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Pope Benedict's Homily for End of Year for Priests |
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Dear Brothers in the Priestly Ministry,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Year for Priests which we have celebrated on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the death of the holy Curè of Ars, the model of priestly ministry in our world, is now coming to an end. We have let the Curé of Ars guide us to a renewed appreciation of the grandeur and beauty of the priestly ministry. The priest is not a mere office-holder, like those which every society needs in order to carry out certain functions. Instead, he does something which no human being can do of his own power: in Christ’s name he speaks the words which absolve us of our sins and in this way he changes, starting with God, our entire life. Over the offerings of bread and wine he speaks Christ’s words of thanksgiving, which are words of transubstantiation – words which make Christ himself present, the Risen One, his Body and Blood – words which thus transform the elements of the world, which open the world to God and unite it to him.
 The priesthood, then, is not simply "office" but sacrament: God makes use of us poor men in order to be, through us, present to all men and women, and to act on their behalf. This audacity of God who entrusts himself to human beings – who, conscious of our weaknesses, nonetheless considers men capable of acting and being present in his stead – this audacity of God is the true grandeur concealed in the word "priesthood". That God thinks that we are capable of this; that in this way he calls men to his service and thus from within binds himself to them: this is what we wanted to reflect upon and appreciate anew over the course of the past year. We wanted to reawaken our joy at how close God is to us, and our gratitude for the fact that he entrusts himself to our infirmities; that he guides and sustains us daily. In this way we also wanted to demonstrate once again to young people that this vocation, this fellowship of service for God and with God, does exist – and that God is indeed waiting for us to say "yes".
Together with the whole Church we wanted to make clear once again that we have to ask God for this vocation. We have to beg for workers for God’s harvest, and this petition to God is, at the same time, his own way of knocking on the hearts of young people who consider themselves able to do what God considers them able to do. It was to be expected that this new radiance of the priesthood would not be pleasing to the "enemy"; he would have rather preferred to see it disappear, so that God would ultimately be driven out of the world. And so it happened that, in this very year of joy for the sacrament of the priesthood, the sins of priests came to light – particularly the abuse of the little ones, in which the priesthood, whose task is to manifest God’s concern for our good, turns into its very opposite. We too insistently beg forgiveness from God and from the persons involved, while promising to do everything possible to ensure that such abuse will never occur again; and that in admitting men to priestly ministry and in their formation we will do everything we can to weigh the authenticity of their vocation and make every effort to accompany priests along their journey, so that the Lord will protect them and watch over them in troubled situations and amid life’s dangers.
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Prayers Requested for Philip Johnson |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:49 |
The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge is requesting prayers for one of our seminarians, Philip Johnson. Philip just completed his first year of Pre-Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Philip served two years in the Navy, having been granted a discharge in 2009 when he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
Prior to this diagnosis, Philip believed God was calling him to the Priesthood. “I discussed the possibility of entering the Diocese of Raleigh’s formation program with Bishop Burbidge in 2006 before I went on active duty to fulfill my five year commitment,” he said. But the Navy informed him that was not possible. “So, my plan was to complete my tour of duty and then apply to the Diocesan formation program.”
In October 2008, while serving on a ship near Bahrain, Philip began developing problems. His roommate, who was a Catholic chaplain, noticed a seizure Philip experienced during his sleep. As a result, he underwent an MRI, which revealed a mass developing in his brain.
“I know many people would get mad at God receiving this kind of news,” Philip said. “I didn’t get mad. I got sad. I went to a small Catholic chapel on the naval base in Bahrain and cried, unsure of what the future held.”
The Navy assigned him to Norfolk to undergo further medical tests. In January 2009, a biopsy was performed, the results of which indicated cancer. That meant an automatic medical discharge from the Navy, which occurred several months later.
Philip met again with Bishop Burbidge, sharing with him the status of his illness. He noted that doctors, while acknowledging the seriousness of his illness, could not give a definitive prognosis and that his age was in his favor. “Bishop Burbidge told me he would not get in God’s way if I wanted to answer the call to Priesthood,” Philip said.
In April 2009, he began undergoing radiation for the tumor and chemotherapy.
Having been given the assurance by Philip’s physicians that he could participate fully in the seminary formation program without any detrimental effects to his health, Bishop Burbidge accepted him into formation for the Priesthood, and he entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in August 2009.
Regrettably, Philip was informed last month by his physicians that the tumor had begun to grow, and there is no standard treatment to address it at this time. On June 16, he began what will be regular visits to the National Institutes of Health in Washington, DC, undergoing a new experimental chemotherapy treatment.
During this period of treatment, Bishop Burbidge has assigned Philip to an apostolate of prayer for the Church and Diocese at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dunn. In addition, he is being granted permission by the Bishop to return to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France in July to participate in a seminarian program at the Shrine, which helps pilgrims who are ill. He will also serve as a tour guide at the Shrine. It will be his second year in this program. “It is something I am looking forward to,” he said, “because of my devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette.”
As for a return to the seminary this coming fall, Philip said, “The Bishop told me that I may return if I feel I can handle it, and that is my plan. The Bishop also stressed the need for consultation and the consent of my physicians.”
Philip is sharing his story with others on a blog that he created. “My parents and I began receiving emails inquiring how I was doing. As word began to spread, I began getting even more emails of people sharing their illnesses with me and telling me how I was giving them strength and helping them with their faith,” Philip said. “Knowing that so many are praying for me, they in turn are giving me strength to go on. They are helping me to keep moving to the vocation God is calling me to.”
Bishop Burbidge stated that Philip is a powerful example of the faith and the trust we need to share in the sufferings of Christ. Bishop Burbidge said, “I join Philip in thanking the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of this Diocese for their continued prayerful support for Philip during this time of need.” |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:53 |
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Year for Priest Closing Mass Homily |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:32 |
Homily given by The Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
Saint Anthony of Padua, Southern Pines
June 29, 2010
As Bishop, I am so proud of all those in our Diocese and the way we responded to Pope Benedict XVI’s invitation to celebrate the Year for Priests with fervent prayer and a joyful spirit.
Think how many times the Diocesan Prayer for Priests was prayed in our churches, schools, institutions and in your homes. I was so pleased with the lesson plans that were designed to assist the young people in our schools and faith formation programs so that they might grow in their knowledge and appreciation for the beautiful vocation of the ordained Priesthood. In addition, the essay, art and poetry contests allowed our youth to creatively express how a particular priest had greatly influenced their lives. What a delight to learn of the various celebrations in the parishes that were initiated so that parishioners could convey their heartfelt thanks to their priests for their faithful ministry. A particular highlight for me this past year was the opportunity to spend Days of Prayer with our priests. A part of the day allowed the priests to tell the many places they have been sent to serve. It was incredible to see how God has miraculously used our priests as His instruments in so many corners of the Diocese, the country and even the world.
I give special thanks to our Committee for their hard work in coordinating these many initiatives, and convey deep appreciation to all those who helped to coordinate other activities on the local level. Throughout this past year, you have humbled me and my brother priests on various occasions by applauding for us as a sign of your gratitude and affection. At the close of this Year, it is only appropriate that we take this moment to express to all of you who gather today and to all the deacons, religious and lay faithful throughout our Diocese our profound thanks for your prayers, goodness and the beautiful example you offer as you faithfully live the vocations God has entrusted to you. You are truly a gift to me and my brother priests and we now wish to show our thanks.
As we all know, our Holy Father did not call for the Year for Priests in order to lift individuals up on a pedestal. In fact, it was quite the opposite. It was an invitation and, in fact, a challenge for all priests to embrace a profound spiritual renewal so they would grow in holiness, in their intimate relationship with the Lord and thus, with His grace, would be able to offer an even more powerful witness to the Gospel. In the midst of increasing duties, obligations and responsibilities, priests were charged with the duty of remembering what is essential in their ministries.
We are not hired to carry out functions. We are ordained to stand and to act in the very person of Jesus Christ and to bring Him to others in the preaching of His Word and in the celebration of the Sacraments and in lives of humble service. Most especially, dear priests, be filled with awe every day as you celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass, in taking bread and wine and saying, “This is my body. This is my blood.” I repeat the words of our Holy Father to the priests he recently ordained: “When we celebrate Holy Mass we hold in our hands the bread of Heaven, the true food of life for the world. It is something that cannot fail to fill you with intimate wonder, vibrant joy and immense gratitude: how the love and gift of Christ, crucified and glorious, pass through your hands, your voice and your heart.”
Likewise, profound thanks is offered to God for allowing us who are sinners to say to His people in the Sacrament of Penance, “I absolve you of your sins.” What a gift to bring to others God’s infinite mercy and the forgiveness of their sins! Be renewed, dear brothers, in your efforts to encourage your parishioners to celebrate frequently this beautiful Sacrament.
The Year for Priests has helped us to remember that we are never alone in striving to grow in holiness and to live faithfully the vocation entrusted to us. Thus, we were encouraged to draw ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus so that we can have the heart of a shepherd. Our Year was celebrated with a renewed focus on the example of Saint John Vianney, the patron of all priests. In word and deed, he teaches us that our essential duty is to pray and to love. We rededicated ourselves to the protection of our Blessed Mother, the Queen of Clergy, who stands at our side every moment of our lives.
Today, Saints Peter and Paul are held up for us as examples. Our preaching, our celebration of the Sacraments and our very lives must reflect that Peter’s confession of faith is ours: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Our daily spiritual renewal must demonstrate that, as it did for Paul, the road to holiness demands conversion, and this must be for us an ongoing process. In addition, we once again acknowledge, dear friends in Christ, our dependency on you and the prayers you offer for us. You help to sustain and nurture us and for this we are ever grateful.
With God’s grace, the celebration of the Year for Priests in our Diocese has been what our Holy Father intended: a great outpouring of prayers, a powerful demonstration of the love for the Priesthood of Jesus Christ; a humbling expression of gratitude for priestly service and a time of abundant blessings and spiritual graces for all those we serve. The Year is officially concluded, but priestly renewal must never end, nor the willingness to support our priests in the carrying out of their ministries. May we be renewed in these commitments as we gives thanks to God for His countless gifts and pray for His priests: “Inspire them with zeal to proclaim the Word, celebrate the Eucharist and live their lives as Christ’s presence in the world, now and forever. Amen.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:40 |
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Three Raleigh Seminarians Attend NY Ordinations |
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Written by Ian Van Heusen
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Thursday, 10 June 2010 12:02 |
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Our trip began with a joy-filled car ride from Philadelphia. We were filled with joy for two reasons, the first and primary reason was that we were looking forward to spending time with the Franciscans of the Renewal. The second reason, which was like icing on the cake, was that we had been “let loose” from St. Charles Borromeo seminary at the conclusion of the semester and were eager to begin our summers.
Phil List, Jonathan Baggett, Wendel Sawyer (who is from the Diocese of Charlotte), and I spent a good part of our trip praying together (the rosary and the divine offices), and when we arrived in Harlem at St. Joseph Friary, we were greeted by Fr. Luke and Fr. Gabriel, both of which agreed that I needed to learn how to parallel park in the proper New York fashion. In the city, they informed me, one leaves no more than an inch between the tire and the curb.
That night, we prayed the Night Office and Rosary with the friars and there many guests who were in town for the ordination. There were two guys who were in discernment with the friars, and family and friends of the Ordinandi (i.e. the friars to be ordained) some who had traveled from as far as France for the event. After Night Prayer, the friars broke with their regular schedule to provide us with a impromptu celebration of Jonathan Baggett’s 21st birthday. Then we were shown to our luxurious rooms in which we were given a matt and a sleeping bag to sleep on. Who needs a hotel when you got the Friars to stay with?
The following day, we arose early for a holy hour and morning prayer, and then proceeded to head to St. Patrick Cathedral, providing a few North Carolinians with their first trip on the NYC Subway. When we arrived at the Cathedral, the area in front was filled with religious and priests from multiple different orders, and what was most striking was how young most of the priests, brothers, and sisters were. Maybe the smiles and joy of a living a life for Christ makes one appear younger, but it appeared to me that many of the religious were in their 20’s and 30’s. It was great to be surrounded so many young men and women who had responded to Jesus’ call to leave everything and follow him.
The Ordination was absolutely stunning, and what was most moving was when Archbishop Dolan received first blessing from the priest’s in the traditional manner, and kissed the palms of the hands of the Ordinandi.
From there, our group took a couple of hours to sight-see in Manhattan, and then joined up later with the Friars in the Bronx. The evening was packed with so many moving encounters and details, but what was most striking was the familial joy of the Friars and their guests. We began the celebration with Evening Prayer and a holy hour, and the proceeded to have a great dinner with wonderful entertainment. Apparently, the friars are quite talented musically and love to play all kinds of music. What seemed to be particularly popular with the friars and sisters of the renewal were songs that involved hand gestures and dancing. One line that I found particularly funny was, “I love God, I love the Pope, I even love my rope” (referring to the cincture that the friars where).
The party ended with Night Prayer, and I think I can safely say that all where quite exhausted from a day filled with celebration and the joy that is the Catholic Church. Truly Christ is alive in His Church.
Our trip began with a joy-filled car ride from Philadelphia. We were filled with joy for two reasons, the first and primary reason was that we were looking forward to spending time with the Franciscans of the Renewal. The second reason, which was like icing on the cake, was that we had been “let loose” from St. Charles Borromeo seminary at the conclusion of the semester and were eager to begin our summers.
Phil List, Jonathan Baggett, Wendel Sawyer (who is from the Diocese of Charlotte), and I spent a good part of our trip praying together (the rosary and the divine offices), and when we arrived in Harlem at St. Joseph Friary, we were greeted by Fr. Luke and Fr. Gabriel, both of which agreed that I needed to learn how to parallel park in the proper New York fashion. In the city, they informed me, one leaves no more than an inch between the tire and the curb.
That night, we prayed the Night Office and Rosary with the friars and there many guests who were in town for the ordination. There were two guys who were in discernment with the friars, and family and friends of the Ordinandi (i.e. the friars to be ordained) some who had traveled from as far as France for the event. After Night Prayer, the friars broke with their regular schedule to provide us with a impromptu celebration of Jonathan Baggett’s 21st birthday. Then we were shown to our luxurious rooms in which we were given a matt and a sleeping bag to sleep on. Who needs a hotel when you got the Friars to stay with?
The following day, we arose early for a holy hour and morning prayer, and then proceeded to head to St. Patrick Cathedral, providing a few North Carolinians with their first trip on the NYC Subway. When we arrived at the Cathedral, the area in front was filled with religious and priests from multiple different orders, and what was most striking was how young most of the priests, brothers, and sisters were. Maybe the smiles and joy of a living a life for Christ makes one appear younger, but it appeared to me that many of the religious were in their 20’s and 30’s. It was great to be surrounded so many young men and women who had responded to Jesus’ call to leave everything and follow him.
The Ordination was absolutely stunning, and what was most moving was when Archbishop Dolan received first blessing from the priest’s in the traditional manner, and kissed the palms of the hands of the Ordinandi.
From there, our group took a couple of hours to sight-see in Manhattan, and then joined up later with the Friars in the Bronx. The evening was packed with so many moving encounters and details, but what was most striking was the familial joy of the Friars and their guests. We began the celebration with Evening Prayer and a holy hour, and the proceeded to have a great dinner with wonderful entertainment. Apparently, the friars are quite talented musically and love to play all kinds of music. What seemed to be particularly popular with the friars and sisters of the renewal were songs that involved hand gestures and dancing. One line that I found particularly funny was, “I love God, I love the Pope, I even love my rope” (referring to the cincture that the friars where).
The party ended with Night Prayer, and I think I can safely say that all where quite exhausted from a day filled with celebration and the joy that is the Catholic Church. Truly Christ is alive in His Church.
~Ian Van Heusen |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 10 June 2010 13:01 |
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Seminarian Don Maloney Instituted into Ministry of Acolyte |
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Monday, 10 May 2010 14:28 |
Diocese of Raleigh seminarian Don Maloney, who just completed his second year of Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, has been instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte, one of the steps to Priesthood ordination. The Rite of Institution was celebrated  Saturday, May 1 at the seminary.
An Acolyte is appointed to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest at the altar and as a special minister to give Holy Communion to the faithful at Mass and to the sick. Acolytes may also expose the Eucharist for public adoration in the absence of a priest or deacon. During the institution ceremony, candidates are reminded that they will have a special role in the Church’s ministry, since the summit and source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. The candidates are asked to show a sincere love for Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s holy people and especially for the weak and the sick.
On April 24, three seminarians from the Diocese of Raleigh were instituted into the Ministry of Lector, a step taken the year before the Rite of Institution in the Ministry of Acolyte. The three Lectors are Ryan Elder, Nick Cottrill and Michael Burbeck.
On June 5, seminarian Brendan Buckler, who was instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte in 2009, will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate by the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge at a 10:00 AM Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Wake Forest.
On May 22, Deacon John Vic Gournas will be ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Burbidge during a 10:00 AM Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Above: Diocese of Raleigh seminarian Don Maloney following his institution in the Ministry of Acolyte at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. (Left to right) Reverend Patrick J. Welsh, Dean of Men, Theology Division, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary; Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia; Mr. Maloney; and Reverend Monsignor David E. Diamond, Vice Rector, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
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Three Seminarians Instituted in the Ministry of Lector |
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Tuesday, 27 April 2010 13:47 |
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Three Diocese of Raleigh seminarians have been instituted in the Ministry of Lector. This ministry is a step along the way to Priesthood ordination.
Michael Burbeck, Nick Cottrill and Ryan Elder, who are all completing their first year of Theology, were instituted in the Ministry of Lector during Mass in St. Martin of Tours Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on April 24, 2010.
The Ministry of Lector provides for the reading of the sacred Scripture in the liturgical assembly, except for the gospel in the Mass. As they are instituted in the ministry, candidates are instructed that through the proclamation of the word, they will instruct children and adults in the faith and “bring the message of salvation to those who have not yet received it.” The concluding prayer calls on those gathered to pray “that they may be faithful to the word entrusted to them, proclaim Christ to the world, and so give glory to our Father in heaven.”
Front row (left to right): Reverend Msgr. Joseph G. Prior, Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; Bishop Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Reverend Msgr. David E. Diamond, Vice-Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Second row (left to right): Nick Cottrill, Michael Burbeck, Ryan Elder
Michael Burbeck being instituted in the Ministry of Lector by the Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis
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Pope Benedict XVI to Priests: Remain Faithful to Your Vocation, Practice Asceticism |
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Tuesday, 27 April 2010 07:14 |
VATICAN CITY, 25 APR 2010 (VIS) - At midday today, Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study to pray the Regina Coeli with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Pope quoted the theme of this year's World Day, "witness awakens vocations", noting how it is "closely linked to the life and mission of priests and of consecrated persons.
"The first form of witness that awakens vocations is prayer", he added, calling on parents to pray that "their children's hearts may open to listening to the Good Shepherd", because He alone "protects His flock with immense tenderness and defends it from evil, and in Him alone can the faithful place their absolute trust".
The Holy Father continued: "On this day of special prayer for vocations, I particularly encourage ordained ministers, stimulated by the Year for Priests, to feel a commitment 'to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today's world'; to remember that the priest 'continues the work of redemption on earth'; to pause 'frequently before the tabernacle'; to remain 'completely faithful to their vocation and mission through the practice of an austere asceticism': to make themselves available for listening and forgiveness; to undertake the Christian formation of the people entrusted to their care; and to cultivate 'priestly fraternity'".
After praying the Regina Coeli, Benedict XVI turned his attention to two priests, Angelo Paoli and Jose Tous y Soler, today proclaimed as Blesseds in, respectively, Rome and Barcelona, Spain. The former was an "apostle of charity in Rome, nicknamed the 'father of the poor'. He dedicated himself particularly to sick and convalescent people in the hospital of San Giovanni".
Jose Tous y Soler, founder of the Institute of the Capuchin sisters of the Mother of the Divine Shepherd, despite numerous trials and difficulties, never allowed himself to be overcome with bitterness or resentment. He stood out for his exquisite charity and his capacity to bear and understand the shortcomings of others", said the Pope.
Finally, he addressed a special greeting to the Italian association "Meter" which "for fourteen years has been promoting a national Day for child victims of violence, exploitation and indifference. On this occasion I particularly want to thank and encourage those who dedicate themselves to prevention and education, especially parents and teachers, and the many priests, nuns, catechists and animators who work with children in parishes, schools and associations". |
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POPE INVITES CLERGY TO ROME FOR END OF YEAR FOR PRIESTS |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 14:27 |
VATICAN CITY, 19 APR 2010 (VIS) - Cardinal Claudio Hummes O.F.M., prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, has written a letter to all the priests of the world for the end of the Year for Priests, which is due to conclude on 11 June, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Extracts from the English-language version of the letter, dated 12 April, are given below.
"The Year for Priests brings great joy to the Church and she thanks the Lord for having inspired the Holy Father to announce it".
"It is true that, albeit proportionately small in number, some priests have committed horrible and most serious crimes of sexual abuse upon minors, deeds that we must condemn and rebuke in an absolute and uncompromising manner. Those individuals must answer for their actions before God and before tribunals, including the civil courts. Nevertheless, we also pray that they might achieve spiritual conversion and receive pardon from God. The Church, for her part, is determined neither to hide nor to minimise such crimes. Above all we are on the side of the victims and want to support their recovery and their offended rights.
"On the other hand, it is absolutely unacceptable to use the crimes of the few in order to sully the entire ecclesial body of priests. Those who do so commit a profound injustice. In the course the Year for Priests, the Church seeks to say this to human society. Anyone possessed of common sense and good will knows it to be the truth".
"Dear priests, ... the Church loves you, admires you and respects you. You are, moreover, a joy for Catholic people throughout the world who welcome you and support you, especially in these times of suffering".
"The Pope, dear priests, invites you from the heart to come to Rome from every part of the world for the conclusion of the Year for Priests, on the 9, 10 and 11 June next. ... The Pope wants to confirm the priests of the Church. Their presence in large numbers in St. Peter's Square will be a proactive and responsible way for priests to show themselves ready and un-intimidated for the service of the humanity entrusted to them by Jesus Christ".
"This means offering our beloved Pope Benedict XVI all our solidarity, support, trust, and unconditional communion, in the face of the frequent attacks currently being directed at him with regard to decisions he made concerning clerics involved in crimes of the sexual abuse of minors. The accusations directed at aim are clearly unjust, and it has been shown that no-one has done as much as Benedict XVI to condemn and combat such crimes. Thus, large numbers of priests in the square with him will be a strong signal of our rejection of the unjust attacks of which he is victim. Come, then, to show public support for the Holy Father.
"The end of the Year for Priests will not be, properly speaking, a conclusion, but a new beginning. We, the People of God and its shepherds, want to thank the Lord for this privileged period of prayer and reflection on the priesthood. At the same time we want to be alert to what the Holy Spirit wants to say to us. Meanwhile we will return to the exercise of our mission in the Church and in the world with renewed joy and with the conviction that God, the Lord of history, remains with us, both in crises and in new times". |
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USCCB to Launch New Vocations Website |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 09:43 |
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WASHINGTON-The U.S. Bishops' Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations is initiating a new website on April 25 to be a resource for both laity and clergy in the promotion of vocations. The launch date is both the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Good Shepherd Sunday.
The site has two goals:
To help individuals hear and respond to the call by God to the priesthood or consecrated life, and
To educate all Catholics on the importance of encouraging others through prayer and activities to promote vocations.
The Vocations Website can be found at www.ForYourVocation.org. A Spanish-language site will be available this fall at www.PorTuVocación.org.
Site elements include discernment resources for men and women, respectively, aids for promoting a vocation culture within the home, and a range of tools for educators, youth leaders and vocation directors including prayers, videos, best practices, lesson plans and vocation awareness programs.
In response to Pope Benedict XVI's 2010 Theme for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Witness Awakens Vocations, the site also hosts videos of priests and religious men and women giving witness to their vocations, as well as testimonies from family members.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 April 2010 09:52 |
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Seminarians' Softball |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 09:41 |
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Raleigh seminarians were seen playing in the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary softball game between the Upper Side and the College/Pre-Theology Division. Click here to view the photogallery. Brendan Buckler and Don Maloney played for the Upper Side. Philip Johnson and Michael Schuetz played for the College/Pre-Theology. Upper Side team won the game! |
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Monthly Update from the Office of Vocations |
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Written by Sara Edwards
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Tuesday, 13 April 2010 15:25 |
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Happy Easter to you all! I hope you’ve had a peaceful and celebratory Easter season! Below are a few updates from our office:
 Our seminarians were home for Easter break and have now returned to the seminary. Hopefully, they can see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that the academic year is almost over. They do have a few bright spots to look forward to in the near future, though:
On Saturday, April 24th, we have three men who will be instituted in the Ministry of Lector: Michael Burbeck, Nick Cottrill and Ryan Elder. One week later, on Saturday, May 1st, Don Maloney will be instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte. Both masses will take place at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Please keep all four men in your prayers!
Please also pray for our seminarians celebrating birthdays this month: Michael Burbeck on Sunday, May 2nd and Jonathon Baggett on Friday, May 14th. In the Vocations Office, Brad Watkins will also celebrate a milestone birthday (but I’m not going to tell you which one!) on Friday, May 28th.
Of course, we are very excited about our upcoming Ordination Masses!
Deacon Vic Gournas will be ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, May 22nd at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh.
Brendan Buckler will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on Saturday, June 5th at Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Wake Forest.
After the Ordinations, the seminarians will begin their summer assignments around the Diocese. The assignments have not yet been released but we’ll notify you when we can of where everyone is going. You may have a seminarian working in your parish for the summer!
A few other upcoming events:
The 47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be celebrated on April 25, 2010 – Good Shepherd Sunday – the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Your pastor should have received a letter to the faithful that can be included in the bulletins as well as potential intercessions to use. An article on the Holy Father’s Message regarding this day can be found on our website. Click on the “Blog” section at the top and then scroll down to find the article.
We only have two more Holy Hours for Vocations left for this academic year! If you haven’t been able to make it to one so far, please check your calendars and see if you can join us at any of the upcoming ones: The next one will be on Friday, April 30th at Saint Mark Parish in Wilmington and the final one on June 4th at Saint Catherine of Siena in Wake Forest, on the eve of Brendan’s ordination. If you are in the area and able to attend, we would love to see you there!
The annual Catholic Youth Convention will be held May 14-16 in Greenville. If you have a group from your parish or school going, make sure they stop by and say hello to Fr. Ned who will be there for part of the weekend.
I believe that is all for now! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or any news to share!
In Christ,
Sara Edwards |
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Learning to Preach |
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Friday, 09 April 2010 10:02 |
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A priest's preaching is probably one of the most visible and important parts of his ministry. Even as a seminarian, what I hear time and again from parishioners is how a given priest preaches. So its very exciting as a seminarian  when you first start writing and preaching homilies in class. For Nick Cottrill, Ryan Elder and myself, that has all started this semester as we have our first course in Homiletics (you might call it Preaching 101). So far, we have all given one homily to our classmates and have two more to "preach" before the end of the semester.
I know for me it was both a challenging and encouraging experience. Challenging because no one is a harder audience (I think) than your classmates in the seminary. They all know the same theology you do and they live with you every day, so preaching to them can be a little intimidating. Most of all, however, the experience was encouraging because everyone was very helpful in their comments and supportive of one another, especially given that it was the first try for all of us. I was also impressed by the quality of the homilies and would not have been disappointed had I been visiting a parish and heard any one of my classmates preach. That being said, we still have a lot of work ahead of us, and many more semesters of homiletics before, God willing, we are ordained deacons and can really preach within the liturgy. Hopefully by the end we will all be ready to go out and preach the Word of God in truth and love, never forgetting that it is Christ's own message that we carry and so we can never rely on our own words to be enough.
Happy Easter to all!
Michael Burbeck |
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