Father and Dad Steven & Patrick Caraher

Steven graduated from Sacred Heart Major Seminary and with that, ended 23 consecutive years of schooling!

Steven took this time to reflect back on his academic priestly formation which began in 2018 at Mundelein Seminary.

The transition from college where he studied Mathematics to the seminary and Philosophy proved more challenging than expected.    Figuring that the logic and mathematical thinking would easily segue into philosophy, Steven discovered things more challenging.

Steven worked hard and things started to click.   He found that understanding Philosophy helps one prepare for studying Theology.    How you look at things sets foundation for how you look at God.   Philosophy serves as a handmaid to Theology.

Transitioning to Theology was not only a transition in studies but a transition between seminaries as Steven moved from Mundelein to Sacred Heart Major. 

While Philosophy is more "ivory tower" in nature, Theology is based on revelation, what we have received from the Lord.   Mining and more deeply coming to know what we have received from the Lord, it is Faith seeking understanding.

Reflecting on his growth from 2018 Steven feels he has grown in how he looks a the world.   With a more clear understanding of the source of human thought it can only help to unpack the Good News.

Leaving nothing but fond memories of his seminary years, Steven now looks forward towards ordination.

[Production note: apologies for the imbalance of the sound on this episode.]

Steven was in town for Easter and got to serve as a deacon during the Triduum at his home parish.

Before the Easter break Steven partook in his final Scrutiny with the Bishop.   This was a time to check in and make certain that there was no ambiguity at all.

One last set of Final Exams await Steven as he wraps up his seminarian career.     He has an upcoming 2 day comprehensive exam, the first day written and the second day oral, covering all that he has learned over the last 4 years.    This the the STB (Sacred Theology Bachelor) exam which consists of three sections; sacramental theology,  scripture and moral theology.

Last month we discussed how during his final semester Steven has been practicing administering the various sacraments.

Over the past month Steven was able to perform several "practice" confessions with his brother seminarians.     Afterwards, Steven and his classmates were able to review each other's styles.

We discuss the challenges that lay people face with the sacrament of Reconciliation.   Regular confession helps aid the conscience and allows it to be better formed.

We also chatted about Priests themselves - do they go to confession and if so, how.

With Priestly Ordination right around the corner, Steven  started his final semester at school.   This period of time is unique in that it offers the opportunity to prepare and pray through the mass and the sacraments.

His "Mass Practicum" class during this final semester of formation involves practicing reciting the mass parts.    It's been an edifying experience going through this with his brother seminarians.

Steven and his brother seminarians have also practiced confessions.    It has been an encouraging experience sharing and learning with brother seminarians.

Some of Steven's classes this semester involve studying canon law on marriage and other teachings of the church that are at the forefront of contemporary society.

Steven is home for the Christmas Break.   At the beginning of the break he went shopping for a chalice.

For Steven it is important to choose a chalice that reveals the beauty of what is happening during consecration.   The priests actions at the altar and the chalice gives a message.   It can serve as a catechesis.

When choosing, there are guidelines for chalices.      These Guidelines can be found in General Instruction on the Roman Missal.

At the start of the upcoming New Year, Steven will attend the Seek Conference in St. Louis.   This conference serves as a powerful witness to young adult catholics about the truth and beauty of the Christian life.

After a quick visit home during the Thanksgiving Break, Steven is back at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.

Steven is in the middle of a Marian Consecration that he is SHARING with several fellow seminarians.    This consecration is timed with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.

Steven first learned about the Marian Consecration while in college and was initially resistant to the idea.     During the Summer after his first semester in seminary, Steven along with his Totus Tuus team consecrated themselves to Mary.

Since then, every year, Steven has renewed this consecration on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

One typically spends 33 days in preparation for the consecration.    This preparation consists of prayers and reflections.   The model is to form oneself by pouring your heart into the "mold" of Mary.


Book Recommendation: 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley.   Published by Marian Press:  https://shopmercy.org/33-days-to-morning-glory.html