...recognizing our gifts of time, talent and treasure
Summer 2011
reflections... a newsletter from the Stewardship and Development Office
. . . a Reflection on Seminary Life by Greg Gerhart
I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full. –Jn 10:10 We, the Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Church of Central Texas through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation and education, social ministries and advocacy, embrace diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that together, as the Catholic Church, we may continue the mission of Christ in the world today.
Stewardship and Development Office Diocese of Austin 6225 Highway 290 E. Austin, TX 78723 (512) 949-2400
Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez Bishop of Austin
Scott Whitaker Director of Stewardship and Development
Bob Vallilee
Life in the seminary is far from ordinary. As a second-year Pre-Theology student at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA, I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience the abundant life of a seminarian. It is with joy that I describe a “typical” day in the life of a seminarian, if such a thing exists! Seminary formation is unique for every man who attends. The students at St. Joseph’s are just as diverse as any 75 men, but we are united in our call to holiness, which has led us to discern the priesthood. I began thinking of the priesthood when I was nine years old, and I remained open to the call throughout high school and college. It wasn’t until a meeting with my spiritual director during my senior year of college that I admitted, “When I think of growing in holiness, and when I think of picking up my cross and following Christ, I think of the priesthood.” At that moment, the Holy Spirit came over me and, in an overwhelming experience of joy and peace, took away all my fears and instilled in me a great excitement for the priesthood. I applied to St. Joseph’s soon after, and my experience of seminary has been even greater than I imagined at that moment.
Associate Director of Stewardship and Development
Ginger Davenport Director of School Development
Emily Powers Ender Executive Assistant
The Catholic Diocese of Austin
A typical day in my life as a seminarian begins with an hour of personal prayer. Community activities include Morning and Evening Prayer, meals, and Mass with the Benedictine monks who administer our seminary. As a full-time undergraduate student, I am also taking 15 hours of academic classes, ranging from Metaphysics to Catholic Social Doctrine, as well as formation classes with topics such as Theology of the Body and Pastoral Charity. In addition, I have had the opportunity to practice what I am learning by volunteering at a retirement home, taking a mission immersion trip to Guatemala, {continued on page 2}