”

Discern your place among the presbyterate you will be joining. How will you interact with them, how will you relate to one another.”- Bishop Charles Thompson of the Diocese of Evansville, IN. ”

Bishop Thompson proposed the men of Bruté this as he gave us a short reflection this evening. It is a question that I have thought about for some time. I remember when I had my conversation with Fr. Andy three days before I left for Seminary my freshman year as to what he, the Bishop. And the Diocese/church expected of me as I began to discern Gods will, formally with the  church. Father had asked me to work on discerning and forming a relationship with the diocese and the priests in it. If I am ordained I will have to labor in the Vineyard of the Lord alongside these other men, these priests, who one day will be my brothers. Forming a relationship of love, service, fraternity, and such along with them is an important part of priestly formation.

I am blessed to look and see all of the impact that different priests have had on me in my life and the impact, which they continue to have. Their example of service, encouragement of me during my time thus far in seminary is appreciated so much. I look forward to continuing to discern the Lords will in my life as I go throughout Seminary and forming those bonds and figuring out my hopeful future place in the presbyterate of the Diocese of  Owensboro. Please pray for me, for Bishop Thompson’s Ministry, as I pray for you.

One of my seminary brothers…