January 1st, 2014

I hope that this post reads more positive than last year's January 1st post.

As I reflect on today, January 1st, 2014; I have completed more than half of my journey to priesthood. In less than 18 months, God willing, I will be ordained a priest.

Completed:
Fall 2011 - Entered Seminary - Instituted as Acolyte
Spring 2012 - Completed First Year
Summer 2012 - Milton Assignment
Fall 2012 - Instituted as Reader - Franklin Assignment
Spring 2013 - Continue Franklin Assignment - Complete Second Year
Summer 2013 - Summer Assignment - Hull
Fall 2013 - Begin Third Year - Pastoral Assignment - Cape Ann

Coming Up:
Spring 2014 - Continue Pastoral Assignment 2 Cape Ann & Complete Third Year
Summer 2014 - Summer Assignment TBD
Fall 2014 - Begin Fourth Year - Pastoral Assignment TBD

*January 2015 - Deacon Ordination in Boston
Spring 2015 - Continue Pastoral Assignment - Complete Fourth Year
May 2015 - Ordination as Priest

If the seminary is a flight of stairs with eight steps on it, I am on the 5th step. I have 3 steps to go. It feels like a lot left.  Fortunately, I feel like I have a lot to learn still, so I guess that is a good match.

 * I know that some of you heard the same rumor that I did.  The one that said Boston was moving the Deacon ordination date to the summer of 3rd year like almost every other diocese in the U.S.  It was discussed, our seminary was ready to do it, the other seminaries in Boston were not ready to do it.