Seminary and Blogging

I've neglected this blog, as life has been too hectic for what seems to be a self indulgence. As my journey towards ordination accelerates, this may prove to be a good place to consolidate my thoughts.

My first course starts in September, just three days after my wife has major surgery. To prepare myself, I am reading the course material ahead of time. Between her care, getting the girls to school, and my job I will need a head start on the course work. I cannot afford a poor grade.

Prayer Books suited for the Daily Offices

One challenge I face is reading (praying) my Daily Offices.  I do not easily form new habits, and the less convenient this habit is, the less likely my success.  Reading the Anglican Office involves a copy of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, the King James Version of the Holy Bible, and the Apocrypha.  Until recently, the essentials (my copies) were in three volumes.

Reasoning that if the Offices were in a single book I would be more likely to perform my duty, I began searching for alternatives. Some help from some learned friends on a Yahoo group, some help from my Rector, and finally some technological help have left me with no excuses!

Details to follow....

Provincial Synod

I was privileged to be able to attend our Provincial Synod in Richmond this last week.  I have attended Diocesan Synods, but this was my first Provincial. 

It was nice putting faces to some of the names I know, speaking with some very interesting and learned folk.

However, I must admit that I find the politics distasteful.  I understands the need to deal in administrative matters - that is the purpose of a Synod - but the infighting, the lack of charity... well, words fail me. 

It just seems best that I am called to assist at the altar, and to pray for those who must deal with these other matters.

The 1550 Book of Common Prayer Noted

This link is to a Google Books scan of the 1550 BCP, noted by Merbecke, and reprinted in 1840 by Marbeck. This is not Google's best scan, but it is worth a look. The Book of Common Prayer is remarkable in its richness; singing the prayers and psalms adds a lot to the experience. Not many churches hold sung services like Morning Prayer any longer. Not enough time in the day for most folks, I suppose. Still, I would like to see some effort made to revive the practice.

Fulton Sheen

I've known of Archbishop Sheen for many years. I recall seeing some of his broadcasts when I was young, and was re-introduced to him recently. My Rector gave me a copy of "The Priest is Not His Own" to aid me in understanding the shift in thinking that accompanies a call to Holy Orders. It is an excellent book, but somewhat unsettling for a fellow somewhat set in his ways, anticipating retirement, and, frankly, who had never before considered this type of life.

At any rate, a good book, and it led me to research a bit more. Here, then, is a fantastic library of talks by Sheen; some free, some available for purchase. Well worth a look.

PBS and religion

This is a dated story, but evidently PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), as it is partially funded through taxes (yeah, part of the "Listener Support" is taxation) has decided they will no longer carry religious programs. Mass for shut-ins, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, that sort of thing. Some affiliates will continue with existing programs, but there will be no more new religious or "(pure) spiritual content" programs.

Well... that is, except for the Wayne Dyer new age spiritualism that masquerades as fund raising specials - and that also sell a lot of his books and videos. Oh, and let's not forget Deepak Chopra and his eastern mysticism and daily devotions. And....

Fact is, if the Daily Mass raised as much for PBS as do these spiritualists and mystics, there would be no question that PBS would encourage the program. But the Mass does not lend itself to fund raising efforts. Bye bye, Daily Mass. Bye bye, Christian programming. Bye Bye, PBS.

Getting Serious

The Diocesan Commission on Ministry met, and has decided on a course of study. My education thus far has been largely self-guided, using recommendations from our Bishop. I hope to begin a more structured educational process now.

The challenge for the Bishop and the Commission is in how to handle an old fart candidate like myself. If I were younger, a degree followed by seminary training would be the natural course. If my kids were older or out of the house (which would be the case for many men my age) then seminary work in the evenings would work. In my case, with my home school schedule during the days, and work (as unprofitable as that has been this last year) in the evenings and at night, time for formal schooling is limited - not to mention the costs, which would be prohibitive at this time.

Since I am a candidate only for the deaconate, my educational requirements will not be as strict as they would be for someone going on to the priesthood. Still, the Bishop and the Commission want to make sure that their clergy are properly formed, and in light of some past ordinations I think it wise.

It is a bit frustrating, but I doubt God would have given me a calling without also providing a way for me to fulfill His calling. It will happen at the time He chooses, not on my schedule.