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.