Pham, I need your help to graduate!

[Gabriela]

Pham, I will not graduate without your help!

As most of you know, I’m a doctoral student. For my dissertation, I’ll be interviewing priests about preaching. It’s now time to find the priests. I cannot do this alone, and if I don’t find ENOUGH priests, I cannot graduate! So I’m begging your help to find priests who are:

1. Diocesan, not religious

2. In the United States (whether they’re native born-American or not)

3. Active preachers (so, not working in an office somewhere they never preach, but retired preachers are okay)

I know that Phatmassers are a force to be reckoned with. If all of us contact all the diocesan priests we know and ask them to participate in this study of priests as preachers, I’m betting we can recruit enough priests very, very quickly. And that would be a God-send, because we all know that, once Advent hits, no one’s going to be talking to me for months, so if I don’t have enough priests by December 1st, I’m not likely to graduate! 

That being so, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the blurb I’ve written below and send it to all your diocesan-priest friends and acquaintances, and then “gently encourage” (i.e., MERCILESSLY NAG) them to participate!

Of course, if anyone—you or your priests—has questions, feel free to contact me (either by posting here, or PMing me, or emailing me, or whatever you prefer). I will of course, as usual, make the final paper available to any and all on Phatmass who want it (just as I did with my Master’s thesis).

Thank you all, and God bless you!

[Also, Boss, please don’t ban me for posting this in so many boards! I didn’t post it in any of the “sacred” boards, and I know some people only visit one board and none of the others. So, sorry if it annoys anyone, but I need as much help as I can get!]

 

BLURB FOR SENDING TO YOUR PRIESTS:

+ Hello, Father!

My name is Jenni Sigler and I’m a doctoral candidate in communication at Purdue University. I’m also a daily Mass-going Catholic, so for my dissertation, I’m interviewing priests about their preaching work. In particular, I’m interested in how busy priests balance all they have to do with “waiting on the Holy Spirit” in preaching. There’s very little empirical research on Catholic preaching at present, and my own past research has indicated this particular question is an important one. So the goal of the study is to add to what we know about how priests do preaching work, and hopefully find out some things that could help make that work easier, faster, and better.

If you’re a diocesan priest working in a parish in the United States, I’d love for you to participate in this study. Interviews will last about an hour and can be scheduled whenever they’re convenient for you and conducted via Skype or telephone. To get an accurate picture of what I’m studying, it’s important that I talk to priests from many different dioceses and seminary backgrounds, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch even if you’re in Alaska. And international priests: If you’re working in the United States, I’d like to hear from you, too!

If you’re interested in participating, or want to find out more before committing, feel free to contact me at jsigler@purdue.edu or (765) 441-2136 (texting okay). Or contact my advisor Patrice Buzzanell (technically, the lead researcher on this project, since I’m still a graduate student) at buzzanel@purdue.edu.

Thanks, and God bless you, Father!

Jenni

[Amppax]

I might be able to help. I don't know a ton of diocesan priests, but I have a lot of contacts. Would you mind me posting something about this on my Facebook?

[Gabriela]

11 minutes ago, Amppax said:

I might be able to help. I don't know a ton of diocesan priests, but I have a lot of contacts. Would you mind me posting something about this on my Facebook?

Oh my gosh, please do!!!

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

Gabriela--I don't know any Roman Catholic diocesan priests. Sorry. But, I'll pray for you. That seems to be all I can do nowadays. I don't think my own prayers do much good, but perhaps when combined with the prayers of others they will help.

BTW--I had no clue you were at Purdue (just a few hours away from me). You seem to have lived in so many places that I picture you living somewhere exotic. No insult meant to Purdue, but I have been there (on business) and I wouldn't describe it as "exotic." 

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2016 by IgnatiusofLoyola

[Gabriela]

6 hours ago, IgnatiusofLoyola said:

Gabriela--I don't know any Roman Catholic diocesan priests. Sorry. But, I'll pray for you. That seems to be all I can do nowadays. I don't think my own prayers do much good, but perhaps when combined with the prayers of others they will help.

BTW--I had no clue you were at Purdue (just a few hours away from me). You seem to have lived in so many places that I picture you living somewhere exotic. No insult meant to Purdue, but I have been there (on business) and I wouldn't describe it as "exotic." 

LOL. Yeah, definitely not exotic here! And I have moved A LOT. Way too much. I would love to settle down already, buy a house, and nest until I die. But I'd rather not do it in the corn!

I thought you were in England... ?  How'd I get that?!

And thank you for the prayers! 

6 hours ago, IgnatiusofLoyola said:

Gabriela--I don't know any Roman Catholic diocesan priests. Sorry. But, I'll pray for you. That seems to be all I can do nowadays. I don't think my own prayers do much good, but perhaps when combined with the prayers of others they will help.

BTW--I had no clue you were at Purdue (just a few hours away from me). You seem to have lived in so many places that I picture you living somewhere exotic. No insult meant to Purdue, but I have been there (on business) and I wouldn't describe it as "exotic." 

LOL. Yeah, definitely not exotic here! And I have moved A LOT. Way too much. I would love to settle down already, buy a house, and nest until I die. But I'd rather not do it in the corn!

I thought you were in England... ?  How'd I get that?!

And thank you for the prayers! 

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

13 hours ago, Gabriela said:

LOL. Yeah, definitely not exotic here! And I have moved A LOT. Way too much. I would love to settle down already, buy a house, and nest until I die. But I'd rather not do it in the corn!

I thought you were in England... ?  How'd I get that?!

And thank you for the prayers! 

LOL. Yeah, definitely not exotic here! And I have moved A LOT. Way too much. I would love to settle down already, buy a house, and nest until I die. But I'd rather not do it in the corn!

I thought you were in England... ?  How'd I get that?!

And thank you for the prayers! 

I only WISH I lived in England. When I visited England for the first time soon after grad school, I suddenly felt "at home." I wanted to kiss the ground the way the Pope does when he visits other countries. Since then I have visited the UK many times, but there are still so many parts I haven't seen. However, it's been more than 10 years since I've been to the UK because flying (not to mention jet lag, getting around, etc.) would, at minimum, require me to take someone along to help. Unfortunately I'm COMPLETELY alone. Literally no friends I can turn to (except for Internet friends). Long story of how that came about. 

I was too sick 3 years ago to visit my father on what turned out to be his deathbed or to attend his memorial service. My mother will turn 90 next April, and would love me to visit for her birthday since I think her time is coming near. But how? People tell me, "Find help." That's easy to say, but help is hard to find unless you have lots of money. And, as my father told me, "Professional helpers are not the same as friends." That is SO true.

BTW--I'm not blaming anyone. It's a combination of unfortunate circumstances. (And I --and the strange nature of my illness--are part of the problem.) Most people I know are overwhelmed with their personal responsibilities--it's not that they are just sitting around trying to ignore me. My immediate family is quite dysfunctional, and although I believe they love me (in their way), they don't like me very much and would prefer that I cause them no problems. My extended family is all in CA and most of my cousins are now in their late 60's and 70's and dealing with health issues of their own.

I am about 3/4 British (English and Scottish), including my maternal grandmother who emigrated to the U.S. from Ipswich before WWI. The fact that I have the Queen as an avatar probably gives the impression I'm English. I also tend to describe myself as "Anglican" rather than the American word "Episcopalian."

I grew up and went to college in Northern California (SF Bay Area) and LA, but moved to the Chicago area (my ex was from Michigan) a couple of months after my wedding. Even after all these years I still don't feel "at home" in the Midwest. I bought my current house right after my divorce as a good investment and a "temporary stopping place"--I'm still here 21 years later.

Moral of the story: Your life isn't going to turn out anything the way you expected. If your heart (and God) tells you to make a move--job or location--do it, even it doesn't doesn't necessarily make practical or rational sense. Yes, life requires deferred gratification and patience, but make sure the end result of the waiting is what your heart and God wants rather than because it's easier not to make a move. It's much easier to make changes when you're younger, before you have to worry about things like the availability of good health care and doctors, much less losing the physical ability to do what it is your heart wants to do. When you're young you're also used to being poor and ideally physically able to be flexible in how you live.

Sorry to turn a simple response into an essay. It's been more than a week since I have talked to a human being either in person or on the phone. I haven't forgotten the reason for my initial response. I was married to my ex while he was writing his PhD dissertation--and yes, looking for subjects. He made it--and so will you. 

In the meantime you have my prayers, such as they are. I feel like God has deserted me, but that doesn't mean that's so, and God certainly hasn't deserted you.

 

13 hours ago, Gabriela said:

LOL. Yeah, definitely not exotic here! And I have moved A LOT. Way too much. I would love to settle down already, buy a house, and nest until I die. But I'd rather not do it in the corn!

I thought you were in England... ?  How'd I get that?!

And thank you for the prayers! 

LOL. Yeah, definitely not exotic here! And I have moved A LOT. Way too much. I would love to settle down already, buy a house, and nest until I die. But I'd rather not do it in the corn!

I thought you were in England... ?  How'd I get that?!

And thank you for the prayers! 

I only WISH I lived in England. When I visited England for the first time soon after grad school, I suddenly felt "at home." I wanted to kiss the ground the way the Pope does when he visits other countries. Since then I have visited the UK many times, but there are still so many parts I haven't seen. However, it's been more than 10 years since I've been to the UK because flying (not to mention jet lag, getting around, etc.) would, at minimum, require me to take someone along to help. Unfortunately I'm COMPLETELY alone. Literally no friends I can turn to (except for Internet friends). Long story of how that came about. 

I was too sick 3 years ago to visit my father on what turned out to be his deathbed or to attend his memorial service. My mother will turn 90 next April, and would love me to visit for her birthday since I think her time is coming near. But how? People tell me, "Find help." That's easy to say, but help is hard to find unless you have lots of money. And, as my father told me, "Professional helpers are not the same as friends." That is SO true.

BTW--I'm not blaming anyone. It's a combination of unfortunate circumstances. (And I --and the strange nature of my illness--are part of the problem.) Most people I know are overwhelmed with their personal responsibilities--it's not that they are just sitting around trying to ignore me. My immediate family is quite dysfunctional, and although I believe they love me (in their way), they don't like me very much and would prefer that I cause them no problems. My extended family is all in CA and most of my cousins are now in their late 60's and 70's and dealing with health issues of their own.

I am about 3/4 British (English and Scottish), including my maternal grandmother who emigrated to the U.S. from Ipswich before WWI. The fact that I have the Queen as an avatar probably gives the impression I'm English. I also tend to describe myself as "Anglican" rather than the American word "Episcopalian."

I grew up and went to college in Northern California (SF Bay Area) and LA, but moved to the Chicago area (my ex was from Michigan) a couple of months after my wedding. Even after all these years I still don't feel "at home" in the Midwest. I bought my current house right after my divorce as a good investment and a "temporary stopping place"--I'm still here 21 years later.

Moral of the story: Your life isn't going to turn out anything the way you expected. If your heart (and God) tells you to make a move--job or location--do it, even it doesn't doesn't necessarily make practical or rational sense. Yes, life requires deferred gratification and patience, but make sure the end result of the waiting is what your heart and God wants rather than because it's easier not to make a move. It's much easier to make changes when you're younger, before you have to worry about things like the availability of good health care and doctors, much less losing the physical ability to do what it is your heart wants to do. When you're young you're also used to being poor and ideally physically able to be flexible in how you live.

Sorry to turn a simple response into an essay. It's been more than a week since I have talked to a human being either in person or on the phone. I haven't forgotten the reason for my initial response. I was married to my ex while he was writing his PhD dissertation--and yes, looking for subjects. He made it--and so will you. 

In the meantime you have my prayers, such as they are. I feel like God has deserted me, but that doesn't mean that's so, and God certainly hasn't deserted you.

 

[Gabriela]

14 hours ago, IgnatiusofLoyola said:

I only WISH I lived in England. When I visited England for the first time soon after grad school, I suddenly felt "at home." I wanted to kiss the ground the way the Pope does when he visits other countries. Since then I have visited the UK many times, but there are still so many parts I haven't seen. However, it's been more than 10 years since I've been to the UK because flying (not to mention jet lag, getting around, etc.) would, at minimum, require me to take someone along to help. Unfortunately I'm COMPLETELY alone. Literally no friends I can turn to (except for Internet friends). Long story of how that came about. 

I was too sick 3 years ago to visit my father on what turned out to be his deathbed or to attend his memorial service. My mother will turn 90 next April, and would love me to visit for her birthday since I think her time is coming near. But how? People tell me, "Find help." That's easy to say, but help is hard to find unless you have lots of money. And, as my father told me, "Professional helpers are not the same as friends." That is SO true.

BTW--I'm not blaming anyone. It's a combination of unfortunate circumstances. (And I --and the strange nature of my illness--are part of the problem.) Most people I know are overwhelmed with their personal responsibilities--it's not that they are just sitting around trying to ignore me. My immediate family is quite dysfunctional, and although I believe they love me (in their way), they don't like me very much and would prefer that I cause them no problems. My extended family is all in CA and most of my cousins are now in their late 60's and 70's and dealing with health issues of their own.

I am about 3/4 British (English and Scottish), including my maternal grandmother who emigrated to the U.S. from Ipswich before WWI. The fact that I have the Queen as an avatar probably gives the impression I'm English. I also tend to describe myself as "Anglican" rather than the American word "Episcopalian."

I grew up and went to college in Northern California (SF Bay Area) and LA, but moved to the Chicago area (my ex was from Michigan) a couple of months after my wedding. Even after all these years I still don't feel "at home" in the Midwest. I bought my current house right after my divorce as a good investment and a "temporary stopping place"--I'm still here 21 years later.

Moral of the story: Your life isn't going to turn out anything the way you expected. If your heart (and God) tells you to make a move--job or location--do it, even it doesn't doesn't necessarily make practical or rational sense. Yes, life requires deferred gratification and patience, but make sure the end result of the waiting is what your heart and God wants rather than because it's easier not to make a move. It's much easier to make changes when you're younger, before you have to worry about things like the availability of good health care and doctors, much less losing the physical ability to do what it is your heart wants to do. When you're young you're also used to being poor and ideally physically able to be flexible in how you live.

Sorry to turn a simple response into an essay. It's been more than a week since I have talked to a human being either in person or on the phone. I haven't forgotten the reason for my initial response. I was married to my ex while he was writing his PhD dissertation--and yes, looking for subjects. He made it--and so will you. 

In the meantime you have my prayers, such as they are. I feel like God has deserted me, but that doesn't mean that's so, and God certainly hasn't deserted you.

 

This is a very sad post.  But I know that you're not alone, because this sentence:

"Yes, life requires deferred gratification and patience, but make sure the end result of the waiting is what your heart and God wants rather than because it's easier not to make a move."

...was God speaking through you, directly to me. You have no idea how apt that sentence is for what I've just been through. It basically sums up the entire last 6 months of my life. So God is with you, Ignatius! And so are we Phatmassers, of course—but that you know.  

I sometimes wish I lived in England, too, but then I figure I've probably just watched too many murder mysteries. I've never felt at home in the Midwest, either, and don't think I ever could. I'm an Appalachian down to my soul, and I thank God for that.

Recruitment is going well so far, thank God, but I can definitely use continued prayer. I always worry the well (of priests, that is) will dry up, or I'll make some terrible mistake in an interview or something. So yeah, prayers please! And I will pray for you as well. Would you like friends (in RL), Ignatius? Cuz if so, we can make that a special intention. I've prayed for that for myself in the past—"Lord, please send me good friends"—when I moved to a new place and felt lonely. He sends them if you keep at it. Shall we pray for that for you? 

14 hours ago, IgnatiusofLoyola said:

I only WISH I lived in England. When I visited England for the first time soon after grad school, I suddenly felt "at home." I wanted to kiss the ground the way the Pope does when he visits other countries. Since then I have visited the UK many times, but there are still so many parts I haven't seen. However, it's been more than 10 years since I've been to the UK because flying (not to mention jet lag, getting around, etc.) would, at minimum, require me to take someone along to help. Unfortunately I'm COMPLETELY alone. Literally no friends I can turn to (except for Internet friends). Long story of how that came about. 

I was too sick 3 years ago to visit my father on what turned out to be his deathbed or to attend his memorial service. My mother will turn 90 next April, and would love me to visit for her birthday since I think her time is coming near. But how? People tell me, "Find help." That's easy to say, but help is hard to find unless you have lots of money. And, as my father told me, "Professional helpers are not the same as friends." That is SO true.

BTW--I'm not blaming anyone. It's a combination of unfortunate circumstances. (And I --and the strange nature of my illness--are part of the problem.) Most people I know are overwhelmed with their personal responsibilities--it's not that they are just sitting around trying to ignore me. My immediate family is quite dysfunctional, and although I believe they love me (in their way), they don't like me very much and would prefer that I cause them no problems. My extended family is all in CA and most of my cousins are now in their late 60's and 70's and dealing with health issues of their own.

I am about 3/4 British (English and Scottish), including my maternal grandmother who emigrated to the U.S. from Ipswich before WWI. The fact that I have the Queen as an avatar probably gives the impression I'm English. I also tend to describe myself as "Anglican" rather than the American word "Episcopalian."

I grew up and went to college in Northern California (SF Bay Area) and LA, but moved to the Chicago area (my ex was from Michigan) a couple of months after my wedding. Even after all these years I still don't feel "at home" in the Midwest. I bought my current house right after my divorce as a good investment and a "temporary stopping place"--I'm still here 21 years later.

Moral of the story: Your life isn't going to turn out anything the way you expected. If your heart (and God) tells you to make a move--job or location--do it, even it doesn't doesn't necessarily make practical or rational sense. Yes, life requires deferred gratification and patience, but make sure the end result of the waiting is what your heart and God wants rather than because it's easier not to make a move. It's much easier to make changes when you're younger, before you have to worry about things like the availability of good health care and doctors, much less losing the physical ability to do what it is your heart wants to do. When you're young you're also used to being poor and ideally physically able to be flexible in how you live.

Sorry to turn a simple response into an essay. It's been more than a week since I have talked to a human being either in person or on the phone. I haven't forgotten the reason for my initial response. I was married to my ex while he was writing his PhD dissertation--and yes, looking for subjects. He made it--and so will you. 

In the meantime you have my prayers, such as they are. I feel like God has deserted me, but that doesn't mean that's so, and God certainly hasn't deserted you.

 

This is a very sad post.  But I know that you're not alone, because this sentence:

"Yes, life requires deferred gratification and patience, but make sure the end result of the waiting is what your heart and God wants rather than because it's easier not to make a move."

...was God speaking through you, directly to me. You have no idea how apt that sentence is for what I've just been through. It basically sums up the entire last 6 months of my life. So God is with you, Ignatius! And so are we Phatmassers, of course—but that you know.  

I sometimes wish I lived in England, too, but then I figure I've probably just watched too many murder mysteries. I've never felt at home in the Midwest, either, and don't think I ever could. I'm an Appalachian down to my soul, and I thank God for that.

Recruitment is going well so far, thank God, but I can definitely use continued prayer. I always worry the well (of priests, that is) will dry up, or I'll make some terrible mistake in an interview or something. So yeah, prayers please! And I will pray for you as well. Would you like friends (in RL), Ignatius? Cuz if so, we can make that a special intention. I've prayed for that for myself in the past—"Lord, please send me good friends"—when I moved to a new place and felt lonely. He sends them if you keep at it. Shall we pray for that for you? 

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

Yes, please. I'd love prayers that God will bring me good friends. Strangely, I've never thought to pray specifically for friends, only that God resolve my current situation. 

Yes, please. I'd love prayers that God will bring me good friends. Strangely, I've never thought to pray specifically for friends, only that God resolve my current situation. 

[Archaeology cat]

@IgnatiusofLoyola - your post also spoke to me a lot. Thank you, and my prayers are with you.

@Gabriela - I shared your post with a priest I know.

@IgnatiusofLoyola - your post also spoke to me a lot. Thank you, and my prayers are with you.

@Gabriela - I shared your post with a priest I know.

@IgnatiusofLoyola - your post also spoke to me a lot. Thank you, and my prayers are with you.

@Gabriela - I shared your post with a priest I know.

[Amppax]

Well your post is getting around. I've had three friends share it so far, one was a seminarian. So hopefully that leads to some sources for you.  

Well your post is getting around. I've had three friends share it so far, one was a seminarian. So hopefully that leads to some sources for you.  

[Gabriela]

30 minutes ago, Amppax said:

Well your post is getting around. I've had three friends share it so far, one was a seminarian. So hopefully that leads to some sources for you.  

Well your post is getting around. I've had three friends share it so far, one was a seminarian. So hopefully that leads to some sources for you.  

amesome! Thank you so much, Amppax! (Just got an email from a seminarian, btw...  )

30 minutes ago, Amppax said:

Well your post is getting around. I've had three friends share it so far, one was a seminarian. So hopefully that leads to some sources for you.  

Well your post is getting around. I've had three friends share it so far, one was a seminarian. So hopefully that leads to some sources for you.  

amesome! Thank you so much, Amppax! (Just got an email from a seminarian, btw...  )

[Gabriela]

Hey pham. My recruitment for participation in the dissertation study was rockin' for a few weeks. Now it's stalled. What I've learned is that if I can get a Catholic blogger to post a statement about the research, I'll get about 10 priests actually carrying through all the way to the interview. (I'll get a lot more making contact but not scheduling, and way more seeing it, of course.) In other words, Catholic bloggers are the bomb diggity. But I've emailed a lot of them, and only gotten four to post, and now I'm kinda' desperate. Here's who I've contacted:

Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics (sent out on their listserv)

Catholic Leadership Institute (no reply)

Fr. Z (he posted)

Phatmass ()

Anthony Esolen (he posted)

Fr. Dwight Longenecker (no reply)

Fr. Pablo Migone (no reply)

Fr. Michael Duffy (no reply)

Heather King (can't do it)

Dr. Scott Hahn (can't do it)

Bishop Barron (no reply; he never replies )

Deacon Greg Kandra (he posted)

Daughters of St. Paul (Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble; no reply)

Elizabeth Scalia (she's on retreat)

New Advent (no reply yet, but just contacted him yesterday)

Monsignor Charles Pope (I think he's posting it today)

Homiletic & Pastoral Review (no reply yet)

First Things (about to contact)

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput (about to contact)

Who am I missing, pham? Who else can I ask? What I'm finding is that, if the person is SUPER famous, they just ignore me. If the person is well known with a large audience, but not hugely famous, they'll usually post, or at least respond. So, can you think of anyone else who might be willing to help me out with a short post?

[Nihil Obstat]

Dr. Ed Peters might be inclined to help. 1Peter5 maybe?

Maybe try reading out to other professors at FUS and other Catholic colleges, and rectors and professors at seminaries. 

[Gabriela]

3 hours ago, Nihil Obstat said:

Dr. Ed Peters might be inclined to help. 1Peter5 maybe?

Maybe try reading out to other professors at FUS and other Catholic colleges, and rectors and professors at seminaries. 

Profs (and alumni coordinators) at seminaries are a last resort. That's seriously labor-intensive stuff. I'll try Peters and 1Peter5. Thank you, Nihil!  

One priest mentioned a podcast out of Colorado or somewhere around there, with two biblical historians/theologians talking about the week's readings. Does anyone know the name of the podcast? He couldn't remember it in our interview.

Edited September 2, 2016 by Gabriela

[Maggyie]

The priest-blogger who runs Adams Ale solicits "blog fodder" from his parishioners at his email address on his bio on his parish website, St Sebastian's in Akron. He doesn't include the email on his blog, though, so not sure how open he would be. 

Also Fr Kevin Estabrook posts his homilies at http://fatherkevinestabrook.blogspot.com/

so he may be interested. He is at St Clare's in Lyndhurst, OH. Has an email address on his blogger profile.