March Madness

March is flying by here at St. Josephs Seminary,

This month we've had the seminary ping pong tournament and Abbey Youth Fest (AYF) already, and are now gearing up for seminarian evaluations, 3 on 3 basketball league, midterms, and Easter. Wfhewf.

For starters the Seminary Ping Pong Tournament was a smash (Haha, I crack my self up). We had about twenty guys come out and put on their game faces to compete. After for preparing for a solid year of ping pong at the house in college station, I triumphantly won my first game... and was crushed to smithereens in the next. If you've played me before you wouldn't be surprised,  but I was happy enough to join in and watch the real masters.

In other sports related news, I've joined a few brave seminarians in training for a triathalon this May. While I don't have the kick to do the running leg of the tri, my brother seminarian Luis is going to relay this part for me. I'm looking forward to the 18 mile bike ride which is really the main reason why I'm interested in the whole gig, but if I can't find another team member, I'll be swimming the 1000 m by default. anyone have some water wings I can borrow? I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Now I had heard AYF is one of the largest youth conferences in the southwest, but I didn't know that it was put on by 100 seminarians and many volunteers hosting nearly 4000 adolescents and mainstream bands like Gungor and Sarah Kroger, Cool! This year we kicked it off the pre-event on Friday the 8th and the main event all day on Saturday. I have to say that even while on garbage duty I was moved and encouraged by the bands and talks. Lessons learned: 1. God wants us to be ourselves and minister to others in everyday life. 2. Our big "yeses" in life (marriage or priesthood) are validated by our little "noes to self" along the way (chastity and servant leadership). 3. Sunscreen is a friend I too often neglect. 4. Be bold in faith. I had a great time and look forward to attending some more conferences like this over the summer.

While the other stuff is happening toward the end of the month, and I hope to tell y'all about it later... I figure I could share with you some of the classes I'm taking at the moment: Ancient Philosophy ( Socrates, Plato, and later Aristotle), Medieval Philosophy (Anselm, Augustine, Aquinas, Averroes), New Testament (in depth commentary using critical historical method, writing a research paper on Romans), Metaphysics (studying "being", how we are ontologically different from God and animals), Catholic Social Teaching ( world issues like labor, conflict, human rights...) Spanish (basic class, hoping to master present and past tenses) Formation ( learning about priesthood and celibacy).

So in a nutshell,
I'm pretty busy, but I'm enjoying seminary so far. If you have questions, prayer requests, or comments you can leave them here or shoot me an email. ryan.stawaisz@gmail.com

God Bless!

All Glory to God. Amen.

Starting Anew

Getting off the phone after a short conversation with my parents, I snapped this picture of the Abbey church. Its 11:06 and I walk toward it as I pray my rosary meditating on Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of God.

It’s been 18 months since I’ve last posted and I would expect that hardly any of you have a clue where I am or what I’m talking about.  To make a long story short, my remaining 1.5 semesters at Texas A&M were unforgettable. During that time there was no other place I would have rather been. But as I got back into the swing of things I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. Yes it sounds cliché, but that’s the best way I can describe it. Through reflection and prayer I was drawn to seriously research church ministry and how God may be asking me to fill this void by serving him full time. The thought of priesthood which I had dismissed as excruciatingly boring in my adolescence, now arose as a viable option. After more reading, retreats, and soul searching I decided if there was going to be a “what if” crossroads in my life that I would ponder on later and possibly regret, this was it. So I manned up, took the road less traveled and headed for a discernment program which eventually lead me here - to minor seminary to study philosophy for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

So there’s the condensed version. I’m planning to be here for the next 1.5 to 2.5 years and who knows what after that. In the mean time I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn more about my creator, myself, and the church. I reflect back on the verse I turned to at the start of this whole journey, John 15:7, and try to ask God for His will in my life.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”

All Glory to God. Amen.

Day 430 (222)

It is nearing the end of my first semester back at school. I have had so much fun meeting new friends, hanging out with old ones, and learning more about life, love, and the Lord. I am proud to say I can officially wear my Relay For Life ‘Survivor’ t-shirt because I am cancer free! This is a fact that crutches cannot diminish. However, I do hope to get off them before some monumental weddings this summer, “pretty please Lord!?”
I took a minute today to look through some old quotes that I had saved from a few years back. I will share two that particularly stood out to me that I think may help you on your journey too. “A real man: Rejects passivity, Accepts responsibility, Leads courageously, and Expects God’s greater rewards.” Sounds like we’ve got our work cut out for us, huh boys. I find that these simple guidelines can apply to the majority of conflict and decisions that come up in our daily lives. I strive to work towards becoming a REAL man in full sense of the phrase.
Secondly, every so often I like to remind myself of the uniqueness that I was created with. We all have talents, traits, character, and a sense of humor that is combined in a way that won’t be repeated. Ponder this: Is there anyone like You? No, and there never will be!

Wait, read that again: Is there anyone like You? No, and there never will be!

Enter- God’s purpose and desire for our lives, for us to become the best versions of ourselves, and I can’t hold back the awe of being entrusted with a life, a task, and a journey, that no one else can or is supposed to fulfill. All that is left is for me to follow it through with it.

All Glory To God. Amen.

Day 369 (161)

Back at Aggieland at last...

Praise God, I've had a great transition in these four weeks back at school. I owe a huge part of that to my family and friends; I mean have you ever seen a guy on crutches move his belongings and furniture into his house? Or, seen a student whose been gone for a while ace his first assignments? (not like I did, but I appreciate the help!) All in all, its fun being back in the hustle and bustle, I just need to keep reminding myself to relax and enjoy the ride, I have yet to adjusted my body for academic stress. I'm getting around campus surprisingly well and haven't needed to use the electric scooter so aptly labeled 'Celebrity Pride', but if there ever comes a time, or some friends need a lift, it'll be ready. I have also started a regular swimming regimen which works out great because my brother need to practice for his upcoming triathlon and I enjoy getting some cardio and muscle stimulation.

I'll update y'all some more later, got to finish some homework for tomorrow.

-Bible Verse of the Day- Psalm 23

¹The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
²He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
³He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
⁶Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Day 330 (132)

Howdy,

The above salutation is quite fitting because I'm going back to Texas A&M in a matter of days! Yeahaw, Whoop, and other words of jubilation!

I hope you've had a blessed holiday season. I have had a quaint Christmas with some good time spent with some family and friends. My Dad, Brother, and I have had an energizing winter with some great opportunities to go hunting, (sorry mom), thanks to those who offered, we had a blast!

I have also recently finished my long awaited road bike. Check her out!




















With the dawn of a new year I write down a few of my ambitions:

-Read 12 encouraging books
-Get my first 4.0 (pass all of my classes would be good too)
-Record some praise and worship music
-Take swing dancing lessons (after I'm walking again)
-Make more time for other people

VERSE OF THE DAY - Ephesians 1:18

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints...

All Glory To God. Amen.

Day 312 (114)

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except for Ryan's keyboard and mouse.

VERSE OF THE DAY - Luke 2:16-20

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry Christmas Y'all! May God shower blessings on you and yours this Holy-day season. Thank you for your friendship and support. Share the reason for the season and I'll see you in the new year.

Day 295 (97)

Howdy,

Slight change of plans with the upcoming surgery. There was an opening earlier with my plastic surgeon instead of my orthopedic surgeon and we opted to take it. It should be approximately one hour surgery tomorrow morning. We're happy with the change and if all goes well I'll be able to make it to a semi-formal on Friday night!

I'm making some headway on my road bike and hope to finish the last coat of paint this afternoon, its pearl blue (picture arriving soon). A reminder, when I received the bike it was a mix of maroon, white, fuchsia, and dirt. I hope to have the whole bike built by January.

VERSE OF THE DAY - Psalm 100:4-5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

All Glory To God. Amen.