Update from Seminarian Nathaniel Glenn

03-13-2016Weekly ReflectionNathaniel Glenn

Dear Parishioners,

I was asked to write a short letter giving an update on my time in the seminary. I am in my fifth year of seminary studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. I studied for two years at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH before being asked to transfer to Catholic University as part of a three-year scholarship program. I am now in the third and final year of that program. I graduated last year with a Bachelor's in Philosophy, and this year I have been working towards a Licentiate in Philosophy. A Licentiate is the equivalent of a Master's degree, but it is an ecclesiastical degree that will give me the ability to teach philosophy at a Catholic university or seminary if the need arises.

This whole year has been an exciting and challenging experience for me, as I am attempting to begin and complete a graduate program in only one year. I spent last summer at St. Mary's parish in Chandler, using the two months to write my graduate thesis, "St. Augustine and the Cause of Moral Evil." It was officially accepted in November, which gave me time to begin studying for my oral comprehensive exam. The hour-long exam is given by a board of four professors, who get to ask you anything they want about philosophy. So it's a bit nerve-wracking! But, I took my comprehensives in January and passed with excellent marks. I'm now finishing up classes and plan to complete my philosophy studies this May.

Beginning next fall, I have been asked by the diocese to continue my seminary studies by applying to the North American College in Rome. There I will study theology for the next four years until, God willing, priestly ordination in 2020. So, please keep me in your prayers as I wrap things up in Washington and begin getting ready for Rome. Know that you are always in my prayers as well.

In Christ,
Nathaniel Glenn

Theological College
401 Michigan Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20017