April/May 2010
Beauty of Catholicism
ason Signalness Around the same time, Jason attended a Jason’s experience at seminary has been lifepilgrimage to Rome with a group of students from changing. He has learned multitudes about our Faith the University of Mary. Fr. Thomas Richter, Vocations and about the priesthood. He’s eager to return to Director for the Diocese of Bismarck, was leading the North Dakota and enter into active ministry. Of all the pilgrimage. During the trip, Jason fervently prayed lessons he’s learned at Kenrick-Glennon, Jason says for direction from God regarding his vocation. On the three things have impacted him the most. last day of the pilgrimage he stopped by St. Peter’s “The whole place is structured around prayer Basilica to pray, as he did each morning while in – growing in prayer and the opportunity to build Rome. a relationship with “It was so peaceful God, which will be my and wonderful,” he primary relationship says. “I made the for the rest of my life,” decision to try the he says. “Education seminary.” – it’s stressful and the He communicated work-load is heavy, his desire to Fr. Richter, but it is beautiful. who helped him apply. Lastly, brotherhood – It wasn’t long after the seminarians form returning to Bismarck lifelong friendships.” that Jason placed a “for Jason encourages sale” sign in front of all young people to his condo. In 2006, he pray about their own enrolled at Kenrickvocations. Glennon Seminary in St. “Don’t be afraid to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, where Jason currently lives and studies. Louis. be open to the calling,” Jason will be he says. “It doesn’t hurt ordained a transitional deacon for the diocese on June to give seminary or the religious life a try. If you think 27 at Christ the King Church. This milestone represents it’s a possibility, attend daily Mass and set aside time his transformation from a lay person to a member of the for prayer. In time, God will guide you where He wants clergy. He looks forward to taking this step in faith. you to be. And if you’re not called, the experience is still “I’m looking forward to answering God’s call in valuable. Seminary is all about discernment of one’s my life,” he says. “I’ve been studying for this for years calling. They don’t lock the doors once you enter!” – and I’ve enjoyed learning – but I’m looking forward Jason is thankful for everyone who has to sharing what I’ve learned with God’s people.” encouraged him and helped him on the path to As a deacon, Jason will be assigned to serve a seminary, especially the parishioners of Christ the parish in the St. Louis area during his last year of King. Whenever he visits North Dakota, he considers seminary studies. Each weekend he will stay at this our parish his “home.” If you are interested in parish, preach at the Masses, baptize infants and getting to know Jason a little better, check out his practice other elements of his new vocation. “Seminarian Blog” on Christ the King’s website, “They are easing us into full-time ministry,” he www.christthekingmandan.org, under the “Parish” says. heading in the main menu. 5