John the Blessed

I'm moving my blog....

2008-01-19T22:39:00.000-05:00

I am moving my blog to a new address. You can still get it through http://www.johntheblessed.com, or you can go directly to it at http://johntheblessed.wordpress.com/. Either link will work.

I will not be adding new posts to this blog, but all of these posts have been moved to the new one. Isn't technology wonderful!!!!!!

Harry G. Hardy - in memoriam.

2007-12-13T00:26:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine, Harry Hardy, passed away this evening in Helena, Montana after his third bout with cancer. I have known the Hardy family since the late 70's and have shared many wonderful times with them over the years. He was a throat cancer survivor from the mid '70's and was a pretty tough old bird.

Harry was a musician, a band director, and a wood craftsman. He enjoyed life and pursued his many interests with great zeal. He was a big fan of dixieland jazz and played in a few bands in Montana and did some touring also. One of his claims to fame was being an uncredited actor in the Jimmy Stewart movie, "The Glenn Miller Story". Harry was directing the military band (I believe on an airstrip) when Jimmy (Glenn in the movie) pushed him out of the way and took over directing. Harry was in a military band in his young years as he was a quite talented low brass player. Harry many times called the movie, and I quote, "The Glenn Miller Story starring Harry G. Hardy and co-starring Jimmy Stewart."

Here is a picture of Harry from the 1978 Capital High Yearbook from one of the schools where he taught. I found this picture on their "Class of '78" website where many mentioned Mr. Hardy as their favorite teacher.

Harry is survived by his wife, Molly, his children Kathy and David, 2 brothers and a sister, and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

You can find his obituary and other comments on this link: Helena Independent Record - Life Story of Harry G. Hardy.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, amen.

Candidacy at St. Meinrad!

2007-11-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

It is official - I am a candidate for the Holy Orders of Deacon!!!!!

On Sunday, November 3rd, the Rite for Candidacy was celebrated in the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel at St. Meinrad. I was one of fourteen men who were advanced to Candidate in the ceremony. Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Bishop of Toledo America, presided over the Mass and was the Homilist. Here are a few pictures from the ceremony.

Bishop Blair

The Candidates

John O'Neill (me), Diocese of Tulsa and Saviour Nundwe, Diocese of Springfield/Cape Girardeau

Champions of Faith!

2007-09-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

I want to pass along some information about a DVD I recently viewed. It is called Champions of Faith and is a sports related video about Catholics in professional baseball. The blurb on the DVD says, "Baseball's biggest stars reveal how their faith guides and sustains their spectacular major league careers."

It is an extremely well done video that is very Catholic!!!! It has players' and coaches' testimonies including Mike Piazza, Mike Sweeney, David Eckstein, Jack McKeon, Ivan Rodriguez, Jeff Suppan and others.

I would suggest this DVD for any group or individual who is interested in the personal testimonies of individuals who love the Lord and live their Catholic faith. It could also inspire young and old alike who are interested in famous sports figures. You can find out more at their website Champions of Faith.

Click the link to learn more.

Summer's over and I'm back at school!

2007-09-03T16:05:00.000-04:00

Well, summer went by very quickly. I am back at St. Meinrad and ramping up for another semester of learning.

The CPE Program (Clinical Pastoral Education) that I participated in this summer at Hillcrest Hospital was a great learning experience. I had many moments of crisis and many others of blessings. God truly gave me grace to minister to others in both of those moments and everything else in between. The other students and staff were all part of my learning curve and hopefully I was a positive part of theirs. I am pretty sure I can handle just about any kind of ministry situation now, as I was in many emergency situations over the summer. My prayers continue for the men and women of the medical profession that so diligently care for the people who enter their hospitals and emergency rooms. Here is a picture of the group.

Clockwise from bottom left: Jeff (supervisor), Tausha, John, Donna, Elkin, and John (me).

This year I am taking Trinity, Advanced Homiletics, Introduction to Canon Law, and Reflections on Hispanic Ministry. These classes will all be in English (The Hispanic Ministry may be bilingual at times). I am also going to take a Moral Virtues class in Spanish. This will help prepare me if I go to Salamanca, Spain next semester (more on that in another post). It will be a busy semester with possible ministry at the Guadalupe Center in Huntingburg again. I will know more about both of these things next week.

At the end of the summer I had a chance to go back to my home town of Okeene, OK. I spent time with friends, relaxed, and generally rested after the 12 week CPE program. I needed to catch up on a few naps. I also met the new pastor of the Catholic Church there, and he invited me to speak to the congregation after Communion at Sunday's Mass. I was humbled and honored at the opportunity. This was the first time I had been in the Church since I had joined the seminary. It was a real treat to share a little about my journey thus far and to be welcomed by so many familiar faces. I look forward to my Mass of Thanksgiving that I will celebrate there after I am ordained. After I spoke I realized that it was 50 years earlier that same week that I was baptized in that Church. It is amazing to think that all these years after serving and attending Mass I will soon be celebrating at the same altar as my former pastors.

That's about it for now. I probably won't get back to Tulsa until Christmas time, but I invite anyone to come visit me here in Indiana. I am sure you would enjoy your time here and I would love to have guests to share this place with.

Summer is off to a good start!

2007-05-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

Here it is almost the end of May and a lot has already happened.

My last day of school this semester was May 15th and for the first semester since going to seminary I was totally finished with all of my required assignments before leaving St. Meinrad. It was a very good feeling!!!!! I drove to Cincinnati to help teach at a School of Evangelization lead by my friend Charlie Osburn. I was able to teach/preach on many different subjects relating to evangelization and living Christ's message of love and mercy. It was quite a week and a good kick off for the summer.

Next I drove to Tulsa and participated as a server for the ordination of 11 permanent deacons and 2 priests for the Diocese of Tulsa. My school mates and diocesan bothers Brian O'Brien and Gary Kastl were ordained as new priests. It was a truly wonderful celebration held in the Reynolds Arena on the campus of the University of Tulsa. Between the newly ordained, the clergy, the thousands of Catholics in the assembly and the beautifully transformed worship space it was a memorable time of praise and thanksgiving for the Church and these men of God. I am glad I was able to participate.

On Tuesday I began my summer assignment. I will be in the CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) program at Hillcrest hospital in Tulsa. Basically I will be trained to minister to the sick, dying, their relatives and friends, and the staff of the hospital. This will be an intense program of learning and self-discovery. I am looking forward to the next 12 weeks. I am living at Christ the King parish with Fr. Tam Nguyen and the newly ordained Fr. Brian O'Brien. I am appreciative of the warm welcome and hospitality of Fr. Tam, his staff, and the parishioners. It should be a great summer.

Since I am in Tulsa, call me or drop me an email and maybe we can get together. I would love to visit with anybody who is in Tulsa for the summer. The time will go fast so give me a buzz......

Homily for Sunday, April 22, Third Sunday of Easter

2007-05-17T12:50:00.000-04:00

I thought I would post one of my homilies from the Introduction to Homiletics class. If you are interested in the readings for this particular Sunday they are:

First Reading: Acts 5:27-32, 40-41
Psalm: Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14
Gospel: John 21:1-19

Here's the homily.

Have you ever had déjà vu? That feeling that you’ve been here before – that you’ve already experienced this? Have you ever had déjà vu? That feeling that you’ve been here before – that you’ve already experienced this?

That must have been what the apostles felt. It wasn’t that long ago, just a couple of years, that they were having another bad night of fishing and this man named Jesus told them to throw their nets over the other side of the boat. They did and caught a boatful of fish that day too. That was Jesus’ first appearance to them, when he called them to follow him and become fishers of men. This time it was a little different circumstance – or was it? Yes, Jesus had been crucified and resurrected, and yes, they had already seen him twice since the resurrection. But I don’t think the apostles were too sure what to do next. It must have been a very troubling time and they needed some comfort, something familiar. Peter decides he’s got to do something and exclaims, “I’m going fishing,” and the rest follow. I guess when you’re not too sure what to do it always seems best to go back to something comfortable – like going fishing.

I also think this “let’s go fishing” reaction of the apostles gives you and I a little hope. How many times have we had a task in front of us, or been confronted by our weaknesses, or been just a bit overwhelmed by life, and we run back to things that are easy or familiar to us. Maybe someone is prompting us to do something a little different, or challenging us to look at life a little differently and we cling to the known, rather than take on the unknown. It’s a little like déjà vu – we’ve done this before and it’s familiar, maybe we even like to do it, and it usually doesn’t take us out of our comfort zone. More realistically it puts us right in the middle of our comfort zone. Almost like a little déjà vu security blanket that we need to hold on to at times. I have a friend that washes his driveway when he has a big decision to make or needs to think something through. I usually play a little guitar. Peter just goes fishing. But the déjà vu of the apostles goes a little deeper.

Here are the apostles, fishing, just like before, and Jesus asks if they’ve had any luck. I’m not sure if these guys could have made it as fishermen because for the second time now they’ve caught nothing. Jesus insists that they cast just one more time and they catch more than their nets will hold. In that moment, in their déjà vu, they realize it is Jesus talking to them, and just like before they follow him. It gives us hope in second chances when Jesus again gives the apostles a second chance. In fact it is in the second chances, or the déjà vu moments, when Jesus ministry becomes clearer, more real. Today we see him feeding his apostles fish and then breaking bread. A while earlier he fed 5,000 on a couple of fishes and a few loaves of bread. Just a few days before he broke bread and shared the cup with the twelve, and then he broke bread in Emmaus with a couple of other disciples. Each moment, in the breaking of the bread, it feels a little like déjà vu. Isn’t that what it takes sometimes for us to understand the love of God, or the depth of Jesus’ gift of salvation and redemption on the cross? To see it over and over again? To experience it one more time? Each times Jesus breaks bread with his followers – something happens. And this time was no different.

Jesus feeds his disciples and then its déjà vu all over again. He asks Peter if he loves him – three times. And each time Peter answers that he does. And each time Jesus tells him to “feed my sheep.” How many times is it going to take for Peter to get it? At the Last Supper Peter claimed his undying love for Jesus and then turned around a few hours later and denied him three times. Here’s a little theological déjà vu for us. Jesus gives Peter a second and then a third chance to be redeemed for his three denials when he asks him three times if he loves him. Jesus is all about second chances, and third chances, and maybe more chances if needed. But at some point Jesus must expect that we will get the message and act on it.

Our first reading fast-forwards us to a few days or weeks after Jesus’ Ascension. Peter and the apostles have finally gotten Jesus message about feeding his sheep and spreading the good news. They seem to be preaching everywhere about Jesus. And we also see the Sanhedrin and the high priest in a little déjà vu moment of their own. They must have been thinking – didn’t we deal with this Jesus character just a few weeks ago? Didn’t we have him put to death so that his followers would go away? What are these guys doing speaking his name? We had Jesus crucified for his message of the Kingdom of God, and here come Peter and the apostles preaching the same thing. In fact we learn that the Sanhedrin had already warned the apostles about telling the story of Jesus, yet here’s Peter and the boys, back in front of them again for the same reason – déjà vu. But for Peter and the disciples, this time it’s different than before. This time they understand the message of salvation and redemption. This time they recognize the sacrifice of love that Jesus showed them on the cross. This time they’ve been given the power of the Holy Spirit to preach, and that’s just what they’re doing. Instead of looking for their déjà vu security blanket they proclaim obedience to God, they’re rejoicing that they’ve been found worthy to suffer for the sake of the name of Jesus. That’s a big change for the apostles. But that’s the hope that comes from Jesus in our déjà vu experiences of God.

We’re in a déjà vu moment ourselves – here today. How many times have we heard the gospel proclaimed? How many times do we enter the church with the same problems and life challenges as before? Celebrating the Eucharist can definitely be a déjà vu security blanket – inviting us into the comfort of God’s presence. The songs we sing, the prayers we share, the community around us, and even the pew we sit in can give us that feeling that everything is going to be okay. But it can also be an important point of change, of conversion. Today we break bread, like Jesus did 2000 years ago. Today we give thanks and preach the Gospel, just like the apostles did 2000 years ago. And today Jesus is present, just like he’s been for the last 2000 years, in the Word, in the Eucharist, in the body of believers that give thanks to his holy name and proclaim, “Alleluia, He is risen.” But just like 2000 years ago Jesus is also asking us, inviting us, to get the message and act on it. Jesus’ own words challenge us – “Do you love me? Follow me.” “Do you love me? Spread the good news.” “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.”

When we answer yes to Jesus’ challenge and take up our own cross for Christ, it is in this moment that our déjà vu is no longer a security blanket, but a point of change, a point of conversion. In this moment we can all fall down in worship and say, “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”

First Communion at Huntingburg!

2007-05-14T17:53:00.000-04:00

Here are the kids that Chad and I had in our First Communion Class. We had the celebration of their "Primera Comunión" en Español on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). It was a wonderful liturgy with most of the kids participating. I am so proud of them!!!!! The celebrant was our Rector - Fr. Mark O'Keefe. The deacon was Br. Paul Nord.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

Blessings and grace to you during this Easter season. This has been a very blessed time for me and I want to share these last few weeks with you.

During the last few weeks of the semester, before the Easter break, I was blessed to teach a group of young ladies preparing for their Quince Años celebration (this is a Mexican tradition for 15 year old girls - almost a spiritual rite of passage). My seminarian brother Chad King and I have spent 4 weeks helping them better understand their life in the faith and the call on their lives to serve God. These bright and energetic young women were probably not too sure how to take us seminarians, but especially during the last couple of meetings we were able to see their hearts and spirits opening to the power of the Holy Spirit. God is so good!!!!

For the week before Holy Week, all seminarians from St. Meinrad are to take a 5 day retreat. I had my retreat at Subiaco, in Arkansas, with 3 seminarian brothers, Matt, T.J. and Catesby. It was a pleasant time of prayer, reflection, rest and quiet. We were blessed to be able to pray and eat with the monks. I was so impressed with the dedication and openness of these prayerful men. The seemed very much like a group of "good old boys" who truly loved the Lord and their service to Him.

During Holy Week I have been in Pensacola, Florida visiting my friends Charlie and Jeanne Osburn. Charlie is a Catholic Lay Evangelist who has been preaching and teaching for the last 30 years. Before I entered seminary, Charlie was more or less my mentor. We have been praying, preaching, sleeping, eating and telling war stories for the last week. I have been very blessed to spend this time with them. Charlie is 74 years old and still serving the Lord. He leads a group of volunteers who prepare an Agape Meal every Wednesday night at their parish. Last Wednesday I help set up for about 285 people who were fed shrimp scampi. This morning I helped him prepare sauce and sausage for the meal they will serve next Wednesday. Tomorrow morning he has been asked to preach at a sunrise service for the Pensacola Junior Chamber of Commerce.

I was able to attend the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday. The seminarians from the diocese were serving and I had a chance to have lunch with 3 of them who were also in Guadalajara learning Spanish this last summer with me. It was good to see Mike, Matthew and Tim again. Making a connection with someone and then being able to unexpectedly follow up is a good thing.

We lost a good family friend on Tuesday. Henry (Hank) Huhman died at the age of 95. Hank, and his wife Marie, lived across the street from my family in Okeene since 1958. I bought my first car from him (which my brother is now restoring) and bought many gallons of gas from the station that he co-owned. Here is a picture of Hank and Marie just after my dad's funeral in 1998.

Well, that is about all for now. Blessings to all on the Easter weekend!

Time for a new post and an update!

2007-02-13T00:39:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I have given and update and a lot has happened so here goes.

I spent time in Kansas and Oklahoma over the Christmas break with family, friends and got in a nap or two. I played for a New Years Eve dance/party at St. Bernard's in Tulsa with John the Blessed - the band I also play with for other gigs when I am in town.

For the J-term at St. Meinrad I spent 3 weeks at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in San Antonio in January. This was a mini-pastoral experience to learn about multiculturalism and how to better do ministry in our ever changing USA. This was quite an eye-opening time with a trip into some of the poorest parts of our country and across the border into Mexico. I will be adding a couple of posts later on this subject, so will not go into details here.

I am back in school and am really looking forward to the new semester. My classes include Christology, Intro to Homiletics, The Sacrament of Marriage, and Christian Morality and the Pursuit of Holiness. As usual there is a lot of good reading and the teachers are all excellent. I am also working at the Vibrary (an in-house video rental library), and I will continue to play in Abbey Mode - the house band for the Unstable.

My ministry also continues this semester at the Guadalupe Center teaching first communion class, a quinceanera class (a special celebration for 15 year-old Latino/Hispanic girls), and leading the music at a Spanish Mass on Sundays in Dale, IN. My time in Guadalajara last summer and at MACC have really helped me understand the culture and background of the Latino/Hispanic community, and has opened my eyes to some of their needs and how we might work together for a better US.

I was be installed as an Acolyte in the Catholic Church today. This is another step on the road to priesthood. I will be able to assist the priests and deacons at the altar during Mass in an official capacity. I can also be an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in any Catholic Church in the world. Each step is so fulfilling as I continue to walk in God's will for my life. The picture below is of me and my classmate Gary Mayer kneeling in front of the Archbishop of Indianapolis who presided at the ceremony/Mass.

I also started a MySpace account. You can visit it at http://www.myspace.com/johntheblessed. There is not much on it yet, and this will be my main blog for posting, but now I have a MySpace presence also.

That's about all for now. Thanks for keeping myself and all seminarians in your prayers, and also for praying for vocations to the priesthood or the religious life - both for young men and women. Your prayers are appreciated by me, all those serving the Lord in their vocations, and by the Church through which we all serve one another and the Lord.

Be blessed!

Bragging on my nephew and brother-in-law!

2007-02-04T13:41:00.000-05:00

My nephew, Luke Bunker, won his county-wide Spelling Bee. Below is the article in the Dodge City, KS newspaper.

His dad, my brother-in-law, Gene Bunker, also did something that I am proud to announce. He just received his Associates Degree after going back to college and taking classes. I am excited that he would be interested in going back to school, much like myself, after being in the work force for so many years. Gene, my hat is off to you. No article in the paper but still an important life event.

Sacred Heart student wins Ford County Spelling Bee

Spelling a win

By Ashley Nietfeld - Dodge City Daily Globe

Sixteen students gathered in The Learning Center in Dodge City Friday afternoon, nervously awaiting the start of the Ford County Spelling Bee. Having already been declared the winner at his or her school, each hoped to become the champion speller in the county.

"You are all winners," said Kathy Frederking, a librarian at Comanche Intermediate Center who volunteered to be the word pronouncer for the bee. "You're awesome for being here."

Boys and girls in grades 4-8 went to the microphone one by one, all competing for the chance to go to Topeka for the state spelling bee.

In the first round, 10 students stumbled over challenging words such as "facsimile" and "calcification." In the next two rounds, "lacrosse" and "hacienda" stumped two more students, while others sailed through "laceration" and "kindergarten."

After 14 students left the stage with a few tears and some shrugs of disappointment, Luke Bunker and Elizabeth Jenkins faced off in the final round. Both students volleyed through "maestro," "magnificence," "narration" and "niche." It wasn't until Jenkins misspelled "nightingale" that Bunker was able to swoop in for the win. The championship word "nimbus" sealed Bunker as the winner.

Bunker was given a plaque and will have his name engraved on the traveling trophy that hangs on the wall at The Learning Center. He was also presented with a plaque from the Dodge City Daily Globe and $100 to cover his expenses for his trip to Topeka.

If Bunker is able to grab the state title, he will go to Washington, D.C., for the National Spelling Bee.

All 16 of the brave and hardworking students at Friday's bee received certificates of participation "for consistent achievement spelling words large and small."

"We have a nice group of kids," said Annette Aldape, the bee's coordinator and principal at Beeson Elementary School.

Anyone who missed the spelling bee will be able to watch it at 2 p.m. each day on Channel 21.

Picture by Michael Schweitzer/Daily Globe

Luke Bunker from Sacred Heart Middle School smiles after winning the Ford County Spelling Bee Friday afternoon at the USD 443 Learning Center.

Seated behind Bunker is Elizabeth Jenkins of Spearville Middle School, who placed second in the contest.

Semester Break!

2006-12-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

It has been a challenging but wonderful semester. Classes, papers and exams are now complete and it is time for a little relaxation.

I drove to St. Mary's, Kansas last Friday to visit an old friend, Fr. Dave Imming (retired). He was my pastor when I was in Enid, OK many years ago. It was good to spend time with him. My travels have taken me to Dodge City, KS where I am at my sister's home with her and her family. After this it will be back to my hometown of Okeene, OK for a day or so before heading back to Tulsa for the Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

Today, December 12, is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I was blessed to visit the shrine in Mexico City this summer. Here is a picture of the image of Our Lady that she miraculously inscribed on Juan Diego's cloak.
Lat night I attended the beginning festivities for the feast day celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City. There was about 5 hours of native Mexican dancing and music before Mass, and then 2 hours of music after Mass. There was also a procession carrying a torch from many miles away, in the cold, to the Cathedral. Here is a picture that of some of the dancers.
It was quite a joyous time, and the celebration continues today into the night. I am very appreciative of how the Latino people work very hard to keep their traditions alive, while also working hard to fit into a new culture here in America.

I pray that you have a Blessed Advent Season, a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year! If you are in Tulsa for New Year's Eve, my group is playing at St. Bernard's Catholic Church for a dance/celebration for the bringing in of 2007. You might have to call for reservations (call Virginia at 918.299.9406), but all are welcome. It looks to be a fun time!

Update from St. Meinrad!

2006-11-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile so an update is in order.

Two of my diocesan brothers were ordained as transitional Deacons (which means they are preparing for ordination into priesthood in the near future) on the 28th of October - Brian O'Brien and Gary Kastl. It was a wonderful ceremony and the whole weekend was a blessing to them and the other 11 men who were ordained. One of the events of the weekend was a social gathering at the Unstable on Saturday night. The new house band, Abbey Mode, played and it was the first and only stop of the "Official 2006 Reunion Tour of Anathema Sit". It was good to play some music with Mark, Jeff, Steve and John.

Here is a picture of our newest deacons and the priests from the Diocese of Tulsa that were in attendance.

Standing from left to right are: Deacon Gary Kastl, Fr. Charles (Chuck) Swett, Fr. Jack Gleason, Fr. Michael Knipe, Msgr. Dennis Dorney, Fr. Matt Gerlach, Deacon Brian O'Brien. Kneeling in front is Fr. Valentine Ndebilie.

Here is a picture of the 13 men lying prostrate as the Litany of the Saints was sung, and just before the Archbishop laid hands on them in the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

I made a quick trip to Tulsa last weekend to play at Catholic Charities' Walk for Adoption on Sunday, November 5th. This is my third year to participate in this worthy fund raiser. It was raining so we held it inside the Bishop Kelley gym and field house. I think a good time was had by all. This photo is from a story in the Eastern Oklahoma Catholic where I am pictured with the Bishop and Newswoman Yvonne Harris from KTUL Channel 8 in Tulsa. I didn't see it, but I heard that they showed us on the local Tulsa evening news Sunday night in a story about the walk.

Also, here is a copy of this year's Walk for Adoption logo. I really like it.

This evening, November 12th, the Extreme Makeover - St. Meinrad Edition was broadcast on ABC. They opened the Unstable just so we seminarians could gather and watch the show together. It was a very good show as it focused on the family and the support of people with cancer through the Relay for Life. In the furniture moving section it showed quite a few seminarians and it included a clip of me (from behind) as I helped carry a mattress into the house. On TV two Sundays in a row - what a country!!! Anyway, the Farina family was very deserving and the show really gave a lot of good publicity to cancer awareness. Here is a nice wrap-up statement from Fr. Jeremy King of the Archabbey. He was the liaison with ABC and the Extreme Makeover crew:

"I [Fr. Jeremy] was present at the St. Meinrad Community Center on Sunday evening just prior to the broadcast we all were waiting for! Shawna Farina thanked everyone for all the wonderful contributions that made her family's dream come true. She also received a check for $1000.00 from SMART to be donated to Relay For Life. These funds were the proceeds from the sale of tee shirts during and following the building project. Amanda Harper was also present. She is the young cancer victim who is to be the recipient of the proceeds from the evening. I was asked to speak and lead the community in prayer before the broadcast. I assured Shawna and family that they had no obligation to “pay it back” to anyone but to “pay it forward”on to all they meet from here on. That has already begun with the Relay for Life and Amanda Harper. Some of you may also know that the Farinas gave all their old furniture to a woman in Huntingburg who lost her home to a fire recently. Shawna and I also spoke privately and she asked me to convey her gratitude to all of the Archabbey community."

"Even though there was no mention of the Archabbey or any images of us as individuals (other than some students and coworkers) the Archabbey Church towers and our soccer field were recognizable to us and many others who know we were part of making a wonderful thing happen. Having spoken to the producers and finding out that the program was going to be only an hour instead of the two hour special they had hoped for on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, I had serious doubts that they would work us in. To have shown much more than they did would have taken at least 10-15 minutes of explanation. The Farina family and the Relay were the center pieces and rightfully so. We are proud that we could be a part and that is all that matters in the long run."

Choices and Discovery – a Christian Perspective

2006-10-22T03:47:00.000-04:00

I have decided to post one of my papers written for my class in Theological Anthropolgy. My teacher was Dr. Morris Pelzel. This assignment was to be written as if given in a talk to a college audience with a diverse grouping of individuals, some Christians, some not, some with no specific religion, and all in a learning and searching time in their lives. I thought this would be an appropriate paper to post on the web.

Choices and Discovery - a Christian Perspective

"Human beings can fully discover their true selves only in sincere self-giving."1 Through Gaudium et Spes (translated - The Church in the Modern World), one of the documents of Vatican Council II, the leaders of the Catholic Church have reached out across the boundaries of nations, religion or lack thereof, generations, languages, skin color, philosophies, and economic realities to bring an alternative perspective of what it means to be fully human in our complex, individualistic and ever-changing world. You and I are living in a time when any type of information is readily available, news and communications are only as far as a text-message away, and though we have the world at our fingertips, it is sometimes difficult to cut through all of the busyness and clutter in our lives to find what is really important. I would like to share with you a Christian viewpoint using input from leaders like the late Pope, John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, the worldwide council of Bishops, a variety of Christian thinkers and writers, and scripture. Our goal today will be to have a better understanding of humanity, our place among that humanity, and the Church's role in helping us live out our role within the human family.

To move forward we must first view the backdrop of today's culture. The bishops state, "In no other age has humanity enjoyed such an abundance of wealth, resources and economic well-being; and yet a huge proportion of the people of the world is plagued by hunger and extreme need while countless numbers are totally illiterate."2 As we continue to make strides in technology, disease control, communications, and the globalization of our economies, we seem to fall short in the area of human rights, poverty assistance and cultural acceptance. All too often we find ourselves at war with the other side, diametrically opposed to some issue strictly because of the label of a political party, cultural, religious, racial or economic difference between us. The complexities of political unrest, poverty, terrorism, and social differences paint a very bleak picture. It seems that the world is too big and messed up to fix by ourselves. There is a key to unlock these complexities if we can but decipher our role within these situations.

Where in our personal experience of life can we glean hope for the future, especially in the decisions that face us each day? It begins with who we are. In modernity we are taught, through education and example, to have a very individualistic view of the world. Descartes' "I think, therefore I am,"3 was the beginning of the separation of morality from ethics. We have been given the impression that we are alone in the world and our security and happiness is totally up to us - we define ourselves. There is some truth to this, but lets explore further. We are told that things will get better if we eat the right food or drink the right beer. We do have noble thoughts and principles for human rights, yet when put into practice there seems to be more harm done than good. We attack nations to save the citizens; we ignore genocide in the name of freedom; we prioritize away the needs of victims of hunger, natural disaster or economic stress; we are more concerned with profit than with the needs of employees; we walk past a neighbor in need in the name of keeping an appointment; or we sit in our homes, hurting and lonely instead of reaching out and asking for help - all in the name of self-awareness and individualism. John Paul II states:

"Attacks [on humanity and human dignity] go directly against respect for life and they represent a direct threat to the entire culture of human rights. It is a threat capable, in the end, of jeopardizing the very meaning of democratic coexistence: rather than societies of "people living together", our cities risk becoming societies of people who are rejected, marginalized, uprooted and oppressed."4

It is through the misguided separation of life and moral responsibility that we become numb to the needs of others, and many times ourselves. But there is another perspective.

The truth is, we are individuals created by God to be in community and fellowship. Our deep, internal nature is to care for others and use our talents for the betterment of all. Gaudium et Spes states, "Believers and unbelievers agree almost unanimously that all things on earth should be ordained to humanity as to their center and summit."5 Differing views and diverse opinions of the definition of humanity often polarize us. Relationship is at the center of humanity - relationship with God and with each other. The bishops continue, "By their innermost nature men and women are social beings; and if they do not enter into relationships with others they can neither live nor develop their gifts."6 Many refuse to explore and understand that the source of our life and relationships is God, our Creator, while others are just not educated about this issue. The Church has been established by God to reach out and educate the uneducated and bring answers to those asking questions. Cardinal Hummes states, "[The Church] wishes to help man [and woman] to discover the full truth of the human being and [his or her] vocation in this world."7

Men and women also fall to the temptation of sin, or separation from God. Gaudium et Spes states, "As a result [of sin], the entire life of women and men, both individual and social, shows itself to be a struggle, and a dramatic one, between good and evil, between light and darkness."8 But God Himself, through the person of Jesus Christ, came to free us from the bondage of sin and to restore us to a place of grace and freedom - freedom to have right relationship with the Father and with each other. This relationship is open to all and enjoyed by Christians who have made the decision to follow Christ. Bailie states, "A Christian is someone whose understanding of the mystery of life and the nature of [their] own existence has been decisively reconfigured by the truth which [they have] found in Christ."9 It is through this understanding and our appropriate use of the aforementioned freedom that we are called to honor each other and ourselves as more than mere objects.

The dignity of the human person extends beyond our personal relationships to those of the whole world. Dignity also reaches into the areas of truth, intellect, wisdom, and conscience. Gaudium et Spes states:

"Humanity's intellectual nature finds at last its perfection, as it needs to, in wisdom, which gently draws the human mind to look for and to love what is true and good.10 Through loyalty to conscience, Christians are joined to others in the search for truth and for the right solution to so many moral problems which arise both in the lives of individuals and from social relationships."11

When we understand who we are, as individuals and as humankind; when we understand that yearning and search for truth are at the core of our very being; when we understand that God is the author and guide for the good and true that we have access to; and when we understand that our brothers and sisters are just like us in their wants and needs and desires; it is at that point that we can have the freedom and abilities to look past the differences that we may have, look beyond the selfishness we may have felt and look to the deep transformation of our culture that is needed to share this gift with those who are in need. This is love, the love that God has for us and that we should have for each other. Pope Benedict XVI states:

"Love of neighbour is thus shown to be possible in the way proclaimed by the Bible, by Jesus. It consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person whom I do not like or even know. This can only take place on the basis of an intimate encounter with God, an encounter which has become a communion of will, even affecting my feelings. Then I learn to look on this other person not simply with my eyes and my feelings, but from the perspective of Jesus Christ. His friend is my friend. Going beyond exterior appearances, I perceive in others an interior desire for a sign of love, of concern."12

The sign of love and concern that manifests itself in need is then moved to a priority position in our lives. Our jobs, education, family, friends are all important and don't change in relation or priority to who we are - but we have the power to make decisions that impact those in need in a positive way. We buy products from companies who support the needy or who don't exploit the marginalized; we shop at stores where the employees are treated fairly; we volunteer our time and talent to organizations who make an impact; we vote for candidates who offer a culture of life, not death; we turn off the TV and turn to our neighbor, family, friend or mate to get to know them better and let them know a little more about us. It is in our decisions to support and seek the good and true that we have impact. Not only immediately, but also by our example others are brought to a decision point of honor and conscience in their lives. This is the model of Jesus Christ in our lives. The bishops tell us:

"In [Jesus] preaching he clearly described an obligation on the part of the daughters and sons of God to treat each other as sisters and brothers. In his prayer he asked that all his followers should be one. As the redeemer of all humanity he delivered himself up to death for the sake of all: 'no one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends' (John 15:13)."13

We have an example of love in Christ, who was sent by the God of love. Schindler states, "Thus the Son reveals the first meaning of God and his love to be Glory, or beauty. To be is to give - or be creative - and to receive, on the way to giving again and ever more abundantly."14 We are called to share this love with our brothers and sisters of the world. This is truly discovering our choices.

1 Gaudium et Spes, Paragraph 24, Page 190.
2 GS, 4, 166.
3 Rene Descartes, Discourse on Methods, Part Four, 24.
4 Pope John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, 18.
5 GS, 12, 174.
6 GS, 12, 175.
7 Cardinal Claudio Hummes, "The Call to Justice: The Legacy of Gaudium et Spes Forty Years Later," 7.
8 GS, 13, 176.
9 Gil Bailie, "The Subject of Gaudium et Spes Reclaiming a Christocentic Anthropology of the Human Person," 21.
10 GS, 15, 177.
11 GS, 16, 178.
12 Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 18.
13 GS, 32, 197.
14 David L. Schindler, "Christology and Imago Dei: Interpreting Gaudium et Spes" in Communio

‘Extreme Makeover’ finishes filming show in St. Meinrad

2006-10-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

From an Archabbey news release:

On Monday (October 2), more than 3,000 spectators gathered in St. Meinrad, IN, to watch “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” TV show host Ty Pennington shout, “Driver, move that bus!”

When the bus pulled away, local residents Shawna and Steve Farina and family got the first look at their brand-new home – built in 96 hours and with hundreds of volunteers. Work began right after the Farinas were surprised with a visit from the “Extreme Makeover” crew and then whisked away to Disney World.

During construction, a five-day Relay For Life was held at Saint Meinrad Archabbey to raise funds for the American Cancer Society – a charity close to the heart of Shawna, who is battling cancer.

The show airs on Sunday nights on ABC, and the St. Meinrad episode is expected to be aired on November 12, 2006. This is a confirmed date from one of the producers as of October 10, 2006.

Photo: As the bus drives away, Ty Pennington, far right, points to the new home built for the Farina family.

Click here to view another slide show of pictures.

Click here to view slides on the construction company's website.

Extreme Makeover - Seminarian Division!

2006-10-01T22:23:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I, along with about 18 other seminarians and about 10 monks, helped load furniture and various items into the Farina Home. It is a beautiful place and should serve as a wonderful home for this family. I would describe it as rustic and country style. It is 2 stories with about 3,200 sq. feet.

In this picture - left to right - are seminarians Eric Schild, Diocese of Toledo, Ohio; Brent Lingle, Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa; Mauricio Carrasco, Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas; Dominic Petan, Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana; and John O'Neill (me), Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Behind us is the Farina home.

Here is a picture of a few of the monks who helped out.

We first loaded a small truck in the staging area. Then we made our way to the house for the unloading of the big furniture items. As the design team ran out of the house to the truck we followed and in about 45 minutes all of the major furniture items were unloaded from 4 large trucks. There was furniture made from logs, nice leather and cloth chairs, desks, tables, pillows, and pillows, and more pillows. As I carried in a large bag of pillows Tanya, from the design team, was punching it like a punching bag. The design team seemed very friendly and upbeat the whole time. Ty was not there at the time. We carried stuff to all parts of the house, over and past cameras, and basically unloaded 4 semi-trailer trucks in less than 45 minutes. Don't call me for your next move though - unless you can supply about 45 other people.

Before we started unloading I visited with Paul (they called him Pauly) and asked how often they built one of these homes. He said they did about 3 every month!!!! They finish here tomorrow (Monday) and on Wednesday they will be in a new location with another family starting all over again. That is pretty amazing. It was good to be just a very small part of a very big project. To learn more about the show click on the link "Extreme Makeover - Home Division" and you will be sent to their web page.

Rumor has it this particular episode of the show will air the Sunday before Thanksgiving - just a rumor at this point. I will post the exact date and time as it becomes available to me.

Be blessed!

Extreme Makeover - Home Edition is in St. Meinrad!

2006-09-27T19:58:00.000-04:00

On Monday morning the crew from Extreme Makeover - Home Edition began filming in St. Meinrad. Here is a story released by the Archabbey:

'Extreme Makeover' TV show filming in St. Meinrad
Filming began Monday, September 25, in St. Meinrad, IN, for an upcoming episode of the reality TV show, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which airs on Sunday nights on the ABC network.

Show host Ty Pennington showed up on the doorstep of the Shawna and Steve Farina residence, just two blocks from Saint Meinrad Archabbey, to announce that their home had been chosen for the “Extreme Makeover” show. Shawna is a former employee of the Archabbey. At 27, she has been battling breast cancer for the past year or so.

The Farinas and their three children left a few hours later in a black limousine for a week-long vacation. Meanwhile, local contractors and volunteers will be tearing down their house and building a new, larger one in its place.

One of the first projects Monday night was to tear down The Shady Inn, which has sat unused for several years, to provide a larger building site. Many alumni will remember this "hangout," which was located across the street from the post office.

As one of the neighbors in the community, Saint Meinrad Archabbey has been enlisted to help with some of the TV program’s logistics. Several parking areas have been turned over to the show for the week, while the Abbey Kitchen and Bakery have agreed to supply some sustenance for the work crews.

In addition, monks, students and co-workers will likely be among the hundreds of volunteers who assist with the project, which began with the demolition of the Farina home on Wednesday morning. During the “Braveheart” demolition scene, shown during every episode, hundreds of blue-shirted, hard-hatted volunteers surged forward to take down the house in record time.

Photo: Steve and Shawna Farina leave their home for a limousine ride to the airport for a week's vacation with their children.

There is more information available at the contractor's website. Or you can view a slideshow of pictures of the demolition!

Photo: Hundreds of volunteers turned out early Wednesday morning to help film the demolition rush scene called "Braveheart."

I have volunteered to move furniture in to the completed home on Sunday. It just started raining here about 30 minutes ago, so I hope it doesn't slow them up too much.

Seminarian Update!

2006-09-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

Time for an update - since I have been at school for about three weeks. All is going well, but it is going to be a very busy semester. I have five classes: Church and Orders, Fundamental Moral Theology, Modern Church History, Introduction to the New Testament II, ans Advanced Spanish. I am in the first semester of Second Theology, which is said to be the most difficult of the seminary, and I can believe it. Lots of reading, writing, and other homework. But I am learning so much - it is awesome.

It has also been a busy time in the Diocese. A week and a half ago, fellow Tulsa seminarian Brian O'Brien and I flew to Tulsa to emcee the Annual Youth Rally. We started the day off with an XLT style Adoration and ended with the celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Slattery. During the day there were workshops, game time and a concert that I was guest bass guitarist for a new Christian rock group, Filioque, which has fellow seminarian Mark Steichen on guitar and vocals. It was a very full day and good time with over 400 young people from the Diocese in attendance. Here is a picture from the concert.

Brian and I gave a workshop called "Stand Against the Violence - Stand for Peace" which included information on proactively being Christ for others, immigration issues, and Pro-Life issues. The workshop was well attended and many commented on the timeliness of the information and the need for our young people do be proactive in their personal lives. You can read more in the EOC online. It may take a moment to open because it is a pretty big file.

There was also a nice piece written in the EOC last month about the seminarians. For the complete paper and story, click here. For the smaller pull-out section with pictures, click here.

Thanks for your prayers and notes of encouragement. They are appreciated very much. My next trip to Tulsa will be for the "Walk for Adoption" sponsored by Catholic Charities. My band "John the Blessed" will be playing and the Bishop will also be there. Put it on your calendar and come out to Bishop Kelley that Sunday afternoon.

Be blessed.

Immigration!

2006-08-23T17:11:00.000-04:00

After many discussions since my return from my 10 week summer immersion in Guadalajara, Mexico, I believe it is time for me to discuss the immigration issue. I don't claim to have all the answers (and anyone who does really doesn't have them all either), but I have seen the poverty and need of a group of Mexican people close up and we, you and me, need to keep a certain perspective about this situation.

What has prompted these discussions is an email I received from a very good friend of mine. Below is the email forwarded to me, as well as my comments intertwined in the text of the email. After you read the email and my comments, then I have a few more things to add. The names in the email are not my friend, but apparently the original authors of the letter. My comments are in italics, bolded and have my name at the beginning of each comment. Now for the email:

New Immigrants

From: "David LaBonte"

My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the Orange County Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined. Dave LaBonte (signed)

Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor:

So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statute of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. [John O'Neill] This is not a proper way to react - tearing down the statue of liberty will do nothing, but there is some truth to the thought that we are not accepting immigrants the way we used to. Read further.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer.

Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. [John O'Neill] It is much the same system now with one exception - there is no single point of entry for those who want to enter our country. I believe that many, if not most, of the immigrants from our south would be happy to comply if there were an easier, less costly and more effective way to come into the US. A line at the border where people would register and state their intentions - perfect plan. One of the major deterrents that we (the US) has to this is that you have to apply for an entry Visa before you leave your country. The cost to apply in Mexico (whether you get one or not) is $100.00 US, which is about $1100.00 pesos Mexican. Now, at $45.00 pesos a day (for their minimum wage - equvalent to approximately $4.05 US - do you know anyone who could live on $4.05 a day?) it would take over one month's wages to pay for the Visa application, and you need to get one for each person migrating - so if you had a family for 4, it is almost 5 months wages to apply - whether or not you get a visa or not. This does not make any allowance for the cost of travel or to have any money to live once you get to the US. Now I know the many stories of early immigrants landing in the US with only a few coins in their pockets - and that is exactly what these immigrants from Mexico are doing - coming here with little or no money. But as soon as they arrive, they become gainfully employed and start putting money back into our economy - because they have to eat, have a place to live, pay utilities, and buy clothes, etc. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. [John O'Neill] You would be amazed at how thankful these people are that they have arrived in the "promised land" of the US. I have talked not only to families in Mexico, but also people in the US who work very closely with this group of people, and they are extremely thankful for the chance at the opportunity. Many of them go to the nearest churches and give offerings of prayers and sacrifice, thanking God that they will now have a chance to feed their family. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. [John O'Neill] If they are given the chance, I would wager that these people would also. In fact, the US government now has a plan where a potential immigrant can join the armed forces and fight for the US in Iraq & other lands and gain their citizenship - more on that later. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. [John O'Neill] Most of these people are trying to learn what English they can, and just like the immigrants of old, the first generation will not learn it as well as the second generation who actually go to school here in the US. It is a generally known that since the US was born, the first generations of any immigrants that have moved here only learn enough to get by (on average) and their sons and daughters are the ones who learned the language well. This is not new - this is the same as before.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. [John O'Neill] I believe these people are doing exactly the same, except that for many their family cannot come with them at first, because many had to cross the border illegally just to get a job and start saving money to do just that - bring the rest of their family here. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. [John O'Neill] We have yet to hand anything to the Mexican immigrants that is different than those that came before. The labor laws don't seem to help the migrant farm workers, or gardeners, or roofers, or hotel workers, or dishwashers, or etc., that do a lot of the manual labor in our cities. If you are here and undocumented, you will not even try to take advantage of "labor laws" because you may be found out and sent back. You keep a low profile, keep your nose clean, and work hard for the future of your family. No different than before.

All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. [John O'Neill] Our Mexican immigrants are doing the same. Some are skilled farm workers, some do gardening and lawn work, many are skilled in construction, some have been taught roofing, others have crafts of woodworking, metalworking, cooking, etc., that they trade for wages or open small shops/businesses and do good work for their clients. When I had my roof replaced, it was a Mexican crew that did the work. They worked very hard, did a quality job, cleaned up after themselves and did a fair days work for a fair wage (I guess - I did not pay them directly as I hired a contractor to do the job who then hired the crew). Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. [John O'Neill] The US has an invitation to those immigrants who would join our armed forces that they might earn a chance at civilian ship if they fight for our country now. Plus, over the years, many Mexican Americans have fought in many conflicts - it is usually not the first generation, but the second and third. I don't think it would be any different with those coming now. If there is a need for the next generation to join in battle alongside other men from the US, I am sure they will do just like the others in the past that have gone before them. The Mexican people have a strong heritage of defending what they believe is right, and in fact fought for their own independence from Spain just like we did from England.

They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German-American or the Irish-American. The people of France saw only Americans. [John O'Neill] We are all Americans to the Iraqi people, the Afghans, or the Iranians.

And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. [John O'Neill] Maybe not, but they did not let go of their family's heritage either. If you will remember, many of the churches and neighborhoods that grew in these times (the 1900's and before) grew ethnically. In other words, there were Italian neighborhoods and churches, Polish neighborhoods and churches, Irish..., you get the picture. Even as those that came from Asia immigrated there were China towns and other neighborhoods of Korean and Japanese, etc. And lets not forget our black friends who were originally brought here by force, they also formed neighborhoods and churches that would support their culture - keeping rich their own heritage of history. But in America we are a melting pot of all these different groups and we all call ourselves Americans. But it wasn't always that way. We persecuted the blacks because of their color, we persecuted the Irish because of their heritage, many were persecuted by others because of their religion, the Jews know something of this persecution, yet many Jewish men and women fight for this country along side the bigots who persecute them. I think the Mexican immigrants are feeling that same persecution now - just because of where they came from. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. [John O'Neill] If these people are given the chance, they will too, in fact I would say many already have because they have been here for many years.

And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. [John O'Neill] Are they new, or are we looking at them differently. The same basic ingredients are there in both cases - people come to this country to have freedom, freedom to worship, freedom to work and get paid, freedom to have opportunity that is not available where they came from. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card [John O'Neill] What are these entitlements that they are mentioning? Is it the ability to have their children get an education? The old immigrants wanted that. Is it the ability to get some help when needed? The old immigrants wanted that. Is it the ability to be recognized as human beings and not be treated as criminals? The old immigrants wanted that. Is it the desire to be respected for who they are and not bunch them into a generalization about them just because of where they came from? The old immigrants wanted that too. and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. [John O'Neill] Every person that I know has some fondness and love for their mother country. The Italians do, the Germans do, the Polish do, the Irish do, even those from England (who we fought for our independence from) still have a place in their heart for where they came from. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. [John O'Neill] I believe that is exactly what America is about - the ability to live, work, worship and grow in a country that offers you the ability to keep some of your heritage, but also demands that you change and grow to fit into your new environment, but you also bring who you are into it. If that is not who we are, then why are there so many different church denominations??? Or why are there so many different type of restaurants??? Or why are there different types of movies, sports, or types of entertainment??? Different people can live together in the same place and do different things - that is exactly what America is all about.

I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. [John O'Neill] I believe the Mexican immigrant is looking and searching for the same thing - the problem is, it is not being made available to them for a cost that is affordable and in a system that is practical for their needs and ours (remember - many of them are the ones who pick your fruits and vegetables and make it affordable for you to buy a can of corn or peaches - could you afford to pay $3.00 for an apple?). Again I say I don't have all the answers, but something needs to be done.

I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags. [John O'Neill] I agree - they should not have waved foreign flags in their protest, but they did - and I hope they will/have learned from their mistake and are ready to understand why that was hurtful to so many American people. But they were also many non-Hispanic people waving those flags, Americans - white, black, Irish, German, etc., who were showing their solidarity with those from Mexico and other countries.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statute of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet. [John O'Neill] Bad thoughts - bad words by the person who suggested it, but the thought of not living up to the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty - there is some truth to us Americans not listening to what they say and opening our arms to those in need. The inscription on the base of the Statue of Liberty includes these words:

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

(signed) Rosemary LaBonte

P. S. Pass this on to everyone you know!!! KEEP THIS LETTER MOVING!! I hope this letter gets read by millions of people all across the nation!! [John O'Neill] If you passed on this before - feel free to pass this on to those same people with my comments.

Now, back to my posting. I hope this gives you some food for thought. Seeing the immense need in Mexico did not change my mind about immigration, it solidified in my mind and heart that it is an issue that is much bigger than a legal issue. If someone is in need, it is our duty and calling as Christians to help them. The US is the wealthiest nation in the world in many areas - talent, resources, money, jobs, consumer goods, diversity, freedom, and compassion. But it seems many of these resources suddenly become unavailable to many who are in need. The poorest people in the US are wealthy compared to the poverty stricken people in Mexico. We must remember that they do not have a welfare system like we do, they have no Social Security, there is no such thing as food stamps, and even though the Church helps where they can, it is stretched to its limits also. A friend of mine pointed out some interesting facts about immigration (he is a second generation immigrant of Hispanic and Italian descent - so he has first hand knowledge) that I did not know. Click here for a link to a site that gives a good history and other information about immigration.

There was a recent letter to the editor in the Eastern Oklahoma Catholic that I would like to post in its entirety. Fr. Daigle has some relevant insight - especially his final point about whose law do we follow.

Editor,EOC:

I thank Father Paul Donovan for his insights into the leadership of the Church at times (Father Donovan praises courageous Mass changes, July 23 Forum.) He hit the nail on the head this time.

Too, I would just like to comment about the immigration situation. The immigrants of today who speak Spanish are not illegal. According to the Gospel they have a right to be here working and sending money home to their families. The right is God-given even though it conflicts with our nationÂs laws. God's Law has always been the law of the Catholic Church.

John Paul II, from the beginning of his pontificate, called for richer nations to share with poorer ones. I do not think we have done a very good job of sharing with our southern neighbors. Because we have not followed the Gospel teaching of "love your neighbor as I love you," the immigrants have a right to what they
are acquiring in the U.S.

Pause and ponder how many of our laws are against the laws of God. Pre-emptive war, for example, is totally against the teaching of the Catholic Church. Capital punishment and abortion are two more examples.

Hispanic culture is directed toward the family. U.S. culture is directed toward having things. Hispanic culture promotes many children and taking care of their elderly. U.S. culture is directed toward maybe two children (preferably a daughter and a son) and "Let's find a good nursing home for Dad."

Hispanic culture promotes family life together, at home, while U.S. culture promotes
busy, busy, busy and more busy. The United States has much to learn from the Hispanic
culture if we would just open ourselves and learn.

Our immigrants from the South are not illegal in the eyes of God even though they are illegal in the eyes of our U.S. law. Whose law are we taught to follow?

Father Christopher Daigle
Pawhuska

Back to my post. That is all I have for now. I welcome your thoughts and comments, but more so I welcome your action in responding to their cry for help. Be blessed.

Cover of the Tulsa World

2006-08-14T11:46:00.000-04:00

Well I got a big surprise for my birthday - my picture on the cover of the Tulsa World.

Last night, August 13th (my birthday) I was one of thousands of participants in the celebration crowning Mary, the mother of Christ, the Queen of the Tulsa Diocese. The event began at 5:00 pm with dancers in front of the Cathedral. Then at 6:30 was the celebration of the Eucharist with 5 Bishops, many priests, deacons and seminarians, and a large number of the faithful from Tulsa and even the surrounding states. After Mass we processed from the Cathedral to St. Francis Catholic Church where the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe resides. At one time you could see the story on the Tulsa World website, but the link has expired.

I was honored to carry the processional crucifix and that is when they took the picture. Thousands of Christians praising God and honoring Mary - what a birthday party!

Here is the caption that was run with the picture in the Tulsa World:

Hundreds of pilgrims joined a 2.5-mile procession from Holy Family Cathedral to St. Francis Xavier Church on Sunday with a replica of the Lady of Guadalupe shrine. This year marks the 475th anniversary of the image of the Virgin Mary reportedly being imprinted on the cloak of a Mexican peasant, Juan Diego, after she appeared to him.
A. CUERVO / Tulsa World

Here is the story by Leigh Woosley of the Tulsa World:

When Marcela Zuniga's first son was in the hospital with meningitis, the young mother prayed to a more noted mother, the Virgin Mary.

If Mary would heal her son, Zuniga would sacrifice her long brown hair. Three weeks later, her son was out of the hospital and six months later, Zuniga's hair was cut well above her shoulders.

When her second son was born little more than a year ago with jaundice, Zuniga again turned to the Virgin Mary. If Mary would heal her son, Zuniga promised her husband would convert to Catholicism.

The jaundice went away, and Billy Bailey became a Catholic last Easter.

Zuniga told the story after struggling to define the deep-rooted faith she and her fellow Hispanics have in the Virgin Mary.

She didn't have to say a thing.

The devotion was clear in the mostly Hispanic crowd of thousands that circled Zuniga in Sunday's afternoon heat. She sat with her family on the steps of Holy Family Cathedral to celebrate a day 475 years ago when "Our Lady of Guadalupe" appeared to a poor man in Mexico.

Catholic tradition believes the Lady of Guadalupe was a manifestation of Mary who in 1531 visited Juan Diego three times, healed his sick uncle and miraculously emblazened her image on his peasant's cloak.

"Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mary, the mother of Jesus. They are one in the same," said the Rev. Daniel Campos, priest at St. Francis Xavier Church, which became the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe two years ago.

In the church since has been a replica of the Catholic icon, a life-size, iridescent picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, her hands held in prayer, framed in a heavy gold material. But the massive symbol was presented Sunday at the cathedral for the coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe as Queen of the Diocese of Tulsa.

The next coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be in 100 years.

It took at least 10 men to lift the replica from the bed of a blue truck where it rode on a gold-plated pedestal surrounded by flowers. The men dressed in blue shirts, black ties and white gloves carried it into the cathedral for an honorary Mass as people clapped and took pictures with cameras and cell phones.

"Ave Maria" rang from church speakers clear to people poured into a parking lot 50 yards away. The crowd spread from the parking lot, into the street, up the cathedral stairs and into the church where a standing-room-only Mass was held. Some guessed 2,000 to 3,000 people were there.

Growing up with Mexican Catholic parents, 16-year-old Cristina Espino said the Virgin Mary and the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe were foundations of her household.

"Mexicans grow up and it's part of our every day," she said. "(The Virgin Mary) that's what we live for, to worship her."

Cristina said at least 20 pictures of the Virgin Mary are scattered through her home. And how many of Jesus? About the same, she said.

After the mostly Spanish-spoken Mass, people made a procession carrying the representation of Our Lady of Guadalupe, flags and flowers from Holy Family downtown to St. Francis Xavier at Admiral Boulevard near Lewis Avenue, a more than two-mile walk.

The day steamed beneath a blaring sun, but undeterred were the worshippers of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who has a unique, loving hold on the Mexican spirit.

"The Hispanic culture has a more maternal feeling since we depend on mothers for everything," said the Rev. David Medina, director of the Hispanic apostolate at the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. "Mothers spend their entire lives at home with the children, and they are the first to teach morals, how we should treat others and our religion."

When Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, people were fruitlessly trying to convert Mexicans to Christianity, but her appearance convinced them that the religion was truth and it is estimated that 6,000, some even say 10,000 or 15,000, became Christians afterward.

The Virgin Mary is the mother figure who "if you pray very hard makes you feel better when you're sick," said 36-year-old Belisario Castro in broken English. He came to the United States from Mexico six years ago.

Many people at the celebration could not speak English, but each one understand when they heard the English words: the Virgin Mary or Our Lady of Guadalupe. And many eyes lit up at the sound of it.

"She helped all of the Mexicans," Zuniga said. "When we don't have anything, she helps us. When we have nothing, she helps us."

Back home in Tulsa - Mexico was great!

2006-08-03T15:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I returned to the U.S. last Friday night, July 28th, and proceeded directly to the seminarian retreat for the next few days. We spent time with Fr. William Baer, the Rector/President of St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, MN. We have two seminarians at Vianney (Mike and Jason) and Fr. Baer was a joy to have as our retreat director. We also spent 2 days at Grand Lake relaxing and having some fun. It was a very fitting way to cap off the summer.

My final couple of weeks in Guadalajara flew by. One event that stands out is a trip with the other students and many teachers to the Parish of St. Bernardo. It is the largest church in Guadalajara (as far as seating capacity) and has a really beautiful and meaningful mural painted behind the altar depicting the entire bible and beyond. The mural is about 3 stories tall and probably 80 feet or more wide. It took the artist 24 years to complete and has scenes from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Modern World.

You can see more and learn about the mural by clicking on this link - The Seminario - and visiting an online special edition of the archdiocesan newspaper about the mural and the artist. Here are the two halves of the mural so you can get an idea, but I could not get them to line up perfectly.

Some things that make the parish of Saint Bernardo's stand out are the multiple on-site ministries that thrive in the parish buildings. One is a live-in drug and alcohol addiction recovery center for men. It houses 75 men for 3 months as they dry out and learn how to change and become drug and alcohol free. It was very humbling when these men, who were working very hard to change and better their lives, stood and clapped for us students because we were comprised of seminarians and priests studying Spanish to serve the Latino communities in the U.S. - I really wanted to applaud them for their courage and strength. Another ministry is a fully functioning nursing home for the elderly whose families could not afford to send them to any other facility and did not have the ability to care for them. They also had a very large daycare center for children from 3 months to 6 years old. Another ministry is a home for children with Down Syndrome - one form of mental retardation. All of these ministries were run from the parish budget with many paid staff (some are volunteers) to serve Guadalajara. This parish family truly were serving those people in need.

I also traveled to Mazamitla with Silverio (the son of the host family I lived with) my last Saturday in Mexico. It is a really nice and inviting small village in the mountains and one of Silverio's favorite places to visit. It rained the entire trip, but the countryside and town were worth the time and effort. We did some exploring around town, some shopping, had lunch at a local restaurant, and spent a little time just viewing the sights and people from a small bar. The pace was definitely slower than that in Guadalajara.

My last few eventful items were buying Pollo Pepe's chicken for the whole family on Sunday (really good rotiserie style chicken), going to see Superman Returns with some of my seminarian friends, having a couple of meals out with the host family, and buying donuts and cookies to share with the other students and teachers on my last day of classes. The last few weeks of classes were also topped off on Tuesdays and Thursdays by an evening Mass at the school. Since there were many priests towards the end of the summer, this was a nice way to complete those school days. I played guitar and cantered for each of these masses in Spanish. I am very glad I took my guitar along. It gave me a chance to relax in the evenings and serve my brothers and sisters in music for these liturgies.

Now is a time for a little relaxation and free time. I will be in Tulsa for pretty much the whole month of August and look forward to slowing down and letting my brain relax a little. If you are around, give me a call or drop me an email - I would love to get together with you. Be blessed!

Another summer update from Mexico!

2006-07-17T17:48:00.000-04:00

I am in my last 2 weeks here in Mexico and it has really been a great experience. Much has happened since my last update so I will try to catch up a little.

I grilled hamburgers one Sunday afternoon for my host family and that was a big hit. I told them that I needed to show them how it was done in America so I bought a small grill, some charcoal, the meat and all the fixin´s and we had a great time. The extended family came over and it was a good day of visiting and eating.

A few of us students went to Tequila with one of the teachers to tour the city and a tequila factory (Jose Cuervo to be exact). It was an educational day, plus I got to taste some really fine tequila - the stuff I had is not available outside of Mexico. It was okay, but I am just not a real big fan.

On another Saturday trip I joined 5 other students on a trip to San Juan de los Lagos (St. John of the Lakes). It is the second most visited pilgrimage site in the western hemisphere next to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It was a very humbling experience as we attended mass in the Basilica and many pilgrims were "walking" on their knees to the front of the church where the image of the Virgin of San Juan was. Many miracles are attributed to the Virgin and it was quite a site to see children, adults, little old ladies, couples with babies, families, etc., make their pilgrimage to ask the Virgin for help or to thank her for the help she gave. We visited about 10 different churches in this town and each was a unique and interesting experience. There are so many wonderful churches in Mexico. This was a very spiritual trip for me. I thank God daily for all that he has allowed me to see and do here.

Yesterday I returned from 2 1/2 days in Guanajuato. It is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, and I believe it. It is in the mountains and has been preserved very well because of the great wealth that came from there. At one time it supplied something like 40% of the world´s supply of silver. There is lots of history tied to the city in relation to the fight for independence and freedom. Again we visited many churches, museums, one of the orignal silver mines, and saw many musicians and artisans showing their crafts. It was a nice trip.

Well, I have under 2 weeks left and time is moving fast. I have really appreciated the experience and woudl recommend this type of thing to anyone. I will give a final update after I get back in August. Be blessed.

Viva Mexico!

2006-06-17T11:22:00.000-04:00

I have been here in Guadalajara for 4 weeks and it seems like forever because I have done so much, yet the time is flying by and it seems I only arrived a few days ago.

Last weekend I traveled with 3 other students to Mexico City via an 8 hour bus ride. It is a huge city with approximately 25 million people. The weather was nice and the time was short, but we got a lot done.

Friday afternoon and evening we spent at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a fairly new structure adjacent to a huge plaza. On that same plaza is the old Basilica that is in the process of being repaired. It is literally sinking into the ground for a couple of reasons. 1. Mexico City is built on a lake so some of the older (like 400 years old), very large bulidings are sinking and shifting. 2. From what I can understand in Spanish, Our Lady of Guadelupe is the second most visited site in the world, second only to the Vatican/Rome. I may have it backwards as my Spanish still needs much work. Anyway, with so many pilgrims the old Basilica just could not handle the traffic and is sinking. We also visited the original church built at the top of the hill where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. We attended Mass in the new Basilica with the image in full view, then after Mass took a closer look at the image. It was pretty awesome to be that close to a true miracle. There were many pilgrims in the plaza, in the shops and in the churches/Basilicas.

Saturday morning we visited the Museum of Anthropology. It is reported to be one of the top 3 museums in the world, and I can believe it. What an incredible display of artifacts and history. I was a little brain dead after being there for about 3 1/2 hours.

Saturday afternoon and evening we spent at the Cathedral area. There is the Cathedral (over 400 years old), the huge plazas around it, the ruins of an Aztec temple (they used the stones from it to build the Cathedral and many of the large buildings in the plaza), and a few shops and street vendors in the area. When we walked out of the subway station we could not believe the huge number of people there, just on a regular Saturday. I am not good at crowd numbers, but I woudl have to say there were over 100,000 to 150,000 people there. Amazing! We attended mass at and toured the Cathedral - it is quite a place (it is also sinking). Beautiful paintings, wonderful sculptures, just a great testimony for the love of the Mexican people for God.

We stayed at a seminary while there and the seminarians and priests were very hospitable and helpful. It was a great trip.

On Thursday I visited the Basilica of the Vigin of Zapopan. Another beautiful church with many pilgrims. They had a Mass and a Eucharistic procession in the plaza for Corpus Cristi. I just love churches and seeing people express their faith in very open and honoring ways.

Last night I have to say I witnessed one of the greatest displays of love and honor that I have ever seen. I, with one of my Spanish teachers, attended the city-wide celebration of Corpus Cristi. The Cardinal had instructed all parishes to celebrate in their own churches on June 15th (the actual day of the feast) and to join him for a grand celebration in the plaza at the Templo Expiatorio Eucaristico on June 16th, then for a prosession through the streets to the Cathedral (about 1 1/2 miles away). We arrived about an hour early and the plaza was already filling with people. The church was already 1/2 full or more as they have 24 hour Adoration there and many were praying before Mass. It began to rain (lightly) about 30 minutes before Mass but the people just kept coming. Mass was celebrated in the light rain and it basically stopped raining for communion. The next part is what was really great. As soon as the Cardinal, the bishops and priests processed into the church after communion, to prepare for the procession in the streets, a rain torrent hit. The wind was blowing, the rain was pouring and I could not even see the shops across the plaza for the rain and wind. It blew and rained so hard that water was coming in every door of the church and even through the cracks in the stained glass windows. There was a lot of water on the floor and everywhere, And the place was packed with people already.

A priest brought the Blessed Sacrament in from the outside altar, and as he placed it on the altar inside the church the lights went out. They lit a few candles and the rain kept coming, but all of the people crowded in this church and started singing beautiful songs of worship and praise, shouting cheers like ¨Viva el Cristo¨ and ¨Viva la Virgen¨. It was really something else. For about 1 1/2 hours I just marveled at how they loved and honored the Lord even though it was wet and stormy, there was 1/2 of water on the floor, it was crowded, people were standing everywhere, there was no electricity, and they didn´t know the people around them. I guess the decision was made that there was not to be the procession, and the Cardinal came out and did Benediction with a small battery powered speaker. What an awesome thing to witness. I thank God for these Mexican people and their love for Him and the energy they have for their faith.

Many more great things are happening, but it is time to go. Keep me and the other seminarians in your prayers as we continue on our discernment walk. Also, take time out to honor the Lord this week, either in prayer, or some time in Adoration, or maybe an extra Mass. I am sure God will aprreciate it and I think, if you do it with an open mind and heart, God can reveal Himself to you in some new way.

Hola de Guadalajara!!!!!!

2006-06-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hello from Guadalajara. It has been a tremendous two weeks here in Mexico. It is a beautiful place with many kind and wonderful people.

I am staying with Gloria and her son Silverio. They are truly good hosts and very patient in my trying to communicate with them in Spanish. Gloria speaks no English and Silverio speaks some. We have interesting conversations at meals and in the evenings. Gloria´s daughter (also Gloria) is married to Herman (who speaks pretty good English) and they have a son, Herman, who is about 18 months old. They live in another part of town but join us for lunch on Sundays. I will be cooking hamburgers for the group in a week or two to share some of the American cuisine with them.

The school I am attending is quite a beautiful facility and good training grounds for Spanish. It is run by two nuns who have this as their apostolate. Sr. Caridad is very outgoing and loves her country. She explains the history behind the people and the culture very well, and knows a lot of people of importance in the area. With her and other students I have visited the Cathederal area, a couple of towns with artisans and shops (the towns are called Tlaquepaque and Tonala), a glass blowing facility, a fine ceramic shop, and met many of the artists who make these beautiful and unique crafts.

I awake around 6:30, shower and get ready for breakfast around 7:15. Then I walk to Mass at the Church of our Lady of Guadelupa (not the major shrine in Mexico City) for Mass at 8:00. I walk a few more blocks to school and attend class from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. This class is one on one with Rosy who is teaching me the language (nouns, adjectives, prnouns, verbs, sentence structure, etc.). Having a one on one tutor is very helpful as we can move quickly or very slowly depending on my comprehension. Then I walk back home (about 20 minutes) for lunch (their big meal) at 2:00 and a short nap (viva de la siesta) before walking back to school. From 4:00 to 6:00 is conversation with Maria Elena. Since I am just beginning to learn the language, she is helping with verbs and pronouns, sentence structures, and basically helping me learn and understand phrases I need to live life here. Both Rosy and Maria Elena are excellent in English, but we speak mostly in Spanish. I walk back home and a light dinner is served around 8:00. We visit, watch television, or I study until I go to bed.

A little about the city and the area. Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico, approximately 7 or 8 million personas. I live in an area that probably would
be classified as middle class or so. The traffic is very busy, the people are nice, and it is a convienient location for many things. There are many little shops along the way to school, tres bancos, and a couple of internet cafes, which is where I am at now typing this posting. There is a Walmart about 3/4 of a mile away and a mall close to that. It has been mostly dry, but the rainy season starts in June and it will most likely rain a little every afternoon or evening, hopefully keeping it cool. There is no air conditioning in any homes (except maybe the very rich) but it cools off a little at night and I have a ceiling fan. I have seen, but not visited, some very poverty ridden areas of the city also. Mexico has a vibrant economy for some, but for many there is no way to make money, that is why they come to the US.

I have visited many churches in Guadalajara and the surrounding area. The Cathederal is about 400 years old, one of the churches in Tonala is the oldest in this area of Mexico, almost 500 years old. A lot of history here. I have met a few indigineous natives and some of their craftwork has been awesome. The Catholic Church is very prevelant in the culture and that is very refreshing.

I will be attending the Ordination of 33 new priests for the Diocese of Guadalajara tomorrow, Pentecost Sunday. I am very excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity to attend an Ordination in a foreign country. I pray the Lord blesses each of these men an their ministries.

Well, this is probably enough for now. I have to pay for internet access so I may not be updating a lot, but who knows. The best way to reach me is through email at john@johntheblessed.com. I don´t check it but a couple of times a week, so be patient with a reply.

Blessings to all and keep me in your prayers during my stay here.

Priests for Life - Seminarian Life Link!

2006-04-24T15:13:00.000-04:00

It's promotion time!!!!!

Last summer I attended a conference specifically designed to help the formation of seminarians in the area of pro-life. It was lead by Fr. Frank Pavone the Director of Priests for Life, a national/international organization to bolster the culture of life within the United States and beyond. It was a learning time, a blessed time of prayer, and an awakening for me of all the issues and details that surround and permeate the pro-life movement.

I would suggest that every seminarian should attend at least one of these conferences. You can learn more at Seminarian Life Link. I was personally sponsored by my local Knights of Columbus chapter and am sure there would be interest in your local chapters also.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the conference, send me an email.

God or the Girl - the sequel!

2006-04-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

A group of seminarians watched the final installment of "God or the Girl" last night. I will not give the final decisions of the men so that you can watch for yourselves.

One of the things I learned as I did some research is that the producers of the show were Jewish, so going into this project they had no real concept of what the inner workings of the Catholic Church were, or of what the discernment process was - at least from an insiders perspective. I have to give them credit as I think they put together a somewhat balanced presentation on what these men were going through.

Another thing that surfaced was they (the producers) understood that discernment is a very internal and personal process, so they had to do something to make it external and film worthy. What they decided to do was to have the men, through the assistance of their pastors, friends, spiritual directors, and family look to externalize their decision making process in some way. Thus the suggestions for the pilgrimage, the mission trip, and carrying the cross. Since the input for this external representation came from Catholics and people who were close to the men, I suspect that the intent and motivation behind the choices were appropriate for the men involved. It did bring each to a heightened awareness of their faith walk and helped them to make a decision as to the advancement to Seminary or not.

I think on an overall basis this was good press for the Church and for vocations. These men were able to verbalize some of their personal struggles, externalize some of the decision making process, and made themselves visible to many Catholics and non-Catholics who were and will watch the show. I pray that each of these men are blessed in their continuing journey of walking in God's will for their lives.

God or the Girl!

2006-04-18T17:03:00.000-04:00

Fr. Jewitt, Pastor at the Parish of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and I watched the first two segments of the A & E program, "God or the Girl" on Easter Sunday evening. It is a five-part "reality" show about four young men discerning their call to the priesthood. I watched the third and fourth segments with a bunch of fellow seminarians at St. Meinrad on Monday night. The final show is this next Sunday evening and I am sure there will be a group of us watching it together.

Overall I think the show is pretty good. One point that many of us agree is not brought out very clearly - that it is not an immediate decision needed to choose between God and the girl, it is a decision to discern the decision. In other words, it is a decision to enter the seminary and take their discernment to a new level. But, as in most media outlets, you must sensationalize it a little bit. That aside, these guys seem to be having very real emotions, thoughts, issues, discussions, etc., about their decision. I am pretty sure it is all real (of course it may be edited to make certain things stand out more or less than it did/does in reality).

One positive thing about the show is that it shows that there are people out there making these kinds of decisions. These men, along with all of us here at St. Meinrad and the many other seminaries across the world, are looking to serve God in the way He wants us to. I think it is a positive thing to put this out for all to see, and thus invite others to do the same. As I continue to walk my discernment path I think about how I could help others to also discern God's will for their lives. I believe God wants us to be in line with His will for our lives - whether we are married or single, young or old, male or female, white or black or yellow or brown or red or etc., rich or poor, Catholic or not. If we can understand what God wants for us, then I think our lives would be more personally fruitful. Let me expound on this a little.

As I am more aware of Christ in my life, of Christ in the people I meet, and of Christ in the situations I encounter, then I am more likely to respond and act in a way that is somewhat similar to what Christ may do. As I minister to the men at the correctional facility I can either see a criminal in front of me or I can see Christ. If I see a criminal I may be judgmental and fearful, but if I see Christ I may be humble and offer care and support. If I see just me in myself I may see doubt and fear, but if I see Christ in me I may see a caring and thoughtful man who wants to do his best to serve those in front of me. If I see just the four walls of the prison and the old and worn metal desk and chairs we sit at I may be discouraged and hopeless, but if I see Christ sitting in the room with us I may see a light at the end of the tunnel and hope for the hopeless. I think these types of things are being revealed to me because I am continually looking to Christ to lead my life, to the Holy Spirit to guide my steps, to God to conform my will to His will. There is a lot of peace that I am experiencing as I go through some very trying times, hectic schedules, and the major change of going back to school and studying for the priesthood. I truly feel I am doing God's will for my life, so He gives me strength and clarity of vision to fulfill my mission.

So how does that relate to helping others know God's will for their lives? If someone is just going through the motions in life, where is the hope and peace in that? If someone has blocked God out of their business life, and totally separate their beliefs from their work, where is the sense of accomplishment in that? If someone is wondering what path to take and don't turn to God in prayer, or worse, turn to God in prayer and then ignore the promptings that may be coming from the Holy Spirit, what comfort and reassurance comes from that? I think we, as Catholics and Christians, need to recognize that an essential part of our being is to continually turn to God for direction in our life.

As I grew up I don't remember anyone teaching me or showing me how to pray for guidance on my career, my mate, my vocation, my anything. We prayed for people who were sick, we prayed for relatives, we prayed before each meal, and we celebrated Mass on Sundays and many other days. I do not remember ever having anyone mention specifically that I should pray to find out what God's will for my life was and to ask for guidance in decisions like where I should go to school, what degree I should get, what town I should live in, what activities I should be involved in, etc., all things very important to who I would become as a man. I was raised in a very good Christian home with devoutly Catholic parents. I don't see a lot of evidence that it is happening with today's youth either. There are exceptions, I am sure, but the majority is probably not giving this kind of attention to God in their everyday life. It is in doing exactly that, giving God attention in my everyday life, that has opened up the rivers of blessings that have poured out on me in my walk with Christ. How to explain it, I am not sure, but I am sure that for me it is evident in the peace and contentment I feel and the doors of opportunity that continue to open up for me. I don't open these doors, God does, I just step through them.

So, as these four men on "God or the Girl" go through their decision making process, I hope that each of the people watching will catch a glimpse of what they might do in their own lives, no matter if they are married or not, and work to discern what God has in store for them. That is my hope and my prayer.

He is Risen!

2006-04-18T16:26:00.000-04:00

Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

I spent all of my Easter break in Tulsa this year, at the Parish of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. This is the same parish where I spent my summer. Fr. Bernard Jewitt and Fr. Archie Fernandez were very welcoming and open to have me help during the different parish functions and Masses. Fr. Jewitt had surgery the week before Holy Week to install a port and he then began dialysis the day before Palm Sunday. I was able to serve him as both chauffeur and personal assistant as he was dealing with his medical and personal needs. It was very humbling to be able to be there and serve when he was in a place of need. I also was MC, server, thurifer and general "go to" guy during the Holy Week Masses. Being deeply involved in the litrugies through this liturgically rich week was awesome! I also served, with other seminarians, the Bishop at the Chrism Mass - another first for me. All in all, it was a very hectic and rewarding two weeks. When we were discussing all that happened over the two weeks and the change to my schedule so I could participate, Fr. Jewitt said, "This is just a small taste of what it means to be a priest."

I am thankful to all at St. Bernard's, to Fr. Jewitt and Fr. Archie, and to God for giving me a chance to use my gifts and talents to serve God's people in this way. Thank you Jesus!

Sounds of Spring!

2006-03-29T00:17:00.000-05:00

For 30 years, from 1967-1997, Saint Meinrad College presented an annual fundraiser for its student-run ministry program Cooperative Action for Community Development. CACD continued its services after the closing of the college at Saint Meinrad. Today, students of Saint Meinrad School of Theology and volunteers from the surrounding communities constitute the membership of CACD. This not-for-profit corporation provides a much-needed service to area residents who depend on home-heating assistance. CACD also sponsors the annual Special Olympics held in Tell City, IN.

“Sounds of Spring” was the main source of funding for this service organization over the years. In 2004, the musical variety show was revived as Saint Meinrad Archabbey celebrated its sesquicentennial. St. Bede Theater was once again filled and CACD benefited from the concert. On March 18th and 19th St. Meinrad held two benefit concerts for the CACD at St. Bede Theater. The two-hour musical variety show featured entertainment by Saint Meinrad students, faculty, staff, monks, coworkers and their families.

I played in two different groups - Anathema Sit, the band that plays at the Unstable, and The Hilltop Ravens, a bluegrass band put together especially for the event. Here are a couple of pictures.

Anathema Sit

The Hilltop Ravens

Volleyball Champs - O'Neill's team pulls off a repeat!

2006-03-27T22:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the finals for the Spring Semester Volleyball League and my team won the tournament undefeated! It was an interesting semester as many of my teams players never actually made it to any games - so we used lots of substitutes. Tonight the winning players included John O'Neill (Diocese of Tulsa, OK), Tom Galarneault (Diocese of Duluth, MN), and Daniel Dillard (Diocese of Owensboro, KY) who were actual members of the team; and Josh McCarty (Diocese of Owensboro, KY), Bao Vo (Diocese of Sioux City, IA), Jeremy Gries (Diocese of Indianapolis, IN), and Jagen Peter (Palayamkottai, India) who were substitutes tonight. There are more than six because Jeremy and Jagen played in our first game, and then the others played in the final match. Karen Kern (she works at Abbey Press) was also a member of the team, but could not make it to tonight's games. So that is two semesters in a row that I have been on the championship team! I truly am John the Blessed!

I have to admit I am totally worn out. I played in every match tonight, except for one, as a team member or substitute on another team. I really enjoy the game and appreciate the exercise I get when playing.

Congratulations and thanks to all who were a part of this semester's play!

Reverend Mister Potato Head

2006-03-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

We have a new mascot for the St. Meinrad Seminarians from the Diocese of Tulsa. Introducing Reverend Mister Potato Head! (notice the Roman collar)

He was sent to us by the students and Religious Education Director of All Saints Catholic School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. We appreciate their thinking of us and we are glad to have Deacon Potato Head with us at school. He is pictured with (left to right - back row) Brian O'Brien, Gary Kastl, Mark Steichen, John Grant, (left to right - front row) John Potter, James Van Nguyen, and John O'Neill.

Back in School!

2006-02-12T20:22:00.000-05:00

Well, I am back in the thick of the spring semester. My classes include American Philosophy and Culture, Theological Anthropology, Understanding Evil, Introduction to New Testament I, Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Supervised Pastoral Care Ministry. My ministry is at a men's correctional facility where I will be meeting and counseling offenders. I am really excited about all of the different classes and being in an active ministry.

I will also be playing volleyball, cantoring, playing guitar for mass and the prayer group, and of course - there is Anathema Sit. A drummer, Steve LaFlamme (Duluth, Minnesota) has joined Jeff McBeth (Toledo, Ohio), Mark Steichen (Tulsa, Oklahoma) and myself. It will be good to have that rhythm in the group. Here is a recent picture of Anathema Sit at the Unstable. It also includes John Hollowell (Indianapolis, Indiana) who sits in on harmonica.

This Tuesday I will be installed as a lector. This is the first official step of the Church in my path to priest. The Archbishop of Indianapolis will preside in the ceremony. Last semester I took a course in proclaiming the Gospel in preparation of being installed. I continue to be humbled and blessed at the ways God is using me in this life. God is good!

Over the Christmas break we had a retreat for the second year class. The first week was at St. Meinrad and the second week was a silent retreat at Mt. St. Joseph in Kentucky. It was a wonderful time of prayer, communion with God and nature, and relaxation. This is the first time I have gone a whole week in silence - I would recommend it to everyone.

I spent the next week with my Catholic lay evangelist friend, Charlie Osburn, and his family in Pensacola, Florida. I was blessed to help do some music and ministry in his parish, St. Anne's of Bellview. One of the things they have begun is an Agape Meal every Wednesday evening. It is volunteer supported meal for the entire parish involving individuals from a variety of the parish's different groups as the volunteers including, The Knights of Columbus, The Holy Name Society, Holy Rosary Altar Society, Legion of Mary, Renew, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, RCIA, Confirmation Class, Religious Education Students and Teachers, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic High School Students, The office of Evangelization, and their pastor, Father Jack, all participating in the cooking, serving and cleanup. It is a wonderful event and approximately 450 people get fed and have fellowship each week. You can read more at RomanCatholicEvangelization.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2005-12-27T23:49:00.000-05:00

2005 has sped by at an extremely fast pace. It is hard to believe I have completed two semesters of seminary. I have learned so much in this past year it is almost unimaginable as to how much there is left to absorb.

I am on Christmas break and spending it at St. Bernard's parish in Tulsa (where I spent may summer assignment). It is good to be "home" again and see so many friendly and familiar faces. I have had a chance to travel to Kansas to see relatives - and that is always a good thing. I am so proud of my nieces and nephews. They are all doing good things and growing so much. Bridget is not in school yet, so I can't brag on her in that way, but I have a new appreciation for the rest of them that are in school right now or recently. Brian and Jennifer have followed in their father's footsteps and are teaching. Seth is working towards his Associates degree, Josh is a Senior in High School, Sean is still involved in sports and Luke is rocking along with good grades in his school. They are a good bunch of kids.

I have some work left on my independent study courses, but besides that the break is mostly vacation time. I am doing some things as a seminarian around the diocese (serving mass, helping at a vocation gathering, etc.) and also am going to play a New Year's Eve gig at St. Benedict's in Broken Arrow. 'John the Blessed' has been rehearsing and we are looking forward to a fun and musical evening. If you are in town, it promises to be a good way to bring in 2006.

A lot has happened this last year - some positive, some negative - and we have so much to be thankful for. I look forward to the road ahead, even though it may have a few bumps and curves, as I continue on the journey of a lifetime. Being in the middle of God's will for my life - how much better can it get? I can not express the joy, happiness, peace and grace that comes from having a confindence about what I am doing. I pray that all people continue to draw closer to God to find that same inner peace that only He can give. This is God's gift to us and it comes at times that we don't expect nor imagine, yet it comes just the same.

Today is the Feast Day of my patron saint, John the Apostle. He is generally considered the "apostle that Jesus loved," the apostle that Jesus entrusted his mother Mary to, and who is credited for writing 1, 2 and 3 John, as well as Revelation (you know - John the Revelator - kind of my theme song). Here is a man who walked and talked with Jesus daily, who was his friend and confidant, who was his disciple and companion. It is sometimes overwhelming, sometimes amazing, and always humbling to know that we can have that same relationship today - the real presence of Jesus - present in the Eucharist, in the person of the priest celebrating mass, in the proclaiming of the Word of God through sacred scripture, in the praise and worship of his people, and in the Sacraments that we celebrate. The very real presence of our Lord and Savior available to us each and every day - isn't that incredible!!!! John walked with him then and we can walk with him today. I invite us each day to take a little time and meditate on what that relationship means. As I do it makes me realize the awesomeness of God knowing and caring for me, yet also knowing and caring about every human ever created - he is so big yet so real and close. That thought and realization helps me keep in perspective what and who is important and what just doesn't merit worrying about or being bothered by. That thought helps me just a little more understand how important the gift of love is that God gave us in the child of Jesus, and that we can then pass to others in Christ's name - this is the spirit of Christmas that we must hold on to for the entire year.

I pray blessings and success to all for 2006.

Almost Thanksgiving

2005-11-16T11:10:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that it is the middle of November and that next week is Thanksgiving. This semester has gone by so quickly. I will be staying "on the hill" for our Thanksgiving break and catching up on some studies. I have been invited, along with a few other seminarians, to have a traditional Thanksgiving celebration in Louisville with a couple of the priests from St. Meinrad. I am looking forward to a little down time, as well as a little turkey and dressing.

School has been busy but very good. I have learned a lot and each day it seems as there is more added to what is still in front of me. It is such a blessing to be here and to grow in my personal faith and understanding. My friendships are growing as I continue to share with my brothers in Christ.

Some specific things that have happened this semester include:
1. My volleyball team won the fall semester championship. It consisted of myself, Joe Sobolik, Mary Condon (a lay student), Karen Kern (an employee of Abbey Press), Eric Ebelhar, and Scott Nobbe.
2. We have had a few "Praise and Worship" Adoration opportunities and it has really been a blessing to me to participate. I have heard lots of good comments and feedback from students, administration and others in attendance.
3. I was able to spend the night in the new Guest House as a trial run. It is a very nice facility and will be very welcoming for those who stay there. I also attended the first Mass held in the chapel there.
4. Anathema Sit (the house band for the Unstable) continues to play gigs. We also had an "open mike night" that was very successful. There is a lot of good talent on the hill.

I plan to make a few stops at relatives and friends before arriving in Tulsa for the Christmas break. Please call or email me so we can get together while I am there. My band, "John the Blessed" will be playing at St. Benedict's for New Years Eve for a fund raiser. Would love to see you come out & support a worthy cause, as well as shuffle your feet on the dance floor!

Walk for Adoption - November 2005

2005-11-16T10:18:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from the Walk for Adoption in Tulsa on November 6, 2005. I made a quick flight in from St. Meinrad to play. Members of the band are myself on guitar and vocals, Bryan Smith on guitar and vocals, Tim Conner on bass, and Bud Gustin on drums. We call ourselves "John the Blessed" and we really had a good time. It is a great cause and I want to thank Catholic Charities and the Knights of Columbus for helping me get back to Tulsa to support this event.

These are all kids who have been adopted through Catholic Charities (there are a few parents holding the little ones). One gentleman was adopted 31 years ago through Catholic Charities. What a wonderful service for life!

Bryan Smith and John "the blessed" O'Neill

Tim Conner and Bud Gustin

Even the TV crews from a couple of stations covered the event.

Back to School!

2005-09-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

We are in our second week of the fall semester and the school routine is starting to kick in. I am taking 6 courses, plus am finishing up work on 2 independent study courses that I started in the summer. I am also the master of ceremonies for the Wednesday Mass and leader of the contemporary/charismatic praise and worship hour on Sundays. It is going to be a busy semester.

The summer was awesome. As you can read from my other posts, I was involved in a lot of things.

The Seminarian Life Link Conference (sponsored by Priests for Life) was really incredible. The information made available about pro-life and the activities really helped to educate myself and the other seminarians in attendance.

Then I spent a week in DC with my brother and his family. I did one day of site seeing on the "mall" - basically I visited the National Gallery and other art museums and spent a whole day getting cultured. I also visited the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress - very nice!

Then on Saturday we were given a private tour of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is an awesome place!!!!! I suggest every Catholic, and even non-Catholics, go see this monument to the Lord. I also had the honor of serving at the noon Mass in the Crypt Church. After that we visited the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center and attended evening Mass at a Franciscan Monestary - WHAT A DAY!

Be blessed this fall and keep those in your prayers who are affected by natural disaster (like hurricane Katrina), war and terrorism, and especially those affected by abortion.

Summer update number 2!

2005-07-12T20:24:00.000-05:00

What a glorious summer it has been so far. I closed on my house as scheduled on June 24th. I sold the rest of my sound equipment and basically have just my personal keepsakes in storage for the next 4 years. God has blessed me richly through this process and continues to show His love for me.

I spent one week at Diocesan Summer Youth Camp at Robber's Cave State Park in southeast Oklahoma. It was with about 120 high schoolers and was filled with activities and good times. I was one of three cooks preparing meals and snacks for everyone - I am glad I do not work in the food preparation business. I spent one afternoon with some of the kids at a nursing home in Wilburton singing and visiting with the residents. It was a good service project for the kids and me. We also had daily Mass and one evening of Adoration and a Penitential Service. It is quite a good program and as I see it, a good model for any youth organization.

I have helped with the Youth Group at St. Bernard's (went to Six Flags on a trip and will help with a retreat next week). I think there are a lot of good kids out there and they want to be heard and involved. This has given me a good bit of exposure into what they talk about and their concerns. I am also getting a lot of hands on ministry opportunity with elderly, sick and just people in need. I had a very unique opportunity to preach at a funeral of a friend's mother. She was not Catholic, but because of the unavailability of her Pastor, they asked me to fill in. I asked my Associate Pastor before accepting and was given the go ahead. It was an experience that I will never forget - spending time with the family and getting to know better their mom, grandmother, aunt, great-grandmother and friend through their eyes. Then taking those stories and emotions and building a fitting tribute to her. I used the Rite of Christian Burial and chose appropriate readings and prayers and trusted in the Holy Spirit to guide me. It was a nice service and the family said it would have been just how she would have wanted it. God again opens a door into ministry and I am again humbled and honored by the power of His love in my life and relationships.

The summer is going so fast. This weekend is my 30 year high school class reunion, then a Life Awareness Retreat where I will work on staff and do music, then a Seminarian Retreat and then almost time for school again. In mid-August I am traveling to New Jersey to attend the Priests for Life convention (the Broken Arrow, OK Knights of Columbus has given me a scholarship to attend - THANK YOU KNIGHTS!) and am really looking forward to it. To learn more you can go to http://www.priestsforlife.org and learn about the organization, the conference and the awesome way they promote pro-life issues. I am really looking forward to meeting Fr. Frank Pavone and learning more about what we can do to make an impact. If you are a seminarian or priest that is going to be there, or think you may go, drop me an email and we can talk.

Last night I spent some time in music ministry and speaking to some people about sin and our need to be free from its bondage on us. As the Holy Spirit gave me the words to say and the direction to take, it became obvious that so many people are slaves of this world and the sins they have committed or others have committed against them. God loves us so much that He sent His Son and wants us to continually turn to Him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and offer us His love and grace. I hope that we all can humble ourselves and receive the mercy of God often through this Sacrament.

Summer update number 1!

2005-06-03T12:57:00.000-05:00

All is going well here in Tulsa! I have been on assignment since the middle of May and all has been good so far. I had a garage sale a couple of weeks ago & sold a lot of my "stuff". I still have some things so may do a repeat before the month of June is out. I also put my house on the market and had a contract in just 5 days - Whoo Whoo! It is set to close on June 24th and all looks good towards it happening on time. God has been so good in laying all of this out for me and sending just the right people to cross my path.

I attended a priests retreat for the Tulsa Diocese this week and it was outstanding. I got to meet a lot of the priests I will work with in the future, I attended sessions that taught me some very good information about being a priest and parish life, I got to spend some time with the Bishop (he is such a good man - I appreciate very much being associated with him), and also got to relax a little bit.

As for my assignment, I have jumped right into everything here at St. Bernard's. I have been involved with the youth group and will attend a youth trip to Six Flags in Dallas next week, I have been visiting the sick in the hospital and homebound, I will help with Vacation Bible School, Diocesan Youth Camp, a Youth Retreat and just a host of other small duties with the Pastor, Father Jewitt, and his associate, Father Archie. We have been getting along very well and they are both a wealth of information. This will truly be a learning experience for me.

I will also be doing some other things for the Vocations Office this summer. It all will keep me very busy as I also do my studies for two philosophy courses I am taking on independent study. Keep me & all seminarians in your prayers. We all want to serve God and learn this summer, so it will take prayers and support to do so. I feel your prayers and offer my thanks for them. It is through prayer support that gives me energy and determination as I tackle each new task.

I pray that the Lord bless you this summer too, and that it be productive for you in whatever your endeavors.

Summer Assignment

2005-05-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

This summer I will be assisting in St. Bernard's parish in Tulsa - http://www.stbernardstulsa.org/ is the web address. They are the 3rd or 4th largest parish in the Tulsa Diocese with about 1400 families. The Pastor - Father Jewitt - was my first Pastor when I moved to Tulsa in 1982. At that time he was at St. Thomas More. I have always thought he was a good man & a good pastor, so I look forward to working with him.

I will also be speaking on behalf of the Life Awareness Retreat which is a discernment retreat for single men and women who might have an interest in becoming a priest, nun or other religious. Late in the summer I will be attending the national Priests for Life conference in New Jersey.

I will also be taking 2 philosophy courses through independent study, and selling my house and my "stuff" so it looks like it will be a busy summer.

Pope Benedict XVI

2005-04-19T14:44:00.000-05:00

Pope John Paul II - 1920 to 2005

2005-04-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. May Your perpetual light shine upon him.

Waterfall number 1!

2005-03-27T14:21:00.000-05:00

I took these pictures during "wilderness day" while on my Holy Week Retreat! From noon on Saturday, March 19 (the day before Palm Sunday) through Breakfast on Easter Sunday, we first year students had a reatreat. The seven of us participated in conferences, daily mass and prayer, works of service, times of silence, watched "Jesus of Nazareth" and "The Passion" and studied the accounts of the Lord's Passion in the 4 Gospels. We also participated in the Holy Week Liturgies in the Archabbey Church (these were some of the most beautiful services I have attended).

One thing we participated in was the Great Easter Vigil which started at 8:00 pm on Easter Saturday, and continued with the reading of all 150 Psalms (and other various readings) until the Vigil was continued at 5:00 am Easter morning and concluded at about 7:00 am. I was truly blessed to be a server for part of the sevice and also to read a group of Psalms (51 through 55 and 78 through 81). Staying up all night was not too bad (I took a 4 hour nap between breakfast and lunch this morning) but it was well worth it.

God has so much for us, sometimes we need to just stop and take a look at what His next step for us will be. By being on this retreat, and already being in a time of prayer and preparation in Lent, God continues to bless me with more than I can think or ask.

Waterfall number 2!

2005-03-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

The "wilderness day" was rainy and cold, but we each went our separate ways to experience God in the desert. I saw some beautiful countryside as I drove along the Ohio river, as I hiked for a few hours on some wilderness trails in the Hoosier National Forest I saw 3 deer in one location and 7 in another (I watched the group of 7 at two different times over about 1 1/2 hours - then I saw the coyote that spooked them the second time I saw them), numerous squirrels and birds, heard some woodpeckers working at their craft, and just got to spend some quality time in prayer. God brought many good memories, thoughts and blessings to me that day.

I would suggest for anyone to take a "wilderness day" and see how God can bless you through spending time in the nature He created.

Time for an update - and a break!

2005-03-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

It has been about six weeks since school has started. I have had my first papers to write and tests to take in over 25 years - and let me tell you, it was a little stressful, but all is turning out good! In fact I got an A and an A- on my first two papers - YEA!

This Lent has been a real growth time for me. Looking at who I am in a new light has been a very uplifting and humbling experience. When we look deeply at the motivation in our lives, sometimes we like what we see and sometimes we can see room for improvement. As I have reflected on my 47 years of life, the steps that have brought me here and the future that is ahead, I am so thankful that God continues to offer me grace and mercy in my journey. Knowing that I have submitted my will to His will gives me the greatest peace I could ever know. And this is not just about being in Seminary and because I am on the road to Priesthood. It is more about the last few years that I have truly been open to the direction God would have me take and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Being at St. Meinrad is the culmination of this time, but as in any endeavor, the journey is where the learning, the joy and the peace can come from.

Not everyone is called to life as a Priest or nun, but we are all called to follow God's will for us in our vocation. To be Christ's representative in our families, work places, schools, clubs, among friends and even at our church. God's love flows through us to others most effectively when we are walking the path of life with God.

I pray that you are discerning God's will for your life and that the Holy Spirit open your eyes, mind, heart and will to accept the love of Jesus and to pass that love to those you come in contact with.

In Christ,

John

Getting Settled In!

2005-02-09T19:18:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been in school now for about 3 weeks and I am starting to get the hang of it. I have 5 classes and they are:

Aristotle & Aquinas
Medieval Church History
Intro to Liturgy
Post-Modernism
Love & Friendship in Aristotle & Aquinas

Lots of reading, my first paper due in 8 days, forming new friendships and spending a lot of time focusing on prayer and reflection. It is all a very good thing!

I appreciate the notes, calls and emails of encouragement. I have even heard from some in my hometown of Okeene - a very nice surprise. It is amazing how God blesses me through you!

Be blessed,

John

Archabbey Church

2005-01-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

We had about 1" of snow on Saturday night & I took this picture on Sunday after Mass.

This is one side of the school building

2005-01-27T21:26:00.000-05:00

My room is in the upper left on the 3rd floor (it has a basement & 4 floors).

A second view of my Study/Computer/Music Room

2005-01-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

As first year students we each get 2 rooms - one for sleeping and one for whatever. What a blessing to be able to spread out a little - but I can't get too used to it - next fall this perk goes away!

Inside my Study/Computer/Music Room

2005-01-27T21:22:00.000-05:00

First day of classes!

2005-01-27T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well, today was my first day of classes. I got a little taste of "Intro to Liturgy", "Aristotle & Aquinas" and "Post-Modernism". This will be a very interesting and growing experience. Tomorrow is "Medieval Church History" and Monday is "Love & Friendship" which will round out my classes.

As I get to know everyone here it is obvious that God works in so many different ways to bring His chosen ones the Good News - and to be a part of the process has been really enlightening so far. Not every minute is in study and/or prayer - but there is a lot of good fellowship time also. Today we had a special lunch for the newly elected Archabbot and my class served the meal. I will also be playing guitar at the Spanish Mass on Friday - I guess I am jumping right in to the mix.

I will try to upload some pictures when I get a chance - it is truly a beautiful place.

Be blessed!

John

A picture of me with one of my guitars!

2005-01-17T18:31:00.000-05:00

I was going through some files and found this picture, so I thought I would post it.

I am almost ready to go to Seminary - I will be leaving this Friday/Saturday. Come back to johntheblessed.com often to see what is going on.

How good is God?

2005-01-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

We may not know until we get to heaven, but on this earth we get a glimpse through the blessings He gives us and the friends He puts into our lives. Over the last few weeks I am becoming more and more aware of the wonderful way God manifests Himself in my life. In adoration I am overwhelmed with the humility of the path my life is on, in Mass I am drawn to the Eucharist as Jesus is made present to the community gathered, while interacting with friends and family I see the goodness that comes from knowing Christ personally and how He works through others to bless me, in reaching out in ministry I get a small peek at the ways I can serve Him while on this earth.

Last night I was surrounded by friends from the many ministries I am involved in, from just living life and sharing God's message of love and forgiveness, from being in tune with the Holy Spirit and listening to that "still small voice" (that sometimes is a whisper and sometimes is a 2x4 across the back of the head), and from being a part of this "thing" we call life. I was truly humbled, blessed and full of joy at how many people took a few minutes out of their weekend to come by and wish me well on my journey. I can not express in words what it means to me that I know you, the ways your lives have touched mine and the excitement I feel in knowing we will be spending all eternity together praising the One who made us.

Thanks for your prayers, support, gifts and most of all - for your willingness to let God work in your life to touch me.

John

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2004-12-25T12:42:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Happy New Year. May 2005 bring you closer to God and His blessings and grace closer to you.

Different ministries I have been involved in...

2004-12-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

I was a Saturday night Mass Cantor and part of the Christmas and Easter Choir at St. Annes Parish in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. I also attended and sometimes taught the Sunday morning Bible study there.

I continue as a core leader for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in the Tulsa Diocese. I have lead praise and worship, taught at Life in the Spirit seminars and am on prayer teams for various Charismatic and healing Masses in the Diocese.

I was also involved in an outreach ministry called Transforming Grace, which helps people with addictions, compulsions and/or codependency challenges, walk out those challenges through a Christian based program. On a monthly basis I lead praise and worship there, as well as was a weekly group leader for men with codependency issues.

I attended a Cursillo weekend in 2003, attended Leader's School and continue to volunteer for men's weekends when available. I was also on the leadership team for Beginning Experience for those who have lost a mate to separation, divorce or death.

Welcome to my blog spot!

2004-11-12T21:52:00.000-05:00

My journey of life continues with a new chapter - the seminary and path to priesthood in the Catholic Church. I will be attending St. Meinrad's Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana starting January 2005. I am excited, humbled, blessed and honored to be following God's will for my life in this way.

Welcome!

In Christ,

John