Summer Seminarians
Each year as we add seasonal positions, we reserve 2 or 3 positions for seminarians. This practice meets several objectives: We typically get good, dedicated summer help, the seminarians get some practical experience in what it takes to operate a cemetery and minister to families who come to visit, and the seminarians are able to earn money to cover some of the expenses they incur in college. This year, through the coordination of Rev. Andrew Roza, Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Omaha, we had three exceptional young men join us. In the photo from left to right: Nathan Steffens (Michigan) Isaac Ostdiek (Columbus, NE) and Caleb Kosch (Columbus, NE). All three attended their first year of college seminary at St. John Vianney Seminary in Minnesota, where Rev. Joseph Taphorn (from Omaha, and a former member of our board of directors) is the Rector. Each seminarian proved to be a great asset as they worked their muscles and got dirt under their fingernails. Besides the physical labor, we also had each seminarian spend a day in the office to experience ministering to families in grief, and to be present at several committals. We were really pleased when Nathan stepped forward to utilize his fluent Spanish skills with one of our guest families. As these young men got ready to go back to school, we held a “food day” to thank not only these three, but all of the summer temporaries who helped us through this hot summer. Please pray for these seminarians as they continue to discern their calling.
Blessings … Deacon Dan