Being "Flexible" in Religious Life
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March 22, 2022I arrived in Dominica on January 31 for my first assignment in full-time ministry as a professed Redemptorist and ordained Deacon.
The Redemptorists community and parishes we serve were warm and welcoming, making the transition extremely pleasant. I am learning and experiencing the culture and history of the parishes and country through friendly interactions and conversations with the people of God.
Being flexible in religious life was a topic discussed at length during my time in the theologate. I recall these discussions during this time in my journey and remain open to what God is doing. After the first few weeks, I discovered that I had to adjust my expectations about ministry. I envisioned having a schedule that would be more demanding and exacting.
However, I am learning that this is not my current reality. Nonetheless, I am grateful for having received the ministry of deacon and acceptance of perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, praying continuously for the grace to say, “your will be done, O Lord.”
My experience of being a deacon thus far has been one of being present and occasionally preaching at daily and weekend masses, serving at a funeral mass, performing baptisms on one weekend, and completing odd house errands.
Thankfully, and excitedly, I look forward to preaching three Lenten parish missions/retreats during the month of March. Also, I will be assisting Fr. Joseph Hung Duc Tran, C.Ss.R., and the parish of St. Joseph as it resumes its soup kitchen on Thursdays. A former parish priest started the soup kitchen initiative, the late Fr. Jacky Merilan, C.Ss.R.
(Courtesy of Baltimore Beacon.)