Ministry to the Community at Philosophy House
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May 2, 2023Just like other college students, we postulants at the formation house in the Bronx have been busy preparing for finals, but the formation program also gives us the unique opportunity to minister to the community.
Each of us are split into groups and given particular roles to fulfill as the ministry aims to serve different needs. Dominick and Son volunteer with the Sisters of Charity, cooking and distributing food to those in need. They provide for the physiological needs of the poor and take care of those who have trouble taking care of themselves.
Aside from keeping the body healthy, Cody's and Dang's ministry keeps the mind healthy through teaching others the catechism. In this increasingly secular world, where many young people need guidance and are in danger of straying away from God. Cody and Dang’s teachings help support these young individuals to better understand their faith and live out what they learn.
Andrew, Andy, and I have been participating in the hope walk along with Marty, Mary Ann, Al, and Tony. For those who may be unfamiliar with it, the Hope Walk involves walking around The Bronx and fervently praying with the most destitute, offering a warm embrace to those in dire need of affection, and giving them some food.
One man approached me and confided that we, as a group, made him feel human again, as most people just passed by him without a second glance. His words resonate deeply with me and remind me each day to care for those in need.
Having been in the Bronx for three and a half years, I must admit that the Hope Walk has been a transformative experience for me, teaching me the importance of appreciating the subtle blessings in life. Overall, the ministry gives us postulants a chance to give back to the community while learning how to love through our service, more and more each day.
Another important aspect of our ministry is that it has helped us to learn that we are not alone. The fruits of these ministries come from the collective efforts of the community, of the many lay folks who have supported and continue to offer a helping hand. These small acts of kindness encourage us and drive us forward to be Christ’s hands and feet.
In fact, last week, Marty gave us some seats to a Yankees game where my brothers and I had some bonding time together. These little blessings from our heavenly Father help us grow as a community and make the work we do possible. These past three and a half years have taught me a lot about entrusting everything to the hand of God. Community life has shown me a way to grow closer to Christ together as we help each other be ourselves and to embrace the gifts God has placed in each one of us.
My experiences with teaching catechism, doing ministry alongside the Franciscans, and doing hope-walk have motivated me to take the leap of faith and to trust in God totally with what he has planned for me.
As the end of the school year approaches, finals week will start this upcoming Wednesday. After finals week, we will be going to a student gathering in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where we will meet up with other Redemptorist students from all over the North American provinces.
Hopefully this gathering will strengthen the familial bonds of our Redemptorist family and help us better serve God’s people. After the student gathering, Andy, Dominick, and I will be heading back to our hometown before we prepare to enter into our Novitiate, a one year period of praying and discernment before receiving our vows, while Andrew, Cody, Son, and Dang will head to their summer ministry.
Despite all the bumps in the road during these past three and a half years, formation with the Redemptorists has also made me stronger and more confident in who I am. I really, truly miss The Bronx formation house next year as I head off to Novitiate. I would like to say a big Thank you and show gratitude to my formators, fellow brothers, family, and all who have been along on this path to support and love me. May God and Our Mother of Perpetual Help bestow their graces upon you always. We will be praying for all of you.
Please pray for us as we each strive to live up to God’s calling and follow his will. In life, there will always be a cross for us to carry, and regardless of what path we decide to take, there will always be a cross, but God will never give you a cross that is too heavy for you to carry. God's plans are always bigger than ours, so let us trust in him. Pax Christi!
