And So It Begins!

Welcome to my new blog! For the briefest of introductions, my name is Chase, and I am about to start my first year of formation (what is called the Candidate Year) with the Congregation of Holy Cross at Moreau Seminary in South Bend, IN. This being a completely new type of experience, I have no idea what to expect! That is why I want to share it in some way with those (especially family and friends) who are curious about what life in an American Catholic seminary looks like from the perspective of someone just trying to get acquainted himself. God has a plan for all of us. We know that by faith. What does he want from me? Walk with me as I continue asking this question, and check in from time to time to hear my stories and to see how things are going.

As it stands, I am scheduled to move-in on Tuesday, August 11, between noon and 4pm. That leaves me a good week at home to spend with the family and to take care of some last-minute business (i.e., finishing the video game I started two weeks ago). I would hate to have such loose odds and ends hanging over my head all semester.

If you are interested in learning more about the Congregation of Holy Cross, you can visit the Holy Cross Vocations homepage or browse the Faith and Service pages of Notre Dame's website. I will be able to post more information as it becomes available to me. Again, thanks for stopping in. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.

[Note: The title of my blog comes from the imagery of St. Theresa of Avila's "Interior Castle." She describes the soul as a giant crystal composed of seven "mansions," the most interior of which (the seventh) seats the presence of God Himself. The story of the soul, then, is his growth through these mansions until he, at last, enjoys full union with God. As you can tell, I have a way to go.]