By Nicholas Esposito
Throughout a man’s time in seminary formation, he is given assignments outside of the seminary that allow him to apply what he has been learning in the classroom, in conferences and in meetings. This is known as an apostolic assignment.
In my three years of seminary formation, I have taught religious education at various nearby parishes and served at St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen in Newark, which is run by the Missionaries of Charity. These experiences have helped me tremendously in my discernment to the priesthood because I am using what I have been learning to evangelize and serve the people of God. The formation that takes place in a seminary encompasses different components that help seminarians grow in the areas of academia, spirituality and life in general. But a man who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood needs to be ready for experiences in ministry as well. This is why apostolic work is absolutely necessary and undoubtedly worthwhile.
The fall semester of my sophomore year began my apostolic assignment at St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen. Every Friday morning, I would arrive and begin preparing the food. Once everything was ready to go, the religious sisters would ask me to read the Gospel of the day and give a short reflection before serving lunch. I always enjoyed this part because I was spreading the Good News in a truly concrete way. I would always try to formulate a reflection to those gathered that was relatable to them. I could see many were struggling with painful experiences. I pray that perhaps the words I spoke, or the words from the Gospel itself, provided them the healing power of Christ.
My other assignment throughout my time in the seminary has been teaching religious education, mostly on the seventh-grade level. At first, it was challenging to take what I was learning, reading and writing about on the college level and make it applicable for the students. However, I found working with the youth very fulfilling.
It comes as no surprise that young people today are struggling. According to a study from Georgetown University, the depression and anxiety rates among children are on the rise in the United States. By 2020, the study found, 5.6 million kids had been diagnosed with anxiety problems and 2.4 million had been diagnosed with depression. Many of our young people do not know that Christ is present in their lives. They do not know that they can form a friendship with Christ. Teaching the faith to our youth has shown me not only the longing they have for Christ in their lives, but the need for all of us to take up the challenge and be faithful witnesses for those who are searching for Him.
These apostolic assignments continue to help me in my discernment, as I am able to see firsthand those who need Christ. These experiences, though seemingly small, all contribute to the greater work of bringing the Gospel to others so that all may know His love and presence.
Nicholas Esposito is third college at the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Seton Hall University, South Orange.
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