discernment
Avoiding Book Answers
Jesus has a knack for avoiding “book” answers. When the scholar of the law in today’s Gospel asks Jesus about gaining eternal life, Jesus responds with a question: “What is written in the law?” The scholar gives a good answer, a “book” answer, but Jesus sees that the man doesn’t hold the law in his…
Sunday Reflection: Holy Joy
Take a moment to think of something that brings you joy. Maybe it’s a family member or a friend whose constant presence in your life makes you happy. Maybe it’s a recent advancement in work or school. Maybe it’s a simple, pleasant conversation you had today. In each of our lives, I’m sure that if…
Beyond Conception: Cruz at Camp Tekakwitha
This summer I was assigned to Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg, KS. It is operated by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and run by Deacon Dana Nearmyer and his wife Debbie Nearmyer. Deacon Nearmyer and his wife bring an intense energy to the camp that I once described as “it’s so crazy, it just…
Companion Camp – An Important Experience
A Benedictine monastery and a seminary college is an important place for high school boys to visit. A positive experience at such an impressionable age, even if only for the weekend, lends the opportunity to strengthen a young person’s faith and help cultivate and sustain their relationship with God. I know this because I have…
The Heart of the Cross is Love
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 There once was a man who lamented often in prayer about the weight and size of the cross he was asked to bear in this life. H would cry out to the Lord and…
Beyond Conception: Summer Formation at IPF
This summer, myself and six other Conception Seminary College seminarians (five alumni) are attending the 9-week program known as the Institute for Priestly Formation. So far, this experience has been amazing! Held at the campus of Creighton University in Omaha, NE. The program for diocesan seminarians focuses on enriching and deepening our relationship with the most important…
A Reflection on Hearts
In the last few days the liturgical calendar has been focused on hearts. Friday was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saturday was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and today the readings at Mass present us with a window into the Heart of Jesus in the Gospels and the heart of…
Corpus Christi – May Our Adoration Never Cease
Every day, upon altars of the Catholic Church throughout the world, Our Lord is made incarnate in the Most Holy Eucharist. We have heard this many times. “Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist,” “Jesus is in the tabernacle.” Reflect for a moment on how often we let this great gift pass us by and…
Beyond Conception: Andrew G. Prepares for Prayer in Action
During the summer months, many seminarians are given assignments in their home dioceses that are tailored to be enriching experiences to continue their formation outside the walls of Conception Seminary College. Beyond Conception will be a weekly series of articles checking in on the seminarians of CSC during their summer break. After departing from Conception…
Br. Etienne Ordained to the Diaconate
On Thursday May 19, 2016, Br. Etienne Huard, OSB, was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. Witnessed by his brother monks, family, and friends, it was a truly joyful occasion for all as Br. Etienne takes the final step before his priestly…