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On November 16 the parish will come together to celebrate the seminarians of our diocese while raising support for their educational and formation needs.
Christian DeCarlo
As we look forward to the Hearts of Fire event, we checked in with the seminarians from our parish to see what's new with them and their studies.
When did you begin/enroll in seminary and where are you in your studies now?
I enrolled in seminary in the fall of 2011. I spent one year at Purdue University before entering seminary.
What is your favorite class?
I am taking a class this semester called Catholic Social Doctrine that talks about some of the social teachings of the Church. I have learned many things about the teachings on service of the poor, just war theory, wealth, the common good, and some current events. It is taught by a great professor and has great content.
How do you enjoy spending your free time at school?
Often I get a group of people together to go out to eat. There are many good restaurants in St. Paul and many good Italian restaurants. And I love Italian food! I also go on walks down to the Mississippi River which is a short walk from campus. I love going down there because it is a chance to be out and in nature.
Name one of your hobbies or talents.
To be out in nature, hiking, walking, running or sitting outside in a park or climbing a mountain in California are some of my favorite things. I love being outside encountering The Lord in nature. It is a great chance to disconnect from the technological world for a time to get ready for a new semester. I also really enjoy listening and playing music. Lately a lot of it has been country, but I also listen to some classical music.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
One thing that I was looking forward to the most this year was the chance to grow in my relationship with God. I am also a senior in college and have some extra responsibility in the seminary such as leading conversations at dinners, serving Sunday Mass, and many other odds and ends to help out. All of the seniors in SJV help to bring in the younger men, and help them understand the life of the seminary while answering their questions. What a joy that is for me! I love helping to raise up the freshmen and share the lessons I have learned at SJV!
What is something that can be challenging for the life of a seminarian?
It can be a challenge to wake up every morning for holy hour at 6:15 a.m. I personally wake up at 5:20 a.m., and have come to love it! Also, in seminary we are called to change, and part of that is letting go of old and sinful ways in order to be formed into Catholic men that are training for the holy priesthood. It is humbling to admit our weaknesses but when we do, that opens a door for The Lord to step in and heal our souls to make us in more conformity to Him.
Reading any books right now? Do you enjoy it (yes/no)?
I am reading Pope Francis's encyclical, The Light of Faith. It has been a great read. I am also reading a book which is a biography of St. Padre Pio who is one of my patron saints. For class, I am reading a philosophical work titled, Leisure: the basis of culture, by Josef Pieper. It was a great read that looked at the culture and how we need to have true leisure to have a Christian culture.
What is your favorite meal or food served at the college?
St. Thomas has a rotating selection of food and my favorite is when they have the stir-fry bar. Man that's good! There are also many great restaurants in downtown St. Paul we frequent on the weekends - Burger joint and many Italian places.
Anything else you want to share with the parish?
Just to say thank you for all your support through financial means and by prayer! Having people back home in Indiana, while being all the way up here in Minnesota, is comforting while knowing that there are others praying for me and all the seminarians of our diocese. Thank you!