Another Semester Begins

The snow still covers the earth around southern Indiana as seminarians at St. Meinrad look forward to a new semester. Most of us have just returned from Washington, DC for the annual March for Life. Along with just under a half million other people, this seminary gathered in prayer that life would be protected in this country in every way that is possible. Now that we have returned, it is time to set ourselves in preparation for the new semester.

For myself, this semester will bring a new set of exciting classes, and also a quick few months before final oath and deaconate ordination. It will also bring about the need for Glenmary to prepare for its 15th General Chapter. During this event, Glenmarians will move towards discerning God's will for this community, decisions will be made about our future, and a new administration will be elected.

I ask that you would join us in praying the prayer below, that we might be able to open ourselves to God's will.

Prayer for a Fruitful Glenmary Chapter

Loving Father,

As Glenmary prepares for our 15th General Chapter, grant us vision and inspiration to better serve your people in the mission areas of the United States.

You are the Vine Grower. In your wisdom and love, we pray that you will take away every branch in us that does not bear fruit and prune all other branches so that they may bear even more fruit.

Lord Jesus Christ,

You are the true vine and we are the branches. Apart from you we can do nothing. But in union with you and your love, whatever we ask for will be done.

We humbly beg you, therefore, to allow our 15th General Chapter to bear fruit so that those in even the most forgotten and neglected areas of the United States might be fed at your Eucharistic table.

Holy Spirit,

You open the heart and the mind of the Vine Grower's call. You make effective every impetus toward good, toward truth and toward charity. Bring to completion the joy of Jesus in us so that our love may be manifest to all.

Father, Son and Spirit,

Receive with kindness these prayers of your servants for our 15th Chapter. Grant us zeal, generosity, and unity to help us remain faithful to the Gospel and the Mission in which we share.

Amen.