| Gordon: |
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When did
you first realize that you may had a vocation, with whom did
you discuss it and what was there advice? |
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| Brother Steve: |
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I first
began exploring my vocation when I was in the latter years
of High School. I talked with my pastor and Spiritual
Director at my high school and they directed my to our local
diocese. I entered seminary right out of high school |
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| Gordon: |
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What
interested you in joining the Capuchin order? |
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| Brother Steve: |
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While in
college seminary for my diocese, I realized that I was very
drawn to communal life and ministry… I enjoyed our communal
prayers and meals, etc… and wanted that to be a part of my
vocation. The Capuchins had long been part of the Catholic
community where I was grew up, so I contacted them! |
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| Gordon: |
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Where
do you attend seminary and what were some of the more
challenging courses that your took? |
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| Brother Steve: |
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I went to
college seminary in Winona, MN at Saint Mary
University/Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. I did my
theology in Chicago at Catholic Theological Union, which is
a seminary/Theology school run by 28 men’s religious
communities (including our own). There were many
challenging courses… especially philosophy, which only
really began to appreciate once I began graduate level
theology! I completed my Master of Divinity and Master
of Arts in Theology in 2003. |
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| Gordon: |
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In
what Province do your serve? |
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| Brother Steve |
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I am
a member of the Capuchin
Province of Saint Joseph, also known as the “Calvary
Province” in the Midwest United States. |
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| Brother Steve: |
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As often
happens, I have many and varied roles that seem to be
ever-changing! I was appointed our vocation director one
year ago in June 2016. As I will also now be working with
our student (post-novitiate) friars in Chicago and will
serve as our Provincial Vicar for the next three years, I
will have two brothers assisting me with vocation
recruitment. There is much to do, so the extra help will
make us even more effective in reaching out to young men
interested in our Capuchin Franciscan way of life. |
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| Gordon: |
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How
can social media be used to interested people in vocations? |
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| Brother Steve: |
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We
use social media widely to spread our name and charism. I
am blessed to have talented people who know how to best use
this valuable resource to help with vocations… by showing
how we live and work as men of the Gospel! The helps, along
with other things, to plan seeds for possible growth in
vocations… it makes us visible to a wider “audience”. |
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| Gordon: |
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What
can parishes to to promote more interest in vocations? |
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| Brother Steve: |
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Parishes
and other ministries can talk about vocations openly,
encourage people to realize a vocational calling and
assist… I think a lot of that is being done but there is
room for a lot more… those interested in a religious
vocation need someone to walk with them and encourage them |
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| Gordon: |
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Could
you comment on the upcoming beatification of
Brother Solanus Casey, OFM Cap? |
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| Brother Steve: |
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I spent the first five years of full-time
ministry after final profession/ordination at the Solanus
Casey Center in Detroit… the beatification of Fr Solanus is
such a blessing for our Church, as his message of humbly
trusting in the goodness of God can reach so many thousands
more… I have seen the effect of his example and prayers in
the lives of so many people in wonderful and miraculous
ways… He wants to pray for us! He knows God is already
ready to help and heal and love us! |
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| Gordon: |
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Do you know of any members of
your order that may have a
Capuchin Monkey as a pet? |
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