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Deacon Dan Dury’s Summer Experience at Columbus St. Catharine Parish

Ordained a transitional deacon June 6th, 2009 in his preparation for priesthood.

Deacon Dan Dury was ordained a transitional deacon in May, 2009 and he is in his final year of seminary at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He spent 10 weeks during the summer working in Columbus St. Catherine parish.

A Variety of Projects, Liturgies, and Ministries

While at St. Catherine, he was involved in a variety of projects, ministries, and liturgies. He worked with the Knights of Columbus, and Fr. Lumpe, Pastor, to repair and finish the Church doors. He also helped the urban poor at the Bishop Griffin Center by sorting and storing donated clothing. “It was not a glorious task, but it was something that needed done and I was happy to do that because it is important to serve the poor as a deacon,” said Deacon Dan.

Service in Portsmouth, Ohio

He joined the youth and went to the Portsmouth, Ohio area to help build roof over a stairway while others in the group helped by painting, repairing gutters, and doing yard work.

Baptisms

Deacon Dan was able to baptize. “I was very fortunate to be able to perform five baptisms,” said Deacon Dan. “It is important to do it right as someone’s soul is in your hands. Fr. Lumpe helped me to do it pastorally and now I am very comfortable with it now. It is such huge moment in our lives.”

Exposition and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

He had the privilege of exposing and reposing the Blessed Sacrament. “That was such an honor.” He also tried to set time aside for a Holy Hour each day. “Prayer has to always take precedence as we need that grace to be able to serve others. The relationship with Christ builds by spending time getting to know Him,” said Deacon Dan.

Preaching at Mass

Deacon Dan was able to preach at one Mass every weekend and about three or four times a week at daily Mass. “I tried to do two things: make scripture come alive and make it practical with catechetical instruction,” said Deacon Dan.
He really enjoyed preaching. “I usually focused on the Gospel and I let the Holy Spirit lead,” said Dan. “One time I preached about Hell because I wanted people to know that Hell does still exist. I compared Hell to a bridge being out – we all want to know when a bridge is out so we can be ready to find another route. Same with Hell – I want people to know that it exists and that they might need to change some actions in their lives to avoid it. I say this in love – not to scare people,” said Deacon Dan.
He also preached about suffering. “I told them that sometimes suffering in our lives is hard to understand. Suffering is meaningful when it is united with Christ on the Cross. You receive His grace and offer it up for other people. We have to put suffering in God’s hands.”

Friendships in the Parish

He was happy to spend time with many parish families that he knew from his days in Catholic elementary school. He also enjoyed attending graduation parties and playing volleyball. To control stress, Deacon Dan enjoyed running and occasionally fishing on his family’s boat.
He learned that one important aspect of the priesthood is being flexible. “You can plan all you want, but things are constantly changing and you never know when you will be needed to minister to the sick,” said Deacon Dan.
The biggest surprise for Deacon Dan was how the Holy Spirit worked through his preaching to help people. “People would say that something I said helped them think of something they never thought of before. It is powerful how the Holy Spirit works through the Word to help people. We are all poor instruments, but with God’s help we can serve.”

Looking Forward to Priestly Ordination

Deacon Dan is excited about his upcoming ordination to the priesthood in May, 2010. “I am more comfortable than I have ever been,” said Deacon Dan. He is enjoying the scripture study class this year and he hopes that it will help him to improve his preaching. He is also enjoying the medical ethics class because it is practical and promotes a culture of life.
When asked about discernment at this point in his formation, he replied that it is not healthy to allow doubts to control you. “Put it into God’s hands. If the Church and the formatters discern that I am ready, then I must work with God and with the input of these holy men,” said Deacon Dan. “No man is ever worthy. But you are constantly reaffirmed in your call and it is critical to be honest with your spiritual director about everything to get to that point.”

Working to be a Holy Priest

Deacon Dan has this advice for those discerning: “Do not second guess or question constantly. This can cause more harm than good. Much like Mary, when she was visited by the angel Gabriel, we must trust and put ourselves in God’s hands. We must say yes and put all our efforts into becoming holy priests.”