Inviting Seminarians to Dinner

[Sanvean]

In Canada, Thanksgiving is coming up really quickly. I grew up pretty far away from my university, and so I only visit my family for Christmas and usually the summer. I remember how tough it was the be alone for big family holidays the first time.

After that, I started inviting friends over who were also stuck in town, and we would enjoy a big dinner together. This year is a little different, and I am still debating what, if anything, to do for Thanksgiving- it really isn't that important of a holiday for me, anyway.

The other night at my youth group meeting, I was talking to a seminarian friend, and he suggestedI write to the rector of the local seminary, and invite any seminarians who are stuck in town for the holidays over for dinner.

I balked a little... It would be a great thing to do for these guys, but I am a young, single, female university student, and I really don't want to cause any scandal, or any other sort of impropriety. If I was married, it would be different.

My friend retorted that noone would see impropriety in it, it's just a way of saying thanks to these folks who are giving themselves for the Church.

I see his point, but I still don't know if it's a good idea.

What do you folks think?

[photosynthesis]

I've had this problem too... not necessarily with inviting priests over but getting rides home from church activities and going out to lunch with priests. on the one hand, if nothing impure is going on, what's to hide? on the other hand... it does have the possibility of causing scandal... i don't know what to tell you...

[shortnun]

As an student who spent many Thanksgivings away from home, I am truly thankful to those friends who invited me into their homes to celebrate. If this wouldn't be a financial burden on you, and you have the time and space, I think this would be a truly amazing gift to give to those who serve the church. Plus, maybe you have some friends you could invite and it could be an excellent opportunity for evangelization!

Prayers for your decision.

[homeschoolmom]

I think you should do it. Invite others to come over and maybe make dinner together.

[ForHimAlone]

I would say that if you invited some of your friends over, it would be a wonderful thing to have the seminarians for dinner. I'm sure everyone would have a great time, and the seminarians would probably be very grateful. However, I do think it best if you could find some other friends of yours to come as well.

[Sinner]

Do it. Invite others. Do it.

[zabbazooey]

Do it do it!!!!

[jmjtina]

I don't see it causing any scandal unless your a terrible cook. :

Naw, it would be a nice gesture. They have no place to go and providing them with a place to go would be such an awesome thing to do for these future priests who can't go home. I would definitely do it. Seminariarians are awesome.

God Bless.

[zabbazooey]

Seminarians = way

[photosynthesis]

seminarians are awesome, but seminariarians are awesomer.

[homeschoolmom]

[Sojourner]

I think it's different if you're just inviting one seminarian over than if you're inviting a bunch of people. I'm all in favor of having large dinner parties ... it can be a TON of fun. I do them for a bunch of friends a couple of times a month and have always found them to be really interesting. Just invite a bunch of people and it'll be OK.

[AlterDominicus]

I would like to invite a few of the sisters I know, over for dinner. I was thinking of making an event with permission of my pastor at my parish when I am to make my final announcement that will determine and be the destiny of my whole life, in about uh....3 years haha. Summer 08'

[Jaime]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='Oct 1 2005, 07:31 PM']I think you should do it. Invite others to come over and maybe make dinner together.
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I'm excited because I'm going over to Hsmom's for Thanksgiving this year!! I'm not a seminarian but I'm excited about an Hsthanksgiving!! Woohoo!!!!

[zabbazooey]

OOH that DOES sound way exciting!!!!!

[Jaime]

[quote name='zabbazooey' date='Oct 2 2005, 11:25 AM']OOH that DOES sound way exciting!!!!!
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She hasn't invited me per se. Yet I'm still very excited about Thanksgiving with the Hsfamily!!

[homeschoolmom]

I only invite journalists turned law students for Thanksgiving.


I'll save you a wing...

[ofpheritup]

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Oct 2 2005, 09:36 AM']I think it's different if you're just inviting one seminarian over than if you're inviting a bunch of people. I'm all in favor of having large dinner parties ... it can be a TON of fun. I do them for a bunch of friends a couple of times a month and have always found them to be really interesting. Just invite a bunch of people and it'll be OK.
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YES.

To me the situation is simple. You are seeking to do a good deed.
Invite some of them, some of your friends, be prepared to stand back and watch Jesus work.

The fort where I live offers the same thing to the soldiers who do not go home for Exodus. I helped a friend one year, he invited four soldiers to spend Christmas day with us. We had a blast.

[Jaime]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='Oct 3 2005, 06:46 AM']I only invite journalists turned law students for Thanksgiving.
I'll save you a wing...
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[homeschoolmom]

What? I said I'd save you a wing! Did you want a drumstick?