CHARLOTTE — St. Joseph College Seminary students were welcomed to Our Lady of Consolation Church March 31.
The parish visit, part of the college seminary’s program of study for the young men who are discerning a priestly vocation, included a “Harambee” Mass and a question-and-answer session about vocations afterwards. Parishioner James Johnson IV, a student at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and an Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 172, was also introduced as an applicant to the college seminary program for this fall.
Johnson said he helped Father Basile Sede, pastor, arrange the college seminarians’ visit to help the young men get to know where he comes from and to experience a different celebration of the liturgy than what they may be used to.
Also, he noted, “I wanted them to see the potential church they might one day be assigned to and to see that there is a diverse and vibrant parish in Charlotte that unites the amazing celebration of the liturgy of the Eucharist along with the traditions of African and African-American heritage.”
Johnson said he also hoped the visit would better acquaint his fellow parishioners with the college seminary. He had not told many at the parish of his application to St. Joseph College Seminary and his discernment to the priesthood, he said, as he “did not know how to tell over 550 families.” But Father Matthew Buettner, House Spiritual Director to St. Joseph College Seminary, announced during his homily that Johnson had applied to the program.
“At first I was worried and did not know what to do or say,” Johnson said later. “But as the day went on, I began to realize that it was the Lord’s will that it be announced.”
In his homily, Father Buettner recalled serving at Our Lady of Consolation Parish when he was a seminarian 20 years earlier. That summer assignment, he said, left a lasting impression on him – especially the parish’s focus on hospitality to all, and he was grateful for the opportunity to return “full circle” as a priest bringing seminarians with him.
The “Harambee” Mass, inspired by the Kenyan tradition of community self-help efforts, featured a reflection about “Harambee” and “the little guy” written by parishioner Toni Tupponce along with special music and presentation of the offertory gifts in the African tradition. “Harambee” means “all pull together” in Swahili.
The reflection stated, in part, “How often have we heard that the “little guy” or the marginalized just can’t get a break? ... Remarkably, God doesn’t seek the biggest, the richest, the most powerful, the most highly connected, and the one with the lightest complexion to anoint – even as king. ... Family, when we are unclear of who we really are – because we believe those who we perceive to be more powerful, pious, prestigious and prosperous – we are as blind as the sightless ones cured by Jesus. Here on this corner of Statesville Avenue, we can choose to believe that we will be overcome by the changes all around us or – together – we can be the powerful beloved community that God put here to bless this community in all ways possible. We must ultimately recognize that our culture is our beauty and our diversity is our strength. We are most powerful when we acknowledge that we need each other to survive and that, as a community, we can thrive.”
After Mass, St. Joseph College Seminary students talked about the program of formation and their personal discernment to a priestly vocation, particularly the importance of daily prayer.
The ability to relate to people from different backgrounds and life experiences was a primary topic of the discussion. As future priests, some parishioners noted, these young men need to gain an appreciation for the challenges many African Americans and others have to face – particularly racism.
Seminary student José Palma Torres, who came to the United States from Mexico as a child of an undocumented immigrant, agreed, but noted that issues including racism have to be viewed in the light of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Following Christ means joining in solidarity with others who suffer, he said.
“Christ Himself suffered injustice,” he said. “We can relate ourselves in some way with Christ.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, Editor
Pictured: St. Joseph College Seminary students and their spiritual advisor Father Matthew Buettner visited Our Lady of Consolation Parish March 31. They are pictured with pastor Father Basile Sede and Deacon Curtiss Todd. (Travis Burton | Catholic News Herald)