Major Seminary

Major Seminary

As many of you know, two months ago, I began my studies at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York. Just within these two months I have learned many new things including that there are squirrels with black fur; the CBS television show Madam Secretary filmed a few scenes in the cloister of the Seminary; and that there is some Bishop named Dennis Sullivan that graduated from the Seminary in the 1970’s.

All jokes aside, I have been blessed with a great beginning on the other side of the Hudson River. I am currently taking five classes that range from Canon Law to Moral Theology and each day I am learning something new.

One of the awesome aspects of Major Seminary, I am sure all my brothers from the Diocese of Camden in Theology would agree with, is the fact that the priesthood becomes real. Now this doesn’t mean that in the college seminary the priesthood is not real but many things preceded with “… which will help you in major seminary.” Now in every dimension or pillar of formation in major seminary you hear, “…which will help you in your future ministry.” This not only shows how fast the formation processes for priesthood actually goes, but also the reality that everything you are being taught is not only for your benefit, but for your future parishioners.

If there is a man out there discerning, who believes that six to eight years seems like a long time, I can personally tell you that the first four years flew right by. One reason is because when someone is in the formation program, they eat, sleep and breathe the four dimensions of formation. These four dimensions are Human Formation, Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Formation, and Intellectual Formation. Each helping the seminarian grow so that he might be a bridge for others to Christ rather than a barrier. Please be assured of my prayers and please join with me in prayer that more young men might hear the Lord’s call to follow Him.