PROVINCE INFORMATION |
Voices
of the Western Dominican Province
CHAPLAIN,
PRO TEM
IN TEMPE:
THE RESIDENCY YEAR
BY BROTHER JAMES THOMPSON, OP
My stay, I knew, was only temporary, but how was I to
know it would pass so quickly?
On the way toward becoming a priest as a friar of the Western Dominican Province, each
student brother spends an internship year away from seminary working in pastoral ministry.
What exactly one does depends on a combination of the abilities of the brother and the
needs of the ministry to which he is assigned. This past year has found me at that point
in formation. In my case, I worked as a full-time chaplain intern at All Saints Catholic
Newman Center in Tempe, Arizona. All Saints is a campus ministry serving Catholics
associated with Arizona State University. It is a dynamic ministry with 12 full-time
staff, 3 student Outreach Ministers, various other part-time staff, as well as the
numerous volunteers that make such a vibrant work possible. This year there were three
Dominicans on staff, Fr. Nathan Castle OP (Director) and Fr. Daniel Rolland OP (Chaplain)
and myself.
My duties included serving as the Centerıs Liturgy Coordinator, preaching on occasion,
a little counseling, planning a retreat, and engaging in a fair amount of teaching, both
spoken and written. There were also the special projects of sponsoring the Arizona
contingent for the National Catholic Student Coalition in Albuquerque and planning and
conducting an Alternative Spring Break at the Dominican Mission in Mexicali, Mexico. As
you might guess, my assignment as Liturgy Coordinator for a lively ministry kept me pretty
busy, not to mention the special projects. These were the tasks that I learned most from.
From my previous work experience I already knew how to coordinate complex projects, but
not in a ministerial or liturgical context, and certainly not in this community. After a
year I feel that I am just learning the ropes, but now I must move on.
My two favorite activities were the various teachings I gave on the book of Revelation,
including a workshop at the NCSC, and the Alternative Spring Break. The latter was my
first exposure to mission work in another country, and it looked more attractive to me
than I would ever have guessed. I also took every opportunity that was offered me to teach
sessions in the RCIA and Religious Education programs. Some of my catechetical work was in
written form, too. I wrote a weekly "Liturgy Corner" column for the Sunday
bulletin, and produced a few tracts as well. I only wish I had had more time and energy to
do more instruction.
My temporary stay in Tempe, Arizona also served to give me understanding of what
Dominican life is like away from the regimented routine and the ornate Liturgy of the
Hours of St. Albertıs Priory. In such a small house
with only three friars, it is quite a challenge to maintain community. But I come away
from the experience with increased appreciation for the work that our men-in-the-field
accomplish, and with great respect for Fr. Nathanıs and Fr. Danielıs priestly vocations
and personal qualities, markedly different as they are!
This all-too-short foray into campus ministry has definitely confirmed me in my desire
to teach, encouraged me in my ability to preach and engage in pastoral ministry, and
corroborated for me that the Dominican way of life is how I am called to serve the Lord.
God willing, I look forward to the day when I can serve Godıs people in full sacramental
capacity as a priest.
Br. James Thompson returned to St. Albert's Priory in Oakland, CA, the House of
Studies for the Western Dominican Province, this past August. He has resumed his
(full-time) theology studies. |
