Sometimes we take for granted how blessed we are. I know that has been the case with me all my life. God has blessed me immensely in various ways. First, I must not fail to mention how He has blessed me especially through the sacraments, the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, prayer, scripture and nature.
However, I would like to take this time to focus on how God has worked through others to draw me closer into relationship with Him. My family has certainly done its part as have those who I grew up around and worked with prior to entering the seminary, along with many others at different times.
This has continued during my time in the seminary and has helped me realize that life is not a journey one can make alone. Indeed, it takes a village, and I have had a pretty awesome village supporting me.
My own weaknesses and failures have been stumbling blocks at times, but they have also been opportunities for growth and occasions to receive God’s grace through the support of others. We truly grow when we are able to give to and receive from one another, knowing in the end that it is all a blessing from God. Much more can be accomplished in a good group effort than by individuals, and I have learned and done much with the help of many good people.
You never know how your attempt to reach out to someone will impact them. I am thankful that I have been impacted greatly by people from across the Diocese of San Angelo, such as my hometown of Fort Stockton and the people I worked with during my pastoral internship while I was assigned to Holy Redeemer in Odessa, as well as the many people I have encountered throughout the diocese and beyond. I should not fail to mention the faculty, staff and my brother seminarians at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, where I have been five of the past six years, plus those who helped me during my various summer assignments.
Finally, during my time in the seminary I have greatly enjoyed many opportunities for ministry. Hospital and nursing home ministry, teaching religious education, and visiting and praying with young men (ages 12-17) in a juvenile detention center are just a few of the things I have been able to be a part of. I am very thankful for the ability to walk with people at different times in their lives, just like so many people have walked with me at crucial moments. It is in such instances that God is truly at work within our relationships with one another.
As I look to my upcoming ordination as a transitional deacon by Bishop Sis in Fort Stockton June 25, I am thankful for the way God has encouraged, supported and strengthened me through the help of His people. This has made it all the more possible for me to give of myself to the service of Christ and His Church. It will be a unique privilege to serve at my home parish in Fort Stockton in June and July before returning for my last academic year (August-May) to St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, where two weekends a month I will serve as a deacon at Sacred Heart Parish in Conroe. God willing I will return to the Diocese of San Angelo for good in one year upon my priestly ordination. My heart yearns for you West Texas! Big city, turn me loose and set me free! Thank you for your prayers.