Seminary: The Journey So Far

Greetings St. Peter’s Ohana! 
I want to update you on the journey that I have been on since leaving St. Peter’s for seminary. I am entering into my senior year, the third year of three, at Virginia Theological Seminary. It seems unbelievable that it’s already senior year, and I will graduate with  Masters of Divinity in May. 
Seminary has been a very unique experience. It’s a time of intense formation. It’s not only academic. At school, we spend a lot of time as a community praying, laughing, and learning about ourselves and the ministry God is calling us to. I would have to say my favorite part of seminary is being part of  such a close community. I often joke with my 2016 classmates that it’s like going to school with 40 of my brothers and sisters. We have grown close and know each other well. I know these relationships will serve a greater purpose as we part ways to serve the church in different parts of the world. I value all that I have learned about the Episcopal tradition and the history of our church. Seminary has given me the opportunity to learn about the Episcopal Church, and not only through books, but through conversations with classmates, professors, and visitors to our campus. 
This summer, I was able to get a taste of what ministry might look like in Hawaii through participating in Clinical Pastoral Education with Pacific Health Ministries. I served as a chaplain in various departments at Queens Hospital. I am still processing all I have learned. One thing I am sure of is that I will carry the lessons I have learned with me throughout my life and ministry.
I am currently a postulant in the diocese, which means I am on the ordination track. The next step in the formal discernment process is to interview for candidacy. These interviews will take place over my senior year. I will be traveling back and forth from Virginia and Hawaii several times over the academic year. I am looking at it as a time to transition back to life in the islands. I consider Hawaii my home, and, God-willing, I hope to return to the diocese after graduation. 
I am immensely thankful for the prayers and support that St. Peter’s has given me throughout my time in the discernment process. I appreciate the way that all of the members of St. Peter’s have participated in my process, from discernment committee members to pep talks to helping me navigate my time on staff before I went to seminary. Personally, this has been a time of growth and learning for me, and it would not have been possible without my church ohana. Please keep in touch! I love hearing from folks when I am at school! My email address is annalisecastro3@gmail.com. My mailing address is 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA, 22304. It means so much to me to have connections with home! You all remain in my prayers often. I will be in touch as my senior year progresses. 

Love and Aloha, 
    Annalise