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From our Pastoral Intern Eben MacDonald
As I mentioned in my last article, in the mid
1980’s I was a seminarian for the Diocese of Lansing Michigan, studying
in their college formation program. But after much prayer and
discernment I felt that was not where God wanted me at that point in my
life so I left the program. Shortly thereafter, I went back and
completed my bachelor’s degree in theatre with a concentration in
acting. While still in school I began working for a retail company, Pier
One Imports. I started as a part-time clerk, but eventually worked my
way into store management. I was taking a full class load while also
working full time. After graduating from college, I decided to move to
the Los Angeles area with a friend who was planning to move West after
graduation. I settled in North Hollywood and was able to transfer with
Pier One and find employment in one of the stores in the L.A. area.
During this time I also joined Saint Charles Borromeo Church in North
Hollywood.
After a couple of years with Pier One, I began
working my way up the corporate ladder and became a visual merchandiser
for Pier One, travelling from store to store doing displays and training
the store employees on merchandising. I was also responsible for setting
up all the new store openings and store remodels. I enjoyed the
opportunity to travel, the ability to exercise my creativity, and the
daily contact with people.
Eventually, I was able to afford to buy a home. I settled in West Hills
and joined Saint Mel Church in Woodland Hills. After joining Saint Mel,
I began to get involved in various parish ministries. I became a lector
and Eucharistic Minister, I joined the liturgy committee, and joined the
R.C.I.A. team, and eventually became R.C.I.A. director for the parish.
This was a very happy time in my life. I had an
interesting and rewarding job, I had a nice car, I owned a decent home,
I was very active in my parish, and had hopes of settling down. I felt
like I was living the so-called American Dream. After leaving the
college seminary, I felt like I had discovered where God wanted me to
be, and I felt very blessed. But God had surprises in store for me!
More to follow… |
