Sam I Am: A Biography

02-26-2017Weekly ReflectionSeminarian Sam McCarty

Born in Cleveland, OH, I have lived in Wausau since I was five. I was homeschooled through 7th grade and then went to Catholic School through high school. I applied and was accepted into the seminary in my senior year, and began at St. John Vianney College Seminary (at the University of St. Thomas) in fall of 2011, where I studied philosophy, Catholic studies, and classical languages. I'm now in my second year of theology studies at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago, and am one year away from my transitional diaconate ordination and two from priesthood. I'm the oldest of five - three of my siblings are still in Wausau and one is in Ohio for school. What I like to do: nearly anything outdoors, camping and canoeing in particular, sports - especially basketball and frisbee, reading, watching movies, and I'm a big fan of road trips. My favorite saints form a list too long for today, but St. Therese, Pope St. John Paul II, and St. Peter are near the top. I like neither piña coladas nor getting caught in the rain.

Paradigm of Perfection: St. Peter and Everyday Holiness

02-19-2017Weekly ReflectionSeminarian Sam McCarty

Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.
—Leviticus 19

Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
—Matthew 5

The Scriptures for this weekend are bold. “Be holy, be perfect,” they say – a weighty demand. I want topropose that this holiness and perfection looks like something in our daily lives, and that it is something entirelyaccessible with the help of God’s grace.

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The Rite of Election and the Rite of Reception

02-12-2017Weekly ReflectionDeacon Wendt

On March 5, Thomas Burrow and Dale Mc Donough, who are currently in the RCIA program, will present themselves along with others from around our diocese to Bishop Callaghan at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workmen in La Crosse. This is called the Rite of Election. At the heart of our Christian life is the understanding that each of us is called by God. We recall the words of Christ who said "You did not choose me, no I chose you". Not only does Christ choose, he calls us and knows us by name. Both of these are encapsulated in the Rite of Election which is celebrated in Catholic cathedrals throughout the world at the beginning of Lent each year.

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Love and Healing

02-05-2017Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Now that we have turned the page into February, we once again understand that time clicks along whether we like it or not. Transitioning into this month will mark countless events for us personally and collectively. We also need to become more aware that Lent is less than 30 days away: are you preparing to make the best Lent ever? Afford yourself some intentional prayer time asking the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

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