Building the Communion of Saints

I first found out about Seton Teaching Fellows over three years ago. The aspect of the mission that grabbed my heart and pulled my attention more than anything else was hearing stories about the beautiful children who would receive the Sacraments and be brought into the Church through our Catechism classes: El Camino. What was even more inspiring is the fact that children would go home and bring this gift to their families—our disciples bring prayer to the home and have even asked their parents to be baptized and join the Church. When I encountered this reality it gave me chills (and still does to this day).

Living Simply

While I was yet discerning and preparing for my possible year as a Seton Teaching Fellow, I distinctly remember reading that Fellows “live simply” and instantly panicking. There are a number of things that inspire a life of simplicity—detachment from money, vastly reducing your possessions, seeking necessity over luxury, placing people before comfort—and to a young person considering entry into the professional world this doesn't often seem attractive. Despite concerns around self-denial, I was drawn to the mission of the New Evangelization and I said yes to Seton Teaching Fellows. I then braced myself for what I thought would be a year of discomfort and—reluctantly, I admit—left half of my wardrobe behind as I packed up to move to the Bronx.