Transition to Being a Seminarian

By:  Dominic

It’s interesting; I was asked to write this article reflecting on my transition into the seminary on Sunday, October 15.  The Gospel reading from this Sunday is the familiar one from Mark (10:17-30) about the young rich man.  I remember meditating on this story in the Gospel when I was discerning God’s call.  I couldn’t escape the feeling that I was having this same conversation with Jesus.  “I’ve kept the commandments, what else must I do to inherit eternal life?” I would say.  Jesus replies, “Go, sell what you have … then come follow me” (v. 21).  It took an abundance of God’s grace and infinite patience, but I finally got over my fears to do just that and took my first step into the unknown. 

I remember very clearly my thoughts the day I left Carmel to move to St. Meinrad.  I had just closed the sale on my house the day before.  The week before I had a garage sale and sold almost all of the material possessions that filled my house, the rest of ending up at various Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul donation centers.  I wouldn’t see my parish or any of the parishioners I love so dearly, those who have actively and passively been my support group during this transition, for some time.  As I pulled onto the interstate, reality loomed large over head.  “Wow, I really did it,” I thought.  “Was I ready for this?  Could I handle the challenges ahead?  Would my faith be strong enough?”  I rode with these thoughts for most of the trip. 

As I drove the last few miles through the windy country roads that lead to the small town of St. Meinrad, I started to feel at peace.  I remembered my first trip down just a few months before and how strangely emotional it was to see the twin spires of the Archabbey church for the first time.  This time, as the church came into view, my peace became complete.  The reservations of a few hours before were abandoned as I was reminded once again through the grace of God that this was where I was called to be.

The transition into seminary life has been stressful, as any big change should be, but the support of the formation staff and the prayers and support from those back home (and, of course, the Grace of God!) have made it relatively smooth.  The academics have been challenging, especially because I never thought I’d be in a classroom again.  In fact, it has been almost overwhelming at times, but with each challenge has come God’s grace for perseverance so that each challenge has been a growing experience. 

Integrating into this community has also been challenging as I struggle to find where I fit.  The Benedictine Monks, I think, bring a unique gift to this community that fosters a communal spirit.  After living on my own for many years, it has certainly taken some getting used to.  This is all what makes up the life of a seminarian, however, and I feel like I’ve been coping well.  I have not uttered the words, “What was I thinking when I decided to join the seminary?” yet, so that must be some sort of victory (and a sigh of relief for Fr. Brian).  Mainly I am just trying to remain “present” to this experience, contributing what I can while trying to take every opportunity to grow in my Christian faith, all the while remembering our patron’s motto to always strive “to the top.”

I miss being involved in the Frassati Society events, yet I am excited and hopeful for the future.  Rest assured that the society is in my prayers and I ask for your continued prayers for all the seminarians and those studying for religious life from our diocese.  Let us all strive, as St. Benedict has taught us, “That in all things, God may be glorified.”