St. Ignatius Krapyak Parish Church in the provincial capital of Semarang welcomed 24 seminarians from St. Paul Major Seminary of Yogyakarta’s Kentungan for a three-day live-in program.
This took place in November, with the major seminarians staying in 24 neighborhood communities to experience parish life firsthand while also leading two family-themed community sessions.
The seminarians were officially received by parish chief priest Fr. Laurentius Tata Priyana and then joined various parish activities: family and elderly visits, youth ministry events (OMK), children’s catechesis (PIUD–PIA), teenage catechetical groups (PIR), and preparation sessions for first communicants.
They also collaborated with the youth to serve in the choir for the Solemnity of Christ the King.
From initial hesitation to enthusiastic welcome
Although the program initially faced some resistance, mainly due to concerns about hosting seminarians overnight, intensive communication from the committee and well-prepared session materials allowed everything to run smoothly.
Host families were impressed and grateful, saying they experienced enriching and affirming interactions with the seminarians who stayed in their homes.
The placement of the seminarians in each neighborhood was done with specific considerations, including their interests and home parishes, along with the conditions and planned activities in each community.
This purposeful placement helped create a focused and meaningful live-in experience, allowing both parishioners and seminarians to benefit fully.
Enthusiasm grew quickly. Many families expressed joy in hosting the seminarians and experiencing a renewed spiritual energy within their community life.
At the end of the program, parishioners expressed hope that the seminarians would someday become priests who serve faithfully.
Some even suggested extending the live-in period and holding it again in the future. The Vocation Promotion Team also began forming a small community for children interested in exploring a religious vocation.
Meaningful experiences of the seminarians
From collected reflections after the live-in, the seminarians highlighted several key points:
• Warm hospitality, close relationships, and openness in sharing stories.
• High enthusiasm during every community activity.
• A variety of shared activities, including group discussions, sports, healthy walks, and even a trip to the beach.
• Spiritual experiences, including service opportunities and faith discussions.
• The uniqueness of each neighborhood, from its neat environment and joyful children to the attentiveness of the elderly.
Reflection and vocational strengthening
The live-in was considered deeply affirming for their priestly vocation. The seminarians felt the community’s support, learned about the dynamics of parish life, and grew more prepared to serve as future shepherds.
“I feel even more strengthened in my vocation,” one seminarian wrote. “A path that once felt uncertain has become steady again.”
The live-in program at Krapyak Parish is seen as a success, building closeness, strengthening vocations, and rekindling the spiritual life of the parish community at the grassroots level.
Reflections of the seminarians
In addition to writing about their most memorable experiences, the seminarians also prepared short reflections on their three-day, two-night live-in. Their thoughts can be summarized into several key themes:
1. Strengthening of vocational call and direction of priestly ministry
The reflections highlight how the live-in experience strengthened the seminarians’ resolve to become priests who serve wholeheartedly, remain relevant, and truly know their people.
Some important notes:
• “The live-in experience in Krapyak Parish became a moment to take a breath. Everything I experienced there is valuable nourishment for my vocational journey. It was a chance to ‘taste’ what it means to live with the people and serve wholeheartedly.”
• “Through this live-in, I feel even more affirmed in my vocation, realizing that many parishioners pray for and support my journey as a future priest.”
• “I am challenged to prepare myself to become a shepherd who truly knows and understands the hearts of the ‘sheep’ I will one day serve. By knowing and understanding them, my ministry can hopefully be relevant and contextual to the needs of the people.”
• “This way of life is truly oriented toward self-giving in service to the faithful.”
• “I feel strengthened through these encounters. Steps that once felt uncertain are now steady again. A heart that once wavered is now firm.”
• “An experience that truly affirmed my calling and fueled my spirit to persevere in formation as a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Semarang.”
2. Warmth, acceptance, and family spirit of the parish community
A prominent theme was the feeling of being welcomed as part of the family, not merely as guests. The phrase “Krapyak = Krasa Pancen Grapyak” (Krapyak truly feels friendly) captures this sentiment.
Some notable reflections:
• “This was evident in the warmth of the families and the harmony of the people of God in the neighborhood.”
• “This was my first time meeting them, yet I was welcomed with warmth and affection. That affirming warmth was not only felt in the host family, but also in the neighborhood and the parish.”
• “Staying in the home of a local parishioner brought me real joy. I realized that this joy wasn’t just about material comfort or lodging, but about being acknowledged and accepted.”
• “Encountering the parishioners made me realize how truly good God is. I didn’t just gain new experiences, I gained a new family.”
• “I also experienced the affection of a father figure, something I had missed since my father passed away four years ago. My time with the youth (OMK) was also very delightful.”
• “I was placed in the farthest neighborhood. The sense of family there grew even stronger, making the atmosphere warm and full of togetherness.”
Dr. Elisa Rinihapsari is a lecturer at the Catholic Mangunwijaya Polytechnic. She earned her doctoral degree in environmental studies from Soegijapranata Catholic University. She is also an advocate for strengthening the quality of family pastoral ministry.
