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From our Pastoral Intern Eben MacDonald
It seems like only yesterday that I stood in front of you at Mass to
introduce myself and now the time has come for me to say farewell. I can
safely say this has been the fastest ten months of my life! During my
introduction I said that the seminary can teach me theology but it is
the people who will teach me how to be a priest. I have learned so much
from watching the priests, deacons, the parish staff, and many dedicated
lay volunteers who give of themselves so freely to carry out the work of
the parish. I have also learned a great deal from talking to you, the
wonderful people of this parish. You opened up your lives and your homes
to me and I am deeply grateful. It has been a true blessing to be part
of this community during the past ten months. I have been overwhelmed by
the generosity and hospitality the people of Sacred Heart have shown to
me. This has felt like home. While departing will be a sad occasion for
me, I am happy because my family has gotten bigger! I will carry the
people of Sacred Heart in my heart forever and that bond will never be
broken.
And now I must focus on what lies ahead: the transition back to the
seminary for two more years of challenging studies to prepare for
ordination to the priesthood. While I know it will be difficult, after
this wonderful experience of parish life I will return to the seminary
with fresh energy and vigor and a renewed sense of purpose. I now have
greater clarity of my ministerial gifts and where I still need to grow,
and I have a greater sense of what I am preparing for. I now have a
concrete context to bring to my continued studies. It’s no longer just
theory. I look forward to continuing my studies and I especially look
forward to my ordination and beginning full-time ministry as a priest
for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Please keep me and my brother
seminarians in your prayers and know you will be in my prayers!
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