Guiding my Path

Guiding My Path By Chris Dixon

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jeremiah 29: 11

As I embarked upon my seminary journey last August, there were plenty of concerns about what my life would look like a year later, or even a few years from now. After simplifying my possessions to that which would fit in my car and quitting my job, I soon realized that I was no longer in control, as I had been for the previous years of my life. My only comfort was that I was following the call of God. I knew I was embarking upon the work that He was calling me to do. I knew that the Lord knew the plan for the months and years ahead well better than I did. I knew and felt all of your prayers and support as I made the trip to New Orleans and arrived at Notre Dame Seminary to begin formation and a more in-depth discernment for the priesthood in service to each of you.

Looking back now, I can see God’s hands at work in my life and the activities that led up to my departure for seminary. It is truly a blessing that we serve a God that loves us so much. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting into, but I expected it to be similar to many of the other experiences in my life. I was wrong; it was so much better. Nothing could have prepared me for the blessings and outpouring of God’s spirit that I’ve received since starting formation. It has undoubtedly been among the best months of my life.

I’ve learned that seminary formation consists of four pillars; Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral. Intellectual was probably the most natural pillar for me to understand. As I already have a college degree, I was enrolled in the seminary’s pre-theology program and will study philosophy for two years. These past two semesters, we have gained a better understanding of the basic framework and structure of the history of Christianity and theology from philosophers such as Plato, St. Augustine and Aristotle. We’ve discussed topics such as epistemology, logic and the history of philosophy. I didn’t realize or appreciate the vast amount of knowledge we’ve carried forward from these great thinkers.

The Spiritual formation was also familiar to me. The focus of this pillar is to build our relationship with God through a deeper understanding of the richness of our Catholic tradition and spirituality. We had a week-long retreat at the Saint

Charles Center in Lake Charles, and many other days of reflection and meditation. Spiritual formation includes prayer, spiritual direction, adoration and the Liturgy of the Hours.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Human Formation. However, I’ve come to understand this pillar as the community pillar. This focuses on the importance of good relationships with men and women both within our community, friendships we continue to cultivate while in formation and those we encounter in everyday life. It also focuses on ensuring we are living a healthy and balanced life so that we can offer our very best to God and those we wish to serve.

My assignment for Pastoral Formation during my first year has been the community of Notre Dame Seminary. Our first year, we serve our brothers and community. I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know most of the men at the seminary, hear their stories, and learn how God has moved in their lives and invited them to seminary. I was also blessed to serve as ambassador to many visitors to the seminary - greeting them, offering information about our campus, and hearing about their lives. One of the highlights of my pastoral formation was when the relics of St. Padre Pio visited the seminary, and we welcomed visitors from all around to venerate the relics. Sharing stories of the many pilgrims who visited the relics and hearing how their lives were transformed was enriching. I’m excited to see and share what future pastoral assignments await me this summer and in years to come as we encounter Christ together and share the good news of His endless love for each of us.

I remain very grateful to each of you and the diocese for the opportunity to discern God’s call in my life. My seminary experience thus far has been so much more than I could have ever imagined. As my relationship with Christ has grown, I’ve learned to depend more on Him to guide my steps and thoughts. God’s will is so much better than anything I could dream or create on my own. I remain excited to see what He has planned next in this process of formation and the opportunity to serve you. Let us continue to pray for one another, that God’s will may always guide our paths.