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Written by Penny Silvers
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Wednesday, 23 November 2011 11:24 |
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 Again this year, Bishop Burbidge is asking all priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese to participate in a Novena to Mary under her title the Immaculate Conception, patroness of our Diocese, on behalf of our seminarian Philip Johnson. Though the growth of his brain tumor appears to have stabilized about the time of the conclusion of last year’s novena, Philip continues with chemotherapy treatments while his doctors are consulting about the pros and cons to his overall health for further extended treatments. Philip is still actively pursuing his vocation to Priesthood and may return to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia in the near future.
The Novena is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 and conclude on Thursday, December 8, 2011, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
English Prayer
Spanish Prayer |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 11:33 |
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An important event for seminarians in their first year of study for the Priesthood is the bestowal of cassocks to wear at liturgies on campus. This year, four first-year seminarians for the Diocese of Raleigh received cassocks. On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Juan Carlos Garcia and Noe Ramirez de Paz were given their cassocks in a Mass and ceremony at Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City. On Saturday, October 29, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia celebrated Cassock Day, and among the seminarians receiving cassocks were Evan George Waniewski and W. Christian Cook.
Seminarian Evan Waniewski, Rev. Joseph Bongard (Vice Rector of the seminary), Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis, Fr. Shaun Mahoney (Rector of the seminary) and seminarian Christian Cook on Cassock Day at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.
The black cassock worn by seminarians and priests is a long, close fitting, ankle-length robe and takes its origin from the tunic that was worn under the toga in classical antiquity.
The color of the cassock differs for Cardinals, Bishops, and Monsignors when serving at liturgies. When at non-liturgical functions, a Cardinal, Bishop or Monsignor may don a black cassock with colored buttons, trimmings and sash that represent their title. The Holy Father wears a white cassock.
Seminarians Noe Ramirez de Paz and Juan Carlos Garcia at Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Gaudalupe |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 17 October 2011 14:53 |
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On Saturday, October 14, 2011, Seminarians of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary went on pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap led the seminarians in the recitation of the rosary.
Click here for the photogallery.
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Last Updated on Monday, 17 October 2011 14:59 |
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Written by Penny Silvers
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Friday, 14 October 2011 10:42 |
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Raleigh Seminarians Juan Carlos Garcia and Noe Ramirez receive their cassocks and surplices at the Seminary of Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City on October 12, 2011. Click here for the photo gallery.
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Last Updated on Friday, 14 October 2011 10:47 |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 27 September 2011 20:19 |
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Seminarian Christian Cook sent pictures of Diocese of Raleigh seminarians attending the installation of the Most Reverend Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap as the ninth Archbishop of Philadelphia on September 8, 2011 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Click here for the photo gallery. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 20:23 |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 06 September 2011 11:18 |
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Raleigh Seminarians Noe Ramirez and Juan Carlos Garcia have settled into seminary life at Santa Maria of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Noe sent pictures of a private Mass with the Cardinal Archbishop of Mexico, Norberto Rivera Carrera
Click here for the photo gallery. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 September 2011 11:29 |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 15 August 2011 21:21 |
Evan George Waniewski
1st Year College
Seminary: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook
Ordination Date: 2019
Birth Date: August 3
 Home Parish: St. Paul Catholic Church (New Bern, NC)
High School: New Bern High School
College: Craven Community College
Hobbies: Reading, Drawing, Swimming
Who Influenced/Inspired you to Priesthood: The priest from my childhood, Fr. Frederick R. Flaherty. He gave a great priestly example and was well loved by my family. At a young age, I remember thinking that I wanted to be just like him.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation: I would tell him to seriously consider entering religious life. He should continue to pray about his vocation and develop a healthy spiritual life of hearing mass and making confessions. I would remind him that no matter what God calls us to do, there will be sacrifice involved as we try to conform ourselves to the Divine Will. But never be scared of God's plan for you! And no matter what, do not go about this alone. We are social creatures by design, so talk about your vocation with family, friends, a priest. Get in touch with the Priesthood Discernment Group because it will help you tremendously.
Favorite Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12: 20-26 "But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body...If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all parts share its joy."
We all have a unique role to fill as a part of the Body of Christ. God gave us certain talents so that we may use them for the building up of this great and glorious Catholic Church. There is the laity, clergy, and religious. There is the Western Church, and then there are the Eastern Churches. We have Benedictines, Carmelites, Dominicans, Franciscans, etc. This communion of saints is not limited to just the Church Militant on earth either. We are called to do everything we can to help the Poor Souls suffering in Purgatory. And we ask for the prayers of the angels and saints in Heaven. It is a comforting feeling to know that we are not alone, and we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
Favorite Saint: Saint Peter. Peter's heart was in the right place, but he was a rash and impulsive man. He denied Christ, he cut off a man's ear, and he wasn't much help in the Garden of Gethsemane. Yet, even though Peter had many failings and imperfections, Jesus still had a special plan for him. Peter is great because he heard the call of God and answered it. He also shows us that God can overcome our sinfulness if only we allow His grace into our hearts. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 06:43 |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 15 August 2011 21:19 |
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Noe Ramirez de Paz
1st Year College
Seminary: Hispanic Seminary of the Santa Maria of Guadalupe, Mexico City
Ordination Date: 2019
Birth Date: June 20, 1993
Home Parish: St. Juan Diego Catholic Mission, Robbins, NC
High School: North Moore High School, Robbins, NC (Class of 2011)
College: Hispanic Seminary of the Santa Maria of Guadalupe, Mexico City
Hobbies: Tennis, Soccer, Reading, Movies, Walking
Who Influenced/Inspired you to Priesthood: If I had not been influenced by priests such as Fr. Bill John Acosta, and Fr. Paul Parkerson than my decision to go to the seminary would have been more difficult.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation: Pray and take your time making the right choice. Even though you feel God's calling it takes time to fully understand what he wants. Praying and meditation will help you in your discerning.
Favorite Scripture Passage: Luke 22:42 This passage teaches us that we should always give ourselves to the Lord, and find refuge in him. Not only this but when one does so he learns that the will of God is stronger than a man's.
Favorite Saint: St. John of Vianney |
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 August 2011 21:40 |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 15 August 2011 21:18 |
Juan Carlos Garcia
1st Year College
Seminary: Hispanic Seminary of the Santa Maria of Guadalupe, Mexico City
Ordination Date: 2019
Birth Date: June 24, 1992
Home Parish: St. Juan Diego Catholic Mission, Robbins, NC
High School: North Moore High School, Robbins, NC (Class of 2011)
College: Hispanic Seminary of the Santa Maria of Guadalupe, Mexico City
Hobbies: Tennis, Soccer, Reading, Video Games, hanging out with friends
Who Influenced/Inspired you to Priesthood: Without a doubt Pope Benedict, because of his efforts on ecumenical dialogue. The style of this Pope has made him a very influential person in my life. Another person that has helped me in my vocation would have to be my parish priest, Fr. Bill John Acosta Escobar. His willigness to ensure that people understand their faith, as well as making sure that they live their lifes according to God's commandments.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation: Be patient, when God is calling it takes time to understand what God wants from us. Time clarifies what it is that the Lord desires from us.
Favorite Scripture Passage: Jeremiah 29:11. What I make out of this passage is that the Lord wants us to be happy in a sense that you are at peace with your conscience and with His church. When you do this, you realize the road that God has prepared for you, and what he wants for you, oviously this requires prayer.
Favorite Saint: St. Benedict of Nursia. This monk's humility and devotion for God allowed him to see the road that the Lord had prepared for him, and what was his mission for the church of Christ. Establishing the Benedictine order was the greatest accompishment of his time because it allowed people to seclude themselves from greed and individualism, thus creating a community of God in which one could live his/her life according to the teachings of Jesus, while demonstrating the proper way of combining work and prayer.
Anything else of note you would like to share with the Diocese: I am very human. I love to play sports, especially watching them on tv. I hang out with my friends as much as I can. Also following Christ is not easy, I have understood this already, but I am absolutely sure that Christ will reward all those that preach the gospel and work for the salvation of the people of God. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 August 2011 21:40 |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 15 August 2011 20:00 |
W. Christian Cook
1st Year Pre-Theology
Seminary: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook
Ordination Date: 2017
Birth Date: August 15th
Home Parish: St. Mary, Wilmington, NC
High School: Asheville High School
College: Western Carolina University (BSBA, MPA); University of Dayton School of Law (JD)
Hobbies: Reading, sailing, saltwater fishing, snow skiing, water skiing, soccer, basketball.
Who Influenced/Inspired you to Priesthood: Reading Catholic authors and stories of the lives of the saints showed me that one did not have to be perfect to be called to the Priesthood. Reading Fulton Sheen’s “The Priest is Not His Own,” St. Therese of Lisieux and her “Story of A Soul,” and Thomas Merton’s “The Seven Storey Mountain,” inspired me to open my heart to discern the Priesthood. The example of many holy priests in the Diocese of Raleigh, working as humble servants for the people of God, continues to encourage me daily. And throughout my life, the encouragement of my family has had a tremendous impact on developing my vocation, and my decision to enter the seminary. My parents, Bill and Ursula, built a beautiful family and gave me a strong start by working hard to send me and my siblings, Liesel and David, to Catholic schools. I also must mention my grandfather William Schneider, who had a great devotion to the Holy Rosary during his life. I have carried his Rosary since his death many years ago and I am certain that, because of my grandfather’s devotion, our Blessed Mother has had a great impact on my discernment.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation: I encourage a man who thinks he may have a vocation to the priesthood to open his entire heart to the Lord. If there is even the slightest sense of a call to the priesthood, he must put it at the forefront of his prayer life and our Lord will guide him. After turning himself over to our Lord in prayer, a man must then listen in silence for the whisper of our Lord’s voice.
Favorite Scripture Passage: Relative to discerning a vocation, two passages come to mind. First, a passage from Psalm 4 which is read during Compline after Evening Prayer I on Sundays and Solemnities, says “O men, how long will your hearts be closed, will you love what is futile and seek what is false?” A second passage on which I meditate comes from 1 Kings 19:11, “Then the LORD said, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD--but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire--but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.”
Favorite Saint: St. Therese of Lisieux; St. Maximilian Kolbe; St. John Baptiste-Marie Vianney; St. John of the Cross.
Anything else of note you would like to share with the Diocese: Please know how much your prayers help to sustain your seminarians. Please continue to pray for us daily so that we may, God willing, be ordained into His Holy Priesthood to serve you with the love and humility of Christ Jesus. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 15 August 2011 21:40 |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 03 August 2011 09:48 |
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Please pray for the candidates for religions life from our diocese. Click here to download the list. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 06 August 2011 21:03 |
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