This year, I spent my summer on assignment at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Fort Wayne. It was an unusual assignment because of the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and everything else that has happened in the last few months. Many of the ministerial experiences I had anticipated doing disappeared; including communion calls to the sick or elderly, visiting nursing homes and hospitals, popping in on classrooms at the school, and even simply seeing an unmasked parishioner. Entering the assignment, I did not know what to expect and wondered if this could even be a fruitful experience. Despite these doubts, the Lord found ways to break through and pour Himself into my summer.

            Even amidst all of the unknown, the regulations, and craziness resulting from the pandemic, two constants remained. The first is Jesus, ever present and pouring himself out through the sacraments. The second is the people of God, members of the Body of Christ, who allow Christ to be seen and known through them.

            I was able to partake in the Sacramental life of the Church more this summer than I ever have before. In addition to serving at daily Mass and several weekend Masses, I served many funeral Masses, a couple of weddings, and assisted at some Baptisms over my weeks at St. Charles. Through these celebrations, regular participation in the sacrament of penance, and daily prayer before our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, Christ has been working to transform my heart to grow in a desire to know Him more, as well as a desire for the priesthood.

            Not only was the Lord working through his Sacraments, but he poured himself forth through his people. There are countless scenarios where I saw Christ manifested in the people that were placed in front of me. One common occurrence was my interaction with parishioners before and after Mass. People would introduce themselves and make small talk with me. Their joy, genuine care, and concern for me touched my heart. Another common occurrence was my interaction with the parish staff. Each day I was greeted by loving members of the Body of Christ who were striving to make the Kingdom of God manifest on earth. I spent an ample amount of time with the pastor. He would never fail to display genuine kindness to all those he interacted with, no matter the situation. This was an inspiration to me and a true example of how someone trying to conform their life to the Lord should love others.

            My most fulfilling summer assignment experience was youth ministry. We met with the kids in a variety of different ways, including canoeing trips, Bible studies, kickball games, and discernment retreats. It was beautiful to see so many young people excited about their faith and on fire with their love for the Lord and one another. Witnessing this gave me a sense of hope for how Christ can transform and be made manifest through people’s lives even amid so much darkness in the world. Jesus will find a way to shine his light and love through the world and touch people’s hearts.

            God touched my heart during the ten weeks of my assignment through these various interactions with his infinite love. I was able to see how truly beautiful the Church and her people are in a way that I had not seen before. A priest pours himself out completely for Christ and his Church and brings Jesus to the people of God through his life and the sacraments.