By Fr. John Adamski

St. Meinrad, Indiana

It’s still an impressive sight to watch young men commit themselves to serving God’s people. Our society seems so unable to commit itself permanently to service and care. These young men have sought out the Word of God in their lives and seek to respond generously and openly to wherever that Word leads them. I feel renewed and strengthened in my commitment, both as priest and Christian, through celebrating with them the commitment of their lives.

I’m writing this column from St. Meinard Archabbey in the hills of southern Indiana, my alma mater. The Benedictine monks of this monastery conduct a seminary college and a school of theology to prepare men for ministry in the Church today. I’ve come to attend the spring ordinations and spend a few days praying and reflecting: my annual retreat. It’s also an opportunity to visit with the five Atlanta men who are studying in the college here at St. Meinrad.

I doubt if many people today have much of an idea about what a seminary really is. There certainly have been vast changes. When I started in the seminary nearly 14 years ago, the style of life was quite well-defined and organized. You always knew what you were supposed to do and where you were supposed to be at any given moment. The rules covered nearly every situation. During my years in the seminary things changed quite drastically, especially because of the influence and effect of Vatican II. Finding a new direction in formation for ministry hasn’t been an easy task and St. Meinrad knows that better than most since it has been involved in the process of reevaluating itself and its program for several years. The results or at least the program as it stands today, is encouraging. Students assume responsibility at their own pace, growing through successes and failures toward maturity.

Our young men here in the college are basically no different from the college age members of my parish, Holy Cross. Their course of studies here at St. Meinrad college is similar to the educational program of most liberal arts schools. They have a good deal of choice in their major field of study. Just as most other collegians, they’re happy when they have an easy semester and relieved when they get good grades. The distinguishing characteristic that makes St. Meinrad College, specifically a seminary college, is the atmosphere. Over 250 young men are here with the explicit intention of thinking, studying and praying about ministry in the Church: priesthood. By coming here they give themselves the breathing space they need to reflect on their lives and sort through the things they find meaningful and give them happiness. It’s not necessarily an easy process, no life commitment ever is, but they do have the support of the faculty and their fellow students.

That’s really something of what our faith in Jesus is also about – a shared experience. We come together as many individuals and find ourselves coming out as brothers and sisters of the Lord, supporting and encouraging each other in our faith. You all do that in a particularly meaningful way in your support for the priests who serve you. The men here, collegians and theologians, share their experience of faith and their struggle to discern God’s Word and call for their lives. St. Meinrad seems especially suited for the task – it’s just a bit more quiet and relaxed than the pace of life generally in our society. The Word of God might sound a little louder and more clear here where men makes less noise in their lives.

All of us need to take the time to examine, make or renew the commitment of our lives. Nearly 70 young men formally expressed their effort at commitment in the ordination ceremonies today. Many others are at different stages of that process. I’m sure that we all wish them well so that all of us might grow and benefit from their commitment to the Lord – and its resulting service to us.