As Christians and as seminarians, service holds a significant role in our lifestyle and our routine. Whether it be serving the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, or serving the elderly of the Little Sisters of the Poor, we aim to carry out the service demonstrated to us by Christ in a variety of ways.
On a winter weekend in January, a few of my brother seminarians joined me on a trip to New York where we had the opportunity to serve Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fifth Avenue is filled with attractions to pull people in different directions. But while looking out to a packed Cathedral, I couldn’t help but be filled with gratitude to God for the unity He has fostered among us. Despite all of the busyness and distractions of Manhattan, these people sought out God in Mass on a Saturday evening. Afterward, my brothers and I were able to speak with many of the churchgoers who had come from all walks of life. Hearing some of their stories and struggles, which they shared so tenderly, allowed us to see just how much we are all in need of God. And these people understood that. They were hungry for the Lord, and they came to Him. As they expressed joyful gratitude to us as seminarians, we were reminded of the importance of serving and the importance of simply being there for others in the same way that Christ was. Connecting with strangers, whom we may never see again, over our common faith in Christ was an enriching experience. It left my brothers and me longing to serve more.
Two months later, in March, the propaedeutic class embarked on a service trip to West Virginia. This nearly week-long trip consisted of serving Masses, going door-to-door spreading the Gospel, delivering furniture to families in need, splitting wood, installing a roof on a family’s home, visiting a local school to discuss vocations, bringing Holy Communion to the sick and elderly, and more. Throughout all of this, Christ was truly made known. In those who had been longing to receive Him in the sacrament of Holy Communion and finally could, in the family who was overwhelmed with relief to finally have furniture again, in the family whose roof we replaced, and in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus remained present, constantly. This was made evident for all of us. As we saw the joy in those we were able to serve, we were filled with admiration for the Lord and all of the work He was able to accomplish. These acts of service were not merely for the good of ourselves but were truly the work of and for the glory of Almighty God.
As I near the end of my first year of formation for the sacred priesthood, I am left with so much more than what I had entered with. Having many experiences to reflect upon, I am reminded of the overall importance of service and its unique way of changing lives. St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Faith in action is love - and love in action is service.” One cannot serve well if he does not love, and one cannot love well if he does not know Christ. May our faith help us to love more, and our love help us to serve more. “Wherever people are suffering, make it your task to serve them.” - Saint John Paul II
Kieran Sullivan is a Propaedeutic Year Seminarian for the Archdiocese of New York