Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

...continuing a countdown to Spring Break at my favorite vacation spot...

...3...

I spent some time working on my papers last night. I have two completed.  The last one is not flowing easily bit is beginning to come together.  Thursday is our day off.  I have a visit to the orthopedic surgeon this morning to check out the damage to my arm.  It has been feeling pretty good, so I am hoping for good news. 

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one,  we have a lot of reproduction artwork here at the seminary in our halls and in our classroom.  It has helped me to learn something about art.  I've even started a course in art from "The Great Courses" to learn more.  This is one of my favorites from our classroom. It is titled "Christ, the High Priest" and came from monasteryicons.com.

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

...continuing a countdown to Spring Break at my favorite vacation spot...

...4...

A full day of classes today.  Our professor who had a death in the family has been sending in taped lectures so we are back to a full schedule.  He was seen at the seminary yesterday, so we may even have a live class today. House Committee meetings take place today as well.  I'll be attending the Pastoral Committee meeting.  I hope to make some good progress on those remaining papers due Friday and Saturday.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, the 60+ men, faculty and staff here at Blessed John Seminary.  A great group of guys who are there when you need them for anything.  We study together, learn together, eat together and pray together.  I am blessed to be here and to have them in my life.

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

 I'm starting a countdown to Spring Break at my favorite vacation spot...

...5...

 I'm at my pastoral assignment today.  We have a group visit this morning followed by individual visits this afternoon.  Back at the seminary, we have optional adoration on Tuesday evenings, it helps recharge the soul after a day of giving.  Still working on those papers due before spring break.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, given to me by my parents, long before the seminary was in my sights.  My mother, God rest her soul, saw it in a catalog and wanted me to have it.  This represents the many gifts given to me by my parents over the years.  Mom would be thrilled to see me ordained.  She will see me, but from a different vantage point.

Monday of the Second Week of Lent

A new week and 3 papers due this week.  I've been working ahead, but I still feel like I'm behind.  I have one of the papers done, so I still have two to write.  This is the week before spring break.  Our class is lucky to only have papers, many other class have multiple midterms.

I'll be playing for morning prayer today. I just slip my arm out of the sling for the few minutes required to play.  My arm is feeling fine, good motion, no pain.  I'm hoping for good news on Thursday.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, you've seen my kneeler before. I have rearranged my room to leave it unfolded with the cushion down.  I find that I am using it more.  I do know that I reflect on my blessings daily right after I pray night prayer there.

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

It is the weekend in New England and we have another snow storm brewing.  Well, it is not like the last one where they had to cancel classes because the instructors could not get into the seminary.  We have our normal class load today.  Since it is Saturday, I will be playing the organ for Morning Prayer and Mass.

Something unusual tonight, a dozen of the brothers (and me!) are heading out to a scotch tasting.  We DO have lives outside of the seminary.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one,when we are not feeling our best, we have 2 doctors and an EMT here at the seminary.  None of them are licensed to practice here in Massachusetts, but they act as as our triage folks.  They tell us if we have to go to the Dr., ER, or do home treatment.  In the case of the arm that I injured last Saturday, the heat and Aleve did not completely solve the problem, so my arm is in a sling until I can see my orthopedic surgeon next week.  It seems to be minor damage, minor pain, but it needs some attention. 

Friday of the First Week of Lent

A full day of classes here at the Seminary.  We normally have Mass at 11:35, but today Mass is at 4:30.  Cardinal Sean is coming to celebrate the Candidacy Mass for the 3rd year men. I am serving as a candle bearer at that Mass.  Afterwards, my classmates and I will be serving at the festive dinner.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, This New Testament Study Bible was given to me by Frank and the members of the REC (Residents Encounter Christ) teams I have been a part of.  When I see it, I think of them and the men in prison that have been a part of my Christian life.  I am blessed to have known and worked with terrific team members and these faith filled inmates.

Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Ah, Thursday, our day off.  After Mass, I'm taking a classmate out to get his car fixed.  For all of my good intentions and trying to keep ahead, I think I'm a bit behind again.  Perhaps, I should have studies last night instead of attending my Toastmasters meeting.  Later today, I'll be reading for Friday's and Saturday's classes and working on a paper for Prophets & Writings.  Tonight is a rehearsal for tomorrow's Candidacy Mass with Cardinal Sean.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, my friend Peg stitched this for me.  It is a copy of one hanging in her house.  I've given two or speeches using this thought and there are a few homilies in there as well.   I am blessed by small gifts given with great love by many friends.

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

 Back to classes today after our rare long weekend and my pastoral assignment. One of our professors is out due to a death in his family, so it is a short class day as well.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, have I ever mentioned that I am a voracious reader? No, I have not read these books.  The top shelf is my "to read" shelf.  The rest are reference books for homilies and exegesis as well as various bibles.  Add in a couple of fabric containers and I have filled up the entire bookcase (the bottom too, but some things we just don't show, they're too messy)

BTW, that is a new IKEA bookcase they're sitting in.

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Today is our pastoral assignment day in second year.   I'll be out working in a parish today visiting home bound and offering them communion.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, have I ever mentioned that I am a voracious reader?  That is a good thing with the reading load here at the seminary.  Here are the books for classes so far, and a few for next year that were given to me by an outgoing brother.

Monday of the First Week of Lent

 I had a brief but enjoyable trip to Maine.  We went out to diner to celebrate my niece's birthday.  My other niece was up from South Carolina to visit as well.  The family is doing well, thanks for asking.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, it was my birthday last week.  I got dozens of greetings on Facebook and several cards, including the traditional hand made one from my friend Mair.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

I made good progress yesterday on reading and papers.  We have Catholic Spiritual Traditions, Christology and Mass this morning, then we are off until Monday night. Today I play the organ for Morning Prayer and Mass here at the Seminary.  If the predictions for a snow storm are over-exaggerated,  I am doing my monthly trip to Westford to play the organ for the 4:00 Mass this afternoon.  After Mass, I head to Maine to visit my family for a couple of nights.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, God gave me a modicum of talent to play the organ and sing.  I am not the best organist in the house, in fact, I consider myself the least talented of the organists here.  But, when I play, people do sing along. I give back the gifts God has given me. 

Friday after Ash Wednesday

I made good progress yesterday on reading and papers.  Back to classes today.  We have Prophets & Writings, Christology and Mass this morning; Stations of the Cross tonight.  I should be able to get some treadmill time after lunch and more home work done tonight after dinner.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, I have the "dumpster view" out of my window.  I also have the deer, turkey and raccoon view.  Most importantly, I have a view of the chefs and kitchen workers coming and going throughout the day, tireless working to keep us well fed for each meal.  May God bless everyone who grew, raised, processed, transported, prepared, cooked and served our daily meals.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

No classes today.  This is our usual day off during the week.  I am working ahead as much as I can because I plan on taking 2 nights in Maine this weekend.  I need to make sure that I have as much work done before the weekend as possible.  Spring break is coming soon and we have several large projects due soon after spring break, so they need attention now.

I am counting my blessings.

Like this one, that reminds me of my friend Diane in Westford.  She gave this "chalice" to me long before there was a hint of attending the Seminary.  This reminds me of her and all the good people in Westford who helped me on my journey.  It sits proudly on top of my bookcase with a nice back-light behind it at night.

Ash Wednesday

We are in silence during a day of recollection.  We shared morning prayer, breakfast and a reflection by Bishop Deely.  We have Mass, another reflection and evening prayer before we break silence.

I am counting my blessings. 

Like this one, given to me by the wonderful Music Ministry at St. Catherine's in Westford as I was leaving for the seminary. It hangs in my room next to my bed and is a reminder of how I should live each day.