Newly ordained Father Jay Korban discusses his journey into the priesthood and overseeing parishes in rural Manitoba. Topics include Winnipeg's flooding issue, Catholicism, the role of faith, priest duties, Bible interpretation, and the possibility of God being an alien. The conversation also covers living in small towns during the pandemic, communication evolution, frustrations with email confirmation, and challenges in rural areas.
Father Jay Korban discusses his journey to priesthood and the challenges of overseeing multiple rural parishes in Manitoba.
The importance of open conversation about faith and the value of listening to the entire episode for valuable insights and perspectives.
The need for global recruitment in the Catholic Church and the challenges and expectations within the Church in different countries.
The practical skills learned in seminary and the importance of continuously adapting to new circumstances in the church.
The varied nature of church attendance and the role of rural parishes, emphasizing the need to preserve historic churches and adapt to changing worldviews.
Deep dives
Life in Rossburn, Manitoba
The podcast episode features a conversation with Father Jake Horbin, a newly ordained Ukrainian Catholic priest living in Rosburn, Manitoba, Canada. He discusses his journey to becoming a priest and the challenges and rewards of living in a small town of 500 people. He talks about the impact of the pandemic on the community and how they are coping with restrictions. He also reflects on the differences between living in a small town versus a big city like Beijing, highlighting the beauty of nature and the sense of community in Rossburn.
The Unique Challenges of Being a Priest
Father Jake Horbin shares insights into the life of a priest, discussing the day-to-day obligations and responsibilities of his role. He talks about the importance of following the rules and guidelines set by the church, especially considering the impact on the reputation and communal life of the parish. He also touches on the challenges of balancing personal beliefs and following the church's teachings. Father Horbin provides a perspective on the joys of priesthood and shares what makes him laugh and how he unwinds after work.
Navigating the Pandemic and Thoughts on God
The conversation with Father Jake Horbin includes a discussion on the impact of the pandemic on the congregation and how they are navigating the ongoing challenges. They also explore intriguing and thought-provoking topics, such as the concept of God as an alien. The episode emphasizes the importance of open conversation about faith and encourages listeners to listen to the entire episode for valuable insights and perspectives.
The Importance of Global Recruitment in the Catholic Church
The podcast episode discusses the need for global recruitment in the Catholic Church. Currently, there is a shortage of bishops in Canada, and younger bishops are needed. It is mentioned that Ukrainian Catholic Church has the youngest bishops in the entire Catholic Church, with some bishops being ordained in their late 30s. The trend suggests that bishops may come from other parts of the world, like Ukraine, to serve in Canadian parishes. There is also a discussion about the different experiences and expectations within the Church in different countries and the challenges that can arise in cross-cultural situations.
The Challenges and Practical Skills Learned in Seminary
The podcast episode highlights the challenges and practical skills learned in seminary. It mentions that while seminary provides a foundation for priesthood, some practical aspects are only learned on the ground. Specific examples mentioned include the experience of hearing confessions and dealing with financial matters in multiple parishes. The transition from the seminary to real-world situations can require adapting to new experiences and learning on the go. The importance of continuous learning and adapting to new circumstances in the church is emphasized.
The Varied Nature of Church Attendance and Rural Parishes
The podcast episode discusses the varied nature of church attendance and the role of rural parishes. It highlights that not all churches have regular services and many rural parishes only have services on specific occasions, such as feast days. The concept of the CEO (Christmas and Easter Only) attendee is mentioned, acknowledging the reality that some individuals may attend church only on those occasions. The importance of preserving historic rural churches and their unique characteristics is also mentioned.
Faith and Education
The podcast episode discusses the importance of education in understanding the teachings of the church and the role of faith in modern times. It emphasizes the need for a shift in mentality to focus on love and serving others rather than doom and gloom. The podcast also acknowledges the negative representation of the church in the media and the need for the church to adapt to changing worldviews and become an inclusive and accepting community.
The Relevance of the Church
The episode explores the relevance of the church in the modern world and the decline in church attendance. It highlights the importance of community and getting along with each other within the church. The discussion also touches on the relationship between science and faith, acknowledging that science and modern medicine are recognized by the church but also emphasizing that there are still unexplainable aspects of life that lead to a belief in God. The episode concludes by discussing the historical context of the Bible and the interpretation of its prophecies.
The Importance of Courage and Lessons from Religious Texts
Courage plays a significant role in reaching out and exploring important stories. Even though we interpret religious texts in a modern context, there are still valuable lessons to be learned from the Gospels, epistles, and the Old Testament. The Old Testament can be confusing, but it still holds importance. For example, the story of creation can be interpreted differently, raising questions about time and measurement. In the past, there was a reluctance to question authority, but with the advent of social media and the internet, those barriers have been broken down, which can be seen as a positive change. Communication training and mental health awareness are crucial for priests, as they often hear challenging and sensitive confessions. Finding healthy ways to cope with the emotional impact, such as enjoying music, biking, or watching comedies, is essential to maintaining well-being.
Addressing the Possibility of Alien Existence and Its Impact on Faith
While it's uncertain whether aliens exist, if they were to appear and claim to be God, it would be met with mixed reactions. Personal faith may not change, but questions would arise about teachings and the lack of previous mention of extraterrestrial beings. The encounter would be monumental and have far-reaching implications. Trust in science has been challenged, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as scientific knowledge constantly evolves. Building a unified global society that is open to new discoveries and possibilities can help navigate potential encounters with alien civilizations. The impact on faith and beliefs would be profound and require deep reflection and adaptation.
This week I have another guest from my hometown of Winnipeg, Father Jay Korban.
Newly ordained and now overseeing a dozen parishes in the rural areas of Manitoba, Father Korban and I talk about his journey into the priesthood and how it’s been a life calling. We talk a lot about growing up and experiencing different parts of Canada, particularly Winnipeg and Ottawa (we even come up with an idea for how Winnipeg can solve its flooded river-walkway!) and talk a lot about Jay’s experience in the Ottawa seminary, that is, school for future priests.
This is probably one of the best conversations I’ve had as it is probably the most informative and real-world talk about Catholicism, the Church, the life of a priest, and the role of faith in the world. I don’t let Jay off the hook very easily in this and I bring up a lot of questions and concerns that I myself have encountered over the years and throughout my travels. Everything from the more serious questions of what do priest’s do, the meaning of the Bible, and what if God was/is an alien to what make a priest laugh and what music do they listen to after a day of work?
This episode you have to listen to in its entirety. I hesitate making show notes for this one because I think it is that important to listen to what is said. That being the case, to make it easier on you I can say that the first 40 minutes or so is us talking about life around Canada and then we switch to more of about Fr. Korban’s entry into and graduation from the seminary.
You can get in touch in Father Jay Korban through his parish’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/rossburn.ugcc. And, as always, let me know what you think, tweet or email me @THEStevenSirski.
