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.
9/28/2010
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.
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.
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 |
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.
9/27/2010
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.
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.
9/23/2010
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:
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.
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.
9/21/2010
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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| 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.
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.
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. |
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.
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