This is my last night here at the San Damiano Friary, and it does actually sadden me a bit. I have really enjoyed my time here and I certainly have a lot to thing about during the coming year. Good news for those of you who know about my impulsiveness: if I did decide that I wanted to join (which I haven't yet) I could not do so until the end of next year...so I have a lot to chew on.
As far as the rest of my adventures today, as soon as I posted the part 1 of this entry we went to the St. Francis friary to have dinner with the rest of the friars in Denver. It was actually really cool, there were two other men there who are in the process of discerning, both of whom are local...lucky them, they don't have a flight and three hour drive home tomorrow, lol. I did learn how to play cribbage, for the most part...it is a very involved game. Br. Augustine, Fr. Bill, and another priest whose name I can't recall, tried their best to teach Andy(one of the other discernees(sp?)) how to play.
Nothing else really except that night prayer tonight really was good and I am going to share what was in it, for those of you with a Christian prayer book, it is Night Prayer after Evening Prayer II:
...
"You will not hear the terror of the night
nor the arrows that flies by day,
nor the plague that prowls in the darkness
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right,
you, it will never approach;
his faithfulness is buckler and shield.
...
Upon you no evil shall fall,
no plague approach where you dwell.
For you has he commanded his angels,
to keep you in all your ways.
They hall bear you upon their hands
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
On the lion and the viper you will tread
and trample the young lion and the dragon.
..."
I totally loved it!
Anywho, you can think about that little blurb as you fall asleep. Also, I will try to perhaps put a video post tomorrow, once i get home just to decompress :)
One Love, One God, One Way
Wash
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Day 4 part 1
So I thought I would perhaps write two things today considering I have some time before we head to the St. Francis Friary for dinner.
This morning right after morning prater, Br. Joseph and I went to mass at Sacred Heart. That is where the beautiful statue of Saint Theres of Lisieux from. Before I say this next thing I want to make it clear that I know Jesus loves everyone and the effort put forth in praising Jesus' name in song, but the choir who sang and played for mass...not so great. That is all i am going to say about that...God loves them, and so do I.
Afterwards we came back to the San Damiano Friary and Joseph and I talked some more. He first told me his discernment story which was pretty awesome...sorry can't talk about it here :) We then talked about the vows of living religious life. Now in my first blog about this trip I talked about them in short. Poverty(I'm poor), Chastity(I'm celibate), and Obedience(I'm obedient). He went into detail about the three and I was pretty much blown away by the depth those three words have. There have been books written about each of them in detail, so I will refrain from too much.
I did have a lot of free time today and took an amazing walk down the trail leading to confluence park, and this time I did take some cool pictures, I hope they are viewable...because one of them is panorama.
I did go into REI and was successful in exchanging my Keen's for a pair that were new and a half size larger so that hopefully they won't break again. 
While I was there I did help a couple save a lot of money. They were looking at purchasing a slack line, and I told them that I had made my own and saved over 50% of what REI was asking...and they were asking $179 I KNOW RIGHT?! So that was cool. Afterwards I was walking around and decided I wanted to have a beer, but on the way I stopped at a small gear exchange store, where you can buy/sell/trade camping and climbing gear. I bought a carabiner and belay device because Tucker and I are going climbing and camping next weekend and my gear of the same name were very old and I didn't trust them as much anymore. Anyway while I was there I ran into the same couple that I did at REI and talked to the guy, his name is Josh, for a while and climbing and camping and what not. That was cool, but anyway when I went to pay for my gear I handed her my credit card and when she asked me for my drivers licence, I couldn't find it and assumed it was in the pants that I wore to the airport...it wasn't. Luckily, United will allow me to get through security by using my credit card and social security card (I called them.) So thats my day so far... I will either edit this post with more or add another if I think there will be a lot of info to discuss :)
One Love, One God, One Way!
This morning right after morning prater, Br. Joseph and I went to mass at Sacred Heart. That is where the beautiful statue of Saint Theres of Lisieux from. Before I say this next thing I want to make it clear that I know Jesus loves everyone and the effort put forth in praising Jesus' name in song, but the choir who sang and played for mass...not so great. That is all i am going to say about that...God loves them, and so do I.
Afterwards we came back to the San Damiano Friary and Joseph and I talked some more. He first told me his discernment story which was pretty awesome...sorry can't talk about it here :) We then talked about the vows of living religious life. Now in my first blog about this trip I talked about them in short. Poverty(I'm poor), Chastity(I'm celibate), and Obedience(I'm obedient). He went into detail about the three and I was pretty much blown away by the depth those three words have. There have been books written about each of them in detail, so I will refrain from too much.
I did have a lot of free time today and took an amazing walk down the trail leading to confluence park, and this time I did take some cool pictures, I hope they are viewable...because one of them is panorama.
I did go into REI and was successful in exchanging my Keen's for a pair that were new and a half size larger so that hopefully they won't break again. 
While I was there I did help a couple save a lot of money. They were looking at purchasing a slack line, and I told them that I had made my own and saved over 50% of what REI was asking...and they were asking $179 I KNOW RIGHT?! So that was cool. Afterwards I was walking around and decided I wanted to have a beer, but on the way I stopped at a small gear exchange store, where you can buy/sell/trade camping and climbing gear. I bought a carabiner and belay device because Tucker and I are going climbing and camping next weekend and my gear of the same name were very old and I didn't trust them as much anymore. Anyway while I was there I ran into the same couple that I did at REI and talked to the guy, his name is Josh, for a while and climbing and camping and what not. That was cool, but anyway when I went to pay for my gear I handed her my credit card and when she asked me for my drivers licence, I couldn't find it and assumed it was in the pants that I wore to the airport...it wasn't. Luckily, United will allow me to get through security by using my credit card and social security card (I called them.) So thats my day so far... I will either edit this post with more or add another if I think there will be a lot of info to discuss :)
One Love, One God, One Way!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 3
Ok, so I'm pretty sure this is going to be a long entry so I apologize in advance...lol
Anyway, today started the same as yesterday, with meditation, morning prayer, and mass followed by breakfast around 7. From there Br. Joseph and I drove to Colorado springs to visit Our Lady of the Angels Friary. I got to meet Brothers Jim (I think) and Felix. There Friary is a little set apart from the others and being so has more of an air of contemplation than direct service to the poor in the community. Which is understandable because all of the Friars who are currently living there are getting along in years.
After we left the Friary, we headed to the Citadel Mall to check out the mall ministry the Friars have there, its pretty cool. With a two rooms for confession and a chapel for mass. I know right?! Mass at the mall...so cool!
From there we drove to the Marian house which is a soup kitchen for homeless in the Colorado Springs area. This is where my heart was swelled to 3 times its normal size and nearly broken. For several reasons. When I say we visited there I mean we entered and ate a meal with some of the people who had come off of the streets. We sat down and Br. Joseph began speaking with a young man whom he had known when he did a lot of work with the Marian House. I didn't say much and just began to look around at some of the people who were eating and volunteering by serving food. My heart began to fill with sadness, because as I looked around, yes the people there did physically appear to be in need, and for lack of a better term, disheveled. They also, every one of them, seemed to be OK with where they were. Now I don't know if that is all encompassing as far as where they were individually in their lives, but in that moment, they appeared happy, content in the least. Now if anyone has reason to be upset with the cards they have been dealt, it is these people. I began to think, there is not one thing, ONE THING in my life that I have the right to feel even the least bit upset with. How hypocritical would it be if I say I have a heart for helping the poor and homeless and then complain about how much I don't enjoy my job, which pays me enough to afford the nice things that I have. How can talk to the homeless and even BEGIN to understand ANYTHING that they are feeling, when I have hardly ever had to live without my entire life.
As I continued my introspection I had a thought (which was later confirmed by Br. Joseph). But first, let me say that it is great that there are people including myself that want to provide for the basic needs of people in need, its fantastic. But when it comes to speaking with them, the best thing we can do is to NOT try and fix them, or even tell them inherent truths in their situation. "Blessed are the poor and persecuted..." does not go over well. Telling people those things in times of need, while its true, does nothing for their growth in any way, be it spiritual or even towards a better life. To try and protect someone from feelings of brokenness does nothing to help them. What we should, and what I am trying to learn is to love them IN that brokenness, to be there for them, as an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. In essence, in failing to do that, it seems we are inadvertently trying to protect ourselves from admitting that there even is brokenness. To convince ourselves that extreme poverty exists far removed from our suburban homes, so far in fact that "there isn't anything I can do to help them..."
A crying shame and a selfish one.
Now that I have stepped off of my soap box I will continue to talk about our day.
After we left the Marian House we stopped in at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and to speak with the very nice Korean woman who worked there. With coffee in hand we drove to...duh duh DUH...the Garden of the Gods. I was unable to take pictures because there was nowhere for us to park, but just google it and you will understand my fascination with this place. I could spend a week there walking around, camping, climbing, what have you...so cool.
After getting lost...twice...trying to get out of this place we headed to Every Home for Christ, and Br. Joseph and I talked about discernment and about what it is and how to approach it and what not. Afterwards we spent some time listening to one of the volunteers sing some original praise and worship music. Unfortunately we did not get to stay long and had to be back at the Friary for evening prayer and such. With Dinner in 30 minutes made by Br. Augustine (chili...yum!) I don't imagine much else will happen this evening.
Oh, I did not get a chance to go to REI today so my Keen's are still wounded, hopefully tomorrow they will get repaired/replaced :)
I know its not a big deal, but I don't want them to fall apart, especially during camp...lol
Please continue to pray for me as conclude my stay here in the next day and a half!
Anyway, today started the same as yesterday, with meditation, morning prayer, and mass followed by breakfast around 7. From there Br. Joseph and I drove to Colorado springs to visit Our Lady of the Angels Friary. I got to meet Brothers Jim (I think) and Felix. There Friary is a little set apart from the others and being so has more of an air of contemplation than direct service to the poor in the community. Which is understandable because all of the Friars who are currently living there are getting along in years.
After we left the Friary, we headed to the Citadel Mall to check out the mall ministry the Friars have there, its pretty cool. With a two rooms for confession and a chapel for mass. I know right?! Mass at the mall...so cool!From there we drove to the Marian house which is a soup kitchen for homeless in the Colorado Springs area. This is where my heart was swelled to 3 times its normal size and nearly broken. For several reasons. When I say we visited there I mean we entered and ate a meal with some of the people who had come off of the streets. We sat down and Br. Joseph began speaking with a young man whom he had known when he did a lot of work with the Marian House. I didn't say much and just began to look around at some of the people who were eating and volunteering by serving food. My heart began to fill with sadness, because as I looked around, yes the people there did physically appear to be in need, and for lack of a better term, disheveled. They also, every one of them, seemed to be OK with where they were. Now I don't know if that is all encompassing as far as where they were individually in their lives, but in that moment, they appeared happy, content in the least. Now if anyone has reason to be upset with the cards they have been dealt, it is these people. I began to think, there is not one thing, ONE THING in my life that I have the right to feel even the least bit upset with. How hypocritical would it be if I say I have a heart for helping the poor and homeless and then complain about how much I don't enjoy my job, which pays me enough to afford the nice things that I have. How can talk to the homeless and even BEGIN to understand ANYTHING that they are feeling, when I have hardly ever had to live without my entire life.
As I continued my introspection I had a thought (which was later confirmed by Br. Joseph). But first, let me say that it is great that there are people including myself that want to provide for the basic needs of people in need, its fantastic. But when it comes to speaking with them, the best thing we can do is to NOT try and fix them, or even tell them inherent truths in their situation. "Blessed are the poor and persecuted..." does not go over well. Telling people those things in times of need, while its true, does nothing for their growth in any way, be it spiritual or even towards a better life. To try and protect someone from feelings of brokenness does nothing to help them. What we should, and what I am trying to learn is to love them IN that brokenness, to be there for them, as an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. In essence, in failing to do that, it seems we are inadvertently trying to protect ourselves from admitting that there even is brokenness. To convince ourselves that extreme poverty exists far removed from our suburban homes, so far in fact that "there isn't anything I can do to help them..."
A crying shame and a selfish one.
Now that I have stepped off of my soap box I will continue to talk about our day.
After we left the Marian House we stopped in at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and to speak with the very nice Korean woman who worked there. With coffee in hand we drove to...duh duh DUH...the Garden of the Gods. I was unable to take pictures because there was nowhere for us to park, but just google it and you will understand my fascination with this place. I could spend a week there walking around, camping, climbing, what have you...so cool.
After getting lost...twice...trying to get out of this place we headed to Every Home for Christ, and Br. Joseph and I talked about discernment and about what it is and how to approach it and what not. Afterwards we spent some time listening to one of the volunteers sing some original praise and worship music. Unfortunately we did not get to stay long and had to be back at the Friary for evening prayer and such. With Dinner in 30 minutes made by Br. Augustine (chili...yum!) I don't imagine much else will happen this evening.
Oh, I did not get a chance to go to REI today so my Keen's are still wounded, hopefully tomorrow they will get repaired/replaced :)
I know its not a big deal, but I don't want them to fall apart, especially during camp...lol
Please continue to pray for me as conclude my stay here in the next day and a half!
Friday, May 27, 2011
So today started at 5:45 with mediation and morning prayer followed by mass and breakfast. I took a little after breakfast nap before we headed down to the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine. She was the founder of over 70 orphanages and the first United States Citizen to be canonized a saint. They have a very nice retreat center there as well as a path to the to top of the hill with the stations of the cross and all the different mysteries of the rosary as well (I'm not 100% sure the luminous were among them). I think I counted just over 300 steps to the top...yeah I walked them all :) There is also a spring found by Sr. Cabrini which has been reported to have been attributed to some healings...I drank some so maybe my sense of humor can become healed...but i doubt it.
We also visited the San Antonio Friary that I mentioned yesterday. There I met Fr. Francisco who has been a Brother with the Capuchins for about 20 years but was only ordained a priest 6 years ago. The Church there is BEAUTIFUL, the pictures below don't do it justice. My favorite is probably the St. Michael stained glass.
We also had some time to visit the Poor Clares at St. Patrick's Parish and their convent which is located at the Our lady of Light Monastery. There was a little difficulty communicating because they all spoke Spanish but they are going to pray for me throughout my discernment, which is much appreciated by me!
I that we visited Confluence Park which is a nice little area in which the South Platte River and Cherry Creek join and continue on as the Platte River. We hadn't actually planned to stop there thought Br. Joseph said he had thought about it, but when he pointed it out and all I said was "WOW!" He said "Ok, we can stop here." picture from www.Panoramio.com nope I didn't take it :(
When we got back to the friary Br. Chris Gama was making the meal, salmon with a mango and kiwi "salsa" I guess or relish, as well as asparagus and mushrooms, mac & cheese, and some bread. It was an amazing meal. After some after dinner discussion about what movie we wanted to watch, the general consensus was...Nacho Libre. I thought it relevant, considering the main character is a Friar...kinda :)
Anway, tomorrow the plan is to hit the Mall Ministry in Colorado springs and if there is time head by REI because my Keen's are breaking (and after only having them for LESS THAN A WEEK!)
Thats all for now, take care and God Bless
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Discernment?
This will be the first post of hopefully a few over the next few days. I am currently in Denver Colorado hanging out with the Capuchins of the Mid-American Province.
My flight got into Denver around 7:30 am MDT (thats 8:30 Central haha) and I was picked up by Brother Joseph Patrick. We arrived at the Friary shortly thereafter and I began meeting people and didn't stop all day. I met Brandon and "Digger" who are just about to begin their novitiate year in California (I will explain what that means shortly!) I met several of the Capuchin Priests and Brothers throughout the day as well as one of the Poor Clares today (the Poor Clares are the Sisters who follow the Rule of St. Francis...they make some stellar cookies!). I went and visited the St. Anthony Friary as well as the St. Francis Friary, all in all there are...5...Friaries in Denver, I could be wrong.
Ok, before I go any further I know a lot of people who will be reading this don't know about the stages of formation that a Capuchin goes through. First there is Inquiry, which is where I am, in which you inquire (of course...) about the Capuchins and about their way of life, charism (essentially...how they live the gospel), etc. Next I believe is the application process...self explanatory. When you are accepted into the community you begin what is called Postulency (sp?) for two years in which you begin to familiarize yourself with the Province, and with really living as a Capuchin. After you have been a Postulant for two years you enter your novitiate year (when you first receive your habit...hoorah!) and you begin a more intense prayer life and have little ministry opportunities as you continue to discern. After your novitiate year is complete, you profess temporary vows of Poverty(I'm poor!), Chastity(I'm Celibate!), and Obedience(I'm...obedient). You have these vows for three years sometimes longer. Up until this point you are free to leave the community, after this point you take solemn vows (duh duh DUH) of the same.
I saw this so you understand when i saw that Brandon and Digger are finishing their postulency, and entering their novitiate year, and Br. Joseph has taken temporary vows. (a lot of explanation for a one sentence blurb...)
It is currently 7:22 pm and I am dog-tired, probably, because of jet-lag and non-stop-ness today. Tomorrow Br. Joseph is taking me to the San Antonio Friary (not to be confused with the St. Anthony Friary I visited today...they are really two different places) as well as to visit with Poor Clares...0h yeah, the Poor Clares Actually make the habits for the Capuchin Brothers as well as for the sisters I'm sure.
Oh, this is noteworthy, I witnessed something today that has never been heard of...at least in this area. A MOCK investiture. A REAL investiture is where the novitiate receives his habit for the first time, usually a big to-do. Since Brandon and Digger will have their real investiture in California, they wanted some pictures taken here for...whatever reason. So I got to see these two guys put on habits for the first time...and then give them back, so that they can receive them for the first time...again...in Cali. awesome right?
More to come...stay tuned!
My flight got into Denver around 7:30 am MDT (thats 8:30 Central haha) and I was picked up by Brother Joseph Patrick. We arrived at the Friary shortly thereafter and I began meeting people and didn't stop all day. I met Brandon and "Digger" who are just about to begin their novitiate year in California (I will explain what that means shortly!) I met several of the Capuchin Priests and Brothers throughout the day as well as one of the Poor Clares today (the Poor Clares are the Sisters who follow the Rule of St. Francis...they make some stellar cookies!). I went and visited the St. Anthony Friary as well as the St. Francis Friary, all in all there are...5...Friaries in Denver, I could be wrong.
Ok, before I go any further I know a lot of people who will be reading this don't know about the stages of formation that a Capuchin goes through. First there is Inquiry, which is where I am, in which you inquire (of course...) about the Capuchins and about their way of life, charism (essentially...how they live the gospel), etc. Next I believe is the application process...self explanatory. When you are accepted into the community you begin what is called Postulency (sp?) for two years in which you begin to familiarize yourself with the Province, and with really living as a Capuchin. After you have been a Postulant for two years you enter your novitiate year (when you first receive your habit...hoorah!) and you begin a more intense prayer life and have little ministry opportunities as you continue to discern. After your novitiate year is complete, you profess temporary vows of Poverty(I'm poor!), Chastity(I'm Celibate!), and Obedience(I'm...obedient). You have these vows for three years sometimes longer. Up until this point you are free to leave the community, after this point you take solemn vows (duh duh DUH) of the same.
I saw this so you understand when i saw that Brandon and Digger are finishing their postulency, and entering their novitiate year, and Br. Joseph has taken temporary vows. (a lot of explanation for a one sentence blurb...)
It is currently 7:22 pm and I am dog-tired, probably, because of jet-lag and non-stop-ness today. Tomorrow Br. Joseph is taking me to the San Antonio Friary (not to be confused with the St. Anthony Friary I visited today...they are really two different places) as well as to visit with Poor Clares...0h yeah, the Poor Clares Actually make the habits for the Capuchin Brothers as well as for the sisters I'm sure.
Oh, this is noteworthy, I witnessed something today that has never been heard of...at least in this area. A MOCK investiture. A REAL investiture is where the novitiate receives his habit for the first time, usually a big to-do. Since Brandon and Digger will have their real investiture in California, they wanted some pictures taken here for...whatever reason. So I got to see these two guys put on habits for the first time...and then give them back, so that they can receive them for the first time...again...in Cali. awesome right?
More to come...stay tuned!
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