Formation

Of the making of many books there is no end, and in much study there is weariness for the flesh.
— Ecc 12:12

I am in candidacy for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Nashville. My cohort is in its fourth and final year of formation. We were instituted the minor order of Lector last year and as Acolytes this spring. God willing, we will complete our studies in the spring of 2025 and be ordained the following December. After that…well, I’m not entirely sure. I’ll serve wherever and however our bishop needs.

Our formation program requires completion of an MA in Theology from St. Meinrad Archabbey. Reading assignments/syllabi appear on Blackbaud, and we generally have about a month to complete reading and pre-work writing assignments. Then, we meet in person for a weekend of lectures, formation conferences, and final project assignments. We get summers off, though many (including me) choose to take summer classes to complete the additional required credits. As of now, I’m done with all of the extra work except for the final capstone assignment, which I’ll work on during the summer of 2025.

There is so much reading. I’ve come to enjoy the process of research and writing. In addition, having access to an extensive theological library (with all the databases) is very nice. I also recently learned that alumni keep access to the library, which makes me deliriously happy. You can tell in this picture (far left, back row).

Classes

In progress: MA closure exercise and Moral Theology I
Inbound: Trinity