Pastoral Formation

2021–2022 Annual Report PASTORAL FORMATION:

A Fruitful Return to Apostolic Work

PATRICK RYAN ’23, DIOCESE OF PROVIDENCE

Apostolic work is an essential dimension of our formation for the priesthood. We have been happy this year to resume much of this work, which was significantly limited in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

From October onward, the seminarians of the College have assisted in roughly twenty-five apostolic assignments in Rome and beyond. Seminarians returned to parishes, military bases, university study-abroad programs, soup kitchens, and shelters to work with the People of God and those from all walks of life. We have given ourselves to these assignments, and we have benefited greatly from our involvement in apostolic work.

The men of the College enjoy stepping out of the classrooms and libraries to serve others publicly as men of the Church. Our work with students, families, and the poor of Rome gives us the chance to apply our theological learning and pastoral zeal to people in real life situations. For many, the apostolic work reminds us of why we want to be priests. Our faith is to be shared, and an invitation into a relationship with Christ is to be preached to all.

Words inscribed on the walls of St. Peter's Basilica, spoken by the Eternal Word Incarnate to St. Peter: "O Pastor Ecclesiae, tu omnes Christi pascis agnos et oves." (O Pastor of the Church, you feed all Christ's lambs and sheep.)

For the few apostolates that could not return as normal at the start of the year, Fr. David Hulshof ‘81 (Springfield-Cape Girardeau), our well-beloved and enthusiastic Director of Apostolic Formation, encouraged ingenuity and improvisation among the men. Some joined other apostolates, while others decided to branch out even more.

I was most inspired by those who decided to seek out the poor of Rome once a week with backpacks full of food, water, and warm hats for the winter. When their apostolates could no longer function as normal, these few bold men set out with the tools needed to encounter those who spend days and nights on the streets and are truly the poor in our midst. The food and clothing would break the ice, then conversation could commence between our men and those whom we might not otherwise take the time to befriend. This particular witness reminded me that apostolic work need not be a fancy operation. It can be as simple as walking out of our front door to encounter those nearest to us and addressing some of their basic needs.

This latter example also reminded me of Fr. Hulshof’s wise acknowledgment that it is good to reexamine existing programming from time to time and to revise it as needed. Our programs should aim to reach the People of God in the way that is most helpful to them. The past two years have provided us with plenty of opportunities for such re-examination, and for creative newness in our assignments.

I trust that our apostolic work will serve us well in our future ministry. The work helps prepare us for what God has in store for us in a changing world. It also reminds us that our primary "work" is to learn to walk always with Jesus and to invite others into friendship with him.