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Patrick T. Kennedy
POSTULANT, SECOND YEAR
Age 26
Hometown Menlo Park, CA
Family Sheila and Tim, parents; Maureen, 32, and Tim, 30
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How long have you considered a religious vocation?
I have seriously considered a religious vocation since high school. However, I did not have much contact with any religious communities as a young man since I attended a diocesan parish, schools, and university. When I came to Washington, DC, I was introduced to a large number of religious communities. This contact led me to further reflect on my interest in the religious life and ultimately make the decision to enter the Oblates.
What led to your decision to enter the Oblates? How did you know that it was time to enter?
After encountering numerous communities of religious, I felt most at home with the Oblates. The community of life of the men who lived at De Sales Hall was spirit-filled and inspiring. The various ministries in which the Oblates are involved was another attraction for me, especially the area of teaching. I received a tremendous amount of support from my family and friends as well as encouragement from Oblates that the time was right for me to enter.
What do you like most about the Church?
Two aspects of the Church's life are most important for me. First, the Church's liturgical life is a beautiful expression of God's love for us and our response to that love. I have found that the Oblates have a great respect and love for the liturgy and that it is a life-giving experience to be a part of.
Second, the Church's care and concern for the poor enriches and is enriched by its liturgical life. I understand this as a good way of living out the golden rule in one's life: liturgy and service, especially to the poor. The Oblates take this very seriously through educational projects such as the Nativity school and through work in the inner city.
What was your biggest surprise in entering the seminary?
My biggest surprise throughout my first year in the seminary was finding out how normal everyone in the community is. While people sometimes make me angry (and I am sure I make them angry as well), we all are very human and go through the whole range of human emotions and experiences. I have found this to be true of the many Oblates I have met throughout the province as well. I may not get along with everyone the same, but overall the Oblates are a normal group of men who love God and are committed to service in the church.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is in An Introduction to the New Testament, by Raymond Brown. Though not the first book I read on the critical study of the New Testament, this book opened up new avenues of interpretation of the books of the New Testament and inspired me to want to learn more about the different books of the New Testament. Brown also has a very clear writing style that made difficult concepts easier to understand and prepared me for further research.
Favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is from the 1990's and is called Blue Chips. It is a basketball movie that shows both positives and negatives about sports in the world today, in this case college basketball. It was an interesting movie because it highlighted many of the problems that continue to plague collegiate athletics today, while also showing the joy and beauty that come with true sport and competition. Moreover, it starred the greatest basketball player of all time and one of our generation's most underrated actors, Shaquille O'Neal.
What do you do in your free time?
Most of my free time is consumed with reading and watching sports. I follow all three of the major sports (basketball, baseball, and football) and enjoy watching these at all different levels of competition. I particularly enjoy the Bay Area sports teams, i.e., the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Pop
Pat, known as PK, is a second-year postulant who is completing his masters degree in biblical studies at Catholic University of America.
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