Our Beloved Brothers

With it being the end of the year and all, it is not only time to get the heck out of here (either for the summer or for good!), it is also a time to say goodbyes and form even deeper bonds of brotherhood. Indeed, for those of us who will return the following year, it is a definite task to ensure that we keep in contact with one another over the summer. For, when we get out to a parish or other summer assignment, we find we enjoy being there so much that to a certain extent, we don't think about missing our brother seminarians. This, I think, is a good sign, especially for those of us who are from more rural dioceses and will see our brother priests less frequently.

Of course we still miss one another and think about one another. We do eventually find the time to call one another, or even make the time to get together with one another (which I hope to do at least once this summer; after all, a trip to the cities is easy enough and worth it). But like I said, all of this depends upon our having formed deep bonds of brotherhood, which are yet being deepened.

Along these lines, as I returned from shopping today (it is finally time for me to collect a clerical wardrobe - shirts, pants, collars, vest, suit and all) I found slid under my door a simple gift from our Fourth Year men. To us Third Theology men, being ordained deacons, we finally begin exercising ministry as clerics. Involved in this is the ability to regularly perform (outside of Mass) baptisms, funerals and weddings. For this reason, the ritual book for one of these has been the traditional gift. Indeed, the Fourth Year men upheld this practice, adding their own personal touch. To them I am very greatful, and am moved (partially because of the immensity of the life and task ahead) by their well-wishes.

Forgive the wrinkles, the shrink-wrap is still surrounding the gift.