First Year Apostolate Assignment

By: Brendon Laroche
Seminarian, Pre-Theology I

Every seminarian at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is assigned an apostolate as part of our seminary formation. Thursdays throughout the year are reserved for apostolic work. We have no classes on apostolate days; rather, we get “on the job training” that prepares us for the various assignments we may have as diocesan priests.

My apostolate for the current year is the John Paul II Center for Special Learning, located in Berks County. Since this is my first year in the Seminary, it is my first apostolate. It is also the first time I have worked with children and young adults who have special needs.

I was initially nervous about this assignment. Most of the volunteer work I did at my parish before entering seminary was in adult education and faith formation. I did some work with children and young adults, but not much. And, as I said, I had never before worked with those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our apostolic work is intended to help us grow into the kind of men who will be good pastors, dedicated shepherds of souls. Reflecting back on this first semester of apostolic work, I realize that my time at the John Paul II Center has helped me to grow in a number of ways. I would like to share with you some of these ways.

My apostolate has made readily apparent our shared humanity. The students here are like all other children and young adults. They want to learn and discover new things. They want to play and have fun. They want to grow, make friends, and test their boundaries and limits. They have all the characteristics that make people their age both easily lovable and occasionally troublesome.

The various intellectual and developmental disabilities of the students can make communication more difficult, but this can be worked through with patience and love. And it can never obscure the truth: these are human persons who possess human dignity. They deserve to love and be loved, and to be treated with respect. I have long known this intellectually. Now I also know it from experience.

I have also been challenged to grow in how I communicate the faith. Before entering the seminary, I studied philosophy. This has left me prone to drawing fine distinctions and elaborating technical points. I am now being challenged to express the truth in a way that the students can understand. I am learning to be “all things to all men.”

Finally, the most important thing that my apostolate at the John Paul II Center has done for me is drive home the fact that the truth must be lived in love. These students may not remember what I say, but they will remember what I do. They will remember that I ate lunch with them and played with them at recess. They will remember that I helped them with their art projects and read them stories. They will remember that I cared enough to listen to their stories and their problems. They will remember that I tried to be reverent in the chapel and both dedicated and focused in my prayer. They will remember that I loved God and that I loved them. If I can do nothing else for them, I can try to do that.

I am looking forward to continuing my apostolic work at the John Paul II Center next semester. Please pray for me, that God grant me the grace I need to share the love of Christ to everyone I interact with on my days there. And please pray for the faculty, students, and staff of the John Paul II Center for Special Learning.

Immaculate Conception Celebration

By: Daniel Kravatz
Seminarian, PreTheology II

On December 8, the seminary community gathered together to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This is also the patronal feast of the chapel in the Theologate. We began the celebration of Our Blessed Mother’s conception with Evening Prayer on the vigil in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Later in the evening, we gathered together in order to pray the Office of Readings. After this, many of our seminarians made the consecration of St. Louis de Monfort to Our Lord through Our Blessed Mother.

It has been somewhat of a tradition for the past few years to celebrate mass at midnight on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We processed in candlelight into the chapel at the beginning of mass. It was extremely peaceful and prayerful as the entire Penitential Rite was prayed in the soft glow of candlelight. Fr. Frank Guiffre gave an excellent homily on the importance Mary holds in the life of a priest and in the lives of, God-willing, future priests.

Following the mass, we had our annual Christmas party. It was a great way to unwind, especially after the unofficial close of paper-writing season. All the seminarians gathered in the basement of the Theologate, listened to some Christmas carols, and ate the traditional menu of tomato pie and meatballs. At the conclusion of the party, we all went back to our rooms, where we were finally able to sleep in, for nothing was scheduled the next morning.

The feast day ended with Solemn Evening Prayer and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the Solemnity itself. Once again, the entire seminary gathered in the Immaculate Conception Chapel for prayer. After the close of Evening Prayer, many of us were able to go out and grab a bite to eat off campus. All of our festivities were a great way to mark and honor the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.

Christmas Concert at St. Charles Seminary

By: Rick James
Seminarian, Second Theology

On December 6 the Seminarians of St. Charles Borromeo seminary preformed the annual “Concert Before Christmas” on the seminary campus in the Chapel of St. Martin of Tours. In the Seminary’s nearly 180 years of existence, the Christmas concert as it is today is a relatively recent tradition. This year marks the 22nd occurrence of the event.

Each year a unique theme is chosen to focus us on a particular aspect of the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The theme chosen for this year was “Show us Thy face!” These words echo the prayer of Moses in Exodus 33:18 “Do let me see your Glory” and St. Philip the Apostle, “Show us the Father” in John 14:8. Our plea to God for the sending of the fullness of His Revelation captures well the prayer of the Universal Church during the season of Advent, which expresses the coming of our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. The music selected for the occasion highlighted well this season of preparation. The first piece of music sung by the seminary Schola Cantorum was Luigi Cherubini’s Veni, Jesu, amor mi. This beautifully simple prayer: ‘Come, Jesus my love’ set a wonderful tone for the rest of the concert which followed.

As the concert progressed, readings from Sacred Scripture and other spiritual writers were read in between the musical performances. These readings made the experience of the concert not only aesthetically pleasing, but a prayerful experience as well. The strong voices of the seminary choir, the brass instruments, violin, bass, and the magnificent chapel pipe organ all joined together in raising their voices in prayer and praise to our Lord and Savior. As always it was a powerful and sobering moment, one which really leaves those present with a sense that “we are ready for Christmas now!”

In keeping with the tradition of charity naturally associated with the Christmas season, the seminary always takes up a collection on behalf of a particular charity. This year the proceeds from the collection are being donated to the Discalced Carmelite Monastery of Philadelphia, which in a unique way embraces so well their apostolate to pray for seminarians and priests. As we so often benefit from their prayer and spiritual aid, this year’s charity was particularly meaningful way to give some help to the Carmelite Nuns of Philadelphia.

Having directed the seminary’s house choirs over the past three years, I can personally attest to the great musical talent that pervades the seminarians of St. Charles Seminary. So many talented and devoted singers, instrumentalists/organist have come together for these special events and worked hard to accomplish great things. It has been such an honor to work with these men over the years! It is so edifying to see how for all of our liturgies and events at St. Charles the choir members and instrumentals are willing to offer back their God given talents back to Him. We sing at least three times a day at the seminary (Morning Prayer, Mass, and Evening Prayer); which would not be possible without the work and dedication of these men.

This year the concert “Show us Thy Face” moved the seminary community together in a prayerful recollection of the meaning of Advent. This same desire to see the Lord when He comes expressed the prayer of the entire Church during this time of the year. At mass, we are struck by this daily in the readings and prayers and even by the color of the priest’s vestments during the season. The wearing of a royal purple calls to mind its traditional meanings of expectation, penance, and hopefulness, but also waves the regal banner before us. We are in expectation of that Great King, at whose very name His enemies flee in terror and the heavenly hosts sing forever in a majestic hymn! What an honor it has been to join in this singing.

Seminary Annual Appeal

Joseph Ganser, Seminarian
Second Theology

Each year during the first two weekends of November the seminarians at St. Charles get a rare treat: we get to leave campus for the weekends. However, these are not free weekends in the traditional sense instead every man, from the one who received his cassock no more than two weeks ago to the transitional deacon, is assigned to a parish for what is known as the seminary annual appeal.

As the name implies the seminarians go to the parishes of the archdiocese and ask the parishioners to support us and our ministry through a donation to the annual fund. However, there is so much more that happens during this weekend. Though everyone aggrees that the masses and other liturgies within the seminary are beautiful there are things which we simply cannot experience within the community and so these two weekends serve as an opportunity for the men to go out and for a brief time experience what a typical Sunday is like in a neighborhood parish.

Since it is a normal weekend for the parishes, there are plenty of things for the men to do. The weekend provides for the new men the first opportunity to be seen in their cassocks in public. For them this is a time to begin to grow in their identity as a seminarian and become more comfortable with their expanding role within the liturgy and parish communities. During the weekend the men have a chance to stay in the parish rectory and spend time with the Pastor and his assistants which gives them an understanding of the behind the scenes life of a priest. We have a chance to meet many great parishioners, to pray with them, to celebrate with them and thank them for all the types of support they offer for us throughout the years. But most of all the seminarians have a chance to speak, to tell our vocation stories and to practice skills that will be increasingly important as we approach the priesthood in the church.

Though most of us are slightly uncomfortable when we first go out after the initial awkwardness of asking for money passes away most of us have a great time. This weekend, though it is very tiring, allows us to get a brief foretaste of the life we hope to live some day as priests. It gives us a small chance to break out of the ordinary seminary schedule and experience the rich diversity of the church that is found in the Archdiocese.

St Charles Day Football Game

By: Orlando Aso
Seminarian, Second Theology

Each year on November 4th, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary celebrates the feast day of its patron saint with its annual Upper Side versus Lower Side Flag Football Game. At stake is possession of the coveted football trophy engraved with the winning division’s name as well as bragging rights as the best overall athletic division (Soccer, Football, Volleyball, and Basketball). Only one month ago, the Lower Side, composed of members of the College Division and Pre-Theologate, defeated the Upper Side Theologians in Soccer and was riding the momentum of last year’s overtime flag football victory. Representing the Upperside were three theologians from the Allentown Diocese: Deacon Brian Miller, 3rd Theologian Jason Stokes and 2nd Theologian Orlando Aso. In a defensive struggle, the Upperside Theologians managed to pull out a well fought victory 10-7 made possible by several impressive defensive stands especially in the second half of the game. Overtime for the second year in a row was prevented by the narrowest of margins, as the lower side’s last second field goal attempt steered wide right by a matter of inches.

Tight end Jason Stokes was an integral offensive weapon throughout the game and made several key receptions for first downs to keep the chains moving, while cornerback Orlando Aso was called upon to stifle the Lower Side’s aerial attack. The game was especially emotional for Deacon Brian Miller, who played offensive line and started at free safety. Brian likely played his final game in a Saint Charles Seminary uniform. Struggling to hold back tears of joy, captain Brian Miller stated, “I have so many fond memories playing with my seminarian brothers. I gave everything I could on the football field, and now it’s time to hang up the cleats for good. But if given the opportunity, I hope to be back with Father Allen Hoffa next year as a guest referee.”

Transitional Deacon Assignment

By: Deacon Brian Miller

Seminarian, Fourth Theology

It is the law of the Church that seminarians in there last year at the seminary be transitional deacons. This makes my final year at the seminary unlike any other. Like all seminarians I attend daily mass with the seminary community, but I also have opportunities to exercise my diaconate service in the liturgies. This means that occasionally I serve at the altar and I preach daily homilies. I still live among my seminarian brethren, but I do so as one who has received sacred orders. The mark I have received at ordination configures to Christ the servant. I am a leader amongst the seminarians, but a leader who first serves his brethren. Christ says in the Gospels, “The one whom is going to be first, must be a servant of all.”

I am currently assigned at the Cathedral parish of St. Catharine of Siena for the school year. Each weekend I preach at a Sunday mass, baptize infants, visit the sick at the hospitals, minister to the youth group, and take part in the parish retreat team. It is a wonderful foretaste of what is to come for the rest of my life. I thank God for this opportunity. It is a blessing to work under the priests at the parish, and the parishioners have been truly supportive. The weekends are the best part of my week.

What I must remember is that we are still in the seminary formation process. I must admit it can be struggle for me at times. There is a part of me that wants to put aside the seminary activities and to get out into the parish life. I know that this is the wrong approach, God’s place for me right now is at the seminary. God has given me an opportunity, an opportunity to devote a lot of time and energy in my studies. I am receiving an outstanding education at St. Charles seminary. Right now I am learning about the beauty and richness of the mass so that I can say the mass with love and devotion. It is also an opportunity to take part in the beauty of the seminary liturgies. Just last week we celebrated our forty hours devotion, it is an unique time because during the devotion the community sung some of the most beautiful ancient chants that many Catholics do not have an opportunity to hear in their parishes. It is also an opportunity to spend time with my classmates. After the seminary is finished, we will be sent out to our respective diocese which will make getting together for fellowship very difficult. Fellowship among my fellow priests is an essential component of the priesthood. Are there not more than one times in the Gospels where Jesus and the twelve are together?

My diaconate year is the fruit of the formation, preparation, and discernment that took place in the last eight years. For those of you who are reading this and considering a vocation to the priesthood, may I suggest a couple of things that I have learned from my vocation journey. The first is be rooted in prayer. No one has a right to be a priest; he must be called by Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, it was Jesus who approached the twelve, called them, and made them fishers of men. Discerning the will of Father is impossible if one does not encounter him in prayer. For me, it took three years of prayers and discernment. Daily mass attendance, praying the rosary, reading and meditating on the Scriptures and frequent use of the sacrament of reconciliation were a major part of my discernment process. Even today I do all I can to make this a priority. Like of all us, I am not always faithful to this; but when I fail I ask the Lord to give the grace and desire to come back.

Second is to find a faithful priest to talk to. Find a priest who loves the priesthood. I believe that the best way to find such a priest is to search for one who truly loves the Mass. In my discernment journey I am bless with couple of those priests. They are inspirations for me. They show me that priesthood is a life worth living.

I ask for your prayers as I finish up my last year at St. Charles seminary. Specifically pray for me so that I may be a holy and faithful priest. I hope these words are up to you. May God bless your discernment. Seek his will in every aspect of your life.

St. Charles Day

By: Jason Stokes, Seminarian
Third Theology

The seminary sports season has hit full stride as the seminarians are gearing up for the annual St. Charles Borromeo Upper Side - Lower Side Football Game to be held on November 4, the feast of St. Charles Borromeo. This gridiron contest pits the men in the College Division (Lower Side) against the older and wiser men of the Theology Division (Upper Side). Though not officially tackle, this game of flag football can be pretty rough. Many seminarians from the diocese of Allentown participate in the annual football game. From the Upper Side alone we have Deacon Brian Miller (IV Theology), Mr. Jason Stokes (III Theology), and Mr. Orlando Aso (II Theology). This year’s game is shaping up to be an instant classic, though I doubt it will make Sports Center. Keep posted for the results.

The Upper Side – Lower Side Football game is just one of the many great activities at St. Charles on our patron’s feast day. The day begins, as will all of our days, with Morning Prayer. Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will then be with us to celebrate the Mass for the Feast of St. Charles. Many of the men in the Theology Division will receive Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. The game will take place after lunch and then after everyone has cleaned up from the game we will have solemn vespers and the St. Charles Feast – a great meal to say the least!

Cassock Day

By: Mark Searles, Seminarian
Pre-Theology II

Every year at St. Charles, the whole seminary community looks forward to the exciting fall weekend when the New Men first wear their cassocks. Cassock Day includes some great traditions passed on for many years beginning with Friday night festivities and extending throughout the day on Saturday.

On Friday evening the entire college division puts on “The Old Man / New Man Show” where we perform skits with some good-hearted humor about life as a new man at the seminary and maybe the occasional joke about classes, professors, and even ourselves. The show also includes original songs that each group must write and the end result is always a surprise and without a doubt funny. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard last year! Following the show a few more traditions take place, but these are kept secret until you get to experience them first hand! Nothing to worry about though, the whole weekend is aimed at welcoming the New Men and growing together in our formation towards the priesthood.

On Saturday, the official Cassock Day, we begin in the morning with the usual Morning Prayer and as the New Men prepare to wear their cassocks for the first time, a few more surprises take place which I won’t give away, but we all celebrate a beautiful Mass together. Here, for the first time, every seminarian has their cassock on and the New Men no longer have to worry about wearing their coat and tie every day! My experience last year was a very memorable one as it almost feels like I became a new man all over again, but in a different and good sense with your cassock on for the first time.

The afternoon is also an enjoyable time as family and friends are welcomed to the seminary to see you in your cassock. This is a nice opportunity to give the grand tour of the seminary, introduce your new friends, and most likely take some pictures. Finally everyone gathers for a solemn Evening Prayer with the rector. It was a great experience to pray with both my new seminary family and all of my visiting family and friends in thanksgiving and celebration for this special day. Afterwards my whole group of visitors and I went out for a delicious Italian dinner. Overall it was a tiring day with so much excitement, but definitely worth waiting for and one of my favorite experiences at St. Charles so far!