Reverend Ref +

DONE

Well, the SWTS Seniors of 2004 got themselves graduated. It was truly a wonderful service. Memories of past struggles and successes abounded. Friends new and old wept for joy and sadness in the same breath. Tears intermingled with laughter. Congratulations and best wishes were offered with a sincerity not often seen. Hugs were more plentiful than handshakes, but not necessarily more sentimental.

"We are done," was the refrain of the day. We are done with school, but not learning. We are done as classmates, but not as friends. We are done as seminarians, but not with formation. We are done with the roller-coaster week that began with Awards Night, that rose and fell as final assignments were stressed over and completed; friendships were strengthened, or begun; and relief was tempered by the terror of living the rest of our lives as priests.

"We are done." The finality of that phrase is the balm that lets us enjoy our accomplishments, reflect on our past three years together, and yet realize that it only applies to today. For tomorrow starts new careers for some of us, ordination ceremonies for many of us, uncertainty for a few of us. But for now, we are done.

We are done.

We are done.

We are done.

Amen and Peace be with you.

We are done.