Ministry in Practice: A Graduate’s Reflection on Faith and Formation

In a world that increasingly wants to distance itself from God, I get to spend a fair amount of my time working with those who seek to grow closer to Him. I inherited, among other things in my ministry, the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation) processes for four parishes that ultimately became combined into a regional program. It was daunting but exciting because I had spent a lot of time preparing for this via my previous two years at St. Bernard’s.

I went through the Christian initiation process myself a few years ago, when the process was still known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation). Prior to taking classes at St. Bernard’s, my only formal instruction in the Catholic Faith was my parish’s RCIA program. As important and enriching as that experience was for me, it aimed to teach the basics. In most parishes, the OCIA process is only about seven months. Since those in the process are new to the Catholic Faith and/or have not been catechized previously, they try to give a comprehensive overview in a short time without overwhelming or giving excessive details. I desired to go deeper in learning my faith, both for my own understanding and in the hopes of contributing to the Church’s work of handing it on. It was this desire that led me to enroll at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.

Someone once asked me my favorite thing about studying at St. Bernard’s. My answer was, and still is, that there is something truly beautiful about not just preparing for a degree or career, but being on a journey of transformation. To share the experience with others and even contribute to each other's growth was a wonderful experience. St. Bernard’s combines the study of theology, prayer, and the pursuit of holiness. The professors understand that effective ministry stems from a profound internal transformation, one that allows individuals to authentically represent the love and teachings of Christ in their service to others.

This transformation became more important than I was aware of at the time. Ministry, as God’s work in the world, is not about the tasks we perform or the programs we run. It is about being a representative of Christ in the world. I must become transparent to Christ. Every interaction I have in ministry – whether with parishioners, fellow staff members, or the broader community – serves as a reflection of my faith. This understanding emphasizes that each moment is an opportunity for evangelization and an invitation to witness to the love of God.

St. Bernard’s has a deep understanding of this truth of ministry, and it is integrated into their formation. The curriculum thus emphasizes not only theology, but also pastoral care and spiritual formation, particularly our own. Engaging with the richness of Church teaching and Tradition allowed me to see how deeply interconnected the life of faith is with personal and communal transformation. By embracing these principles, I developed a greater understanding of what it means to be a servant leader in the Church.

My time at St. Bernard’s has provided me with a strong foundation. In my work, I encounter a wide variety of individuals. Each person comes with a unique background, set of circumstances, needs, and personality. Every situation is unique and requires understanding, patience, and flexibility from me. My graduate formation has helped me immensely in navigating unique, and sometimes difficult, situations. I find myself applying the theological insights gained through my education to engage in meaningful and compassionate dialogues.

Even in my postgraduate chapter, St. Bernard’s continues to be a source of enrichment. I enjoy auditing classes and attending retreats. I can continue to expand my knowledge and grow as a person. This growth is of the utmost importance for my continuing work in ministry.