Those who are generously donating to this mission deserve a gift that God alone can give. I get frustrated at my inability to communicate how incredible this ministry truly is. It's hard for me to imagine a greater privilege than to help these midshipmen grow in their faith.
All I can say is thank you: thank you to God, thank you to my family, and to all those people who are proudly supporting our work here. So many nights I drive home in silence, just thinking about how blessed I am to be doing God's work in such a unique way. I mean, I get to talk with these men about things that they've never mentioned to anybody. Lots of times, they are realizing new things about themselves and I get to be with them in those moments.
Each man's search for God is uniquely his own and, for some reason, God desires me to get a glimpse into that journey. I love being able to share my common experiences with them. I think the hardest part is being okay with my best and I need to realize that people's lives are never simply "fixed". You'd think 22 years of living with myself would have made that clear by now! In the end, the midshipmen aren't problems to be fixed but people to be loved. I must never forget that about them or myself!
Thank you for placing me here, in their lives, where I can do God's work. Oh, how great it is to be an instrument! Thank you.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
This Was Awesome!
First, I apologize for failing to keep all of you, who have been more generous and faithful than I could have ever dreamed, in the loop. It is no coincidence though, that these last few weeks have been the busiest by far and I truly feel that our ministry is now soaring! I'm amazed, truly amazed, with how much God is blessing us here at the Naval Academy. The midshipmen are taking advantage of every opportunity to grow that we give them! Thank you for making this possible... some students are already asking if we'll be here next year!
I'll be perfectly honest: your financial support is bringing about a beauty beyond my understanding. All I can do is be grateful. Why me? Why do I get to experience these men and women come alive in a way like never before? Why do we get to be a part of something that's changing their lives? I don't know, I can't explain it, all we can do is be grateful. Isn't it amazing that finite things, when handed to God, bring about realities that extend far beyond our mind's reach?
Here is something sweet that we did at the Naval Academy! A couple weeks ago, we bought the midshipmen 25 pizzas (which were gone in minutes) and each missionary gave their testimony to the students. Yeah, we were a little nervous but, more than anything, I think we just felt overwhelmed at the idea of communicating what God has done for us. God's love in our lives is so incomprehensible and is hard to explain even to ourselves, let alone telling 100 students about it!
We each had 10 minutes to sum up how we've been transformed through our relationship with God. I was really impressed by my teammates and their ability to articulate all that has unfolded in their journey with Christ.
I was last and excited! I couldn't even begin to explain to the midshipmen my relationship with God and I even admitted that before them all. A testimony is like painting a picture of the most beautiful sight. There is something about beauty which just can't be duplicated! You can't capture the whole picture, I guess. ANYWAYS, it went great. I felt as though the Holy Spirit really gave me the words I needed to say and I was really grateful for the divine assistance.
From that day, things have definitely changed with many of the students. I feel a lot closer to them and I think they've felt more comfortable to share their struggles with me because they now know that I've gone through similar difficulties...
This is where words fail me! Ah, how beautiful are the conversations I've been having with some midshipmen. I'm truly grateful for having been placed here. Thank you.
I'll be perfectly honest: your financial support is bringing about a beauty beyond my understanding. All I can do is be grateful. Why me? Why do I get to experience these men and women come alive in a way like never before? Why do we get to be a part of something that's changing their lives? I don't know, I can't explain it, all we can do is be grateful. Isn't it amazing that finite things, when handed to God, bring about realities that extend far beyond our mind's reach?
Here is something sweet that we did at the Naval Academy! A couple weeks ago, we bought the midshipmen 25 pizzas (which were gone in minutes) and each missionary gave their testimony to the students. Yeah, we were a little nervous but, more than anything, I think we just felt overwhelmed at the idea of communicating what God has done for us. God's love in our lives is so incomprehensible and is hard to explain even to ourselves, let alone telling 100 students about it!
We each had 10 minutes to sum up how we've been transformed through our relationship with God. I was really impressed by my teammates and their ability to articulate all that has unfolded in their journey with Christ.
I was last and excited! I couldn't even begin to explain to the midshipmen my relationship with God and I even admitted that before them all. A testimony is like painting a picture of the most beautiful sight. There is something about beauty which just can't be duplicated! You can't capture the whole picture, I guess. ANYWAYS, it went great. I felt as though the Holy Spirit really gave me the words I needed to say and I was really grateful for the divine assistance.
From that day, things have definitely changed with many of the students. I feel a lot closer to them and I think they've felt more comfortable to share their struggles with me because they now know that I've gone through similar difficulties...
This is where words fail me! Ah, how beautiful are the conversations I've been having with some midshipmen. I'm truly grateful for having been placed here. Thank you.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The USNA: A Prep Seminary?
The Military Archdiocese flew myself and three midshipmen down to Texas last week for a weekend of discernment. Thanks be to God, we have several men discerning the priesthood at the Naval Academy! In fact, we already have two guys signed up for next semester's retreat. Not to mention, there were two students who left the Academy at the beginning of the year for seminary.
We drove to BWI Airport Thursday morning for our flight to Houston. I was excited for the trip for several reasons but most especially because I knew the "mids" and I would have a great time! It was beautiful down in Texas and, from the moment we touched down, I knew it was going to be a blessed weekend.
Our introductions consisted in telling the other 12 men discerning why we had come to the retreat. It was really encouraging to see some really good men in the military who were seeking to discover God's plan in their lives. Afterwards, we took some time to pray around the seminary before we retired for the night. I found my way to the roof of one of the seminary's buildings to pray under the stars.
For the next couple of days, we heard a lot about the chaplaincy and several people, including Archbishop Broglio of the Military Archdiocese, gave their testimonies on why they became priests. It was very interesting. I'd say the common theme that ran through all the talks was a call beyond their understanding which could only be satisfied in the priesthood. It reminded me of Pope John Paul II's book on his call to the priesthood, Gift and Mystery, where he says that, in the end, his deepest need was to administer the sacraments. To deny himself of this need would have been to deny his very self.
It was a very productive time of prayer for all of us and, if nothing else, the midshipmen sure enjoyed the tranquility of the seminary! Captain Thorpe, who now teaches at the Academy, once mentioned that the midshipmen need time to reflect on life more than anything else because they generally get pulled into a mindless succession of obligations throughout the week. The discernment retreat was that time they needed and they were expressly grateful for it.
We drove to BWI Airport Thursday morning for our flight to Houston. I was excited for the trip for several reasons but most especially because I knew the "mids" and I would have a great time! It was beautiful down in Texas and, from the moment we touched down, I knew it was going to be a blessed weekend.
Our introductions consisted in telling the other 12 men discerning why we had come to the retreat. It was really encouraging to see some really good men in the military who were seeking to discover God's plan in their lives. Afterwards, we took some time to pray around the seminary before we retired for the night. I found my way to the roof of one of the seminary's buildings to pray under the stars.
For the next couple of days, we heard a lot about the chaplaincy and several people, including Archbishop Broglio of the Military Archdiocese, gave their testimonies on why they became priests. It was very interesting. I'd say the common theme that ran through all the talks was a call beyond their understanding which could only be satisfied in the priesthood. It reminded me of Pope John Paul II's book on his call to the priesthood, Gift and Mystery, where he says that, in the end, his deepest need was to administer the sacraments. To deny himself of this need would have been to deny his very self.
It was a very productive time of prayer for all of us and, if nothing else, the midshipmen sure enjoyed the tranquility of the seminary! Captain Thorpe, who now teaches at the Academy, once mentioned that the midshipmen need time to reflect on life more than anything else because they generally get pulled into a mindless succession of obligations throughout the week. The discernment retreat was that time they needed and they were expressly grateful for it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
YEA BABY! THAT'S LIFE!
Beyond the many formal ministries we do at the Naval Academy, much of our time is dedicated to the midshipmen. Actually, this more sporadic time with the guys ironically tends to be the most fruitful. It's truly at the heart and foundation of our ministry.
It's so critical, especially in our day and age, to actively engage the culture and to meet people in their everyday experiences. This can be scandalous for those who see holiness as an over-pious activity, detached from all cultural activities. They may ask, "Aren't the things of God contaminated by such ordinary things?" Though, in reality, it's our mission, as lay-missionaries to imbue this world with the authentic peace and joy of Christian life. Just as Christ became man in all things, except sin, we Christians must enter into all the dimensions of human existence, except sin. This is the epitome of "being in the world but not of the world!" We eat, we sing, we dance - as children of God - so that eating, singing, and dancing can be redeemed, belong wholly to God!
Our world wants to see witnesses more than teachers. Yes, people need to be taught, yet they also need a living example, a tangible experience from which they can shape their own actions! Why do we wish to tell them about the truth, when we can show them it directly! In this way, people come to an undeniable encounter with the Gospel message, which is the Gospel of Life!
Let's face it people, we've got a problem. Look at the world, look at all of the destruction, loneliness, guilt and depression. We are our own greatest obstacle! An obstacle that seems impossible to overcome - so we try to "escape": drugs, alcohol, sex... all the momentary "bliss" that leaves us more empty than before. What can we consume to set ourselves free, to be happy? I don't know, but do we really think the next commercial has the answer? Working out? Girls/guys? Another drink? Food? I've given up on these things because they don't reach deep enough. I've got a problem that reaches deeper into my soul than any sensation can reach. There are chains holding me down inside that I know no thing can fix. Hear me clearly: I said "no thing" not "nothing"!
There is somebody, who can undo all the wounds that I and others have inflicted in our hearts. And if I had not found him, I know all the crap from my past would have swallowed me whole by now. Some can suppress it better than I ever could. I think my weakness was my saving grace! I couldn't deny the misery I felt for very long, I had to give up, I had to surrender to the only remaining option. Why is this abandonment so difficult? Why do we try every option before this one? I think a question of this magnitude must have a layered answer, no doubt.
In my own life, The Way wasn't "my way". I had to let go of everything, all that my heart clung to, all that made me "happy" (miserable). I knew this choice would take my life out of my hands and it was scary thinking where this abandonment may leave me and those that I loved. My friends, family, sponsors, this is The Choice! This is the choice at the very heart of human existence and the tension we feel within ourselves. This is the choice which leaves us hanging somewhere between Life and Death. Do we take the leap of faith or do we cling to all that we've acquired (which really possesses us)?
Do not be afraid! He came into the world for this very reason: to bring freedom to the captives - to you and to me! This is what we must witness to in the world. We must enter into the world - into the bars and gyms, and onto the dance floors - and be a living witness to the freedom we possess inside! By this witness, all the world will come to trust that Jesus Christ is the true liberator and that our hearts, cares, and needs can be entrusted to his care.
That's why I loved having a tailgate for the women's hockey game, cheering and chanting for their victory, bowling, hanging out with the "mids" at bars, and going to the Navy VS. Air Force football game this weekend. In these things, I can be a witness to the freedom I've come to possess through God! Just hanging out and letting the Gospel of Life speak for itself! What a life, thank you for making it all possible.
P.S. Sorry! When I'm living life with these guys, taking pictures never really comes to mind. I'll try to get some good ministry shots at some point!
It's so critical, especially in our day and age, to actively engage the culture and to meet people in their everyday experiences. This can be scandalous for those who see holiness as an over-pious activity, detached from all cultural activities. They may ask, "Aren't the things of God contaminated by such ordinary things?" Though, in reality, it's our mission, as lay-missionaries to imbue this world with the authentic peace and joy of Christian life. Just as Christ became man in all things, except sin, we Christians must enter into all the dimensions of human existence, except sin. This is the epitome of "being in the world but not of the world!" We eat, we sing, we dance - as children of God - so that eating, singing, and dancing can be redeemed, belong wholly to God!
Our world wants to see witnesses more than teachers. Yes, people need to be taught, yet they also need a living example, a tangible experience from which they can shape their own actions! Why do we wish to tell them about the truth, when we can show them it directly! In this way, people come to an undeniable encounter with the Gospel message, which is the Gospel of Life!
Let's face it people, we've got a problem. Look at the world, look at all of the destruction, loneliness, guilt and depression. We are our own greatest obstacle! An obstacle that seems impossible to overcome - so we try to "escape": drugs, alcohol, sex... all the momentary "bliss" that leaves us more empty than before. What can we consume to set ourselves free, to be happy? I don't know, but do we really think the next commercial has the answer? Working out? Girls/guys? Another drink? Food? I've given up on these things because they don't reach deep enough. I've got a problem that reaches deeper into my soul than any sensation can reach. There are chains holding me down inside that I know no thing can fix. Hear me clearly: I said "no thing" not "nothing"!
There is somebody, who can undo all the wounds that I and others have inflicted in our hearts. And if I had not found him, I know all the crap from my past would have swallowed me whole by now. Some can suppress it better than I ever could. I think my weakness was my saving grace! I couldn't deny the misery I felt for very long, I had to give up, I had to surrender to the only remaining option. Why is this abandonment so difficult? Why do we try every option before this one? I think a question of this magnitude must have a layered answer, no doubt.
In my own life, The Way wasn't "my way". I had to let go of everything, all that my heart clung to, all that made me "happy" (miserable). I knew this choice would take my life out of my hands and it was scary thinking where this abandonment may leave me and those that I loved. My friends, family, sponsors, this is The Choice! This is the choice at the very heart of human existence and the tension we feel within ourselves. This is the choice which leaves us hanging somewhere between Life and Death. Do we take the leap of faith or do we cling to all that we've acquired (which really possesses us)?
Do not be afraid! He came into the world for this very reason: to bring freedom to the captives - to you and to me! This is what we must witness to in the world. We must enter into the world - into the bars and gyms, and onto the dance floors - and be a living witness to the freedom we possess inside! By this witness, all the world will come to trust that Jesus Christ is the true liberator and that our hearts, cares, and needs can be entrusted to his care.
That's why I loved having a tailgate for the women's hockey game, cheering and chanting for their victory, bowling, hanging out with the "mids" at bars, and going to the Navy VS. Air Force football game this weekend. In these things, I can be a witness to the freedom I've come to possess through God! Just hanging out and letting the Gospel of Life speak for itself! What a life, thank you for making it all possible.
P.S. Sorry! When I'm living life with these guys, taking pictures never really comes to mind. I'll try to get some good ministry shots at some point!
A Picture "Pot Luck"
Here's a little bit of everything!
Meet Tecumseh! He is the figurehead of the USS Delaware (1817) and he is appropriately painted before any major (even some minor) occasion:
When a hurricane reeks havoc, this is what you get:
Good Ol' Naval Sarcasm:
 |
| Daily Tecumseh |
 |
| Dressed Like a Plebe (Freshman) |
 |
| VS Air Force (Falcon McNuggets) |
When a hurricane reeks havoc, this is what you get:
 |
| The Aftermath's Beauty |
Good Ol' Naval Sarcasm:
 | ||
| Showcased in Fr. Mike's House |
Friday, September 16, 2011
Anchors Aweigh!
Bible studies have begun! Wednesday at 1900 (7 pm) about 12 midshipmen came to delve into the Sacred Scriptures. This was a special moment for me. After four years of waiting, I was finally able to give to these midshipmen the very thing that rocked the very foundations of my life.
But even moments like these are never void of setbacks! I sat waiting at Gate 1 of the Naval Academy for an essential part of any good Bible study: Papa John's pizza. The delivery time came and the delivery time went... still no pizza! Defeated, I walked back to inform the hungry "mids" that spiritual food, the Word of God, would have to suffice for the night. Fortunately, they received the news with a laugh and we all sat down to pray.
I was excited, a little nervous, and eager to begin. I opened up the night with a brief explanation of Salvation history and how the drama of human existence unfolds within its narrative. We examined creation as the context of God's filial intimacy with man; how man's ultimate end is to know and love the Lord; Original Sin and man's fall from Grace; finally, we heard God's merciful promise of redemption.
The guys really clung to the notion that we're called to respond to God's love by "tilling" or working within creation. We aren't too busy to be holy because our busyness is the very means by which we can become holy. We don't need to leave the world, to leave the workplace, to be a saint because sanctity is found in the midst of the most ordinary things, if only we offer them to God!
Even though we didn't have Papa John's, I was pleased with how the night went. There is definitely room for improvement but I'm excited to get better each week. Thank you for making this all possible. I gratefully pray for all of you daily. It's things like this that bring hope to the world!
P.S. I have a different Scripture study that begins this Monday! Keep it in your prayers, please.
But even moments like these are never void of setbacks! I sat waiting at Gate 1 of the Naval Academy for an essential part of any good Bible study: Papa John's pizza. The delivery time came and the delivery time went... still no pizza! Defeated, I walked back to inform the hungry "mids" that spiritual food, the Word of God, would have to suffice for the night. Fortunately, they received the news with a laugh and we all sat down to pray.
I was excited, a little nervous, and eager to begin. I opened up the night with a brief explanation of Salvation history and how the drama of human existence unfolds within its narrative. We examined creation as the context of God's filial intimacy with man; how man's ultimate end is to know and love the Lord; Original Sin and man's fall from Grace; finally, we heard God's merciful promise of redemption.
The guys really clung to the notion that we're called to respond to God's love by "tilling" or working within creation. We aren't too busy to be holy because our busyness is the very means by which we can become holy. We don't need to leave the world, to leave the workplace, to be a saint because sanctity is found in the midst of the most ordinary things, if only we offer them to God!
Even though we didn't have Papa John's, I was pleased with how the night went. There is definitely room for improvement but I'm excited to get better each week. Thank you for making this all possible. I gratefully pray for all of you daily. It's things like this that bring hope to the world!
P.S. I have a different Scripture study that begins this Monday! Keep it in your prayers, please.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
An Update: On "Discipleship"
"Discipleship" is the mentoring we do as FOCUS missionaries. We call it discipleship because it uses the same evangelical logic as our Savior. We stand alongside the many midshipmen who have engaged their faith on a deeper level and help them find other students to help in their faith journey.
Ted Murner, Brendan Belschner, and Tim Cadigan have been working with the FOCUS missionaries for at least the past year and have taken on a leadership role in the Catholic community. They are the men I am fortunate enough to be working beside. The formation they have received at the Naval Academy has shaped them into some of the most impressive young men I have ever encountered and it is one of the greatest joys in my life to help them find and share Christ in the midst of their daily work.
It is difficult though because I firmly believe that discipleship must be formed upon friendship and mutual trust/respect. So one of the challenges of discipleship is finding ways to get involved in their lives so I can know them on a more personal level. It's a challenge that I gladly embrace because I can already tell God has great things in-store for the brotherhood I find with these guys. I have a lot to learn from them and hopefully, I can help them along the way too.
As a FOCUS missionary, I'll also be helping these guys lead Bible studies for their peers. Bible studies start next week, so it is both an exciting and hectic time at the Academy. Please Keep Ted, Brendan, and Tim in your prayers. These are our Church's future leaders! Thank you for enabling me to enter into the lives of these men in such a radical way. God bless all of you on my support team! Our work is underway!
Beyond doing discipleship with these men, I'll be leading a couple Bible studies for a bunch of the other midshipmen. But I'll tell you more about that NEXT WEEK.
Ted Murner, Brendan Belschner, and Tim Cadigan have been working with the FOCUS missionaries for at least the past year and have taken on a leadership role in the Catholic community. They are the men I am fortunate enough to be working beside. The formation they have received at the Naval Academy has shaped them into some of the most impressive young men I have ever encountered and it is one of the greatest joys in my life to help them find and share Christ in the midst of their daily work.
It is difficult though because I firmly believe that discipleship must be formed upon friendship and mutual trust/respect. So one of the challenges of discipleship is finding ways to get involved in their lives so I can know them on a more personal level. It's a challenge that I gladly embrace because I can already tell God has great things in-store for the brotherhood I find with these guys. I have a lot to learn from them and hopefully, I can help them along the way too.
As a FOCUS missionary, I'll also be helping these guys lead Bible studies for their peers. Bible studies start next week, so it is both an exciting and hectic time at the Academy. Please Keep Ted, Brendan, and Tim in your prayers. These are our Church's future leaders! Thank you for enabling me to enter into the lives of these men in such a radical way. God bless all of you on my support team! Our work is underway!
Beyond doing discipleship with these men, I'll be leading a couple Bible studies for a bunch of the other midshipmen. But I'll tell you more about that NEXT WEEK.
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