First Week of Classes at Franciscan

I am currently sitting in the John Paul II Library. I have been in here for the past 3 1/2 hours reading. I should really be reading Dei Verbum for Sr. Johanna's class, but I have been playing on Facebook. I will be up late tonight reading that Vatican II document as well as 20 pages in another book about the history of Vatican II. This is life here at FUS when your studying theology at the graduate level.  

We just finished our first week of classes. Let me say - WHOA! My "WHOA" has a dualistic meaning to it. First, my classes just ROCK of orthodoxy. They are really amazing and my professors are just spectacular. Franciscan is such a holy and Catholic institution. The second meaning is that I have so much reading ahead of me that the Tommy Perna of old is now gone. I was once a fun guy in a previous life (2 weeks ago), but since I am now in this program, my attitude has switched to study, study, study. I am not complaining, but making an observation. The primary reason I am here at FUS is to attain my Masters in Theology. 

My classes are as followed: Teachings of Vatican II (Fr. Dan Patee, TOR), Principles of Biblical Study I - Old Testament (Dr. John Bergsma [this class is great because Dr. Bergsma is very funny]), Catechetics (Sr. M Johanna Paruch), and Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis (Bob Rice). 

Please pray for me this semester! All my family and friends back in Phoenix and around the globe are in my prayers.  Pax! 

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Wow! That is all I can say for my first week living in Steubenville. Classes begin on Tuesday (August 26th) and I find myself feeling like a Pavlovian Dog. All the new graduate students are chomping at the bit to begin classes as well. There is so much to write that I can't find the time to keep this blog current. I am excited for my four classes: Vatican II, Catechesis, Scripture - Heart of Catechesis, and PBS 1 (Old Testament). I have my books now and ready to go. Look for a new Blog on Tuesday or Wednesday explaining my first days of school.  

On a personal note, I am making lots of new friends here at Franciscan. There are so many new friends, I can barely remember all of their names. I can clearly say that this is where God wants me to be at this time in my life. College life and the whole campus environment is such a blast. On Friday, we had the Oath of Fidelity Mass here at Franciscan. This is where the new professors profess their fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic faith and promise not to teach against it. It was an amazing Mass with the Bishop of Steubenville, Most Rev. Daniel Conlon.  This Mass was only the tip of spiritual iceberg that I will experience here at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.   

New Beginnings & Remembering the Past

It was my intention to begin this blog last night, but after arriving late at my destination, I chose to put it off until today.  I am half through my trip to the Franciscan University of Steubenville. For the next two years, I will be studying Theology and Catechetics at one of the most CATHOLIC schools in the United States.  Honestly, I am so excited I can't sit still. Sleeping at night has been difficult because I want to arrive to Ohio as soon as I can.  Patience is not my thing, but I have to be patient. 

Personally, my heart is heavy because I am leaving behind my mom, dad, friends, and students at SM. My parents saw me off yesterday and it was an emotional time. The three of us went through this 11 years ago when I started at the University of San Francisco. My parents are the two most important people in my life. Their support for me over the 34 years of my existence is unspeakable. They support, support, and support. Although they are having a difficult time with my departure, they know (at least they say it), how important this second masters is for me.  I am also leaving at an important time in my sister's (Carla) life. Her boyfriend (Brandon) recently proposed to her and they are in the beginning stages for the marriage. I pray that all goes well as they begin their marriage preparation. 

My friends -- I will miss you as well. Thanks Phil & Amy for my going away party on Saturday night. The two of you have always been such good friends to me. Phil, we go back to USF and the bonfire parties at the beach when nobody wanted to go out that night. We always made a party happen. Pat (Patricio Juan Pedro) - thanks for always being such a great friend. Like Philly Boy, we go back many years.  Garibaldi - I was glad to see you come to Phoenix and working with you for the past 3 years. With Christina, bringing the zeal of JP II to SM was challenging and also rewarding.  Pate - we partied in Scottsdale before it was Scottsdale. You have always been a loyal friend. We have to thank Quinn for introducing us to one another years ago. (Bear Down!)

To all the students who have graduated or are currently at SM -- remember always that Our Lord and his Blessed Mother will always love you. Pray for me as I pray for you. The Morning Crew: Yeager, Butts, Paige, Jaime, Sydney, Christina, Abby, Ober, Sarah, and Rodia (RIP).  Graduates: Emilio - a young adult with a heart of service and obedience. I will pray for you and your time at CU. Ciani - another powerhouse, strong character and a natural born leader. Amy Povinelli - one of my first students at SM and the most faithful student in the Class of 2007. Continue to be strong in your Catholicism. 

On a personal note, I wish I would have paid more attention in my high school geography class. On this trek I am driving through places that I remember from geography, but can't remember all the details and the importance of the locations. Mrs. Pearl would not be pleased with me. 

;-)