Seminarian spends summer volunteering in Europe

Intermountain Catholic

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Joseph Delka

By Joseph Delka

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

This July I spent three weeks in the Ukraine volunteering as a teacher for Ukrainian Catholic University’s English Summer School. We lived and worked at a retreat center in a small town outside of L’viv. A typical day included a Scripture study class, two periods for grammar and vocabulary, a reading class, evening activity, and time for tutoring. Because it was a Catholic camp there were two priests who daily provided spiritual direction, as well as the liturgy according to the Ukrainian Rite.

My time in the Ukraine was unforgettable! First of all it was a great teaching experience. Between the rigorous schedule and learning from my teaching partner (who is a school teacher) I have learned a lot. Moreover it was an opportunity to get to know the culture and people of the Ukraine. They are a wonderful people and I am blessed to have made many friends among them. I got to see the traditional dances, hear the music, and of course taste the food. I ate more beets in that month than in my previous 25 years of existence! Last but not least it was a great experience of the Eastern Church. From the daily liturgy to blessings at meals, the traditions of the East are something most of us in the western world don’t know much about. And so I am grateful for the opportunity to learn something of the great spiritual heritage of the East.

My next stop is an Irish parish in a place called Newbridge, just west of Dublin. There I will spend the rest of my summer living in the rectory and getting a taste of parish life in the Emerald Island. I look forward to what the Lord has to offer me this summer. Please keep me in your prayers, and know that you are in mine.