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Feb 02, 2015

Dear Theologians,

“We  must  not  think  that  in  catechesis  the  kerygma   gives  way  to  a  supposed  more ‘solid’  formation. Nothing   is  more  solid,  profound,  secure,  meaningful,  and  wisdom-filled  than  that  initial  proclamation.  All Christian formation consists of entering more deeply into the kerygma, which is reflected in and constantly illumines, the work of catechesis, thereby enabling us to understand more fully the significance of which the latter treats. It is the message capable of responding to the desire for the infinite which abides in every human heart. The centrality of the kerygma calls for stressing those elements which are most needed today: it has to express God’s saving love which precedes any moral or religious obligation on our part; it should not impose the truth but appeal to freedom.”

(Evangelii Gaudium #165)–Pope Francis

It is imperative for the priest to be capable of appreciating and discerning the yearning in the human heart for the spiritual. The priest must have a deep and abiding personal relationship with Jesus Christ which makes him capable of leading the faithful in their spiritual yearnings to the truth of Jesus Christ.   Stay close to Jesus during this month of February and allow him to be found in places of which you may have never known. 

Congratulations to our Theology II seminarians who were admitted to Candidacy for the Priesthood in the beautiful Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell  yesterday morning.  May this serve as a beacon of light to all of you who are sacrificing for the gift of the priesthood.

Thanks to all those that assisted with the “Clergy Who Cook” event on Friday, January 30.  Fr. John Heisler and I enjoyed representing the priests of the Josephinum with our rigatoni norcina.

Today, February 1, at the 10:15 a.m. Mass in St. Turibius Chapel, the faculty will be honored for their service to the Josephinum. A luncheon will follow in the Dining Room.

Also today, February 1 is the annual Super Bowl Party and Chili Cook-Off in the pub.   All are welcome.  I will serving as a judge. I am very much looking forward to watching the Super Bowl with all of you.  Thank you to the SEC and collaborators who prepared the annual Chili Cook-Off, an annual tradition that marks our fraternity here in the Theologate at the PCJ.

Monday,  February 2, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and Mass will be celebrated at 7:00a.m. in St. Turibius Chapel.  Morning Prayer will be in solitude.  Attire for Mass is classroom dress.  At 4:00p.m. our deacons will be visiting rooms in both the College and Theology in order to bless them. Even if your room previously has been blessed, I would encourage you to consider having it blessed again. The rite of blessing along with the sacramental of holy water drive out sin and continue to assist us in cleansing our hearts and our rooms so that we may live the mystery of Nazareth in solitude with God there. The room blessing is optional. If you would like to have your room blessed, you need not be present but only keep your doors open so that the deacon may enter.

Furthermore, on Monday, February 2, there will be a house meeting which will begin in Conrardy Hall at 6:55p.m, followed immediately by a formation conference at 7:10p.m.  Fr. Jay Harrington, O.P. will be giving the conference, which is entitled: “The Diocesan Priest as Teacher of the Faith, Part I” to Theology I, II, and III.   I will be giving the formation conference to Undergraduate Pre-Theology and Pre-Theology which is entitled: “Celibacy and Relationships” in Library Classroom III.  I will be basing my conference on Pope Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.   These conferences are noted in your formation handbook. Please look at the discussion questions prior to the conference in order that you may be properly prepared to enter into discussion which is an expected component of these formation evenings.

Please remember the deacons in prayer, as they continue to take the M.Div. competency exams.

Theology III, please remember that this week on Wednesday, February 4, the second grouping of you are scheduled for evaluations from 3:00-5:00p.m. in the Board Room. You have received an email regarding the specifics of your preparation for this.

Thursday, February 5, Evening Prayer begins at 5:30p.m. in St. Turibius Chapel as our Theology III seminarians take the Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith in preparation for Ordination to the Order of Deacon.  Please continue to pray for our Theology III seminarians as they make this important step closer to diaconate.

Saturday, February 7, our communal Rosary begins at 9:10a.m. in St. Turibius Chapel followed by Mass at 9:30a.m.  Please remember that the Rosary is required for the community.

Please note on Friday, February 27 – Wednesday, March 4, there will be a retreat beginning with Evening Prayer at 5:45p.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel.  There are to be no visitors or guests on campus during this time.   

During the month of February keep your daily Holy Hour a priority.

In Christ,

Fr. Oxley

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