by Connor Schmidt
Archdiocese of Baltimore
3rd College, St. John Paul II Seminary
Two years ago, when I signed up to go on the seminary's mission trip to Jamaica over spring break, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The trip was filled with joy. These men and women may carry heavy crosses, but the reverence they had in the presence of our Lord and the enthusiasm with which they prayed was absolutely inspiring. Their hearts were on fire with the love of Christ.
by Chris Feist
Archdiocese of Washington
4th College, St. John Paul II Seminary
Storytelling is all about our human capacity to enter into communion with others. Storytelling works because we are able to sympathize with characters—to feel what other people feel even without meeting them. The skill of storytelling is vital for a priest. Telling stories is part of everyday conversation, but also, in a certain sense, the whole job of the priest is to make visible present truths and realities that are not immediately visible, drawing people in to a place where they can encounter Christ.