“This is a bittersweet time — of appreciation and celebration but also a moment of farewell,” Fr. Bud Stevens began at the start of the end-of-year Mass. Indeed, after a year of formation adventures, challenges, and personal growth in community, parting from our six deacon graduates – who will disperse to as many different states – will be difficult. But in their new ministries they will carry the prayers of their formators and friends who remain in their hearts. In addition, four men will be going on pastoral year, and were recognized with a special rite of blessing (see below the photo gallery) during the Mass, as workers in the vineyard, sent to build up the faith, hope, and love of God’s people.
Acknowledging the patronage of the saint of the day on May 2, Saint Athanasius the Great, the rector’s homily on the multiplication of the fish and loaves highlighted that this Gospel passage points to the deepest purposes of the seminary. “You too are called to be multiplied and distributed. The one priesthood of Jesus Christ is to be your vocation, God willing, to be lived out with the same intentionality to feed those who have nothing, those who are experiencing a spiritual famine, a desert in their heart. Your eyes will be like those of Christ, looking out upon his multitude with compassion. You too are meant to feed them not with ordinary food, but food that can only come from heaven, provided by Jesus Christ himself.” Fr. Stevens reminded those present that, as St. John Paul II instructed in Pastores Dabo Vobis, “the Eucharist is not something we do; it has to be something we are.” To be a priest is to be consumed by the needs of others, to allow oneself to live Eucharistically, to spread one’s heart to the countless multitude who need the love of God. He concluded, “It gives me great hope and confidence that this work, this distribution of the one priesthood in Christ will be entrusted to you men. St. Athanasius, pray for us!”
The celebratory banquet that followed was one of thanksgiving, as Student Government president Deacon Daniel Roberts (Pittsburgh) expressed: “Our hearts are full of gratitude for a year of many blessings, and we are thankful for the knowledge gained, friendships formed, faith deepened, and all the gifts continually provided by God. May he give us the grace to distribute these blessings to others!” Deacon Dan later passed the president’s gavel to the new SGA president for the 2025-26 academic and formation year, Deacon Stephen Parker (St. Augustine), who enthusiastically accepted the transfer of responsibilities. The evening’s conclusion included announcement of the Class of 2025 gift. Deacon Andrew Clarke (Richmond), class representative, presented the carefully considered designs for new vestments that the class has ordered for TC Mass celebrants. The student body, amplifying the spirit of gratitude, also recognized the 25th anniversary of ordination for their rector, surprising Fr. Bud with a special cake and gift certificate to put toward his literary interests.
May the Lord rejuvenate our seminarians, student priests, and faculty during a restful and fruitful summer!
Rite of Blessing for Pastoral Year Ministries
In your loving kindness, Almighty Father,
you sent your Son to be our shepherd and guide.
Continue to send workers into your vineyard
to build up the faith, hope, and love of your people.
Look kindly upon these, our brothers
whom we bless and send forth
to deepen their sense of priestly ministry
and to grow in priestly identity through a pastoral year.
Guide their steps with your mighty arm;
strengthen them in spirit
so that they will not falter in their zeal
to serve you through their service to others
in the parishes to which they are sent.
Make their words the echo of Christ’s voice.
Allow their acts of pastoral charity
to manifest our Savior’s hands.
Grant them the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in all they do.
Upon return, may they become leaven
for us who remain behind,
supporting them with our prayers.
May their experience become a source of renewal
through which we deepen our commitment
to adore you in every action
to serve your Holy Church in every deed.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.