Seminarian Knights: Brothers in the Breach

John W. Mohn IV, Seminarian Diocese of Alexandria-in-Louisiana

Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans

Introduction

◆ Who am I?◆ Where am I in my formation?◆ Family Background◆ Knights of Columbus background

Introductions

◆ Name◆ Seminary◆ When did you join the Knights◆ What is your officer role◆ Patron Saint

Seminarians in the Breach

What is a seminarian?◆ From the Latin Etymology:

• “He who sows [the seed]”What is “the seed”?

◆ “the seed is the word of God…” (c.f. Lk8:11)◆ “the word [is] God…” (c.f. John 1:1)

Sowing the seed◆ “Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness;

break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12)

Accompanying our Brothers in the Breach

◆ Preparing to be Priest Victims

◆ Tilling the soil with our presence

◆ Embracing our Charisms of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity

Current Considerations

Charity◆ Call those who are isolated◆ Visit the shut-in from on their porches or through their

windows◆ Deliver spiritual care packages to those who are at risk of

despair

Practical Application

1. Neighborhood outreach group

2. Sending cards to local nursing homes

3. Making masks for local homeless shelters

4. Hosting a drive-thru food pantry

Current Considerations

Unity◆ Being present to our seminary communities and brothers◆ Seeking out those who are marginalized and being a

loving brother and a good friend◆ Encouraging the Judas who is inclined to betray his

brothers to be a John and listen to the pulse of the Sacred Heart. We can do this in offering kind thoughts where evil speech is found.

Practical Applications

◆ Hosting “theology on taps”• Topics:

1.Amazon Synod2.Catholic Social Doctrine (e.g. racism)3.Pastoral Ministry in times of Crisis4.Clericalism

◆ Hosting monthly Marian Hour with outside knights◆ Monthly coffee with the Rector

Current Considerations

Fraternity◆ A brother to all◆ Seeks not to be served but to serve◆ Gathers the brothers knight or not together to share their

common love for the Lord ◆ Prays for their enemies and makes them feel like friends. ◆ Brings a sense of welcome wherever he may go.

Practical Application

Fraternal Activities◆ K. of C. Intermural Sports Teams◆ Card Club

Monthly Social

◆ Movie night◆ Coffee Bar◆ Pub

Weekly Outing Club◆ Pick a new place every week

• Park, zoo, museum

Recruiting

◆ Recruitment Drive• Have a recruiting committee• Make announcement during meals• Hosting a social with sign-up or

recruiters

◆ Incentives• Fraternal Activities• Financial Assistance in Emergencies

◆ Pay Out• Band of Brothers

— Seeking to help others— Love Christ— Build community

*Always remind the brethren of how much the Knights do for the seminarians

Questions?

John Mohn IVjohnmohn@nds.edu