough to keep me busy!

    -Basil  Chairman, Theology Dept. Bishop Loughlin HS/ Deacon at St. Anne's Garden City

SAGE Ministry

We’re Sisters of Charity of Halifax, working with older parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes, West Islip. Father Mike Vetrano asked us to develop a program, as the result of a questionnaire where older parishioners had requested that more attention be devoted to their pastoral needs. The result is the SAGE Group (Senior Advocates for Growth and Enrichment), formed in 2003. There are fifty-one members, about forty of whom attend our meetings every other Tuesday. Our basis for discussion is the book, A Gospel for the Mature Years, by Harold Koenig. We gather in what we call our “sacred circle” where we emphasize that what is shared there stays there. As we consider the book’s topics, SAGEs think about the text, reflect on its meaning and relate it to their own faith lives. We pray and learn, we share and discuss together in order to grow “in wisdom, age and grace.” Many of the members had not been in a venue like this before and so were not at ease in expressing ideas, opinions and their faith. SAGE helps them to become more comfortable in articulating their thoughts in the group.

As leaders, we have seen SAGEs grow in their faith over the past eight years. They have learned from one another in many ways. As one member said: “Where was the SAGE Group when we were young parents?!” The wisdom they have gleaned throughout their lives now overflows to and supports the members of the group, enriching them during these later years.

The SAGE Group does not have officers, elections or dues as it is not a ‘club,’ but they have a free-will offering at each meeting. Through this, they built a home in El Salvador and they adopted a Salvadoran elder for this year, thus focusing on issues beyond the group.  

As moderators, we have been inspired by the holiness and spirituality of the members. We are in awe at their dedication over the years to their families and their parish community. The same spirit of faith and dedication is now helping many of them to continue on after the death of a spouse or other loved one. We are privileged to work with the SAGE Group.

Margaret Mary Bickar, SC

Betty Toohig, SC

Off to Retreat

On Monday, August 15^th, I will leave St. Anne’s, Garden City for a 30 day retreat based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  

The Main Entrance in Big Sur.

How did this happen? In planning and organizing the time of my diaconate, Bishop Murphy asked me to consider engaging in such a retreat experience.  Before entering the Seminary, I participated in an 8 day silent retreat (not based on the Spiritual Exercises) at the Camoldolese Benedictine Monastery in Big Sur, CA. At the conclusion of the retreat, my spiritual director suggested I consider a longer retreat in the future. When this opportunity came up, I was excited (and honestly, a little anxious) about the experience and am looking forward to it

The Main Entrance at the Jesuit Center.

Where is this happening? My 30 day retreat will take place at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, PA. My director, the person I will meet with each day, is Fr. Joseph Currie, S. J. I have not met him yet, but he seems to be a kind and gentle person who will be a tremendous guide.

Statue of St. Ignatius at the Jesuit Center.

What is this all about? Very briefly, this retreat is based on the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. When ill and unable to move from bed, he read two books – one a book about the life of Christ and the second about the life of the saints. From these encounters and others, Ignatius developed these Spiritual Exercises.  (My summary is VERY brief…there is much more to the story!).  The retreatant (that will be me) will work with my Spiritual Director (Fr. Currie) to work through the Spiritual Exercises. The hope, in the end, is that the retreatant is more aware of his or her own feelings and thoughts, his or her relationship with Jesus and his commitment to serve the Lord throughout his or her life and be ever more aware of his presence. (Again – a very brief overview.) You can read more about the Spiritual Exercises here.

In the same way we may work out or exercise our bodies for physical improvement, we need to do the same for the spiritual life.  The hope is that many of the skills and experiences that occur during this retreat continue for years and years to come.  Everyone I have met who has participated in this silent retreat has been overly supportive and encouraging about my participation. Needless to say I have great hope!

While I will be away I will have no access to the e-mail, phone, computer, etc. However, I’ve asked some friends to help me up date the blog. So each week – actually some times even twice a week – you’ll see a different post! Enjoy. I look forward to reading them when I return.

Taking Leave

As I continue to give you some updates about what has been happening over the past few months, one issue has certainly been taking leave of places and communities. In particular, at the end of April, I resigned my position as a hospital social worker.

Previously, I have written about my experiences as a hospital social worker.  It is both a challenging and hopeful job. Usually, hospital social workers are assigned a particular unit or area in the hospital to work (i.e. a Cardiac Care unit, a certain floor or area, etc.).  In their work, they address many of the “social” needs of patients and often encounter some of the most vulnerable and broken of our society. Whether it be one who struggles with addiction or another who faces the prospect of moving into a nursing home or another who has no place to live because of the economy or another who is unsure how they can pay their hospital bill without insurance or additional support, the social worker is usually a part of these patients’ lives.

It is difficult and challenging because the presence of resources to help the most vulnerable in our society has significantly declined, especially in this area.  Finding housing for the homeless, rehab for the addict, insurance for the uninsured and even food for the hungry is harder and harder. It is a reminder of our ultimate powerlessness in the midst of so many situations.

It is hope-filled work because you know that often (note – not always) your presence and even the offer of support makes a tremendous difference in the life of a patient and his or her family who is sick or struggling.  More than the resources or assistance, presence often makes the greatest difference.

People who know me well know that I loved my time at Good Samaritan Hospital over the past seven years. It is one of the places I interned as a social worker – and in many ways never stopped teaching me. It is a community of individuals, in this particular case, who so supported and encouraged me, especially on this path to the priesthood. The social workers I worked with always welcomed, guided and encouraged me in my time there. Needless to say taking leave of the “hospital” at the end of April was difficult.

In this process of moving forward, and now in my time at St. Anne’s, I have come to see again and again the everlasting power of community. Yes, I am no longer a social worker at the hospital and I do miss much of that work. At the same time, I hope and pray I am a stronger and more empathetic person who has gained skills and relationships that will allow me to serve as a good priest. I know, too, I have formed relationships that transcend any title or job, but will remain with me for years to come.  What a testament to the power of community.

Ordination to the Diaconate

Bishop Murphy and I before Ordination.

As I work to “catch everyone up” I want to share a little bit with you about Ordination to the Diaconate on May 21, 2011. The Rite of Ordination takes places within the Celebration of the Eucharist and I thought perhaps walk through the rite might provide some good insight for all of us.

The Rite of Ordination begins after the proclamation of the Gospel.  Here, Msgr. Swiader, Vice Rector, and Msgr. Peter Vaccari, Rector, presented me as a candidate for Ordination to the Diaconate. After their dialogue with the Bishop, the assembly affirmed this (very humbling). Following the presentation, Bishop Murphy delivered his homily which incorporated the readings, my own journey and what it means to be a deacon in service of the Church.  It was a homily filled with many challenges to those called to diaconate and one that I have reflected on since my Ordination.

After the homily, before the entire assembly, I made five promises to the bishop – including a commitment to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and celibacy - and then came forward, knelt before him and promised obedience to him and his successors. As I listened to the questions put forth by the Bishop, they take on a very important meaning (and they should). While one can read the Rite or practice it, the moment itself holds its own particular significance.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the entire Rite takes place after the promises. I laid prostrate on the floor of the Seminary as the entire community prayed the Litany of the Saints.  We pray that litany, seeking the intercession and aid of the saints, on the person being ordained (me), and the entire Church.  

Following the Litany, I came before the Bishop for the laying on of hands. This is an ancient ritual in our Church that invokes the Holy Spirit. Then, I was vested with the liturgical garb of the Deacon – a stole across the chest and a dalmatic. Like other outward signs they signify to the assembly my role as a deacon in the liturgy and the life of the Church. A tradition is to ask two members of the clergy to “vest you”. For this investiture, I asked Msgr. Swiader, my Adviser, and Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco, Director of Liturgical Formation. Both of these priests have shown themselves to many others and myself to be tremendous examples of the potential for formation and growth. They were significant influences on me since I entered the Seminary and, I have a feeling, will continue to be for years to come.

After the investiture, I knelt before the Bishop again and received the Book of the Gospels. The words the Bishop says at this point have always been significant to me:

“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach."

The final part of the Rite is the Sign of Peace exchanged first with the Bishop and then with the Order of Deacons present at the liturgy.

Fr. Mike Vetrano, Bishop Murphy and I after Ordination.

To say it was a moving and powerful day is an understatement. I was humbled by the tremendous support and care for me exhibited by all who gathered – from my own family to the community of the Seminary to the friends who gathered from the different ministries I have been blessed to belong. Without a doubt it is a day that changed my life forever.  

Greetings from Garden City

Last summer, I wrote to you with great joy about my assignment to St. Anne’s in Brentwood. When Msgr. Swiader, my Advisor, told me my diaconate ministry would take place at St. Anne’s, he saw my face and said, “No, not that one!”  Today, I write to you from St. Anne’s R.C. Church in Garden City.  I write today with the same spirit of joy and hope I shared last summer.

On June 22^nd, I was officially assigned as a Deacon to this parish community.  Honestly, I came with a little trepidation. It’s a wonderful parish with so many great things happening.  Would I fit in here?  Would they care about me and my journey? How would I handle living in Nassau County? Would I be able to handle all of these transitions?

Two and a half weeks into it, my fears were completely unfounded. This community has been nothing but a place of welcome, care and concern, encouragement and excitement, and inclusion and inspiration (and I can even find my way around some of these Nassau roads).  More than once, I have said to myself, and others, how lucky and fortunate I am to be here at St. Anne’s. It is a tremendous community that serves and ministers to parishioners in Garden City, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Stewart Manor and so many more.

Fr. Tom Harold and I at St. Anne's.

There have been many people who have been so good and so kind to me since I’ve arrived and you’ll probably meet them one way or another on this blog.  The pastor at St. Anne’s is Msgr. Tom Harold. Fr. Tom and I first met over 15 years ago. Then, he served as the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and I came seeking advice and direction. When I heard I would come here with him (he started on June 22^nd too) I had a great sense that the Spirit was at work. A person who welcomed and encouraged me to consider priesthood would now be one who guides me in the final week and months before priesthood.

I concluded my bulletin reflection and some of my introduction to the parish with the paragraph below:

I mentioned last week that when I left my home parish of Our Lady of Lourdes I realized I was not so much leaving as being “sent forth” by the parish community (hence, the name of the blog!). I have a tremendous feel then when I will look at my time here at St. Anne’s I’ll say, “This is the community that sent me forth to priesthood” and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Have a great week!

Holy Week at the Seminary

Good evening everyone!

Just wanted to invite you – if you don’t have plans – to come to the Seminary for Holy Week Services on:

Holy Thursday – April 21, 2011 - Mass begins at 7:30 P.M.

Good Friday – April 22, 2011 - Service begins at 3:00 P.M.

Holy Saturday – April 23, 2011 - Mass begins at 8:00 P.M.*

*Reception follows after the Easter Vigil

This is the second year that all of the services are open to family and friends.  It was a great experience for me – and I hope for those who were able to attend - last year!   Please feel free to come and to bring a friend or two!  Please also do not have any pressure – many of us are already involved in our parish communities and that is wonderful! 

 

I only ask if you are coming to let me know by Monday, April 18^th,  so I can make sure we have enough seats for you.  You can reply by e-mail to jsureau@optonline.net.

Thanks….

A Sacramental Saturday

                For seminarians, Saturdays are our day off. It’s up to use them as we wish – for catching up on studies, meeting up with family and friends, carrying out some pastoral work or anything that is a bit of a break from the rhythm and routine of Seminary life.  From reading this blog, I have had the opportunity to be involved in pastoral work at St. Anne’s R.C. Church in Brentwood and Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.  This past Saturday provided many experiences  and actually brought together various parts of my previous ministerial life and, perhaps, provided a glimpse of the ministerial life to come.

                The day began at St. Anne’s.  Here I was able to visit the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen and met some members of the youth group at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in West Islip (my home parish). Then, I had met with a few families hoping to have their child baptized. It is always so hopeful to meet with families excited to have their son or daughter baptized.  This week, I met a former student who brought his daughter to be baptized.  These are always great experiences and challenges. As St. Anne’s is a community of communities, many who immigrate to this area can sometimes struggle with acquiring original paperwork, documentation, etc. Helping to manage some of these issues is challenging for them and a good lesson for me.

                I left St. Anne’s for a little while to attend the funeral of Alyssa Acquafredda. Alyssa graduated from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in 2004. She worked on many projects and activities in Campus Ministry during her time in the school. Approximately two years ago, Alyssa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. If you met her over the past two years, you probably wouldn’t know she was sick. Her spirit, enthusiasm, and sense of humor ministered to others, including me. In her illness, she touched so man with her spirit of service, compassion and justice. (Click here for an example.) The funeral on Saturday was terribly sad but also a great sign of hope. She brought together many people as SS. Cyril and Methodius R.C. Church showed. Fr. Lee Descoteaux, the presider at the Mass, called on all of us to consider our response to Jesus’ question – “Do you believe?” to Martha and Mary in John 11:17-34. Alyssa knew and lived the answer to that question – YES!

                After returning to St. Anne’s, I later served at the Celebration of Matrimony for another former student, Alicia Pellegrino, at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh. Here, again, I was reminded of the power of community as so many family members and friends came together to support and encourage Alicia and her husband, Johnny.

                As Diaconate approaches, I continue to see and recognize the power of the sacramental nature of the Church. Whether it be working with those who want their children to be baptized, praying and finding comfort at the loss of a loved one or celebrating the new life in Matrimony - all are sources of encouragement and strength.  Ultimately, I guess it is this encouragement and strength that the Church provides to all who gather in prayer.

Diaconate

As our Lenten journey continues, mine changed radically in days leading up to and following Ash Wednesday. During this time I learned I will be ordained by Bishop Murphy to the Diaconate on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Needless to say, it’s been a week filled with a variety of emotions but ultimately reassurance that I am on the right path, heading in the right direction.

Ordination to the Diaconate is the final “step”, if you will, before Ordination to the Priesthood. Traditionally, seminarians after receiving the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte and the Call to Candidacy are ordained deacons to serve in the seminary and a local parish community for a period of time.

As you know, my journey – as are the journeys of all who live here at the Seminary – is unique. Where, how long, and in what form the rest of the journey will take is not totally clear but there is a renewed peace that comes with this. What has been affirming and clear is the tremendous response and support I have received throughout my time here and most especially over the past few weeks. From my family, to the men I live with, to the parish community and so many others who have taken the time to check in, look out, express support and provide sound wisdom and advice. I am reminded, again and again, of the need for the community of the Church to be a part of our lives. I have no doubt that a vocation is a response to God’s call, but I’m unsure it can be answered fully without the support, love and affirmation of the local community. What a difference it makes! Undoubtedly, if you’re reading this, you’re one of those people.

Let’s continue to pray for and with one another as we journey towards Lent and all the Easter season will bring.

Peace.

Lent - More Than "Patch" Work

I write on the night of Ash Wednesday from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. We are winding up our Ash Wednesday Day of Quiet.  It’s a day here that is a radical contrast to most Catholic Churches today. Instead of thousands coming to the Church, we gather as a community of thirty or so to begin Lent in a solemn and contemplative way.  I wonder if the experiences of the Seminary today  might give each of us some good insight and ideas.

Msgr. Fink preaches on Good Friday, 2010.

Our day began, as most mornings do, with Morning Prayer. Msgr. Fink, the Director of Spiritual Formation and my Spiritual Director, presided and preached at Morning Prayer.  He spoke about the three traditions of the Lenten season – prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These are all things we try – in one way or another – to more actively engage in during Lent.  For example, today is a day of fast and we abstain from meat. We tend to pray more, publicly and privately. We often “go the extra mile” to help the other during the season. All good things! Msgr. Fink’s challenge acknowledged the goodness of these things. However, the hope of the Lenten journey is that these are not just Lenten things – or things that we add on for 40 days – but actions and habits that become a real part of our lives.  That they not just be “patches” but become part of the tapestry of who we are and who we seek to become.

We continued in silence after Morning Prayer and throughout the day, including meals. I have come to see the need for and to love the quiet in my life. It’s not something I can do all the time, but there’s a great value to it on so many levels.  There are fewer distractions and it makes it easier to focus. There are times, though, we need to be called to it. Even this morning, I spoke to a friend and said, “Let’s talk a little more about what we spoke about yesterday after lunch.” To which he replied, “I cannot speak to you today, I need to get myself together.” A good reminder for me!  How easy it is to slip out of the silence.

Bishop Murphy leads Ash Wednesday Prayer Services at St. John's.

During the day, too, we had the opportunity to go to Confession, to make appointments with our Spiritual Director or other faculty members to talk about whatever was on our mind or what we would like to work on in the upcoming season.  Bishop Murphy visited the Seminary today as he has done on Ash Wednesday for the last 10 years. It’s become a tradition for Bishop Murphy to begin his day at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in the morning and the Seminary in the afternoon. So for the past 10 years, Bishop Murphy and I have celebrated Ash Wednesday together – one way or another.

At the end of the day, Bishop Murphy celebrated Mass with us. He called on us to recognize the presence of failure in our lives, our world, even our Church.  In that recognition, we’re called to hope that like a common Lenten hymn contains, “We will rise again from ashes”.  The day concludes with the opportunity for Eucharistic Exposition and we will all gather for Night Prayer tonight in the Chapel.

Ash Wednesdays like today are good but for seminarians it’s probably not something we should get too used as this is one of the busiest days in parish life. Yet, in the time and space we are afforded here we can reflect on the call of Lent to not just add or simply take away things in our lives, but to acknowledge where work is needed and seek to not “patch” things up but transform them.

Happy Lent!

Here is a great video about Lent from Archbishop Dolan! Click here.

Meet the Dean....but quickly!

Msgr. Swiader celebrates Mass in Bethlehem.

Sorry, in advance, for the long post….

In a number of posts, I’ve promised a post about the Dean, Msgr. James Swiader. I have mentioned him a few times, particularly in the posting about the Alley.  Last Friday, we received some difficult news at the Seminary. On June 22^nd, Msgr. Swiader will take leave of the Seminary to become the Pastor of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Garden City.  I have wanted to write this post for a few weeks, but putting it all into words is a little tough.

There have been many people who have been a significant part of the journey of getting to the Seminary and managing life here. Without question or hesitation, Msgr. Swiader has certainly become one of those people. In June 2009, the summer before I entered the Seminary, I met Msgr. Swiader for the first time. When he had come in from outside to meet me he began by saying, “I presume you own the yellow truck.”  My first thought was “Oh man, I’m in trouble.’’ I remember coming with a slew of questions, concerns and ideas about seminary life. In the two hours he spent with me that June day, I met a man who provided the first of many times of comfort, reassurance, direction and support.

When I moved into the Seminary in August, I learned that I was on Msgr. Swiader’s alley (He warned me that it was a quiet and subtle alley – that may have changed a bit since I arrived). And during Transition (Orientation) Week, I learned Msgr. Swiader would be my Advisor – a relationship that would guarantee an important role in this journey.

Over the past two years, primarily as my Advisor but also as the Vice Rector, Dean of Seminarians and Alley Prefect, Msgr. Swiader has provided guidance, challenge, and direction in ways I did not anticipate in June 2009.  I found in my first few days when things were challenging, he listened and provided some good advice. He recognizes, often, when certain times might be a bit uncomfortable or overwhelming for me and is sure to check in with an e-mail or invitation to stop by. When I have fallen short at the Seminary, he’s been there to offer correction but never without encouragement.  At times, when loss or difficult relationships or uncertainty about the future has creeped in to cause fear, anxiety or doubt, he’s always provided confident reassurance.

Msgr. Swiader and I are different in some ways. I had to teach him about Jimmy Buffett and he has taught me to appreciate poetry, great literature, opera (people actually go to the opera?) and many other things. What has united us, though, is this journey in formation. When I first met Msgr. Swiader he assured me that formation is not uniform (i.e. the same for everyone) and requires incredible self-discipline and direction. Those words have proven true, time and time again, largely because of his influence.  Time and again, Msgr. Swiader has always brought my focus back to the habitus sacredtolis – that the sense of priesthood is such an internal part of the seminarian’s, and ultimately, the priest’s being that he cannot be himself without it.  In ways dramatic and simple, he has shown that to me from within himself and called me to the same.

The United States Bishops published the Program for Priestly Formation to guide seminary formation and write the following about the Advisor:

They observe seminarians and assist them to grow humanly by offering them feedback about their general demeanor, their relational capacities and styles, their maturity, their capacity to assume the role of a public person and leader in a community, and their appropriation of the human virtues that make them “men of communion.” These same formators may, on occasion, teach the ways of human development and even offer some personal mentoring or, at times, coaching. More generally, they offer encouragement, support, and challenge along the formational path. (80)

I would say, for sure, Msgr. Swiader has done this and more over the past two years. And while life will change in a few months, I hope in some way, we will somehow continue together on this journey.

Here's the alley - from our Ragtime in the Refectory celebration (It was Msgr. Swiader's idea - including the hats.)

Too Attached?

Tonight, Sunday February 6th, I preached at Solemn Vespers. At Vespers, we preach primarily from the Second Reading at Mass.

Reading Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (An audio version can be found below and the text follows.)



 
 

As I have prayed and reflected over today’s readings, I don’t really want to preach about this reading. You see, it’s not for me. It’s not where I’m most comfortable. It’s not what I want to hear. When I first read over these readings a few weeks ago, I wanted to preach about the first reading. The fast acceptable to the Lord, from Isaiah…that’s what I really want to preach and reflect upon. Think of all things that might be able to be incorporated into that …or Jesus’ proclamation about “You are the light of the world”….the themes there are what I really want to preach about…

You see I’m a “do”er. I like to take on projects get them done. Work an extra job, no problem. Take on a project or assignment, not a problem. Try to help someone by doing something for them or listening, I’d be honored. I’ve been called hyperactive, “too much”, over energetic (and other things, that are inappropriate for the Chapel). Yet, it’s the first reading and Gospel that I still feel better speak to me, are what I need to hear….

Or are they? You see if we’re honest, St. Paul’s words are too hard for us to handle. We can so easily build up the resume or list of attachments– in one way or another – to demonstrate how valuable, how important, we are. We need that reassurance, most times. We can list all the jobs we can do. Or for some us here, we can list and state who we know and who we have met…How many friends and acquaintances we have…For others of us, is it how smart we are and how many classes we’ve taken and grades we’ve earned? Maybe for some we are caught in technology – and we use it for good but we’re attached…For others of us, do we seek status and public recognition and see that as the way to being valuable and important?

These attachments, with reflection, balance and in and of themselves, are not negative. But they can quickly become the “driving force” in our lives. These attachments can easily pull us further and further away from the reality, from the wisdom of Paul, that the value and potential I have is not found in any other place but my relationship with God. We may come to the point when we cannot imagine our lives without our work, status, relationships, grades, recognitions, etc. God somehow falls always in the midst of this. Yet the reality is that there are not enough grades, statuses, connections, names to drop, or intellectual abilities that would ever make us worthy of that love and that Spirit St. Paul reassures us of today.

This is not an easy message. Paul gave it with trembling and fear – the opposite of the powerful preachers of this time. The realizations - of things we do, the attachments we grab on to – get in the way of our relationship with God can bring us to our knees. But if we don’t look at it now, particularly while here in the Seminary – it will break through our way of being, our way of living, our vocation. These attachments of works, peoples, things - will creep in and eventually take us down for these things will not have been built out of relationship with God but apart from it.


On the first Sunday Vespers of the Fall semester we heard from the first Letter to Timothy. The message then was very similar – Christ came to save the weak and vulnerable and to use them for his glory. Today, the first Letter to the Corinthians shares a similar message. While it may be a message that is difficult to hear, as we continue in this new semester, it’s a message that bears repeating again and again and again. We are nothing without our relationship with God in our lives –when that relationship is close and intimate and when that relationship feels distant and detached - it is from there and no other place that we can live and have our being.

As we come to close of this day, let’s reflect on the wealth of Scripture to remind us of this. Let’s make the words of the psalm we prayed this morning our prayer each day – “O God, you are my God, for you I long” (Psalm 63). If the desire of the psalmist truly becomes ours, our attachments will not be distractions or controlling but rather aids and means of support and as we call out to the Lord and he responds, “Here I am!” (First Reading from Sunday's Mass) and we go forth, in relationship with him - to be his “light for the world” and his “salt of the earth.” (Gospel at Sunday Mass).