By Jake Geis
The start of a journey is a precarious time. This is not because it is fraught with danger or uncertainty—quite the opposite, as the familiar often surrounds us. The perilous aspect is that the beginning sets the tone for the voyage. Coming out of the gate with a lack of focus for the trials ahead or an uncertainty of the destination could throw the expedition off track at critical moments.
Undoubtedly, the discernment of our life’s vocation is our penultimate earthly journey. To navigate this without strongly grounding our decision in prayer and relationship with God is like trekking through the wilderness without a compass or map. And if we wander without our fellow believers in Christ, we can find ourselves equally lost.
It is in that spirit that the seminarians of our diocese undertake a propaedeutic year together in a single house. Father Michael Kapperman, vocations director for the diocese, explains, “The first year for the man in formation is [focused on] human and spiritual formation. Most dioceses send the man out to another seminary to do this, but we want the man to know the diocese and the diocese to know the man. This helps both sides discern and makes the later formation so much more fruitful.”
For this reason, the men in our diocese reside in the Nazareth House, located across the street from O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, for this year of formation.
The routine of the house
Life in the house dances to a rhythm of prayer, study, spiritual direction and service. Luke Tunge, a first-year seminarian, describes a day that is regimented but fulfilling.
“Our schedule varies from day to day,” he says. “But, for example, on Tuesday, another resident and I start our day with a run. We are back for holy hour at 7:30, and then Mass at 8:30.”
After the spiritual grounding, education begins. “After Mass,” Luke says, “we have class on spiritual formation and Father Kapperman will teach us about prayer. Then we’ll have a class with Teresa (counselor at the Lourdes Center) on how to manage emotions to prepare us for seminary or priestly life.”
After sharing lunch together, the men have free time for prayer, counseling, homework and formation/spiritual direction. “Our evening begins at 5 p.m. with prayer,” Luke says, “which is followed by supper and Bible study with campus ministry at Christ the King. Night prayer is at 9 p.m. Finally, we discuss what the next day looks like, then go to bed. It’s a full day.”
Of course, not every day is a Tuesday, so there are other activities the men engage in. Father Kapperman notes, “The men do a three-day and an eight-day retreat and they go to SEEK (the FOCUS national conference for college students). They travel the diocese and experience different Catholic schools. They also minister at O’Gorman Junior and Senior High and serve at the Bishop Dudley House.”
Of course, the rhythm of the liturgical year influences the activities of the house. In this season of Advent, the men augment their prayer routine by celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at her namesake parish in Sioux Falls and lift their spirits by partaking in Christmas at the Cathedral.
The fruit of this year
The purposeful focus on spiritual growth yields good fruit. “I’ve grown a lot in having a greater understanding of prayer,” Luke reflects. “It’s helped me grow close to God and to see where he is leading me.”
Human formation also brings blessings. Luke says, “I’ve gotten to experience the gift of being part of the diocese by being part of O’Gorman and participating in parish life at St. George in Hartford, interacting with parishioners. I’ve also learned how to walk with other brothers at the house. The fraternity has been great. There is a clear and consistent desire for growth and virtue. I’ve seen a huge growth in my brothers and in myself in virtue and practicing the life Christ wants for us. Having great virtuous friendships has been a great aspect of this year.”
Providing enthusiasm and refreshment
The initial year being a propaedeutic year has not always been the norm. Brendan Logan, another resident of the house, entered minor seminary four years ago. After Brendan graduated last May with a bachelor’s of philosophy, Bishop DeGrood granted him the opportunity to enter the house before moving on to major seminary.
“Bishop wanted me to rest with the Lord,” Brendan says. “The last four years took a lot out of me, with classes, a rigorous schedule, volunteering and other activities. I needed a break to remind myself that I am a beloved son of God. I am not a project; my value is not determined by what my output is. This discernment year has solidified my decision to the priesthood.”
Having the unique opportunity of experiencing this year after finishing minor seminary, Brendan feels it is placed appropriately at the start of formation. “I’m kind of jealous that this is built into their formation. My first year of seminary was a dead-sprint. I had to learn all the devotionals and start going to daily Mass while being a full-time college student. I feel if I would’ve received this before starting minor seminary, I would have had a firmer foundation prior to starting minor seminary. The prayer and faith-formation would have been a more ingrained habit before starting, and I wouldn’t have to learn that at the same time as learning the educational aspects.”
Walking towards holiness together
The experiences of Luke and Brendan illustrate the wisdom of the Church in having her seminarians undergo a year focused on interior growth before embarking on the path towards priesthood. This wisdom should not be lost on the laity. As we are all uniquely called to be missionary disciples and to complete the task God has bestowed upon us, it is essential that we also begin our work with interior preparation. The school-aged confirmandi should be intentional about his or her lessons. The adult should discern before making significant life changes. And we all should say a quick prayer before we begin a difficult conversation so we can show God’s love in our words.
Lastly, it is necessary to reflect on Father Kapperman’s observation on the Nazareth House that it, “… gives [the seminarians] the space to hear God’s voice in their life.”
The house is not a hermitage, but a community. If we truly wish to be disciples, we will only be successful if we lean upon the other members of the Body of Christ. Together, we can trek in confidence that we will be able to face the challenges ahead.
Jake Geis is a freelance writer and parishioner at Holy Spirit in Mitchell. He is a husband and father who has taught religious education and led youth groups over the years.
