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.

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Again, an adendum to last night's blog:

I thought it would be good to scare Brother Roger after he's scared Brother Larry and I so much.
I also decorated his door with post-its to make an "R" for Roger.
While he was distraced with the door, we both jumped out
and scared him. It was pretty funny, but you probably had to be there.

I had the HARDEST TIME getting up this morning. I was even too lazy to open my door for Brother Chris 1 (who wakes me up every morning, because my three alarm clocks can’t do it). I was up late with brothers Edwin and Xavier reading the first chapter of this book for Father Marc’s class (and not many are enthusiastic about it). It’s called Who Are We? By Louis P. Pojman. The chapter is only 24 pages. Not bad. I got up to page 10. Now that’s bad. Hahaha.

I had found a surprise on my door this morning:

Brother Larry had stole it off a paper towel dispencer from somewhere.

If anyone is missing a sign from their paper towel dispenser, see Brother Larry.

We had Philosophy of the Human Person with Father Marc. He is a quiet man and a humble man. He has quiet a few funny lines when you pull them out of him. He also has a brilliant mind. He has such a knowledge of Philosophy. Hopefully, he’ll be able to help me out with Dr. Henry’s Ancient Philosophy class (which I am currently COMPLETELY lost in…I’m so glad that paper is due tomorrow. ANYWAY…Father Marc has such a soft-spoken voice and I was sooo tired. You can imagine the results. Brother Edwin had to wake me up. I should probably try napping later. I should get into the habit of drinking coffee too.



My Philosophy of the Human Person class at the Seminary
A huge attendance of all SIX students from all grade levels.



I missed the van to the university (as usual, Brother Chris 1 probably has satalite time linked to his watch) so I rode in Brother Jeff's nice new Ford Explorer with him and Brother Xavier. We took three highways to get to school today...and we live 10 minutes from Saint Johns. I know, I couldn't add it up either. I got to the university and headed towards Saint Thomas More Church on campus. On my way I saw my friend Alexa from Sociology and I walked with her where she was going. I know God's not going anywhere hahaha. When walking, we saw this guy from the campus clean-up staff and it was pretty funny.

Our amigo with the sombraro!

Then I went to Multimedia Comm class. We had a great fire drill (that was pointless) but it was nice to get some fresh-air...10 minutes into class. Hahah.

Afterwards, I hung out with a friend from the class who is equally interested in religion. We had a great conversation about the future of the church and then went to the 12:15 mass together. It was a good experiance.

I thought I was catching a 1:30 van home, but apparently, it doesn't exsist. It's a one-way van and Brother Chris 1 parks and goes into class. BUMMER. I don't think I'll ever get this van thing down.

By the way, Chris 1 is the prefect of our house. He is the liason between faculty/staff and students. He is the moderator of all commites in the house and is a spiritual role model to the seminarians. He can lay down the law if he has to but he likes being our friend, and I respect him so much more for that.

I would compare Douglaston to Harry Potter but I don't wanna be excommunicated by the RCC (Roman Catholic Church). Hahah. When you think about it though it's pretty funny. They have a prefect for each house, a common room, different houses with different missions (that would be like religious orders vs. diocesan). Plus there is the deep mystery of what they do... which is similar to the church but nowhere near to being close.

Magic and Transubstantiation should NOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES be confused. Magic is "slight-of-hand" tricks and illusions. According to Wikipedia, "Transubstantiation means the change of the substance of bread and wine into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, while all that is accessible to the senses remains as before." I usually don't make it a habit of trusting Wikipedia but it was beautifully worded. Transubstantiation is not an illusion. The bread and wine at the Altar of God are "changed". They look the same and taste the same, but are not the same as they were before the Eucharistic Prayer.

Speaking of Transubstantiation, I'm thinking of my good friend Father Mike...WOAH` PADRE! Thinking of you. How far have I come right? BAHAHAH.

I went to lunch at the ON-CAMPUS TACO-BELL! Holy cow. In HEAVEN. I literally heard the Tabernacle Choir singing the "Alleluia". $5 for three soft tacos and a medium soda. When I saw the price, I yelled out the words of the Not So Reverend Borat: "VERY NICE."

Today's weather was a bit cruddy. It was cloudy and windy. Seemed stormish. I guess God didn't like me quoting Borat at Taco Bell. I can't see our Lord looking to kindly on it.

I caught the 3:00 van home with our prefect, Chris 1. Brother Daniel stole the shotgun seat. I did offer it but I didn't think he'd actually take it. My mistake. Hahah. I had a great van ride with brothers Nick, Jose, Joel, Daniel and of course Chris 1. You know how they say you need to watch out for the quiet ones? Brother Nick C. is a quiet one...but he said some funny things this past ride home that had me cracking up even after we got back to the house and for a lot of time after.

Right now its about 4pm, but I have a quiet night set up ahead. Just to work (or start working) on that paper and then there is mass at 5:30 and then NP at 9:45. I've got my work cut out for me. 

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

I wish I could use Father Mike’s “GOOD MORNING GOOD MORNING” right about now. I woke up on time but I was extremely tired. I was falling asleep during Mass (a few times during the homily…no offence Father Fonti). Brother Marcial was teasing me about that. I didn’t go up for communion for penance.

I sat with Monsignor Thelen, Brother Larry, and a few other brothers for breakfast. Monsignor was telling a story and now I can’t remember what it was, but I remember enjoying it. I was SO enthralled with the story, that I wasn’t paying attention to how long breakfast took and then I looked at the time. WOAH`! 7:15! Van leaves at 7:10. NO BUENO! Ran outside? It’s gone. Brother Chris (1) is very punctual. Damn. Hahahah. Now what? Ran upstairs and who’s there? But Brother James Hansen offered to take me to SJU. Awesome. I now had the ride. We jump in the car, we start heading there, and then he asked me which way to go…I’m from Long Island just like him. That means I have NO sense of direction, but we got there. I was only 15 minutes late for class and my professor was okay with it. She understands that people have off days. I had enough time to catch up anyway. My DNY class goes from 7:30-10:30. 3 hours? HA! I have trouble paying attention for 10 minutes. At least today was interesting. We talked about this book (that I didn’t receive through the University) that I will have to read.

I had a HELL of a time getting my books. I went yesterday to the bookstore to get two books on hold for me. I pre-paid them, so all I had to do was pick them up. I brought my receipt and they told me they had a copy of the receipt, and I needed my school I.D. card. So...today I come back, frustrated, but with my ID card and what do they say? "You need your receipt to pick up your books." I was angry because this was the third time I had been to the bookstore for these books and the van was waiting. I had limited time...so I pulled out the privilege I try to hardly use. I call it THE COLLAR PRIVILEGE. I went to the manager and pulled my great charm skills out of my rear-pocket and said the following with a big smile on my face:

"Hey, my name is James Reiss,

and I'm a Seminarian from the Cathedral Seminary Residence..?

(Pause for effect)

...I'm having a problem getting my books. Would you mind giving me a hand?"

And without another second, BOOM my books were in my hands as if I snapped my fingers. It wasn't exactly the right thing to do but special circumstances call for certain measures.

I had ran all the way across campus, but I was UNSUCCESSFUL. The van had already left. I had hit the lowest low of my day. I sulked back to campus, bummed and ran into someone there that I wasn't expecting. One of the Scotts.

The Scott family was very involved in my high school. I knew Chris the best. I was in the music group at school with Chris who was two grades above me. Katie was a year below me, and I knew her, but we didn't talk that much. Their dad was the Department Head for Theology. All of them are funny and likable. Andrew is the Scott I ran into. He's Chris' older brother and he's a Campus Minister at Saint John's University. We talked for a few minutes but he turned my spirit around. He invited me to the on-campus Mass at Saint Thomas More Church which gave me something to do.

It was a beautiful liturgy, given by the University's President, Rev. Donald Herrington. AND THE MUSIC! HOLY COW. It was beyond words. Closest being incredible. VERY MODERN. I liked it. A lot of guys in the house don't like new and modern music, but I embrace it. I think it adds a huge part to the mass. ESPECIALLY on a college campus setting. Do I think all masses should have all new music? No, but I think it should vary. Three old songs and one new one. Or two old, two new, etc..

I took the 1:30 van home, very happy. Got home for 2pm...was getting ready to jump into pajamas to relax and HELLO, I almost forgot its APOSTOLATE WEDNESDAYS!

Apostolate is kind-of like working for volunteer service hours. Both dioceses send there seminarians in two separate ways per diocese. So each diocese has it's Religious Education apostolate and it's Nursing Home apostolate to work with young and the old. Since my Discover New York (DNY) Class sometimes will interfere with my apostolate, I figured it wouldn't be fair to give students a catechist (Religious Ed instructor) that couldn't show up all the time (plus I will be teaching on Saturday mornings anyway) and that I'd go to the Polish Nun's Home on Cuba Hill Road.

I went, and ran into an old friend. Mrs. Reilly. Mrs. Reilly was my best friend (Dennis') neighbor. She lives at the home now. I got her to take a picture with us while I was cleaning the dishes. Sister Catherine also joined us. She has a firm fist, but she gave into my charm.

I had a great time today...and apparently, so did Brother Patrick.

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Today, I realized that the Devil's Temptation is everywhere around us, in everyway possible...especially, when you know you shouldn't have Starbucks, but you do anyway.

Today, I had Sociology with Dr. Trumino. Today's discussions were on Social Context (family, classroom, work, street) vs. Social Location (age, gender, race, ethnicity, social class) and how values have changed over time due to media and what Hollywood has put into our heads. What's most important to us? Money, Sex...this is what America now views as its values.

Television and Movies show that people are having "one-night stands" on a regular basis; showing America that this is the "norm" when in reality it's not. It is teaching my generation something that is immoral. Hollywood is taking advantage on humanity's fault. Fact: We are sexual beings. But just because we have the ability, doesn't mean we always have to. People are tricked by the media of today into believing that this is normal. Why are young people attracted to the "bad boy" side of humanity? We must rebel against this sort of action. Hollywood has today's youth in the palm of it's hand when we should be in the hand of the Lord.

I'm lightening the mood now because I will get carried away with what society has done to the youth of today. I had History of Ancient Philosophy  at 10:30 and it is so frustrating to keep up with. "What is there, isn't..." etc. Plus, I have no real interest in the subject of Ancient Philosophy, just the area that Philosophy is now...stemmed from what it was long ago. AHHHH, I'm talking like Dr. Henry now. Hahahaha. We have a paper due Friday, and my textbook hasn't come yet. I really hope it comes soon. But in the meantime, Brother Xavier has offered to share his text book (and apparently, I'm using him. His words, not mine. Hahahah) with me, and help me out on this assignment. Not too big. Two pages; thats all. But for a class you don't really like? Hahaha, that can be a living hell.

Took the van home at 12:10 back to the house. I rode SHOTGUN, but riding shotgun also means you hold the responsibility of saying the prayer for the van ride home. We remember a particular brother seminarian and we improv-pray. We say whatever the Holy Spirit tells us too. It doesn't take long. Just a few minutes. For the rest of the time we blast music in the van. I will ever remain faithful to finding the Baptist Church Gospel Music station. I've searched several stations, but I have not been successful.

I had my regular turkey and cheese for lunch. I appreciate the variety of food the kitchen, but I can't stand change. I absolutely loath it. Everyday I say to myself I will try the daily meal but if I have not had it before, I will not try it. I'm not a picky eater. I'm just afraid to try something new. It's a quality I'm not proud of but I accept it.

Tuedays and Wednesdays are "House Chore" days.

In the pictures above and below, you can see brother seminarians doing their chores.

We all rotate and do assignments.

It gives us a sense of family and brotherly love.

A while after lunch, I practiced music for our 5:30 mass with brothers Chris and Chris. I cant call them by their first name when they're together. I haven't figured out what to do yet. I think I'm going to separate them by Chris B. (they both start with the letter B), diocese (they're both in Brooklyn)...well, I've decided on Chris 1 and Chris 2. Thank goodness I didn't have to practice with both at the same time.

Above is a picture of me and Brother Chris 2

running our "2 Man Music Department" together

Brother Chris is a talented guitarist and as far as I understand it, he picked it up pretty much on his own. We picked out a whole bunch of songs that had to do with veneration to the Cross because "Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, where we recall the triumph of the Cross against sin, satan, and death as well as fact that when we are baptised each one of us becomes part of Christ on His Cross so that through our daily crosses we may be brought to the Resurrection." 

(http://acatholiclife.blogspot.com/2005/09/triumph-of-cross.html)

This picture was a bit dark, and my grandfather brightened it up. Thanks Pop.

Father Marano with Father Fonti and Monsignor Thelen con-celebrating the

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Like Sundays, Tuesdays are busy days. In the evening, we have 5:30 Mass, followed by dinner immediatly after at 6:30. That'll finish around 7pm and we have our Tuesday Rosary session at 7:15, immediatly followed by our House Conference.

At our House Conference, we talked about the Liturgy and it's importance in the Church. It was given by our Rector, Monsignor Thelen, who I will say over and over again has an incredible speaking voice and "stage presence". I think he would have been a great actor. He has the "finer" qualities of someone from that area of expertise. 

Monday, September 13th, 2010

First off, with an addendum to last night's blog.

Yes, even seminarians pull pranks on each other. I had found my room in disarray right before night prayer. Thank you for the great start of the week and it gave me a good laugh.

"Good Morning, Good Morning and Happy Monday"
in the words of the impeccable Fr. Michael Holzmann.

I had my Philosophy and Multimedia Comm classes today. Philosophy had a debate over the existence over Adam and Eve and their true existence which I think in hine-sight was very enlightening. One of the brother seminarians pointed out that I didn't know about. Socrates the philosopher (like there's any other Socrates we know about) doesn't have any proof of existence other then people writing about him. His argument was, why is it so hard for people to accept that Adam and Eve existed when they have a genealogy line going from Abraham all the way up to Noah continuing to Adam and Eve in the old testament and within the Gospel of Luke, and its so easy to accept Socrates with not one physical shred of proof (besides his followers writings, of course). Human reason should come to a tougher time coming to a conclusion of if Socrates existed rather than the Bible running a genealogy line from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ all the way back to the beginning of time. It was very intreging material.

Afterwards, I took the Seminary van to St. Johns for my Multimedia Communications class. I really like the people in the class. I usually forget peoples names, but in that class, I'm pretty good so far.

Went out to lunch with dad, and his friend from work. We went to a Johnny Rockets type place, and I had a HUGE burger. It was literally two hands stacked on top of each other. But I get the rest of my healthy eating habits at the Seminary. Their lunch is the best though because I dig the cold-cut sandwiches they have there for us.

I got back to the Seminary around 3pm(-ish?) and I straightened up my room which has been a disaster for too long (I'm still not done), and played a few rounds of ping-pong with Brother Joel. I never played before entering the Seminary, but I got to say I'm not terrible. I'm not great, but not terrible.

5:45 was Evening Prayer (EP) in the Main Chapel with Monsignor Thelen. I can't help but think his voice is very "announcer-ish" (and if you're reading this Monsignor, I mean that in the most reverend way possible). I can't help but think he would be a great news anchor. He has a demanding presence, and he most definitely gets it.

Right after, I skipped dinner, because I wasn't feeling well. I went to bed around 6 and didn't wake up til 9:30.  We had 9:45 Night Prayer (NP) and I walked very "hazily" (not sure if that's an English word) to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Thank goodness I didn't fall asleep. That would be very unholy.

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

I stayed last night at my house on Long Island, and I went to work with my dad this morning. He works in Jamaica and we went to breakfast at a diner called Pete's Diner right in Douglaston. It was really good. I tend to be a picky eater so that is saying something. Afterwards, Dad dropped me off at the residence with some new school stuff (a mini-vacuum, water bottles, a new laptop bag, etc).

On Sundays, we wear very formal attire. Dress code? Cassock and Surplice. Below is two pictures of my two friends at the seminary, Roger and Larry. The one just below is me struggling to get dressed for 9am Morning Prayer and the one under that is "The Trinity" as we call ourselves in our regular goofy stage.

In addition to today being our first Sunday at Douglaston, we were visited by by Axillary Bishop of Brooklyn, Frank Caggiano. Morning prayer went til about 9:25ish and the Bishop presided. Immediately after, we had breakfast in the Seminarian Dining Room, but we had to eat fast because we had a Conference in the common room at 10am sharp.

The Bishop gave a very motivational and emotional speech. Some were moved to the point of being on the verge of tears...but SOMEHOW, Larry managed to fall asleep. He has a pure skill. I wish I had the guts to fall asleep in front of a bishop! HAHAHAH. The points that effected me the most was the acknowledging of the transformation from the "Average Joe" to a Collegiate Seminarian and realizing the joy in changing into that Collegiate Seminarian.

We were fortunate enough to not have to deal with this for a long period of time, but we had a period of silence that was to be observed on the third floor (our residence) from 9am-3pm...but we were busy for half the time, and both breakfast and lunch weren't silent so the time passed quickly. It was nice to put my cell phone down, sit with a pair of rosary beads and just be at peace with myself for a while. I was so at peace, that I was almost late to 11:30 mass. HA!

I ran and got there just in time. On Sundays, all the seminarians process in together. Its a pretty cool sight to see. I'll see if I can get a video to post on here of that.

We finished mass at 12:45 and had lunch with the Bishop right after. Even talking with him with for a short period of time, I could tell that he is a real and brilliant man. When I say real, I mean he is down to earth and humble. He reminds me of my role model back in my high school on Long Island. You could tell when you were talking that he cared about everything you said. It didn't go in one ear and out the other. He even remembered my name when he was leaving (when I'm pretty sure I said it once to him before morning prayer, when he was meeting everyone)

At 2pm, we had a Holy Hour in the Crypt Chapel on the lower level. I went to confession and adored the Eucharistic Christ. I felt renewed in Sacrament and internally.

The rest of the day was pretty much to ourselves. All I have to do now is get a current event article for my Mass Communications class and read Father Marc's pamphlet! AHHHHH! I love procrastinating. I hate me for doing it, but I love procrastinating.