April 2024
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.
Easter, a time to reflect on the growth of Lent
Now that I am entering the season of Easter, I like to take this time to reflect on the growth I gained throughout the season of Lent. It’s a time for me to rejoice in reminding myself that Christ gave us the gift of salvation so that we can all be with Him in Heaven. Lent was a time for me to look into myself on what I do that draws me away from being close to God.
After thought and prayer, my conscience gave me the answer on what I should fast from for Lent this year. I decided to fast from listening to music by my favorite artist. It was a challenge since it is something I enjoy doing. I later came to realize that my conscience made me give that up for a much deeper reason. It was more than just the over-listening to music that the Holy Spirit wanted me to look at.
I am very thankful that we have the season of Lent because without it, we could forget that there are things from this world that draw us away from God. I am looking forward to seeing how much Lent has transformed me as I enter the season of Easter. One of the things I plan to do this Easter is to remind myself that getting close to God is something we must do not just during Lent, but every day. It won’t be an easy task, but it is an opportunity for me to grow in relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ.
To put a close to this reflection, I would like for you to reflect on your season of Lent. Consider asking yourself about the growth you gained during Lent this year. What are the graces you gained? Through the three things that we do during Lent (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving), which of the three did you grow in the most? This season is more than just a time to celebrate that Our Lord has Risen from the dead but for us to also be glad that we have become self-aware of what has drawn us away from God. Know of my prayers for you this Easter and please continue to pray for me.
Emiliano Enriquez de Alva is a Bruté seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and a member of the Class of 2025.
Shop the Bruté store
Do you want some Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary branded clothing? Thanks to Catholic Concepts, parent company of Sock Religious, you can now shop the Bruté store. Click here to visit the store and purchase your Bruté gear today.
Biography of Bishop Bruté
Would you like to learn more about the life of Bishop Simon Bruté? Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, O.S.B, wrote a short biography on the first bishop of Indiana.
If you would like a free copy, please reach out to Ellen Sanders at esanders@archindy.org or (317) 236-1501.
If you would like a free copy, please reach out to Ellen Sanders at esanders@archindy.org or (317) 236-1501.
Using your retirement fund for giving
A qualified charitable distribution from an IRA is a well-established and popular way to give. If you are 70½ or older, this option allows you to make a charitable gift and satisfy your annual required minimum distribution (if one is due) without paying taxes. Whether you want to make a gift of $100, $1,000 or $100,000 (the maximum annual aggregate amount allowed), this is a simple, effective way to make a difference, meet your annual distribution requirements, and enjoy tax benefits. To make a gift from your IRA to any Archdiocesan parish, school or ministry, please complete this form to let us know of your intentions.
Making a Beneficiary Designation
One of the easiest ways to blend gift planning with retirement planning is to name a parish, school or ministry as the beneficiary of your retirement plan.
As the primary, contingent or partial beneficiary, your favorite Catholic cause receives the retirement funds upon your death. Simply consult your retirement plan custodian to update your beneficiary using their easy online form.
For more information, please contact CCF at 317-236-1482 or CCF@archindy.org.
Check out our new video about formation at Bruté
Bishop Simon Bruté Giving Society save the date
Your gift of $1,000 or more will recognize you as a member of the Bishop Simon Bruté Giving Society. Members will receive special gifts and experiences. At each level, all previous level benefits are included.
- Bishop Chartrand Circle with gifts of $1,000 - $2,499 will receive a Bruté Prayer Journal.
- Cardinal Ritter Circle with gifts of $2,500 - $4,999 will be invited to Sunday Mass on May 19, 2024 at the seminary followed by donuts and coffee.
- Archbishop O’Meara Circle with gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 will be invited to Evening Prayer and Mass in March 2025 with the seminarians followed by a light dinner at the seminary.
- Archbishop Buechlein Circle with gifts of $10,000 and above will be invited to the spring semester opening Mass on January 5, 2025 at the seminary with Archbishop Thompson followed by a light breakfast.
2024 Bishop Bruté Days- NEW DATES
Updated Dates
Bishop Bruté Days (July 8-10, 2024) 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 11, 2024) is a one-day experience for young men who are in junior high (7th and 8th grade). It is designed to focus more on general discernment and serve as an introduction to Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary.
If you know a young man that might be interested in attending either of these events, more information and registration can be found here.
Castle Nights
Castle Nights are opportunities for high school men to join the Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary community for prayer, meal, and conversation with our college seminarians.
The next Castle Night will be held on April 17, 2024
If you know a young man who might be interested in attending, more information and registration can be found here.
Pray for our Seminarians
Please pray for our Bruté Seminarians. Find a printable version of this prayer card on our website.
Follow us on Facebook at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary
Follow us on Instagram at
For more information
- If you wish to contact Bruté Rector Fr. Joe Moriarty, you can reach him at jmoriarty@archindy.org or call 317-924-4100.
- To inquire about donating to Bruté, please contact Ellen Sanders at esanders@archindy.org or call 317-236-1501.