BACK IN BLACK!

YOU HEARD RIGHT!

I'm back, and I'm
BACK IN BLACK!
(and a little bit of white)

My brother Peter and I on Family Day at Douglaston

So what I need to catch you up on...I'll start with:

• Peter's Confirmation
• Halloween at Douglaston
• Family Day at Douglaston

Sorry I disappeared for a while. I was struggling with school work and I my life was falling apart at the seams (as shown in the picture below), but I semi pulled myself together.

I was also encouraged by Brother Chris 2's mother. I didn't know how many people were reading this, but she encouraged me to start it up again. I dedicated this post to your Mama Baer.



Let's start with Confirmation:

This is me with my family at Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church after Peter's Confirmation. Since the parish has such a large class that is confirmed each year, we have two separate Confirmation Masses. Our presider was Bishop Libasci who is an incredible human being. During his homily, he encouraged the kids (that were to be Confirmed) to do good things...otherwise, through the court system, people would "...screw their brains out." He had all Confirmandi laughing. I looked at the congregation during the sermon, and the eighth grade kids (and their parents) were actually paying attention (which as you can tell by my italics,is a foreign concept). Bishop Libasci targets his homilies to reach all audiences. He is the type of priest many seminarians look up to. He captivated the people of the parish. It's a shame that he isn't seen more often.

We had a house Halloween party on Sunday, October 31st.


Above: Roger as a Mime
Below: Larry as a Cat



We watched the movie Rec. which was a fake documentary on a house of Fire Fighters and they were locked into a building with a bunch of crazy people who are sick. One by one, they all get this "sickness" and at the end of the movie, the last person is bitten and they all are crazy. It was insane. Everyone was jumping.  

Click Here for a trailer to preview the scary movie Rec.

If I find more pictures, I will post them. I went as a Rabbi, and my friend Sandro as a Pope. We also had a bishop there so it was an entire Ecumenical Council! A good time was had by all.

Family Day was an exciting event!



Top Left: My two siblings and myself
Top Right: Peter and I
Middle Left: My mother and I
Bottom Left: My Aunt Karla, me and Uncle Peter
Bottom Right: Catherine and I

Attendies representing my family included my parents, my two siblings, and my aunt and uncle. I played the organ for the mass, and my sister made faces at me the whole time which made me laugh while playing. Thank goodness it didn't screw me up.

October 9th-15th, 2010

SATURDAY

I hung out with my brother.

My brother and I with our "cool" faces on.

We went to the Verizon store to see if I could get a new phone but came out unsucessful. After, we went to visit my sister, Catherine at work at the parish rectory office.

SUNDAY

SJB Homecoming! We had an amazing time. I got to see alot of old friends from my high school, and had lunch with family friends at Friendly's before the game.

Last year, my school won a Golf Cart from MSG Varsity for our school spirit, and it peeled around the SJB grounds all day!

This is last year's blessing of the Cougar Pride Cart...via Poland Spring Bottle,

SJB won 16-0. Darell Hunter was the teams saving grace as he scored both touchdowns.

MONDAY

We had the day off for Columbus Day weekend! Spent the day relaxing, being lazy and hanging out with my Cousin Joan. She's a great person to talk to and confide in. She just became a Spiritual Director for her parish

TUESDAY

Back at school
WEDNESDAY

Week until Peter's (my brother) Confirmation! I'm very excited. Now not only am I allowed to go, but Father Grieco asked if I could serve as a server for Bishop Libasci at my parish for it. I was very excited to go because I met Bishop Libasci two years ago at Saint John the Baptist D.H.S. where I went to high school.

The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci

He is a humble man, and a holy one. From what I remember, pretty funny too. When he spoke at Saint John's, he captivated people into listening to everyword. In Ancient Philosophy class, Dr. Henry could call him a Rhetoric.

FRIDAY
Hungtington Holy Hour!
Watch this quick video here about Huntington's Holy Hour

October 1st-8th, 2010

I'm getting too far behind on my blog so I'm gunna do a "Week-in-Wrap" Segment. If I continue to fall behind on my blog and studies, I may have to continue my "Week-in-Wrap" segments. What is a "Week-in-Wrap" segment? When I wrap up my week into one blog! WHOO HOOO!

FRIDAY

I was supposed to take the 4pm train to Northport, but I missed it by seconds, so I took the 4:07 train home to Huntington where Dad picked me up. I spent the evening at home hanging out with my brother and Dad because Mom was working and my sister went to Pennsylvania to visit one of my best friend's college's. She went with his family and as far as I understand it, had a great time. I sent her with a present for Dennis, and by the looks of the picture I will post, I think he got it.

SATURDAY

I had my first Religious Education class. There were five kids who showed up out of the seven.  Not bad. It was great for my first class. We listened to Christian Rock with the CD which skipped, but they were okay with it. We got through the Gospel and had a few discussions. They are a bright group of fifth graders and I look forward to working with them.

SUNDAY

I was up at 6am and my brother went to volunteer his abilities at the church. He opened up the parish and I showed him what to do before Dad drove me to Douglaston. I got a note on my door from Brother Chris (2) saying that we would have practice at 8am. I find out I have four songs that I am unfamiliar with to learn to sing and play for the 11:30 mass. In addition to that, it would be my first Sunday on the organ (I butchered it). Sundays are so busy, from 7am when I got there, I thought I had all this day, but when I break it down, it is the following:

• 9am Morning Prayer
• 9:30 Breakfast
• 10am Spiritual Conference with Father Fred
• 10:45 Spiritual Conference ends...

Which means I've got from 7:30 (when I get music) til 8:50 before Morning Prayer...and from 10:45 til 11:20 (10 minutes before mass). When you add up the time it takes to set up, get music and get to the first floor from the first, I've literally got about an hour and a half..an hour and forty five minutes if I'm lucky. Well, I gave it my best shot and I couldn't multi-task. I went to Brother Michael Falce and he gladly helped me out by singing so I could focus on the organ.

During the mass, I felt like I was gunna pass out. It was very hot in the Cassock so I had stripped after communion.  I felt better but to put it as Brother Henry did: "It sounded like you were having a heart-attack back there." Soon I wouldn't think that joke was too funny.

MONDAY

I missed Monday morning's mass. It's the second mass I missed. I slept right through. My wake-up buddy Brother Chris (1) never woke me up. I wake up at 7:10 to HUGE OBNOXIOUS BANGING at my door and who do I see but Brother Ralph with Brothers Larry and Roger. While I was in pajamas and a bathrobe, I wake to Brother Ralph saying "On the Behalf of the Monsignor, I officially kick you out of Douglaston. Pack your bags, you're done!" with a huge smile on his face. He enjoyed that WAY too much. It had woke me up though.

With the troop of Roger, Larry, and myself behind him, Ralph pranced over to our prefect's door, skipping as he walked. He said and I quote "I've been waiting to do this for three years." I could only imagine it was gunna be a similar speech but we never got to hear it. We knocked for a few minutes, and then broke a house rule and opened his door. We found his room without him in it. We then proceeded back towards the main hall scratching our heads a bit. We passed his hallway's bathroom, and poked our heads in. Brother Chris (1)'s Shower stall was shut. We knocked and yelled, and he didn't answer. We figured he was embarrassed that he, the prefect of the seminary had slept through mass, so he didn't want to be bothered. Figuring he needed his space, I went back to my room and got dressed. I had 7:30 class for Monday's with Marc, but before I headed downstairs, I went to check on our prefect, Brother Chris. I was heading to his room and I passed his bathroom, and I threw the door open as I passed just being obnoxious but his stall was still closed.

Something was bothering me about it so instead of going to his room, I went into the bathroom and stood outside his stall for about 15 seconds before I decided to call out his name. I'm glad I did because I heard of stirring groan from the stall. In panic, I looked over the stall, and found him on the floor, just waking up. I ran out of the bathroom for help and lucky for me, the Rector, Monsignor Thelen was right by the door. I called to him and he came with his "quick walk". By this time, I had slid under the stall to find Brother Chris on the floor, and I unlocked his stall. Brother Chris had been passed out since 5:30 that morning. Monsignor and I got him back to his room and Monsignor had called an ambulance just to make sure he was okay. I went down to class in shock and very quiet. Nobody said anything to me because I was usually late. Monsignor went with him to the hospital, and I was told I'd be kept posted of Brother's progress.

I've been told nothing really "actionwise" really happens at the house, yet within my first month of being there, we already have crisis' going on. Hahah. On a much lighter note, I thought my Apostolic was going to change. I heard that they needed more Religious Ed teachers at my parish on Wednesday afternoons. I really like working with the Polish Sisters of Saint Benedict but I would go where I was needed. I turned out that the Religious Ed department was asking for someone teaching a different grade then 5th. It seemed silly to make to separate lesson plans so I was told I could stay with the Benedictines, which I was delighted to here.

Brother Chris came back that afternoon which I flipped out about. I was really happy to see him. He is one of those guys you can always go to. A humble man, a holy man, and a great example of Christ. Brother Chris will make a great priest if that is where he is called.

TUESDAY

I love the van rides that the house has. We're so obnoxious. It's great.

The back of our van is also... a Mexican Van (No offense Diego)

I had my usual Tuesday/Friday Breakfast with Brothers Xavier and Chris. With a joyful surprise, we were joined by Brother Ralph. He had had a test and joined us around 9:45. He has a great sense of humor and has an ego beyond stroking.

Brother Roger giving bunny ears to Brother Ralph

He is like the class clown except at the seminary...so that would make him the Seminarian Clown. He lets nothing bother him, and can take a joke. He always can "dish 'nd take it" which is awesome. I can not stand those who can make fun of other people but when someone pokes at their own personal flaw, it's a serious issue. I was like that but I am trying to understand that the world is not out to get me. We're all on the same team, especially at the seminary.

WEDNESDAY

We had our NYC trip with my Discover New York class to Central Park. Dad picked me up in the patrol car from Douglaston and took me to the subway by Jamaica station. He told me where to go and it was relatively simple (though I had his number punched in my phone for the second I got confused).

I had a bit of a Christian Witness experiance on the subway. A elderly woman almost got the door closed on her on the subway. A gentleman looked to the point that it caught my attention. He kind of kept glancing at me as I said the rosary on the subway. I could have sat down but I chose not to. My dad told me to watch out for the creepers, so I maintained a distance. He got off the subway the stop before me and quickly said on his way off "Thank you for your silent demonstration of courage and faith." It took me until the subway was moving again to take in what the man had said.  He didn't have to say anything, but I tell you, it was an incredible feeling hearing that from a random stranger.  

One of my friends was taking a train home to Long Island after the trip, so I went with her. I took the train to Huntington and she drove me to the Polish Nuns home which is about 10 minutes away. I came really late so I didn't really get to see or help the nuns but hopefully next week will be better.

THURSDAY

I realized I haven’t blogged for a week so I figured I should make a list of what I did. God made the world in 7 days, psh. I lived the life of a freshman collegiate seminarian for 7 days. I think this could be harder. Hahah. And everyone whose saying that’s not funny, it is. God has a great sense of humor, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the seminary.

I unintentionally ran into Brother Ralph at the Starbucks Cafe so I had a coffee with him. I don't really see brothers on Mondays and Thursdays because they all have class. Brother Ralph's class was cancelled so we just hung out and laughed for about an hour.

Since it was the feast of the Holy Rosary, we had a House Rosary Session today instead of our usual Tuesday session.

FRIDAY

WOO HOO!

Get me outta here! I need and want out. So I went to my usual classes and went back to Douglaston to wait to be picked by my family for our annual apple picking trip. Dad got stuck in a tree. It was amuzing. We went to one of those Asian resturants that they make the food right in front of you? I'd spell the name, but I'd butcher the spelling. Easier to say then spell.

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Thursdays with Marc doesn't flow as nice as "Mondays with Marc"... but I swore it felt like one. I understood what he was saying until he drew it out...THAT was when he lost me.

I can't get "Shopping with Nuns" out of my head. It's amazing how much old ladies in habits can influence you. I can't wait for next week. I miss the nuns that were at my high school, Saint John the Baptist. Sister Peggy, Sister Marie, but especially Sister Julia. She couldn't stand me, and I loved every moment of it. I would go out of my way to find her so she could role her eyes at my existence. It was all in good fun and she secretly loves me deep down, but I don't think she'll ever admit it. If you're reading this Sisters, please know that I say this out of love.

Now they came from all over. Men in black, Collars in white. They came in carpools, buses and horse and buggies. Yes, all priests from the Diocese of Brooklyn were in the house today and they came and they conquered. Called it DUH-DUH-DUH----

And we knew the diocese meant business when this spot was filled.



We (meaning seminarians) expected to hear screams of horrors and sadness as the diocese planned which parishes it needed to close and merge.

I plan to have a video put up of Brother Ralph with his recreation of what actually happened in the auditorium on the second floor. It's not a bad idea. It was pretty funny. I was laughing for a good ten minutes after he had performed his skit.

We had a optional Holy Hour and NP. It was beautiful.

We also had a Novena of St. Terese` of the Little Flower, so we had a picture of her displayed every night for nine days at the foot of the Tabernacle.

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

I went to Discover New York this morning for 7:30 class. I handed in my paper, but found out that the paper was supposed to include three pages instead of the two I had written. I stayed up late working on that paper but atleast I hadn't give up. In high school, I might not have even done the paper because of the huge stress I was under. I had this paper tonight and then read a DIFFERENT 200 page book and report to write for Thursday. I was pulling out my hair. Brother Edwin came in to see how I was doing. I told him my dilema and he advised I showered and relaxed for the next half hour til night prayer, and started fresh. Well, I got the paper in. One down, one to go. I would take a break from this back-breaking mental labor and put my books down til that evening.

Today was the highlight of my week- by far. It was Apostolic Wednesday, so I went back to the Polish Sisters in Huntington, on Long Island. When we got there, one of the sisters came up to Brother Sean and myself asking "Who knows how to drive?" Now thats just giving a teenager sugar. An opportunity to drive. We both responded that we did, and then sister asked, "How about a bus?" Now I have never driven a bus before, but I did like driving my mom's mini-van when I lived at home, and I had driven the parish van a few times. Brother Sean said he wasn't familiar with driving one so, she gave me the keys and sister showed me out to the "bus."

The Benedictine Bus

Okay, so it wasn't as big as a bus persay, but it was like a boat. Sister asked Brother Sean and I if we wanted to go with her...I think "Where are we going?" and as if she was reading my mind (which I think nuns can do) she said "We're going to Costco." So, I went shopping...with nuns.



This is definately an experiance that I will remember for a long time. I went with Brother Sean with two Benedictine Sisters to Costco in Commack.

It was a great experiance and I had a phenominal time. I drove both ways and I didn't it anyone or any cars or anything. I joked with the sisters afterwards saying "...Man that was a great trip, I only wish I had my license." They either didn't care or didn't understand. I'm thinking it was the latter of the two. 

I got back to the house and took a nap til around 8pm. I started highlighting parts of the book that I thought were interesting to incorporate into the report, then went to Night Prayer. After that I stayed up til 3am this morning finishing my report. I learned my lesson. DON'T PROCRASTINATE (unless you have coffee available).

I even left a note on my door for Brother Chris (1) to wake me up NO MATTER WHAT I DID!

And just incase you cannot read my "3am chicken-scratch"...

Make Sure

I Get

UP.

I will try to

deceive you.

I will go

back to bed,

I will not

shower

I will miss

morning prayer

IF

you don't wake

me up!!

MAKE
ME
STAY
UP

...Though I was delerious, I think I made my point.

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

I found pictures from Brother Chris (1)'s Birthday!

Brothers Edwin and Chris (1)

Brother Chris, with Brother Nick giving Bunny Ears
and Brother James cutting the cake.

Brother Roger and Brother Chris (1) with Brother Chris (2) creeping in the backround, hahaha!

So this wasn't a day out of the ordinary. We had classes and in the afternoon, I lead a very SHELTERED few hours. I left the laughter and the business of the Seminary and went into retreat in my room. I read my book for my Discover New York class. I finished the 250 pages and a two page paper (that should have been three pages) in about six hours (which could have been done over the summer).

I like the idea of Discover New York, but not as a manditory class. I would be more enthusiastic about it if it wasn't required. I think if it was an elective people would excited about going, but because of the mindset that "we have to take this course" we're not as enthused. It's organization ability is also extremely flawed. When we left for Ellis Island last week, we left 45 minutes later then planned and when we got to our destination, we were hearded onto benches. It reminded me of high school feild trips.

Saint John's was also supposed to mail all their freshmen students the book during mid-July. Many students got it. Some didn't receive it, or the assignment. I heard about it two weeks ago while majority of the school had their books and were finished before school started. I think they shouldn't have shipped the books at all if they couldn't have sent it to all the students who were taking the course.

That night we didn't have house conference because the Monsignor wasn't in. We did have Rosary Session with Father Fred though.

My brother seminarians in prayer during the Rosary Session

Father Fred with the seminarians during the Rosary Session

After the Rosary Session, I retreated to my room until night prayer at 9:45 so I could work on my report for Discover New York.

Monday, September 27th, 2010

"Mondays with Marc" is my new title for Philosophy of the Human Person because I have "Tuesdays with Morrie" in my head.

I had a favorite page that I quote from that book pretty often:

There is a little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He's enjoying the wind and the fresh air — until he notices the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore.

"My God, this is terrible," the wave says. "Look what's going to happen to me!"

Then along comes another wave.

It sees the first wave, looking grim, and it says to him, "Why do you look so sad?"

The first wave answers,

"You don't understand! We're all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn't it terrible?"

The second wave says,

"No, you don't understand. You're not a wave, you're part of the ocean."

Morrie was raised Hebrew, but he wasn't a practicing Jewish. And for a Jewish man, this was truly a very Christian statement (though it was not intended). Take the Christian perspective on that quote. We are not just a whole bunch on individuals. We are a part of a bigger community; a community through God. When we die (because we will all die), we are afraid of leaving everything we know and love. We are afraid of being alone.

We are a culture that desperately needs to be accepted and loved. It's a human necessity. We don't want to be alone; in life or in death. I've been reading a book for my Discover New York (DNY) class entitled Strength in What Remains. In short, its about a young man from Burundi, who is stuck in a war-torn time. His country is victim to genocide. He sees many horrible and disturbing things which I will not attempt to describe. He escapes Burundi and makes it to the United States and is surprised when the country isn't as he expected. He arrives in New York. He finds himself surrounded by people, yet he finds himself alone.

There have been points when I have felt that. I have been on campus and been surrounded by so many students. There are several thousand that attend Saint John's University everyday. How can someone feel alone when they are surrounded by so many? To put it simply, I don't feel like many are going through the same situation that I am. It's a very different college expericance. Some kids party and get drunk on a regular basis. That is the stereo-typical college experiance. I refuse to drink, and even if I wanted to, the seminary doesn't allow it.

I rely on my brrother seminarians to tell me they are going through the same thing I am going through. I feel that I'm in withdrawl even though I'm sometimes putting myself out there to be noticed. How could someone try to do one thing, and have a completely opposite effect. We all have our crosses to bear. I guess this aspect of celibacy will be mine.

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

Sunday is by far my favoritest day of the week. Probably for it's formailty, but secondly, it's dress-code (of cassock and collar) is humbling and it really quiets you down when you've got a personality like mine. I'm ful of energy and once I start going, I do not stop. The solemnity of Sunday mornings at the Seminary is refreshing and slows you down for one-on-one time with God.

We as Americans never stop going. We always want to be doing something. We want to do everything and the 24 hour day is never enough. And in that day, do we make prayer-time? Time for God and ourselves to catch-up? To listen to the Almighty and what He is saying? He's always talking to us but we're so busy, that we don't listen. I constantly hear the question, "Is God calling you?" He probably is, but I'm always so busy, that I don't exactly listen.

What I encourage people to do is to put down their cell phones (myself included) and wait for the call from God. He calls us all to His Service. He calls us to be priests, or deacons, and/or to married life, or to the life of being a single individual, dedicated to the Holy Father in Heaven. Do we listen? Teenagers don't listen to their parents(Again, myself included). What makes you think that they'll listen to our Lord? I long for Teenagers to develop a relationship with God, for which He wants so much. He gives us the gift of waking up each morning and being in decent health. He gives us the ability to eat each day and spend time with those we love. Why can't we say a simple "thank you" to Him when we have time.

I want to be a priest, but am I being called? I must listen. I must listen to know which path I am being called to. I can not be a priest JUST BECAUSE I want to. I must do it because He calls me to serve "...a holy nation, a royal priesthood." I will go if I am called, but I wish for Him to make it clear to me and not as hazely as it is now.

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

I woke up at 9am to a phone call from my friend Tom at my parish. He's a fellow sacristan, and asked me to take his shift. I, of course told him I would do him the favor. What I didn't realize how that would have my day put into turmoil.

10am- I had a meeting with the Director of Religious Education (DRE) for information on my first class that I'm teaching next Saturday. That went til 10:35-ish and I had a wedding to set-up for and serve in my parish at 11am. I booked it over next door as soon as the meeting with the DRE was over, putting my collar on as I ran. I call it Collar on the Run. Thats the term I use when a seminarian or priest is late for a liturgical event...so I'm usually a Collar on the Run.

I served the wedding and ripped off my cassock and collar and threw on a nice black polo. I entered Collar-Stealth Mode or Undercover Collar so I could go to a varsity football game my brother was playing at. He even played with a cast on, but it didn't stop him. He didn't get his uniform yet, so he wore his school polo. He seemed really good and enjoyed himself. OH! I need to mention he's in the school band! Hahah. That's a vital piece of information right there. Hahah.

The football game started on time at 1:30. I went with him at 12 so he could warm-up with the band. While I was waiting, I came upon the most interesting thing I had ever seen.


The green one's are porter-potties. I call the one all the way to the left: The Barna Potty

 Mr. Barna is Peter's Band director and he's a big guy. It was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw it. I feel bad thinking of it, but there should be "...no shame in truth." I don't know if someone said that quote, but it sounds very poetic.

When the 4th Quarter started (around 3:45), the SJB Cougars were loosing. It was awful 20-13, Cardinal Spellmen High School seemed to be taking the cake, but in the last few minutes, the SJB COUGARS CAME BACK 25-20! It was definately my presence that made them win...I say that with all the humility I have. Hahah.

Got back to the parish at 4:30 or the 5pm Mass. I usually show up at 3:30 so I was in a crunch for time, so Peter said "Run Collar, RUN!" and just like in that movie, Forest Gump, "...I just ran."

Peter also helped me get everything done. I finished all except for lighting the Sacrementary Candle...woops. I honestly forgot. Ah, well, Monsignor Dreasen can reach. Hahah, I'm sure Tom will get it on Sunday. I stayed at the parish until Father Grieco drove me to my house for a little gathering of my parents friends.

I spent the rest of the night debating if I should take a late train into Jamaica station and arrive at 11:45pm. My dad said he wanted me to live, so I decided against it (like I had a choice, I wasn't allowed to anyway).

I should start reading my book for Wednesday's and Thursday's book reports...eh, it's late, I'll do it tomorrow.

Friday, September 24th, 2010

HAPPY FRIDAY! TGIF! AMEN! GLORY TO GOD MOST HIGH!

I have never been so happy for it to be Friday.  I got a B- on my first paper in my Ancient Philosophy class. For getting the textbook the night before, I think that was pretty good.

Hung out in D'Angelo Center with Brothers Ralph, Chris (1), Xavier, myself and Brother Joel showed up later. We had a good time and a good laugh sitting near Starbucks.

After class, Brother Roger and I were taken to the train station by Brother Mark.  We took the same train on the Babylon branch. He too the connecting train to Mastic, but I was picked up by one of my old teachers but new friend, Mr. Krebs (Uncle Lenny) at the Babylon Train Station. He took me right to my old High School so I could see my friends who were still there and I could watch any of the sports games that were going on. Girls Varsity Soccer played at 4:30 so I walked around the school, scared the crud out of my sister (Catherine), which I thoroughly enjoyed doing. ;) I surprised my brother and after his Jazz Band rehearsal, we hung out for a little while on the bleachers waiting for the soccer game to start.

Dad came to pick up Pete from Saint John the Baptist around 5pm. I gave Dad my suitcase and he took it home. It was good to see my family. Even though I get on their nerves and they get on mine, we mutually miss each other after not seeing each other after a few days. After they left, I continued to watch the soccer game and I hung out with some friends from SJB afterwards.

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

I'm sorry this is so late. I've been so busy with relaxing and slacking off.

I woke up late because I got back so late. Now I had an excuse. I even put a note on my door for Brother Chris (1) to "...have mercy on me when I don't answer the door." I was so tired and had no desire to go to morning prayer. I could say it later...like 11am.

I went to Father Marc's Philosophy of the Human Person class and had a great nap. It was sooooo good that I didn't hear that I have a book report on "Aristotle for Everybody" due a week from that day. Uh-oh, I'll find out on Monday when I'm already swamped with work.

Ride with Brothers Jeff and Brian to the University to my Multi-Media Comm class. I always enjoy going to that class. It's very laid back and it's more discussion then my other classes. I'm not a note taker, but I am a good listener. I enjoy listening to peoples arguements and reasoning of things.

Went back to the house and planned my weekend schedule. I got my Train Schedules out set them out on my desk. I thoroughly enjoy knowing how to work it out now. I don't need a guy from the Brooklyn Diocese to do it for me.

I had a night off for music because Lisa came and played to Organ (YES). Secretly, I'm afraid of learning how to play. I don't like change and I frequently try to avoid it. When I think about it, who likes change?

Another problem I'm having (which I don't understand) is that I'm loosing weight. I thought I was gaining because I'm eating so much food at the house.. and then I realized that I lost it, and I gained it back, and I lost it again. I keep ending up between 155-160 when the average kid my age is approx. 175. I'm gunna keep trying to eat, and maybe I'll hit up Taco Bell once a week to add that "five pound kicker" at the end of the week.

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

I woke up for Mass at 6am (with Chris 1 BANGING on my door). Consequently, I actually got there on time and stayed awake during the homily (there is a first for everything). Since my 7:30 DNY class was moved to the afternoon, without missing a beat, I went back upstairs and went to catch up on ALOT of sleep. Slept from 7am til 11:15-ish, showered, and had lunch.

Cleaned my room and took out  a pair of jeans for the first time while being at Douglaston. Brother Edwin drove us to St. John's at around 3:15. He's the only other seminarian besides myself that takes that course. I was on bus 28 and he was on bus 29, and the majority of my class was on bus 30...so in conclusion, I was by myself.

The second half of buses was supposed to leave at 4pm. We left around 4:45ish. It was a pain in the _ _ _ . Two buses (29 & 30) never showed up, so St. John's plan was screwed up to the "T" the squished everyone from two 60 seater coach buses on buses 16 through 28. It was manigable, but it was time consuming with attendance and stuff.

I ran into my friend Alex Gregor from high school while I was waiting to board the ferry. We have alot of inside jokes from high school so basically, we find anything funny. We saw each other and burst out laughing. That describes the way we interact on a regular basis.

When taking the ferry over to Ellis Island, I had some time for a few shots:
 

Ellis Island

Statue of Liberty

Note: Not drinking shots obviously.

We got there and the first thing we begged for was food. We listened to this presentation from a distinguished professor on the similarities and differences between immigration in the early 1900's and today. I don't think I walked away with anything new from the lecture but it was a nice switch from being inside the classroom to going out into New York.

I ran into the orientation crew at separate times on the island. I saw James, Andrea, but mostly Angela. I was really happy to see them. It seems like I see them a small bit of them every-other day. I wish I could see them a bit more often but James and Andrea commute from Long Island, Angela is always up to her ears in track, and with me being at the Seminary most of the time, I rarely have time for social interaction outside of my seminarians brothers. I'm absolutely not complaining. I love the time I get to spend with my brother seminarians; I just also cherish the time I spend with my friends from St. John's as well.

The lightning storm was incredible to watch. Bolts repeatedly slashed through the New York skyline. It was even artistic in a way. The beauty was un-comparable. It really shows that God must have made this Earth because nothing this beautiful could be made at random.

Brother Edwin and I got back to the house around 11:45ish. My head hit my pillow at 12am and I never fell asleep so fast.

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

I will automatically assume you think I'm late for activities for now on so I don't have to keep saying I'm late. I walked into MP this morning. Took a seat in the back so no one saw me coming in late.

It ended 10 to 7 so I had enough time for breakfast but I was too tired to eat. I had watermelon and water (a new regular for me).

Brother Edwin drove today. We left at 7:11 (my time said 7:10, but Brother Chris 1 probably set the clocks back a minute to mess with me. Imagine; people think I'm parinoid!). Went to 7:30 Sociology...late. Half the class wasn't there on time, including the Dr. Trumino (my professor), so I wasn't TOO concerned. I also excersized THE COLLAR PRIVELGE and apoligzed for being late but said something like the following: "...the seminary van was late because the seminary van had hit traffic on it's way from the seminary." And Dr. Trumino was fine "COME IN, COME IN" with a big smile on his face. My friend Alexa showed up a half hour late so it made me feel like I was on time. Hahaha. I guess there is a first for everything.

Went to D'Angelo for my Devil's Temptation: Starbucks. I needed caffine. I never EVER fall asleep in Dr. Trumino's class. I was starting to. That means I was REALLY tired. I hung out with Brother Chris 1 and Brother Xavier. I love paterns and "regular" things. When I say that, I mean I find comfort in conformity and I don't like change too much. Ms. Walsh (my old AP from SJBDHS) wasn't a big fan of change either. We talked about that a few times. I remember Sister Peggy (A Dominican Sister in Campus Ministry) who recommended I spoke to her about it. I don't remember exactly what Ms. Walsh had said but I remember walking out of her office almost satisfied most of the times I walked out of there.

I didn't do anything during History of Ancient Philosophy again. I slept, blogged and instant messaged Brother Xavier who was right next to me. At least he takes notes. But I do listen. I answer questions and participate...for the most part.

I came home to the house and practiced music with Brother Melchizedek for mass tonight, but since I was so tired, I napped afterwards. I'd say we did good tonight with music, but I'd have to go to Confession. I said "Ug, we did awful," and he replied. "No. We didn't do awful. We tried our best." It was funny the way he said it. I was laughing for a short while after. We kinda winged the last song to. Hahah.




Tuesday Night Rosary Session

 We had Rosary and Conference tonight. All the brothers get together and say the Rosary and then we have the Rector's Conference with Monsignor Thelen. All department heads (including Brother Ralph) have the opportunity the speak. Brother Ralph loves hearing the sound of his own voice. Its so...amuzing. I bet if he was ever arrested, he would have the right to remain silent, but not the ability. Hahah. I mean that in love Brother Ralph.

I always hold my breath when I enter a room where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. No play on words here but it is ALWAYS a breath taking experiance. I love being in the presence of Eucharistic Jesus. I can literally feel his presence go through me. I always come out moved and renewed.

The Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel



Monday, September 20th, 2010

Today is pretty much a blank. Woke up super tired as always. When is that a surpise? Got to mass as they were walking in. Again, not a surprise. Didn't fall asleep during Monsignor's mass. THAT was a surprise. It's his voice. Its addicting to listen to.

7:30 with Father Marc. Couldn't even tell you what it was about. Honest to God.

I'm not even attempting to catch the 8:30 van anymore. Brother Chris (1) has turbo on that thing. He must launch out of the parking lot because at 8:31, all that is left is screetch marks on the pavement and lots of smoke. I think the smell of burning rubber too.

At 9am, I met with two friends from orientation (Andrea and James) outside of the library and hung out til about 10am. It was really nice to see them and everytime we hang out, we have lots of laughs. We did miss our friend Angela, but she was away on a school trip.

Caught the 12:10 van home to the house. We like to blast the music after prayer. We act pretty crazy at times, but in our heads we think we are cool.

Did my laundry for hours (3 washes...whites, dress clothes and blacks) and cleaned up my room... and who comes but the ALMIGHTY PADRE`! We went to a Jewish Deli...it was intense. I had never had jewish food before but I enjoyed my Matzaball soup.

Every seminarian or priest goes through what Father Mike (AKA The Padre) calls a Spiritual Storm. When a person struggles with their vocation or what they think their vocation is it can be awesome, and it can be terrifying. It sometimes can be a "little rain shower" and sometimes can be a "huge storm" with Hurricane Level 5 winds, etc. Now Father Mike tells me I'm going through what he calls "The Perfect Storm". Now I told you that so I could show you this:

I was in the Library the other night and I found this book. The book was completely irrelivent to what we discussed, but I thought it was pretty funny.

I emailed him a copy of this picture as soon as I saw it.

We had a great deal to talk about and I was extremely grateful for him coming.

A Reading from the Gospel according to Ralph: The Apocolypse
Brother Ralph entertained some of the guys in hysterics by explaining to us what would happen if the world ended and the only place to survive would be the Douglaston Seminary. He told us who survived, who didn't, who was late for the world ending, and who killed who AFTER we had survived. He also explained in extreme detail how we used the Crypt Chapel as a space ship to travel to the moon, and where we would live out the rest of our days. Monsignor Thelen, Father Fred, Father Fonti, and Father Marc all survived, along with most of the guys; amen. I will need copy rights from the publisher in order to write down more, and if I can, I definately will. Some guys, myself included were crying from laughing so hard. The story ended around 9:30.

At night prayer (15 minutes later), Monsignor said he'd give us a few minutes to calm down because he heard us from across the building laughing are butts off. I was still chuckeling at some of the things Brother Ralph had said and looking around at my brothers, I know I wasn't alone.

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Dad drove me back Sunday morning, but we didn't go for breakfast. Left my collar in the car so I had to borrow from Brother Michael Falce. He knows his liturgical clothing. Its very impressive. It must be that great prep school he went to that Father Fred is the rector. Is it St. Francis Prep where they had swine flu? Oh no, Father Fred's in charge of that other prep. Hahahahahah.

At 9am, we have MP (Morning Prayer) in the Main Chapel is cassock and surplice. Its always a cool thing to see all the seminarians in liturgical attire. Something about it is motivating and makes you remember what you are discerning and who you are aspired to be.

Picture Courtesy of Brother Jose Henriquez

Immediately after we had a nice breakfast in the dining hall. Following that we had house conference with Father Fred. It started off with Father Fred saying he found a DVD of Wedding Crashers next to the Padre Pio DVDs and wanted to know who pulled the prank, but it turned out it was one of the Seminarians and they had lost it. It was super funny. Everyone was laughing. The main part of the spiritual talk was about the virtues and that we'll be focusing on them this year. We also talked about the garbage cans and how there is a SEPARATE garbage cans for recycles. We must remember that, otherwise Father Fred will punish us... he won't give us communion at mass or something. Hahahah.

11:30 mass was a beautiful liturgy. Chris (2) and I played while Chris (1) sang. We practiced hard and received the fruits from our labors. I mean this in the humblest way possible; WE DID AWESOME.

Brother Marcial took me to a 1:30 train to hang out with friends on the south shore of Long Island and then took another one later on to get back to Jamaica where Brother Michael Falce picked me up. We picked up Burger King on the way home and brought it back.

We watched a lot of guys play Ping Pong doubles. It was really fast and they dominated.

Picture Courtesy of Brother Jose Henriquez

 Monsignor's got a wicked serve. I am learning how to play but it's not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination which coincidentally, I lack.

 9pm was Holy Hour, Confession and Night Prayer. I always love being back at the Seminary after going out and hanging with friends. I love coming to that peace and tranquility, even though at points it can intimidate me.



Saturday, September 18th, 2010

It was a quiet day at home for the most part. I went out with a friend and the family in the city that evening for San Gennaro in Little Italy. What a party:



Source: http://www.nycdailydeals.com/2009/09/san-gennaro-festival-in-little-italy.html



Friday, September 17th, 2010

We had Twisters in Queens last night. I think there was a total of two. It was crazy. We were in Mass and all of a sudden you could feel the air pressure change drastically. Then the skies opened up and the heavens poured down on the chapel's roof. I thought it was just a rainstorm but apparently, there was much more devastating results.

It was hard getting to school on Friday. Many roads were shutdown. I had Sociology at 7:30 and went to D'Angelo Center for Starbucks with Brother Chris 1 and Brother Xavier.

History of Ancient Philosophy was at 10:30. That's a tough class. With Dr. Henry? He's so smart...just above my level of smart (NAHT). Brother Xavier and I just keep looking at each other. We get what he's saying (I think because he repeats what he's saying so much, but that makes me second guess myself). I get so confused there.

Afterwards I had music practice for Friday afternoon for Sunday morning mass with Brother Chris 2. We did a great time. We played my favorite song: Hope at the Crossroads, and he improved on guitar. He's great at improvisation. I look forward to practicing with him because we get our work done and then we can goof around and play a bit with secular (non-religious) music we like.



Friday night was the most beautiful night I had experienced in a long time.


The Blessed Sacrament Exposed

It was an amazing night. I had gone with brother seminarians to the Holy Hour at the Seminary of Immaculate Conception. I had processed in with my brothers to the altar and it was an amazing and powerful experience. SO powerful. At a point, I was on the verge of tears. It's close to indescribable. You could tell God's presence was soaring through the chapel. It was painful at first (praying with your knees in contact with the marble floor was a struggle) but after a while it didn't matter! I was so at peace. It was an amazing feeling, and I was scared of it. That peace, that serenity...it was foreign to me.



Picture Courtesy of:
(http://live.stlyouth.org/content/exposition-blessed-sacrament)



From the Seminarian's view, this is how it looked. Almost exactly like it. Two seminarians are assisting the presider of the Adoration Service and many lay men and women in addition to priests and religious alike, adore from in front of the altar while the rest of the seminarians are behind overlooking the congregation. This is actually quite "de ja vous-ish," because this is the same view I had from the Sanctuary.

Seminarian Brothers Diego, myself, and Roger.

My friend picked me up from the Holy Hour and drove me home afterwards since I live relatively close to the Major Seminary in Huntington and I slept at my house for the night.