Flocknote

June 2022

In this email we bring you our continuing monthly series of blogs written by our seminarians. We hope you find their writings spiritually uplifting and educational.

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land

Emiliano in the River Jordan during the Holy Land Trip

Emiliano with a lamb in the Holy Land

When I first heard about the opportunity of going to the Holy Land, I remember asking myself what it would be like to travel outside of the United States. Growing up I’d never been on a plane nor traveled to a different country or continent. The day came for my first ever flight and I knew I was about to take a big step. When we were taking off, I was happy and excited to see the landscapes of other countries. What really brought a smile to my face was stepping foot in a different country for the first-time, Germany. Ja! Das ist perfekt! (Yes! That’s perfect) We had a layover in Munich before heading to Tel Aviv. By the time we made it to Tel Aviv I was very happy to have made it safely.

Looking back at all the places we went as pilgrims, I realize now that there’s always a bigger picture to events that took place in the Gospels. We also learned about the history and architecture that surround those places. Going to each location made me feel like I was living in these moments that happened in the Gospels. From going to the Church of St. Anne where it’s believed to be the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary was born, to the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended to heaven, I realize now that these locations and events all have a physical site but also remain a mystery that can’t be explained.

Going to the Holy Land was more than just a big adventure, it was a blessing. I hope I can go again in the future and walk in Jesus’s footsteps once more. For anyone who is reading this, I highly recommend that you go one day and experience walking where Jesus walked. Go to every location that is described in the Gospels. Most of all, take it all as a blessing.

Emiliano Enriquez de Alva is a Bruté seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and a member of the Class of 2025.

Learn about Emiliano

Congratulations Bruté Class of 2022

Congratulations to the Bruté seniors who graduated on May 7, 2022. All eight will be attending major seminary in the fall to continue their formation for the priesthood!

Anthony Brandt, Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Nicholas Emsing, Diocese of Gary

Kristofer Garlitch, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Phillip Gorrell, Diocese of Springfield, IL

Sam Hansen, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Noah Isch, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Evrard Muhoza, Archdiocese of Louisville

Khaing Thu, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

The senior class presented this beautiful statue of St. Benedict to the seminary, in honor of the late Fr. Justin DuVall.

The Bishop Simon Bruté Society

The Bishop Simon Bruté Society was established on the 10th anniversary of the founding of Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary to honor the people who generously support the seminary with financial contributions.

Members of the Bishop Simon Bruté Society contribute a $1,000 or more annually to the seminary and are recognized in the fall issue of our printed newsletter, The Bishop Simon Bruté Focus. Be sure to make your contribution before June 30, 2022 to be included in the next Honor Roll of Donors.

Bishop Bruté Days

Bishop Bruté Days (July 5-7, 2022) is a retreat for young men, grades 9-12 the following school year, who are seeking to grow closer to Christ, and may be open to the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood. The retreat gives young men the opportunity to spend three days with the Bruté college seminarians learning about prayer, service, scripture, and the awesome gift of our Catholic faith.

Bishop Bruté Days Jr. (Thursday, July 7, 2022) is a one day experience for young men who are in junior high (7th & 8th grade). It is designed to focus more on general discernment and serve as an introduction to Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary.

If know a young man that might be interested in attending either of these events, more information can be found here.

Gift Acceptance Policies

Throughout time, individuals have made all manner of gifts to charity – from stocks to property, grain, vehicles and more. Such donations can greatly benefit the charity of their choice. However, it is important to note that one man’s treasure may not be what the charity needs or can accept.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis and all its entities are governed by a Gift Acceptance Policy and must follow requirements for appraisal of the potentially donated property.

If you are thinking of a gift of property to benefit your favorite parish, school, agency or Archdiocesan ministry, it is best to first contact the organization to determine if your gift can be accepted. For more information, please contact Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) at ccf@archindy.org or 317-236-1482.