As the school year started, I was nervous to get back, with many questions running through my head: will I still find a lasting peace at SJV? will my friends and brothers? what will the new guys be like?

The answer to all of them, thankfully, rests in Jesus Christ, our king who provides eternal peace. Yes, I still find myself very much at home here, and the first month back has already brought a great number of joys. Among them, a few stand out:

First, I was able to visit with a priest who was on staff at SJV last year at his newly-assigned parish, where he asked us to serve one of a Sunday Mass.

Second was our class's beginning of the year silent retreat at a Franciscan center outside of the twin cities... much needed "calm before the storm" -- the beginning of the year is a hectic one.

Next was my visit home at the beginning of the month for the wedding of my cousin, which I was asked to serve. It was so nice getting to participate in the liturgy of their sacrament and then spend time celebrating it with them and our whole family afterwards!

Last was Father Troy's brief visit to the Twin Cities. Although he was up to celebrate the funeral Mass of a beloved friend, he offered to stay a few days afterwards to spend time with Peter, myself, and the rest of the Grand Rapids seminarians. It was such a treat for the two of us to have our priest come and live the "SJV Life" for a couple of days.

All in all, it has been a great one filled with the same things as last year: peace, prayer, and the abundant joy of fraternity. I look forward to being home later in the fall, but am excited for the weeks and months to come as the school year moves along.

Here are a few pictures of what I (we) have been up to:

One month in...

Season of Hope

First become good sons...