By Benjamin Suarez
My first year in the seminary has been a learning experience. I learned a lot about myself, and more about my strengths and weaknesses. I discovered that I struggle with being organized in preparation for my classes, but that I can easily work with students. I also learned about the joys of teaching the faith by teaching high school students religious education on Sundays at Sacred Heart Parish in Bloomfield.
However, my experience in the seminary goes beyond the classroom and into the daily life in the community of brother seminarians. I saw how this community can be both challenging and yet joyful. I learned a lot about myself and how I relate to God and others. Teaching religious education has helped me to better understand God. Living with brothers in this community has stretched me to understand different perspectives and personalities.
There were about 15 students in the religious education class – some preparing for Baptism, some for Confirmation and others for First Communion. Because my seminary schedule didn’t always allow me to be at Sacred Heart Parish on Sundays, I would be in the class on different weekends. Sometimes, I would be there for a few weeks straight; other times, it was every other week. Despite this fluctuation, the experience taught me to know my faith personally, rather than superficially. I know that I should teach the students the truths of the Catholic faith, and to help do this in a greater way, I should be practicing and believing these truths in my heart as well. Because of this, my teaching experience challenged me to be a better Catholic and a holy man.
The experience of life in the seminary has taught me the joys and challenges of community life. In my college seminary, there are 17 seminarians: three freshmen, four sophomores, four juniors and six seniors. Having to live with 16 other men from various walks of life and experiences at first overwhelmed me because this experience was entirely new. I had grown up living with my parents and two younger sisters.
However, my brothers are some of the most kind and supportive Christian men I have ever met. They do their best to understand whenever I make a mistake in my house job, and they help me when I need their support. Moreover, their joyful attitude always helps me see that life as a seminarian, and eventually as a faithful priest, is a joy-filled and fulfilling life. Seeing them diligently work in their studies, faithfully fulfilling their daily house duties and lovingly serving the poor and the needy in their assignments has taught me how to live an authentic Christian life in this modern world. It has helped me see how real the Christian faith can be and how this life of sacrifice brings wonderful fruit in the Church and the world.
Entering the seminary was a tough decision, but one I am happy I made. The joy of serving the Lord with my brothers has helped me to grow in many ways, and I look forward to my journey toward the priesthood.
Benjamin Suarez is in the propaedeutic stage at the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Seton Hall University, South Orange.
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