Father Daniel Schwendeman at 1310 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508-2048 US - Home
Deacon Daniel Schwendeman
My third year at Sacred Heart Seminary provided me with obstacles for which I was not prepared. Two such obstacles were the sudden death of my father on Dec. 13, 1999, and a serious car accident on May 8, 2000. I had always looked to my father for advice, guidance, and moral support. Therefore, his physical absence has created a void that I know no one will ever be able to fill. I was the driver of the car that was involved in the car accident, and the passenger in the car sustained serious, if not life-long, injuries. Although it was, indeed, an accident, it is difficult to realize that I was the driver of a car in which someone, who I care about and who has been very good to me, has been severely injured. These two incidents, though difficult to endure, have done much to help me grow spiritually and emotionally. As I was recuperating from my injuries earlier this summer, I couldn't help but reflect that of all the lessons that life has taught me, none of them were learned in the classroom. My seminary classes have provided me with an academic understanding of Roman Catholicism, but life has provided me with a pastoral and compassionate understanding of the trials, burdens, and hardships that can befall any and every one of us. Yet, as difficult as they have been, I wouldn't trade them for anything. My father's death has given me an understanding of grief that I would not have been able to comprehend in others had I not shared the same experience. The car accident has taught me about self-forgiveness and the grace that can come in being forgiven by those whom we have injured. In many ways, though, I am saddened by these experiences, I am also grateful. They have helped me to re-examine my life and have a deeper appreciation for the things that are truly important. They have also taught me the importance of the old cliché "live each day as if it were your last." I don't know what God has in store for me in my last year of seminary studies. I hope and pray that whatever obstacles are put in my way, I will meet them with integrity, faith, and perseverance. However, no one overcomes tragedy by one's self. I have been surrounded by many wonderful men and women who have helped me to maintain my focus, my vocation, and my spiritual and emotional health over this past, very trying, year. May God bless each and every one of your. At I begin my final year of preparation for the diocesan priesthood, I ask for your continued prayers and support. Please know that I pray for you, as well. I look forward to being back in the Diocese of Lexington in May, 2001, when I will have the opportunity to work among so many dedicated, prayerful, and diverse people.
From my Bishop
Greetings: I am Bishop Ken Williams. I have been the Bishop of Lexington since its founding in 1988 and a priest for thirty-four years. I often wonder at the way God touches our lives. The call to ordained priesthood is a special mystery. Jesus instructed us to pray and the Lord of the harvest ...
Mission Statement
Seminarians of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington As men in priestly formation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, we courageously respond to God`s call in our lives. We are committed to the Word of God which energizes and sustains us in the sacramental life. Recognizing the many ...