Adventures on the Holy Hill: My Summer at Saint Meinrad

                        
Living in a seminary building with nineteen other completely random college students, having a monk as your boss, and gaining the rare skill of sleeping through the 5:30am toll of the Archabbey bells. This is only a little of what I experienced over six weeks as a college intern for Saint Meinrad’s One Bread, One Cup Liturgical Leadership Conferences. I not only worked a lot, but I learned a lot this year as an intern for OBOC—so much so that writing a simple blog post almost seems insufficient. But, here it goes!

Quite a few people have been wondering exactly what I did for six weeks on the Holy Hill. Well, while it’s hard to explain, it is at least worthy of an attempt. Essentially, myself along with nineteen other college students from across the country spent six weeks together running three youth conferences that teach youth to become leaders in the Church and empower them to live out what they learn on the Hill. The conferences are made up of what I see to be three key components: Liturgical Formation, Theological Reflection, and Catechesis. In Liturgical Formation, the youth gain skills necessary to become leaders in several areas, including topics such as Proclamation of the Word, Chant for the Liturgy of the Hours, Liturgical Arts, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, among several others. These classes are taught by interns, monks, seminarians, or other guest catechists. In Theological Reflection, the youth are led by an intern who helps them reflect on the activities on the day, and discover how God is working in their lives. Finally, there is catechesis. OBOC is based upon the “Word, Sacrament, Mission” model. In other words, the youth are taught how they encounter the Word of God, they discover what a Sacrament is and why we have them, and finally learn the importance of spreading the Gospel. In addition, there are also catechetical sessions on topics such as Lectio Divina.

All of this happens specifically during the conferences. On the “off weeks,” the interns are in the classroom learning about several different topics. The topics I learned about included Benedictine Values, Spirituality, Boundaries, Theological Reflection, Lectio Divina, and Benedictine Integration, among several others. To put it simply, when the interns aren’t working the conferences, they are busy gaining the wisdom and formation that comes with the rich history of the Benedictine tradition.

One valuable lesson that I learned this summer is that we as a Church need to put more trust in our youth. They know more than we think they do! I always hear people saying that the youth are the future of our Church. In my opinion, that is wrong, because the youth ARE the Church. They are an integral part of the Body of Christ, and my experiences at OBOC can do nothing but prove this point.

In all, thanks to Saint Meinrad and OBOC, I’ve had a summer full of fun, memories, prayer, and blessings!

For more information on One Bread, One Cup, visit http://www.oboc.saintmeinrad.edu/

(Photo:  Louisville seminarian Tony Cecil is on the far right.  With him are a conference participant, Novice Anushka and Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB.  Photo courtesy of St. Meinrad)

Where is Everyone?

Summer is a busy time for the seminarians. It's hard to keep up with everyone! Here's where our seminarians are for the summer:

Deacon Nick Brown--St. James, Elizabethtown
Deacon Chris Lubecke--St. Albert the Great
Deacon Steve Henriksen--Holy Trinity, Louisville
Adam Carrico--residing at Holy Trinity, Louisville and completing CPE at Baptist Hospital East
Peter Bucalo--Institute for Priestly Formation, (IPF), Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Jason Harris--Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sean McKinley--also at IPF in Omaha
Sean Raley--St. Bernadette
David Farrell--St. Margaret Mary
Casey Sanders--St. Michael
Willy Fernandez--in Bolivia, visiting family
Michael Martin--Sacred Heart Seminary in studies
Tony Cecil--"One Bread, One Cup" at St. Meinrad and assisiting in various programs around the Archdiocese

When the seminarians are stationed in parishes, they assist with pastoral duties of parish life: assisting at Masses, calls to hospitals and nursing facilities, Vacation Bible School, summer educational programs, RCIA, parish picnics...the list is endless! Our seminarians in educational programs experience aspects of counseling, prayer and spirituality amongst many other topics. In the next few weeks, we'll have some seminarians blog about their summer experiences.

Welcoming Our New Blogger....

The Vocation Office staff is extrememly grateful to Deacon Steve Henriksen for sharing the last few months blogging with us. It was great hearing about his studies and life at Sacred Heart Seminary and the days leading up to his ordination as a deacon. Deacon Steve now gets an earned "blogging vacation" and we all get to hear the blogging voice of our seminarian, Sean McKinley.

Sean McKinley is a long time parishioner of St. James Catholic Church in Elizabethtown, KY which he still calls home along with his parents and his brother's family. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Computer Information Systems in 2004 and was a web developer for UPS. After graduating from college, he lived and worked for five years in Huntsville, AL where he developed web applications for government contracts.

He has spent many years serving the Church in youth ministry and going on to becoming a youth minister at parishes in the Louisville and Huntsville areas. He has also been taught religion education classes for various ages including for confirmation and RCIA for children. He currently is attending Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. for seminary studies. He has complete two years of formation and will be going into his first year of theology studies in the fall. His previous pastoral assignments have been at Peace Meal and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Washington and at St. Michael's Parish in Louisville. This summer he is attending the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE at Creighton University with 170 other seminarians from all over the country.

We look forward to hearing from Sean and his experiences at Creighton in the weeks ahead.

Joy!

“Joy” is the only word I can use to describe my ordination as a transitional deacon for the Archdiocese of Louisville on April 28. Part of that joy certainly was a result of having worked for and attained a milestone along what sometimes has seemed a long tour of duty as a seminarian. And, yes, the knowledge that being a deacon afforded a unique opportunity to serve the People of God was a part of that same joyfulness. However, it was in the faces---the smiles and the tears as well as the nods and winks of encouragement---of those who have supported this journey that a true sense of joy for yours truly was engendered. Words somehow seem inadequate in conveying my deep appreciation to all those who participated---both in person and in spirit---in the service as well as the celebration which occurred on the 28th of April. Stated simply: the Lord be with you!

The conclusion of the seminary year and ordination as a deacon brings yet another chance to serve: this time with Holy Trinity parish in east Louisville. Holy Trinity is a wonderfully vibrant parish with over 4,200 parishioners, a school which serves over 700 (K-8), and a pastor who is a role model and mentor, Father Mark Spalding. I began my work on May 15 and between already-scheduled opportunities to preach, to assist at Mass and to work with a number of meaningful special projects. I am confident that this will be a full and service-filled summer.

The beginning of my assignment as a transitional deacon with Holy Trinity also marks the conclusion of my particular task as a blogger for the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Vocation Office site. It has been a privilege for me to share some of my seminarian experiences with you over these past five months. After my Holy Trinity parish assignment, I will be returning to Sacred Heart School of Theology for my final semester of studies which should provide additional fodder for reflection and musings.

As I pass the blogging baton to another of my diocesan brothers, I am mindful of the words of St. Francis: proclaim the Gospel; use words, if necessary.

Remaining in His Word,

I am,

Deacon Steven Henriksen

(Photo of Steve courtesy of Marnie McAllister, THE RECORD)

On Tuesday, April 24, I made “deacon promises.” This set of public professions is preparatory to the rite of ordination as a deacon. The three oaths or affirmations in which I will engage are: 1) an Oath of Freedom and Knowledge; 2) an Oath of Fidelity; and 3) a Profession of Faith.

Service is the essential feature of the role of a deacon, either permanent or transitional. This responsibility is, of course, not unique to deacons. All of the baptized are called to ministry of performing works of mercy and charity.

It seems to me that a servant heart is formed in many ways but, most especially, through the continuous process of interior change (conversion) to which God calls all of us. My own ongoing development of a servant heart has been an integral part of this journey as a seminarian. For the permanent deacon, that servant heart may be played out in roles as a father, husband, worker or neighbor. For myself, the quest for a servant heart will extend, God willing, through ordination and service as a priest: a father to others; a spouse of the Church; and a worker for Christ.

A deacon connects the gifts of the altar with the service of others, particularly the poor. My own servant heart-in-process is overflowing with great joy in anticipating the Rite of Ordination as a Deacon on Saturday, April 28 at St. Barnabas Church in Louisville.

My next and final blog entry will recap reflections resulting from the events of April 28. At that time, I will also officially “hand off” my duties as your friendly local seminarian blogger to another man (to be announced---drum roll, please!). Until then...

Peace,

Steven Henriksen

Goodbyes

This time of year, at least within a seminary, is marked by the reality of “good-bye’s.” Sixteen of my seminarian brothers will be graduating at the end of this semester. From U.S. dioceses as far west as Portland and as far south and north as Forth Worth and Milwaukee, respectively, the geography to be served by these graduates is truly an expansive one. Best wishes and God speed to all: may the Spirit continue to guide each in serving the People of God!

The President-Rector for Sacred Heart, Father Jan de Jong, SCJ will also be retiring on July 1. Father de Jong’s tenure as Rector extended over a four year period and was marked by many achievements. Hearty congratulations go to Father de Jong as he transitions to the next stage in his life’s journey.

We, too, are transitioning into a new season, that of Easter, a period which extends for 50 days. As the readings over this period indicate, it is a time for joyful celebration of the reality and meaning of Our Lord’s Resurrection! Some of the followers of Jesus are, in a sense, saying “good-bye” to Him as Ascension approaches (celebrated in the Church on May 17). These grace-filled moments were surely times of revelation (see Luke 24:13-35), commissioning (Mark 16:14-18) and nourishment, both spiritual and physical (John 21:1-14). It has been my experience that “how” one leaves, or says good-bye, is often remembered more than many of the events prior to the departure.

For my brother seminarians and the President-Rector, the time for good-byes is rapidly approaching. For the followers of Jesus, the seemingly final good-bye of the Cross turned, instead, to his post-resurrection appearances, His continuing presence in the life of the early Church and His love and involvement with our own lives today. Happy Easter Season!

Peace,
Steven Henriksen

Pastel Shades of Red and Blue: The Easter Season and Looking Ahead

He is Risen! This message of joy concluded our observance of the events during the Triduum.

I spent the Triduum here in Wisconsin participating in services at St. Gregory the Great (Milwaukee) and at St. Mary’s (Hales Corners). Easter brunch plans were changed from the Polonez to Mader’s, a German restaurant in Milwaukee, which featured delicious and bountiful food as well as great fellowship. Tuesday, April 11 marked a return to classes following conclusion of the seminary’s Easter break, with a “full-court press” now underway to conclude the semester.

And, speaking of full-court presses, congratulations to Big Blue Nation! The tourney was followed closely by my fellow Commonwealth brethren (at this and other seminaries) and myself who, despite any Red/Blue divides, joined together on April 2 in cheering for a Cats victory. If only our country’s political Blue/Red divisions could be settled in such an amicable manner?!

Red and Blue affiliations will also come together when Nick Brown, Chris Lubecke, and myself are ordained as transitional deacons for the Archdiocese of Louisville on April 28 at St. Barnabas parish. Nick, Chris and I were selected as seminarians for the Archdiocese of Louisville in 2007, so, it is appropriate that the three of us approach the opportunity to serve as deacons at the same time. The three individuals scheduled to receive Holy Orders in May (Stuart Priddy and David Carr in 2007 and Christopher Rhodes in 2006) also began their Archdiocese-sponsored studies during the same time period.

Perhaps this recounting is a way of reminding myself---and, indeed, all of us---that vocational calls bear fruit when they are supported and nurtured. Father Bill Bowling, now with St. Augustine in Lebanon, was the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese when Nick, Chris, Stuart, David and I joined the program. Thank you, Father Bill, for seeing the promise in each of us and for your support through the challenges of seminary formation. And, of course, many thanks to Father Jeff Shooner, the Vocation Director since 2010 for your equally vital and affirming assistance!

With the reality of spring, and the approach of the Derby, comes the realization that “all things are possible.” Take some time today to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors---I will be doing the same in what (should be) the first in a series of snow-less months here in Wisconsin!

Peace,

Steven Henriksen