SEMINARY OF OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCE ~ OFFICE OF VOCATIONS of Providence SEMINARY OF OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCE ~ OFFICE OF VOCATIONS Diocese of Providence Volume 14, Issue 1 ~ Fall 2011 Volume 14, Issue 1 ~ Fall 2011

SeminarySeminary of of Our Our Lady Lady ofof Providence WelcomesWelcomes New New RectorRector

ReverendReverend Christopher M. M. Mahar Mahar

www.olpseminary.comwww.olpseminary.com www.catholicpriest.com www.catholicpriest.com

TheThe ’sRector’s Corner ReverendReverend Christopher M. Mahar Rector SeminarySeminary of Our Lady of Providence

“Mining“Mining Diamonds”

There isThere an endearing is an endearing scene inscene James in JamesJoyce’s Joyce’s classic classicA Portrait A Portrait of the Artistof the asArtist a Young as a YoungMan in Man which in the mainwhich character, the main Stephen character, Dedalus, Stephen ponders Dedalus, the pondersvarious thetitles various of the titles Blessed of the Virgin Blessed Mary Virgin that Marywere apparentlythat anwere enigma apparently to those an outsideenigma ofto thethose Catholic outside faith. of the Referencing Catholic faith. specifically Referencing the Litanyspecifically of Loreto, the StephenLitany muses of “How Loreto, could Stephen a woman muses be “Howa tower could of ivory a woman or a house be a oftower gold?” of ivory But of or course a house Our of Lady gold?” is no two-dimensionalBut of course figure;Our Lady her is essence no two-dimensional is not limited figure;to words her on essence a page. is notMary limited is a woman to words who on embodies a page. all the Marymajesty is aand woman mystery who found embodies in the all fifty-some the majesty titles and mysteryof that Litany.found inShe the simply fifty-some is Tower titles ofof ivory that and HouseLitany. of gold; She simplyQueen ofis TowerAngels of and ivory Queen and ofHouse Apostles. of gold; Blessed Queen Mary, of Angels Virgin and and Queen Mother, of Apostles. is multi- facetedBlessed and radiant, Mary, like Virgin a diamond and Mother, that cannot is multi-faceted be appreciated and inradiant, just one like glance a diamond or in a thatsingle cannot instant. be ap- preciated in just one glance or in a single instant. In this wayIn this she way is veryshe is much very likemuch her like Son, her “in Son, whom “in wh areom hid are all hid the all treasures the treasures of wisdom of wisdom and knowledge” and knowl- (Colossiansedge” 2:3). (Colossians The greatest 2:3). theologians The greatest and theologians scholars have and scholarsnever truly have plumbed never truly the depths plumbed of Christ;the depths the humblestof Christ;of the have humblest found ofgreat saints joy have in trying. found great joy in trying.

A vocationA vocation is also likeis also a diamond, like a diamond, something something precious preci andous beautiful and beautiful but also but mysterious also mysterious and multifaceted. and multi- faceted. A vocation to the priesthood, in particular, is a treasure for the and the world but A vocation to the priesthood, in particular, is a treasure for the Church and the world but one discovered one discovered only through much effort and prayer. It is something that cannot be discovered at only through much effort and prayer. It is something that cannot be discovered at all, in fact, without the all, in fact, without the powerful assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary; it cannot be found outside powerfulof assistancean intimate of relationship the Blessed with Virgin Jesus Mary; Christ, it cannot our Great be found High outsidePriest. of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. For an individual to discern his vocation to the priesthood and for the Church to discern priestly For an individualvocations requiresto discern the his assistance vocation and to the accompaniment priesthood and of for Christ the Churchand His to Blessed discern Mother. priestly vocationsYet there requiresis theanother assistance dimension, and accompanimentone associated with of Christboth Chriandst His and BlessedMary in Mother. the Gospels, Yet there which is isanother also a dimension,mysterious one associated aspect involved with both in aChristll vocations, and Mary especially in the Gospels,vocations which to the ispriesthood: also a mysterious the mystery aspect of involvedsuffering. in all vocations, especially vocations to the priesthood: the mystery of suffering. The priest offers daily the sacrifice of the Mass, which is the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. In his The priestown offers priestly daily ministry the sacrifice he will enofcounter the Mass, countless which peopleis the sacrificewho have ofexperienced Christ on theCalvary. cross Inand his will own priestlyturn ministry to him he for will direction, encounter assistance countless and people prayer. who Howhave couldexperienced the mystery the cross of suffering and will turnever tobe him far for direction,from a assistancecall to the priesthood?and prayer. How couldcould thethe Churchmystery not of expect suffering to see ever this be mystery far from already a call present to the priesthood?in some How way could in the the work Church of searching not expect out to andsee thismining mystery vocations? already present in some way in the work of searching out and mining vocations? In his own journey of formation the seminarian is asked to leave one way of life—often a very In his owngood journey and fruitful, of formation holy way the of seminarian life—and isto askedembrace to leave a whole one newway wayof life—often of walking a withvery goodthe Lord. and fruitful,He holy is calledway of upon life—and to be ato man embrace of pa storala whole charity new andway humility, of walking a task with that the will Lord. cost He him is calleda great upon deal and will necessarily force him to take up his cross daily and follow Christ. We, too, who are called to be a man of pastoral charity and humility, a task that will cost him a great deal and will necessarily force him to take up his cross daily and follow Christ. We, too, who are called upon to pray for and nurture priestly vocations in the Church should expect nothing less than the cross…but following that blessed way, we also stand to gain so much more! St. John of the Cross, writing on this mystery of suffering and the riches we mine in Christ, reflects:

There is much to fathom in Christ, for He is like an abundant mine with many recesses of treasures, so that however deep individuals may go they never reach the end or bottom, but rather in every recess find new veins with new riches everywhere…The soul cannot enter these caverns or reach these treasures if, as we said, she does not first pass over to the divine wisdom through the straits of exterior and interior suffering. For one cannot reach in this life what is attainable of these mysteries of Christ without having suffered much. —Spiritual Canticle, Stanza 37, #4

Where have you experienced the cross in your own life? Where are those places that you have shouldered the cross and struggled with difficulties and challenges which, in the end, can only be born upon the sturdy and sure foundation of faith and with the gentle yoke of Christ who comes to assist us?

Do not be surprised if, in those moments that are sometimes dark and difficult, you find Christ and the Blessed Mother standing beside you with the assurance and assistance promised to us all. And do walk carefully, for there are diamonds here, and God may be calling you to help mine them.

Please continue to pray for priests and vocations to the priesthood.

Our Lady of Providence Opens Academic Year With 27 Seminarians from 5

Fr.Fr.Fr. MaharMahar Mahar InstalledInstalled Installed asas as RectorRector Rector ofof of Fr. Mahar Installed as Rector of SeminarySeminarySeminary ofof of OurOur Our LadyLady Lady ofof of ProvidenceProvidence Providence by Curtis Miller, Seminarian of the Diocese of Burlington byby CurtisSeminary Curtis Miller, Miller, of Seminarian Seminarian Our Lady of of theof the DioceseProvidence Diocese of of Burlington Burlington by Curtis Miller, Seminarian of the Diocese of Burlington OnOn the the evening evening of of September September 7, 7, 2011, 2011, Father Father Christopher Christopher Mahar Mahar was was officially officially in- in- On stalledthestalled evening as as the the of Oneleventh eleventh September the evening Rector Rector 7, 2011,ofof of Septemberthe the FatherSeminary Seminary Christopher 7, 2011,of of Our Our Father Lady LadyMahar ofChristopher of Providence. wasProvidence. officially Mahar installed was officially as the in-eleventh Rectorstalled ofas thethe Seminaryeleventh Rectorof Our ofLady the ofSeminary Providence. of Our “We Lady are of here Providence. tonight for salvation,” Fr. Mahar said in “We“We are are here here tonight tonight for for salvation,” salvation,” Fr. Fr. Mahar Mahar said said in in his his homily homily to to the the seminary seminary community community at at the the his homily to the seminary community at the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by Bishop Thomas Tobin “WeMassMass are hereof of the the tonight Holy Holy Spiritfor Spirit salvation,” celebrated celebrated Fr. by byMahar Bishop Bishop said Thomas Thomas in his homilyTobin Tobin and toand the concelebrated concelebrated seminary community by by ten ten priests priests at the that that and concelebrated by ten priests that evening. “Christ made promises to the Church and He has kept every Massevening.evening. of the Holy“Christ “Christ Spirit made made celebrated promises promises by to to Bishopthe the Church Church Thomas an andd TobinHe He has has and kept kept concelebrated every every single single byone one ten of of prieststhem. them. Hethat He has has singleevening.mademade one a “Christof apromise promise them. made Heto to youhas youpromises madeand and to toa me,to promiseme, the that that Church if toif we youwe putan putandd our Heour to faithhasme, faith kept thatin in Him, ifHim,every we and putand single our ourour loveone faithlove ofin inin them. Him, Him,Him, and andandHe trustour hastrust love in in inmade Him,Him,Him, a andpromise HeHe trust willwill into raiseHim,youraise and usHeus uptowillup me, on raiseon thatthethe us lastif lastup we on day. day.put the our last ThatThat faith day. isis inThat whatwhat Him, is it what it and meansmeans ourit means toloveto say,say, toin say,Him, ‘In‘In ‘In hope, hope,and hope, trust wewe we in were werewere saved’Him,saved’saved’ He(Romans (Romanswill (Romans raise 8:24). 8:24). 8:24).us First up Firstand onFirst foremost,theand and lastforemost, foremost, day. it involves it Thatit involves involves intimacyis what intimacy intimacy itwith means withGod with toinGod God prayer.”say, in in prayer.”‘In prayer.” Followinghope, Following Followingwe hiswere homily his his Fr.saved’ Maharhomilyhomily (Romans made Fr. Fr. Mahar Maharhis 8:24). Profession made made First his hisand of Profession ProfessionFaithforemost, and Oath of itof involvesFaith Faith of Fidelity and and intimacy Oa Oa thandth of of was withFidelity Fidelity installed God and inand prayer.” aswas was rector installed installed Followingof the as Seminaryas rector rector his of ofof Ourhomilythe Ladythe Seminary Fr.Seminary of Mahar Providence. of ofmade Our Our Lady hisLady Profession of of Providence. Providence. of Faith and Oath of Fidelity and was installed as rector of the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence. Fr. Mahar’s vision for forming men for the priesthood is ultimately directed to- Fr. Mahar’sFr. Mahar’s vision vision for forming for forming men menfor the for priesthood the priesthood is ultimately is ultimately directed directed toward to- ward the salvation of the people of God, by fostering a spirit of hope and prayer theFr. salvationMahar’sward the vision ofsalvation the forpeople formingof the of people God, men byforof God,fosteringthe priesthood by fostering a spirit is ofultimatelya spirit hope of and hopedirected prayer and to-prayerin the in the seminarians, the future priests of the Church. In his first several months seminarians,wardin the the salvation seminarians, the future of the prieststhe people future of of thepriests God, Church. byof fosteringthe In Church. his a first spirit In severalhisof hopefirst severaland months prayer months as rector, as rector, Fr. Mahar has worked to inspire this spirit of hope and prayer in the Fr.in theMaharas seminarians,rector, has Fr.worked Mahar the tofuture hasinspire workedpriests this ofspiritto theinspir ofChurch. ehope this andspirit In hisprayer of first hope in several theand heartprayer months of in each the heart of each seminarian. seminarian.as rector,heart ofFr. each Mahar seminarian. has worked to inspire this spirit of hope and prayer in the heart of each seminarian. AsAs he he assumes assumes his his new new position position as as seminar seminaryy rector, rector, Fr. Fr. Mahar Mahar is is taking taking on on the the AsAs hemantlehemantle assumes assumes of of a hisa great hisgreat new new legacy. legacy.position position Over Overas as seminary theseminar the cour cour rector,yse serector, of of his Fr.his Fr. thirteen Maharthirteen Mahar is years yearstakingis taking on on on the thetheon faculty, faculty,themantle ofmantle aparticularly greatparticularly of legacy. a great his hisOver legacy. seven seven the years courseOveryears as the asof rector hisrectorcour thirteense, , ofMonsignor his years thirteen onAlbert Albert the years faculty, Kenney’s Kenney’s on theparticularly faculty,dedication dedication his sevenparticularlyandand years commitment commitment ashis rector, seven to Monsignor to yearsthe the seminary seminaryas rectorAlbert inaugurated ,inaugurated Kenney’sMonsignor dedicationan anAlbert era era of ofKenney’s great andgreat commitment growth. growth. dedication The The to ef- theef- seminaryandfects fectscommitment of inauguratedof this this legacy legacy to the ancan can seminaryera be be of seen seen great ininaugurated in thegrowth. the many many The improvementsan improvements effectsera of greatof this and andgrowth. legacy expansions expansions canThe be ef-of of seenthe the infects thephysicalphysical ofmany this legacyimprovementsbuilding building can itself itselfbe seen andand and inexpansionsin in the the the many ever-growing ever-growing ofimprovements the physical number number andbuilding of expansionsof seminarians seminarians itself andof the being inbeing the formed formed within within its its ever-growingphysicalwalls.walls. building Indeed, Indeed, number itselfas as ofFr. Fr. seminariansand Mahar Mahar in thebegins begins ever-growing being his his formedtime time as as numberwithin rector, rector, its ofa awalls. major seminariansmajor Indeed,challenge challenge being as heFr. he facesformed Maharfaces is is begins withinhandling handling hisits thetime the aswalls. rector,influxinflux Indeed, a of majorof more more as challenge applicants Fr.applicants Mahar he than facesbeginsthan the theis hisseminaryhandling seminary time as thecan canrector, influx accept. accept. a of major more challengeapplicants he than faces the isseminary handling can the accept. influx of more applicants than the seminary can accept. Fr.Fr. Mahar Mahar is is striving striving to to meet meet the the challenges challenges and and the the joys joys of of shepherding shepherding the the seminary seminary community community Fr. Maharwith a isspirit striving of hope to meet and theprayer. challenges In the andpast the few joys months, of shepherding Fr. Mahar the has seminary been busy community promoting with the a spiritFr. Maharwith of hope a isspirit strivingand ofprayer. hope to meet Inand the prayer.the past challenges few In months,the andpast Fr.thefew Maharjoys months, of has shepherding Fr. been Mahar busy the haspromoting seminarybeen busy the community promotingmission of thethe with a spirit of hope andmission prayer. of the In seminary,the past few whether months, from Fr. behi Maharnd thehas deskbeen in busy his promotingoffice, at various the seminary,mission whetherof the seminary, from behind whether the deskfrom inbehi hisnd office, the desk at invarious his office, diocesan at various events, missiondiocesan of the events, seminary, or in thewhether world from beyond. behi ndAt thethe deskheart inof hisit all, office, he lives at various as an ex- or diocesanin the world events, beyond. or in At the the world heart beyond. of it all, Athe thelives heart as an of exemplarit all, he livesof the as spirit an ex- of diocesanemplaremplar events, of of the the orspirit spirit in theof of prayerworld prayer beyond.that that he he strives strivesAt the to toheart promote promote of it inall, in the thehe seminary livesseminary as an commu- commu- ex- prayer that he strives to promote in the seminary community. “Every morning, he is emplarnity.nity. of “Every the“Every spirit morning, morning, of prayer he he thatis is the hethe firststrives first person person to promote in in chapel,” chapel,” in the said seminarysaid Brendan Brendan commu- Ryan, Ryan, a a the first person in chapel,” said Brendan Ryan, a first year seminarian for the Diocese nity.firstfirst “Every year year seminarian seminarianmorning, hefor for isthe the the Diocese Diocese first person of of Providence. Providence. in chapel,” Fr. Fr. said Mahar Mahar Brendan has has been beenRyan, person- person- a of Providence. Fr. Mahar has been personable and professional, friendly and fatherly. firstable ableyear and andseminarian professional, professional, for the friendly friendly Diocese and and of fatherly. fatherly. Providence. Fr. Mahar has been person- able and professional, friendly and fatherly. ThisThisThis active active active involvement involvement involvement in in in thethe the liveslives lives of of hishis his seminarians seminariansseminarians extends extendsextends even even beyond beyond his hishis Thisordinaryordinaryordinary active duties involvementduties duties as as as rector.rector. rector. in the “Fr. “Fr. “Fr. lives Mahar Mahar Mahar of hischooses choos choos seminarianseses toto to be be very extendsvery closeclose close even to toto us,” us,”beyond said said Dylanhis DylanDylan ordinaryLabonte,Labonte,Labonte, duties a seconda asecond secondas rector. year year year seminarian “Fr. seminarian seminarian Mahar for choosfor thefor the Archdiocesethees Archdiocese toArchdiocese be very of close Baltimore,of of Baltimore, Baltimore,to us,” “Fr.said “Fr. Mahar“Fr. Dylan Mahar Mahar even eveneven came came out out and Labonte,andcame played played out a footballsecondand football played yearwith with football seminarianus us one one withday.” day.” for us theone Archdioceseday.” of Baltimore, “Fr. Mahar even came out and played football with us one day.” Even upon his arrival this past summer, Fr. Mahar was no stranger to Our Lady of Providence. A EvenEven upon upon his arrival his arrival this past this summer,past summer, Fr. Mahar Fr. Mahar was no wa strangers no stranger to Our to Lady Our ofLady Providence. of Providence. A decade A Evendecadedecade upon ago, hisago, arrivalhe he began began this his hispast journey journey summer, toward toward Fr. Maharthe the priest priest wahoodshood no strangerwith with his his totime time Our in in Ladyformation formation of Providence. here. here. He He might Amight ago, he began his journey toward the priesthood with his time in formation here. He might have a new decadehavehave ago, a anew new he room beganroom and hisand hisjourney his role role mig towardmightht have havethe priestchanged, changed,hood but butwith his his his devotion devotion time in to formationto the the mission mission here. of of theHe the seminarymight seminary room and his role might have changed, but his devotion to the mission of the seminary has only grown havehashas a onlynew only roomgrown grown and with with his the the role years. years. mig ht have changed, but his devotion to the mission of the seminary withhas onlythe years. grown with the years.

ReturningReturning toto OurOur LLadyady ofof ProvidenceProvidence Reverend CarlCarl B. B. Fisette Fisette AssistantAssistant VocationVocation DirectorDirector

It was rather surreal being at the first day of orientation at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence this past August as the newly appointed Assistant It was rather surreal being at the first day of orientation at the Seminary of Our Vocations Director and realizing that it has been ten years since I was there Ladyas of one Providence of the newthis pastseminarians August asat the or ientation.newly appointed It was Assistant God’s graceVocations that Directorbrought and merealizing to OLP that as it ahas seminarian been ten inyears 2001 since and I itwas God’s there grace as one that of hasthe new broughtseminarians me back at orientation. to the Office It wasof Vocations God’s grace in 2011. that brought me to OLP as a seminarian in 2001 and it God’s grace that has brought me back to the Office of Vocations in 2011. You never know how God’s grace is going to work in your life. When I graduated from Bryant You Collegenever know in 1989, how IGod’s did not grace expect is going that twelveto work year in syour later life. I would When be I graduatedleaving a careerfrom Bryant in accounting College in 1989,working I did with not expectpeople thatwhom twelve I enjoyed years andlater a Isecure would j obbe thatleaving I liked a career to become in accounting a priest. workingWhen I waswith peoplea seminarianwhom I enjoyed at OLP and and a secure would job take that aI likedwalk toup become Mt. Pleasant a priest. Avenue When I andwas apass seminarian St. Augustine at OLP and wouldChurch, take I did a walk not expectup Mt. Pleasantthat I woul Avenued be assigned and pass toSt. that Augustine wonderful Church, I did for notmy expect first five that years I would as be assigneda priest toor that that wonderful I would leave parish that for assignment my first five to returnyears asto aOur priest Lady or thatof ProvidenceI would leave as thethat Assistantassignment to returnVocation to Our Director. Lady of ProvidenceWhile we never as the know Assistant how Vocation God is going Director. to work While in weour never lives, know being how open God and is goingaccepting to work into ourhis gracelives, allowsbeing open it to bearand acceptingfruit in our to lives. his grace allows it to bear fruit in our lives.

It is Ita greatis a great joy joyfor mefor meto go to togo differentto different parish ones onthe the weekends weekends to topreach preach about about the the universal universal call call to holinessto holiness and the and particular the particular vocation vocation to the priesthood. to the priesthood. I welcome I welcome having a having personal a personal conversation conversation with any man withwho anyfeels man called who to feels the priesthood called to the and priesthood have been a ndmeeting have beenwith menmeeting who with are discerningmen who are a call discern- to the priesthood.ing a call Each to theman priesthood. has a different Each story man of has how a differeGod isnt working story of in how his lifeGod and is workingmoving himin his toward life and the priesthood.moving The him diversity toward ofthe the priesthood. backgrounds The of thediversity men whom of the God backgrounds chooses and ofcalls the is menamazing, whom but God they are unitedchooses in theirand calls love isof amazing, God and theirbut they desire are to united serve in Him. their We love were of Godblessed and to their have desire Bishop to serveTobin Him.share his ownWe werevocation blessed story to when have heBishop joined Tobin us for share a Discernment his own vocation Evening story with when several he joinedmen at us Our for Lady a Dis- of cernment Evening with several men at Our Lady of Providence in October and we look forward to Providence in October and we look forward to welcoming Bishop Tobin back for the College Discernment welcoming Bishop Tobin back for the College Discernment Retreat on January 13-14, 2012 and Retreat on January 13-14, 2012 and welcoming Bishop Evans for a Discernment Evening on March 6. The welcoming Bishop Evans for a Discernment Evening on March 6. The annual High School Retreat annual High School Retreat is scheduled for April 28, 2012. is scheduled for April 28, 2012.

BlessedBlessed John John Paul PaulII said II tosaid parents, to pare educators,nts, educators, and priests, and priests, “God has“God entrusted has entrusted to you tothe you task the of taskguiding of youngguiding people young on the people path toon holiness. the path toBe holiness. an example Be toan themexample of generous to them of fidelity generous to fidelityChrist. toEncourage Christ. themEncourage to…respond them eagerly to…respond to the invitation eagerly to of the the invitation Lord…Help of the them Lord…Help to discern them their to path, discern and theirto become path, true andfriends to become of Christ true and friends his true of Chri disciples.”st and his Every true disciples.”Christian has Every a role Christian in fostering has a rolevocations in fostering to the ministerialvocations priesthood to the ministerial and to religious priesthood life. Itand is myto religious fervent prayerlife. It that is my every fervent person prayer in the that Church every in per- the Dioceseson inof theProvidence Church inwill the continue Diocese to of foster Providence a culture will of continue vocations to where foster younga culture men of are vocations encouraged where to lay downyoung their men life are for encouraged God as a priest to lay of down Jesus their Christ. life Within for God this as culture a priest of ofvocations, Jesus Christ. we pray Within that many this men culturewill open of vocations,their hearts we to prayChrist that and many respond men generously will open their to his hearts call. to Christ and respond generously to his call. John Paul II repeated the words of Scripture found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.: “Be Johnnot afraid.” Paul II When repeated God the asked words someone of Scripture to do fgreatound thingsin both for the Him, Old HeTestament also encouraged and the Newthem Testa- to “be not afraid.”ment.: “BeThese not words afraid.” spoken When to theGod Blessed asked someoneVirgin Mary to do at thegreat Annunciation things for Him, and toHe many also othersencouraged in the Scripturesthem toare “be repeated not afraid.” to every These man wordswhom spokenthe Lord to calls the Blessedto the priesthood. Virgin Mary at the Annunciation and to many others in the Scriptures are repeated to every man whom the Lord calls to the priesthood.

Diocese of ProviDence - office of vocations “There is no greater love...”

Rev. Mr. Ryan W. Connors Rev. Mr. Francesco Francese St. Brendan, Riverside St. Pius X, Westerly 4th Theology 4th Theology

Rev. Mr. Christopher J. Murphy Scott J. Carpentier Thomas J. Woodhouse St. Brendan, Riverside St. Agatha, Woonsocket St. Paul, Cranston 4th Theology 3rd Theology 3rd Theology

Ryan K. Bilodeau Joshua A. Barrow Nicholas T. Fleming All Saints, Woonsocket St. Timothy, Warwick Holy Ghost, Tiverton 2nd Theology 1st Theology 1st Theology

Matthew E. Gebhart Ryan J. Simas Matthew D. Grossi Brian G. Bennett Brian J. Morris Nathan J. Ricci St. , Cranston SS. John & James, SS. Rose & Clement, Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Mercy, St. Catherine, Warwick 1st Theology West Warwick Warwick East Greenwich East Greenwich 4th College 1st Theology Pre-Theology II Pre-Theology I Pre-Theology I

Stephen M. Battey Matthew J. Bernard Jean Joseph Brice Phillip J. Dufour Kyle A. Gorenski Brendan P. Ryan St. Francis of Assisi, St. Timothy, Warwick St. Michael, Providence Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Mary, Star of the Sea, St. Joan of Arc, Wakefield 2nd College 2nd College Bristol Narragansett Cumberland 3rd College 2nd College 2nd College 1st College Please pray for the Seminarians of the Diocese of Providence www.catholicpriest.com From Pilot to Priesthood Thomas J. Woodhouse Third Theology

I arrived in Rhode Island in the summer of 2009 from Tucson, Arizona where I was employed as a pilot. Although I lived in the southwest for many years, I grew up in Connecticut and now have family in Rhode Island, and my home parish is St. Paul’s in Cranston. After attending college and serving in the Marine Corps I got a job in Dallas, Texas. It was here that I was first approached about the priesthood, but, at the time I didn’t think that this was my calling so I didn’t pursue it.

However, different people brought the subject up every now and then. I continued to ignore these suggestions because I was hoping to get married and raise a family and I enjoyed my job. I was transferred to Tucson and I found a spiritual advisor and began to seriously discern God’s will. I prayed for a “St. Paul” moment where I would get knocked down, be blinded and hear a voice from heaven telling me what to do. Finally, a couple of summers ago, when I was visiting my family in Cranston, the parish priest came up to me after Mass and asked if I ever thought of becoming a priest for the Diocese of Providence. He introduced me to the summer who was from Blessed John XXIII Seminary and for the first time I became very excited about becoming a priest. From this point on, things started happening very fast; I soon sold my house in Tucson and entered the seminary. Looking back, this was my St. Paul moment.

I am presently in my third year at Blessed John XXIII Seminary and I’m a little amazed at the changes in my life since I answered the call. I was very anxious about entering the seminary, wondering how I would handle the living arrangements and the academics since I had not been in an academic environment in thirty years. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother the transition was very smooth. Blessed John XXIII has an excellent staff of priests, professors and spiritual directors to provide seminarians with everything we need to grow closer to God.

I was also blessed two summers ago with an outstanding summer assignment at St. Luke’s parish in Barrington and I attended the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) last summer. My experience at IPF gave me the tools to grow in my spiritual life, entering into a deeper relationship with our Lord, turning away from sin because of love for Him rather than fear of punishment.

I encourage anyone who thinks they have a calling to a religious life not to ignore it, but to seek spiritual direction, develop your prayer life, receive the sacraments frequently, ask for our Blessed Mother’s help by praying the daily, and pray before the Blessed Sacrament asking for guidance. I guarantee our Lord will let you know what to do and you won’t be disappointed.

In trying to summarize the last few years of my life I can only describe them as being miraculous. Once I, somewhat reluctantly, turned to Our Lord and told Him I’d give the seminary a try, He has blessed me and He has made His presence known to me in ways that words cannot describe. He is slowly taking the scales from my eyes and I am seeing the world in a different way and I thank Him daily for guiding me. While I was discerning I often wondered what “the call” would be like. Would it be easy to distinguish? How would I know if I was making the right decision? I still cannot put into words God’s invitation but I assure you that you’ll know when it happens.

TheThe Ministry Ministry of Formatorof Formator TheReverendTheReverend Ministry Ministry Michael Michael of ofJ. Formator NajimFormator J. Najim TheReverend MinistryReverendVocationVocation Michael MichaelDirector of DirectorFormator J. J. Najim Najim ReverendVocationVocation Michael Director Director J. Najim In 1992In 1992 Pope John JohnPaul PaulII Vocationwrote II wrote a document Director a document entitled entitled Pastores Pastores Dabo Dabo Vo- Vo- bis (“IInbis will1992 (“I Givewill Pope GiveYou John YouShepherds”) Paul Shepherds”) II wrote in which a in document which he highlighted he entitled highlighted thePastores importance the importance Dabo Vo- ofInIn priestly 19921992bisof priestly (“IPope Pope formation. will John John formation.Give Paul Paul You The II II Shepherds”) wrotedocument Thewrote document a adocument document addresses in whichaddresses entitled entitled the he areashighlighted the Pastores Pastores areas that seminariansthat Dabo the Dabo seminarians importance Vobis Vo- (“I shouldwillbis (“IGiveofshould focuspriestlywill You Givefocus on Shepherds”) formation. while You on while Shepherds”)in a Theinseminaryin whicha documentseminary in he program.which highlighted addressesprogram. he highlighted The the thePopeThe importanceareas Pope addressesthe that importanceaddresses seminarians of spe- priestly spe- cificallyformation.of priestlyshouldcifically four The formation.focus fourareas document onareas of while priestlyThe of addresses priestlydocumentin afo seminaryrmation, fothe rmation,addresses areas andprogram. that theseand the seminarians these areas haveThe havethatPopebecome shouldseminarians becomeaddresses known focus known spe- on inwhileshould somecificallyin in some focuscircles a seminary circles fouron as while theareas as program.Four the inof Foura Pillarspriestly seminary ThePillars of fo PopePriestly rmation, program.of Priestly addresses Formation: and TheFormation: these specifically Pope human, have addresses human, become spiritual, four spiritual,spe- known areas intellectual, ofintellectual, and pastoral. and pastoral. priestlycificallyin some formation, four circles areas and asof thethesepriestly Four have foPillars becomermation, of Priestlyknown and these inFormation: some have circles become human, as theknown spiritual, Four Pillars intellectual, of Priestly and Formation: pastoral. Interestingly,human,in some Interestingly, spiritual, circles the as intellectual,Pope the FourPope asserts Pillarsasserts and that pastoral. of humanthat Priestly human formati Formation: formation ison really human, is really the spiritual, foundation the foundation intellectual, of priestly of priestly and formation. pastoral. formation. Why? Interestingly,Why? Because Because to thebe to aPope begood a assertsgood priest, priest, that one human mustone mustfirst formati befirst aon begood is a reallygood man. man.the The foundation spiritualThe spiritual lifeof priestlymust life mustbe formation. built be built uponWhy? the human Because virtues. to be And a good so humanpriest, formationone must firstinvolves be a everythinggood man. fromThe spiritualteaching lifeseminarians must be built Interestingly,Interestingly,upon the the humanthe Pope Pope virtues. asserts asserts that Andthat human sohuman human formation formati formationon is isreally reallyinvolves the the foundation everything foundation of from ofpriestly priestly teaching formation. formation. seminarians Why? upon the human virtues.about And formal so human dining formation etiquette involves to helping everything them learn from healthyteaching ways seminarians of BecauseWhy? Because to be a good to be priest, a good one priest, mustabout onefirst formal must be a diningfirstgood be etiquetteman. a good The man. spiritualto he Thelping life spiritual themmust learnbe life built musthealthy upon be the builtways human of upon the human virtues. Andself-care soaboutself-care human such formal suchformationas diet diningas anddiet involves exercise.etiquetteand exercise. everything Spiritualto he Spirituallping formationfrom them formation teaching learn entails healthy seminariansentails the vari- theways vari- of virtues. And so human formationous waysself-care involves that sucha seminarian everything as diet and is from formedexercise. teaching in Spiritualliturgical seminarians formationand personal about entails formal prayer. the dining vari- aboutetiquetteous formal ways to helping thatdining a seminarianthemetiquette learn to is healthy heformedlping ways inthem liturgical of learn self-care healthyand personalsuch ways as diet prayer.of and IntellectualousIntellectual ways formation that formation a seminarian is comprised is comprised is formed of all of ofin all hisliturgical of academic his academic and coursespersonal courses and prayer. and self-careexercise. such Spiritual as diet formation and exercise. entails Spiritual the various formation ways entailsthat a seminarianthe vari- is his commitmentIntellectualhis commitment formationto philosophical to philosophical is comprised and theologicaland of theologicalall of hisstudy. academic study. Pastoral Pastoralcourses for- for-and ousformed ways in that liturgical a seminarian and personal is formed prayer. in liturgicalIntellectual and formation personal is prayer. comprised mationhismation normallycommitment normally involves toinvolves philosophical hands-on hands-on ex andperience, ex theologicalperience, working workingstudy. with Pastoral withpeople people for- Intellectualof all of his formation academic is coursescomprised and of his all commitment of his academic to philosophical courses and and outsidemationoutside of the ofnormally seminary the seminary involves to hone to honehishands-on pastoral his pastoral ex skills.perience, skills. working with people histheological commitment study. to Pastoral philosophical formation and normally theological involves study. hands-on Pastoral experience, for- mationoutside normally of the involvesseminary hands-onto hone his ex pastoralperience, skills. working with people working with people outside of the seminary to hone his pastoral skills. Every Every seminary seminary has priestshas priests whooutside whoserve of serve theas formation seminary as formation toadvisors hone advisors his (or pastoral formators). (or formators). skills. Here Hereat Our at LadyOur Lady of of Providence EveryProvidence seminarySeminary, Seminary, has along priests along with who withmyself, serve myself, there as formationthere are two are other twoadvisors other priests (orpriests whoformators). whofunction function Here in this atin role:Ourthis role:LadyFr. Fr.of Every seminary has priests who serve as formation advisors (or formators). Here at Our Lady of Providence FrankEveryProvidenceFrank Santilli seminary Santilli and Seminary,has Fr. and priestsJim Fr. Quigley, Jim along who Quigley, servewith O.P. myself, asO.P. formation there areadvisors two other (or formators). priests who Herefunction at Our in thisLady role: of Fr. Seminary,ProvidenceFrank alongSantilli Seminary, with and myself, Fr.along Jim withthere Quigley, myself,are twoO.P. thereother are priests two whoother function priests whoin this function role: Fr. in Frank this role: Santilli Fr. and Fr.Frank JimFrank Fr. SantilliQuigley, Frank Santilli Santilliand O.P. has Fr. been Jimhas beenQuigley,involve involved O.P.in vocationd in vocation ministry ministry throughout throughout his priesthood. his priesthood. For four For yearsfour years he servedFr.he servedFrank as the Santillias vocation the vocation has recruiterbeen recruiter involve for thed for in Di thevocationocese Diocese of ministry Providence. of Providence. throughout Even Even histhough priesthood. though he is hea isFor a four years busyFr.Fr. Frank Frank hebusypastor, served Santilli ,Santilli he ashas hehas thehas continued has beenvocationbeen continued involvedinvolve his recruiter commitment hisd inin commitment vocation vocationfor the toDi ministry ministryhelpingocese to helping of throughoutmenthroughout Providence. menin priestly in his hispriestly priesthood. Evenpriesthood.formation. formation.though For Fr. Forhe four is fourFr. a years Santilliyearshe servedbusySantilli he states, served pastor, as states, the "Living as hevocation the"Living has vocationthe continued recruiterpriestly the priestlyrecruiter his lifefor commitment inthelife for a Diparish intheocese a Dioceseparish community toof helping Providence.community of Providence. menis an in isEvenexciting priestlyan Even excitingthough adventure. formation.though headventure. is he a is Fr. a Everybusybusy SantilliEverypastor, pastor,day presentsday he states,he has presentshas continued "Living newcontinued newchallenges the hischallenges his priestly commitment commitment and life opportunities.and in toopportunities. ato helpingparish helping communitymenIt menis inmyIt inpriestlyis privilegepriestlymy is privilegean formation. exciting formation.to be to able Fr.adventure.be SantilliableFr.to to sharestates,SantilliEveryshare with “Living states, withtheday men the"Livingpresentsthe priestlymenin formation the newin lifepriestlyformation challenges in my a life parishexperi my in and experi acommunityences parish opportunities.ences of community diocesan ofis diocesanan Itexciting priesthood. isis myan priesthood. excitingprivilegeadventure. I hope adventure. toI hope Everytobe in-able to day in-to spirepresentsEvery sharespirethem day new them with aspresents challenges I thehaveas Imen new havebeen and inchallenges been inspiredformation opportunities. inspired byand my the byopportunities.experi It faith theis my ences faithof privilege the ofof people Itthediocesan is to peoplemy beI serve.privilege ablepriesthood. I serve.to Godshare to beGodhas withI ablehope trulyhas the to to trulymen in- blessedinshare formationspireblessed with me them withthe memy men withas31experiences Iyears inhave31 formation years of been priestlyof of diocesan inspired priestly my service. experi priesthood.service.by ences theNow, faith Now,of the I diocesanhopeof men thethe to menwho peopleinspire priesthood. whoare discerningIthem areserve. discerning as I Ihope Godhave a call to has beena toin-call trulypriesthood inspired to priesthood by the keepfaithspire blessedkeepofme them the fresh me people asme fresh inI with havemy I in serve. reflection 31 mybeen years reflection God inspired of onhas priestly the trulyon bybeauty the theblessedservice. beauty faithof being me ofNow, withbeingthe 'another the people31 'another menyears Christ' Iwho ofserve. Christ' priestly andare discerning theGodand service. challenge thehas challenge truly a Now, call of ministrytothe ofpriesthood menministry who today."areblessed discerningkeeptoday." me me with fresh a call 31 in yearsto my priesthood reflectionof priestly keep on service. theme beautyfresh Now, in of my thebeing reflectionmen 'another who areon Christ' thediscerning beauty and the aof callchallengebeing to priesthood‘another of ministry Christ’ today." andkeep the me challenge fresh in myof ministry reflection today.” on the beauty of being 'another Christ' and the challenge of ministry Fr.today." Jim Fr. Quigley,Jim Quigley, O.P., O.P., has also has beenalso beeninvolved involved in pr iestlyin priestly formation formation for many for many years. years. He worked He worked as as Fr. Jim Quigley,the Vocation O.P., Director has also for been the involved Dominican in pr ,iestly Easternformation Province, for many for years. three Heyears; worked he as Fr. Jimthe Vocation Quigley, Director O.P., has for also the been Dominican involved Friars, in priestly Eastern formation Province, for for many three years.years; Hehe Fr. Jim Quigley,was thewasO.P., Vocation Directorthe has Director also ofDirector been the of involved Overseasthe for Overseas the inDominicanTrai priestly ningTrai ning Programformation Friars, Program Easternfor for Maryknoll formany Province,Maryknoll years. seminarians forHe seminarians threeworked years;and as and he brothersworkedwas forasthe threethe Director Vocation years; of and theDirector he Overseas served for as theTrai the Dominicanning Fr. Carl Program J. PeterFriars, for Chair MaryknollEastern of Homiletics, Province, seminarians forvis- three and theyears; Vocationbrothers he was for Directorthe three Director years;for theof andthe Dominican Overseashe served Friars,Training as the EasternFr. Program Carl Province,J. Peterfor Maryknoll Chair for threeof Homiletics,seminarians years; he vis-and iting brothersitingprofessor professor for of three American of years;American Churchand heChurch servedHistory History as at the the Fr.at Gregorian theCarl Gregorian J. Peter , Chair University, of andHomiletics, forma-and forma- vis- wasbrothers the Directorfor three ofyears; the andOverseas he served Trai asning the Program Fr. Carl J.for Peter Maryknoll Chair of seminarians Homiletics, andvisiting tion advisoritingtion advisorprofessor to seminarians to seminariansof American at the at NorthChurch the North American History American atCollege the College Gregorian in Rome in Rome University,for six for years. six andyears. Re- forma- Re- brothersprofessor for of threeAmerican years; Church and he History served atas thethe Gregorian Fr. Carl J. University, Peter Chair and of Homiletics,formation advisor vis- to flectingtionflecting on advisor his on experiences his to seminariansexperiences in priestly atin thepriestly Northforma forma tion,American tion,Fr. Quigley Fr.College Quigley stated, in Rome stated, "I have for "I six havebeen years. beenin- Re- in- seminarians atiting the Northprofessor American of American College Churchin Rome History for six years.at the ReflectingGregorian University,on his experiences and forma- in priestly spiredspired by so by many so flectingmany of our of on youngour his young experiencesseminarians seminarians in today priestly today who forma whoseek tion,seekto be Fr.to priests beQuigley priests of Jesusstated, of Jesus Christ "I haveChrist and been toand in- to formation, Fr. tionQuigley advisor stated, to seminarians “I have been at inspired the North by Americanso many of College our young in Rome seminarians for six todayyears. who Re- seek servespiredserve God's God's bypeople.flecting so people. many They on of hisThey are our experiences men areyoung withmen seminarians withpastoral in priestlypastoral hearts today forma hearts and who tion,the and hope seek Fr.the Quigley hopeforto bethe for priests future stated,the future ofChurch." "I Jesus have Church." Christ been in-and to to be priests of Jesus Christ and to serve God’s people. They are men with pastoral hearts and the hope for spiredserve by God'sso many people. of our They young are seminariansmen with pastoral today heartswho seek and theto behope priests for the of futureJesus ChristChurch." and to the future Church.” Weserve are We God's very are people.veryblessed blessed Theyto have toare haveFr. men Santilli Fr. with Santilli pastoral and Fr.and heartsQuigley Fr. Quigley and serving the hopeserving as forformators as the formators future at Church."the at Seminary the Seminary of of Our LadyWe are of Providence.very blessed to have Fr. Santilli and Fr. Quigley serving as formators at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence. WeWe are Ourare very veryLady blessed blessed of Providence. to to have have Fr. Fr. Santilli Santilli and and Fr. QuigleyFr. Quigley serving serving as formators as formators at the at Seminary the Seminary of Our of Lady ofOur Providence. Lady of Providence.

ThreeThree Easy Easy and and Effective Effective Ways Ways toto Promote Promote Vocations Vocations ReverendReverend Raymond Raymond N. N. Suriani Suriani Pastor,Pastor, St. St. Piux Piux X X Church, Church, Westerly Westerly II camecame across across this this reflection reflection on onthe the priesthood priesthood recently: recently:

IfIf aa priestpriest preaches preaches more more than than 10 10minut minutes,es, they they say sayhe’s he’slong-winded. long-winded. If his If his homily is short, they say he didn’t prepare it well. If the parish funds are in homily is short, they say he didn’t prepare it well. If the parish funds are in the the black, they say he has business savvy. If he mentions money, they say he’s money-mad. If he visits hisblack, parishioners, they say he they has say business he’s nosy; savvy. if heIf he doesn’t, mentions they money, say he’s they a snob.say he’s If money-he mad.has dinners If he visits and hisbazaars, parishioners, they say he’sthey bleedingsay he’s nosy;the peopl if hee; doesn’t,if he doesn’t, they saythey he’s say athere’s snob. noIf he life has in thedinners andparish. bazaars, If he theycelebrates say he’s Mass bleeding in a quiet the voice,people; they if hesay doesn’t, he’s boring; they sayif he there’s puts emphasis no life in in the his parish. words, If he celebratesthey say he’s Mass an inactor. a quiet If he’s voice, young, they theysay he’ssay he’sboring; inexperienced; if he puts emphasis if he’s old in they his words,say he oughtthey say to re-he’s an actor.tire. If he’s young, they say he’s inexperienced; if he’s old they say he ought to retire.

AndAnd youyou think it’sit’s easyeasy being being a apriest!?! priest!?! I Iwonder wonder if ifPeter, Peter, Andrew, Andrew, James James and and John John had hadany anyidea ideawhat what theythey werewere gettinggetting into when JesusJesus calledcalled themthem away away from from their their fishing fishing business business and and former former way way of lifeof life to beto behis his apostles, apostles, and, and, eventually, eventually, his his first first priests.priests. ProbablyProbably not.not. ButBut they they saidsaid yes anyway! AndAnd they they did it enthusiastically,did it enthusiastically, as do asmost do mostpriests priests today. today Most. Mostpriests priests today today are happy are happy in their in their vocation. vocation.

In fact, when Fr. Stephen Rossetti surveyed priests after the scandals of 2002, he found that 92% of Inthem fact, either when agreed Fr. Stephen or strongly Rossetti agreed surveyed with the priests statement: after “Overall,the scandals I am of happy 2002, as he a foundpriest.” that A 92%Los An- of them eithergeles Timesagreed poll or stronglyof priests agreed yielded with a similar the statement: result with “Overall, 90% saying I am they happy would as ado priest.” it all overA Los again. Angeles TimesThat’s pollbecause of priests it’s a joyyielded to bring a similar Jesus toresult people with (especially 90% saying in the they sacraments), would do and it allto bringover again.people toThat’s becauseJesus! Now, it’s a unfortunately, joy to bring Jesusthere areto peoplemany places (especially where thein the number sacraments), of vocations and isto very bring low. people Actually, to Jesus! Now,it’s not unfortunately, the number of there “vocations” are many that’s places small. where Th thee problem number isof that vocations many whois very are low. being Actually, called are it’s not not the numberresponding! of “vocations” There are many that’s reasons small. forThe this problem “response is that crisis many” that who we’re are currently being called experiencing are not responding!but one Thereof the aremost many important reasons is thatfor thismany “response Catholics crisis” are simply that we’renot doing currently what they experiencing can and should but one do ofto thepro- most importantmote vocations. is that many Catholics are simply not doing what they can and should do to promote vocations.

HereHere are three veryvery easy easy and and effective effective ways ways that that you you can can promote promote vocations. vocations. The The first first way toway promote to promote vocations is to know your Catholic Faith! The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ speaks for itself. vocations is to know your Catholic Faith! The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ speaks for itself. Young Young people today are looking for answers to the most basic questions of life: Who am I? What is the peoplemeaning today of life? are looking Is there fora God answers and what, to the if most anything, basic does questions he expect of life: of me? Who amIf we I? Whatknow isour the Catholic meaning of life?Faith Is well, there and a God can andanswer what, questions if anything, like thesedoes forhe expectthe young of me? people If we we know come our into Catholic contact withFaith every well, and canday, answer they will questions come to like see these the beauty for the and young truth people of the we Gospel—and come into contact they’ll withbegin every to see day, that they investing will come toyour see life the in beauty promoting and truth the Gospel of the Gospel—andfull-time is a goodthey’ll thing, begin a veryto see good that thing. investing your life in promoting the Gospel full-time is a good thing, a very good thing. The second way to promote vocations is to Live your Catholic Faith to the best of your ability. A Theyoung second person way will to not promote invest hisvocations life in an is idealto Live that your he doesn’tCatholic see Faith lived to out. the bestEvery of priest, your ability. deacon Aand young personreligious will not invest or sister his canlife teinll an you ideal stories that abouthe doesn’t committed see lived Cathol out.ics Every who made priest, a deacondeep and and lasting religious brotherimpact onor theirsister life. can Perhapstell you it stories was a pareaboutnt, committed relative, priest, Catholics religious, who or made friend. a deep and lasting impact on their life. Perhaps it was a parent, relative, priest, religious, or friend. This brings us to the third way to promote vocations, which, not surprisingly is to pray! A voca- tion, ultimately, is the work of God’s grace, and that grace is poured forth into the heart of a young per- This brings us to the third way to promote vocations, which, not surprisingly is to pray! A vocation, son through prayer. Do you at least pray a Hail Mary each day or at least pray every once in awhile in ultimately,some fashion is forthe vocations?work of God’s grace, and that grace is poured forth into the heart of a young person through prayer. Do you at least pray a Hail Mary each day or at least pray every once in awhile in some fashionKnow the for Faith vocations?; Live the Faith; and Pray!—three easy and effective ways to promote vocations. All they require is a willing and loving and faith-filled heart.

Know the Faith; Live the Faith; and Pray!—three easy and effective ways to promote vocations. All they require is a willing and loving and faith-filled heart.

Summer of Spirituality SummerSummer of Spirituality of Spirituality RyanRyan J. J.Simas Simas Ryan J. Simas FirstFirst Theology Theology First Theology I was very blessed this summer to be one of the almost two hundred seminarians I was very blessed this summer to be one of the almost two hundred semi- from Iall was around very blessedthe country this summerto descend to be upon one Omaha,of the almost Nebraska, two hundredhome of semi- The narians from all around the country to descend upon Omaha, Nebraska, Institutenarians for Priestlyfrom all Formation around the at Creightoncountry to University descend uponto strengthen Omaha, myNebraska, prayer home of The Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University to life andhome learn of aboutThe Institute the particular for Priestly spirituality Formation of diocesan at Creighton priests. UniversityThe summer to strengthen my prayer life and learn about the particular spirituality of di- beganstrengthen with a silent my eight-day prayer life retreat and wherelearn aIbout was ablethe particular to shut out spirituality the unnecessary of di- ocesan priests. The summer began with a silent eight-day retreat where I distractionsocesan ofpriests. the world, The spendsummer some began time with in conversation a silent eight-day with God, retreat meditate where on I was able to shut out the unnecessary distractions of the world, spend some time in conversation Scripture,was ableand closelyto shut examineout the unnecessaryhow God has distractions and continues of tothe work world, in myspend life soonme time in conversation with God, meditate on Scripture, and closely examine how God has and continues to work in my the roadwith to God, priesthood. meditate The on summer Scripture, was and filled closely with exavariousmine classeshow God about has human and continues sexuality, to the work spirituality in my life on the road to priesthood. The summer was filled with various classes about human sexuality, life on the road to priesthood. The summer was filled with various classes about human sexuality, ofthe the spirituality liturgy, and of differentthe liturgy, Ignatian and different prayer methods, Ignatian which prayer helped methods, me towhich see how helped God me is workingto see how in every the spirituality of the liturgy, and different Ignatian prayer methods, which helped me to see how facetGod isof workingmy life. inJoining every the facet ministerial of my life. aspect Joini ofng priesthood the ministerial to the aspect spiritual, of priesthoodI was able toto thevolunteer spiri- at a God is working in every facet of my life. Joining the ministerial aspect of priesthood to the spiri- localtual, Ihospital was able visiting to volunteer patients, at praying a local with hospital them, visiting and bringing patients, them praying Holy Communion.with them, and The bringing Institute for tual, I was able to volunteer at a local hospital visiting patients, praying with them, and bringing Priestlythem Holy Formation Communion. has taught The me,Institute among for other Priestly things, Formation how to live has the taught faith me,of the among Church, other recognize things, God them Holy Communion. The Institute for Priestly Formation has taught me, among other things, actinghow to in live my the life, faith and ofrely the solely Church, on His recognize grace to God effectively acting inminister my life, to and the faithful.rely solely Summing on His graceup the to graces how to live the faith of the Church, recognize God acting in my life, and rely solely on His grace to Godeffectively has given me this to thepast faithful. Summer, Summing it is perhaps up the best graces described God hasin the given concluding me this linepast ofSummer, St. Ignatius it of effectively minister to the faithful. Summing up the graces God has given me this past Summer, it Loyola’sis perhaps Suscipe best described Prayer which in the reads, concluding “everything line of is St.Yours; Ignatius do with of Loyola’sit what You Suscipe will. GivePrayer me which only Your is perhaps best described in the concluding line of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Suscipe Prayer which lovereads, and “everything Your grace, is forYours; with do these with I willit what be richYou enough.” will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, for reads, “everything is Yours; do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, for with these I will be rich enough.” with these I will be rich enough.”

SummerSummerSummer of of 2011 of 2011 2011 Brings Brings Brings Changes Changes Changes at at at TheTheThe Seminary Seminary Seminary of of Our of Our Our Lady Lady Lady of of Providence of Providence Providence Farewell Paula Mollo...... Welcome Liz DiSarro FarewellFarewell Paula Mollo...Paula Mollo...... Welcome ...Welcome Liz Liz DiSarro DiSarro

August was a bitter-sweet time August was also a blessing AugustAugust was was a bitter-sweeta bitter-sweet time time AugustAugust was was also also aa blessing blessing for the seminarians and staff of for us as we welcomed our for thefor seminariansthe seminarians and staffand staffof of forfor us us as as we we welcomedwelcomed ourour Our Lady of Providence. It new administrative secre- Our OurLady Lady of Providence. of Providence. It was It newnew administrative administrative secretary, secre- was bitter because we bid fare- tary, Liz DiSarro. Liz bitterwas because bitter becausewe bid farewell we bid fare-to Liztary, DiSarro. Liz LizDiSarro. comes toLiz us well to Paula Mollo, the admin- comes to us with signifi- Paulawell Mollo, to Paula the Mollo, administrative the admin- withcomes significant to us with experience, signifi- istrative secretary for the Of- cant experience, particu- istrative secretary for the Of- cant experience, particu- ficesecretary of Vocations for and the Seminary Office of larlyparticularly working inworking the colle- in the fice of Vocations and Seminary larly working in the colle- forVocations the past and thirteenSeminary years. for the giatecollegiate setting. setting. She Shehas has for the past thirteen years. giate setting. She has Paulapast thirteenwas an years.amazing Paula asset was to an workedworked at at Brown Brown University,Univer- Paula was an amazing asset to worked at Brown Univer- the Seminary andamazing Vocation asset Office. to Shethe alwaysSeminary sity,Providence Providence College, College, and andCurry Curry College. the Seminary and Vocation Office. She always sity, Providence College, and Curry College. andwent Vocation above and Office. beyond She what always was askedwent aboveof her. and SheCollege. has made She a hassmooth made transition a and is went above and beyond what was asked of her. She has made a smooth transition and is beyondHer love what for wasGod, asked the Church,of her. Herand lovethe priest-for God, quicklysmooth learning transition all and the is quicklyins and learningouts of all the the ins Her love for God, the Church, and the priest- quickly learning all the ins and outs of the thehood Church, was evident and the inpriesthood her commitment was evident to inthe her Seminaryand outs andof the Vocation Seminary ministries. and Vocation Liz ministries. be- hood was evident in her commitment to the Seminary and Vocation ministries. Liz be- commitmentwork she did tohere the over work the she years. did Luckily,here over we the lievesLiz believesthat the Lordthat theled Lordher to led this her job, to thisand job,we and work she did here over the years. Luckily, we lieves that the Lord led her to this job, and we years.did not Luckily, lose Paula we did completely, not lose Paula as completely,she is still as arewe indeed are indeed happy happy that shethat responded she responded to God's to God’s did not lose Paula completely, as she is still are indeed happy that she responded to God's sheworking is still for working the Diocese for the of Diocese Providence of Providence as ad- invitationinvitation to tobe be here. here. working for the Diocese of Providence as ad- invitation to be here. asministrative administrative secretary secretary in the in theOffices Offices of the of the ministrative secretary in the Offices of the GeneralGeneral andand thethe PropagationPropagation ofof thethe Faith.Faith. and the Propagation of the Faith.

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Upcoming Retreats:

Discernment Retreat January 13 - 14, 2012 Seminary of Our Lady of Providence There will be a retreat for college bound seniors, college and post-college age men who may be contemplating a vocation to the priesthood. For an invitation or for further information, please contact your parish priest.

High School Retreat April 28, 2012 Seminary of Our Lady of Providence There will be a retreat for men in high school, with an emphasis on sophomores and juniors, who wish to learn more about the priesthood. For an invitation or for further information, please contact your parish priest.

The Seminary of Our Lady of Providence extends its gratitude to the family and friends of James Grimshaw for donations made in his memory.