Post-Ordination Studies – A need to learn more!

         Ordination to the Priesthood in 1971 for the Diocese of Brooklyn was an extraordinarily grace-filled moment. After many years of prayer, study, and preparation – intellectual and pastoral skills would now come together in service to God’s people as one of His Priests. It was an exciting time in the Church. We were young, enthusiastic, and energetic. We wanted to do our part; to help people get closer to God and know and feel His love.

         My first assignment as a newly ordained priest was to a beach community in Rockaway Beach, New York. We were the only parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn that added on three extra Masses in the Summer to accommodate the “bungalow crowds.” It was a parish that we would call a “sleeper”. We initiated new programs and projects and tried our very best to bring the reforms and changed suggested by the Second Vatican Council to the parish. We found the parishioners to be receptive and eager. There was a young priest in each of the parishes in the “Rockaway Peninsula” and we banded together to bring the people together for educational and spiritual activities.

         While the ministry was personally invigorating, I felt that I was not totally prepared to handle all the challenges that faced me. I concluded that I needed more education. One would think that after 12 years of studies, I would be adequately prepared. My experience told me otherwise. At my own expense, I enrolled in the master’s degree program in Theology (specifically Religious Education) at St. John’s University, Jamaica. My first pastor and my two subsequent pastors were supportive to me in this endeavor. I noticed that this time around, studies were different. I studied with the parish needs in mind, knowing what the experience of a parish priest was all about. Meeting the greatest teacher, I ever had, Father Jack McKenna, CM, was a tremendous blessing. He helped me to truly study with a desire to use my studies for the parish for its growth. The Rite of Christian Initiation, now called the Order of Christian Initiation was just being introduced. Father McKenna taught us like no other professor. He loved his material, and he loved his students. He motivated us. May he rest in peace!

         After completing the master’s program at St. John’s University, I thought I was finished with school forever. Then, three years later, realizing that many people were coming to me for counseling, I decided to enroll in a program of Pastoral Counseling at the Blanton – Peale Graduate Institute for a two-year program to give people like myself more skills to engage in short-term counseling. I never have regretted the time and effort the program required. It gave me more confidence and knowledge of how and when to make referrals to people who needed more than I could offer them.

         Then there were the various language schools I attended to learn the Italian language. It was much needed for my work in Italian parishes. I learned enough to celebrate the Mass and the sacraments – and even to this day, I am still using the Italian Language in two different parishes!

         Learning is a life-long pursuit. I discovered that early in my Priesthood. I am still learning today, but not as much as I learned during those early years of ministry.