January 2020
In this email we bring you our continuing monthly series of blogs written by our seminarians. We hope you find their writings to be spiritually uplifting and educational.
When I was asked to write this blog, I was pretty surprised given I’ve only been here for three months. First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Joe Allaire and I am from the town of Miamisburg, OH, just a little south of Dayton. I love to play basketball, ride my bike, and learn about World War II. My family consists of my Mom, Dad, my older brother Matt, and my younger sister Kate. I also have a massive extended family with about 50 first cousins and many more second cousins. And that is who this article is all about.
My family has played a huge part in my vocation story through their devotion to God, discipline, and support of my discernment. Growing up, going to Mass on Sunday was never an option. I can remember many mornings when I would dread getting out of bed to dress up and go to church. I always seem to get stomach aches and was getting signed up to serve, but I didn’t understand what exactly was going on half the time. Luckily, my Mom and Dad set a precedent that we set aside the first fruits of our Sunday time for the Lord. Over time, I grew to understand through school, my parents, and general maturity that something very important was happening on that altar. Something really special was taking place right in front of me. I became thankful for my Mom and Dad setting an example of devotion to the Eucharist and getting us to Mass every week. We were not just going to a tall-ceilinged building and singing songs from a book. Rather, we were worshipping the Creator of the Universe and receiving His Presence into our bodies. I would never have come to this knowledge if they had not taken us to Mass because the “football game was on or it was too early.” They helped me to better understand the Mass and begin a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, something for which I will ever be grateful.
Second, my family nurtured my vocation by setting high standards for how myself and my siblings and I should act and speak. From the days of my Mom’s apple cider vinegar I can remember learning how to think before I talked. That’s a part of my personality I am still working on today! My Dad taught me how to put effort into my work by having Saturdays be a workday outside instead of a “do nothing video game day.” Of course, I always hated those workdays until one day when I realized my Dad had instilled a work ethic in me, which I am obligated to maintain and grow. These have nurtured my vocation because I feel more than capable of working hard at whatever task God wills for me and confronting my personality when needed.
Last, I am eternally grateful to my family for supporting my decision to enter college seminary. I have been discerning priesthood since I was a kid, but when you apply, it makes it much more real. My siblings were especially helpful in this time when it would be so easy to just blow off “that crazy brother thinking about being a priest.” Thankfully, they verbally supported me, and I know deep down they want the best for me. Especially during this time of year, family is so close and relevant. I looked forward to seeing all my extended family, but more so, I looked forward to spending time with my Mom, Dad, and siblings. In this season when God Himself enters our lives in a special way, I am thankful for my own family and all families who have supported their sons at Bruté, because without them, I would not have such incredible brothers as I do today.
Joe Allaire is a Bruté seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and is a member of the Class of 2023.
For more information
- To inquire about seminarian admissions or to arrange a tour of Brute Seminary, contact Sr. Sharon Kuhn, OSB, administrative coordinator, at skuhn@archindy.org or call 317-924-4100.
- If you wish to contact Brute Seminary Rector Fr. Joe Moriarty, you can reach him at jmoriarty@archindy.org or call 317-924-4100.
- To inquire about donating to Brute Seminary, please contact Kimberly Pohovey, director of Mission Advancement, at kpohovey@archindy.org or call 317-236-1568.