Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • October 19, 2018 19 BY DAVID TISDALE HATTIESBURG -- Deacon Braxton Necaise says priestly formation is no cake- walk. During his seminarian internship at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Hattiesburg, he’s actually done a lot of walking -- and steered clear of cake. The Kiln native came to Saint Thomas Aquinas in May for an internship, which ends this month. The internship, part of his six-year journey to becoming a priest, is an opportu- nity to engage in the four pillars of priesthood formation, which include the spiritual, aca- demic, pastoral and human. His internship duties include hospital visi- tation, being a deacon of the Word, and par- ticipation in the liturgy. Necaise was also ‘drafted’ into serving as director of the church’s Eagle Catholic – a student organiza- tion born of a merger of the former Catholic Student Association and FOCUS - while its current director is on maternity leave. Fitness and a diet also figure heavily into Necaise’s internship. While making spiritual gains, he’s also shedding pounds and becoming more physically fit. His regimen, designed by Saint Thomas Aquinas pastor Father Mark Ropel, finds Necaise up and going at 4:45 a.m. four days a week, walking three and one-half miles. That’s followed by a second workout in the after- noon at the Payne Center on the nearby University of Southern Mississippi campus. Saturdays include yoga and yard work. An accompanying low-carb diet brings new mean- ing to the phrase ‘give us this day, our daily bread,’ “when the Eucharist is the only bread you’re eating,” Necaise said. At the time of this interview, he had dropped 54 pounds since following the plan. As both Necaise’s spiritual and physical fitness mentor, Father Ropel doesn’t take the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ approach to guiding him in both areas. “He hasn’t asked me to do one thing that he hasn’t done,” Necaise gaining, losing through internship at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Hattiesburg Deacon Braxton Necaise proclaims the Gospel during a Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Hattiesburg. Photo/David Tisdale ing to me. They’re extremely hospitable, and have an intense love for the Lord.” Father Ropel counts Necaise as a blessing for Saint Thomas, providential in that his placement allows him to serve as interim Eagle Catholic director. “His enthusiasm and openness to serve our parish has been wonder- ful,” Father Ropel said. “He truly enjoys peo- ple, and I believe he’ll make a great priest.” A lay support committee that includes 12 members of the church provides feedback to Necaise during his internship on all facets of his performance. “I challenged them to be forthright in their assessment, so in this capac- ity, they’re actual formatters of priests, to help me become the best priest I can be. And that’s a huge deal.” And it’s an even bigger deal now, he says, with the church addressing new cases of abuse among the priesthood in recent months. He says he continues to pray for healing for the victims, as well as for the church. “There’s been too much that’s been kept in the dark,” Necaise said of the issue. “When we bring things to light, that’s when we can begin to heal, to grow. And we’ve got to begin that process.” Mary Lou Sheffer, a member of Necaise’s formation committee, concurs with Necaise on that issue, but says that during this time of crisis among the clergy, work- ing with and observing him during his internship con- firms her faith in the future of the church. “He is grounded in his theology, and has a deep desire to spread the Gospel to God’s children. He always has a smile on his face, and is so uplifting,” Sheffer said. “Whether it’s helping with small faith meetings, working with the CYO and CSA, or cleaning around the church, he treats each task as if he is serving God Himself. “I have no doubt Deacon Braxton will become one of the diocese’s holiest priests. Thank you, Deacon Braxton, for your yes to God and to us.” Necaise said. His Monday ‘stroll’ finds him joining Father Ropel and college students on a standing date for the 5 a.m. Rosary walk. On a recent Rosary walk, Necaise real- ized he was setting the pace for the whole group, evi- dence his efforts are bearing fruit. He says the health and fitness regimen isn’t necessarily about losing weight, but being “the best future priest I can be.” “I have so much energy now,” Necaise said. “In the past, on my day off, all I kind of wanted to do was sleep, but now I want to be in motion. I feel great.” Necaise considers his assignment to Saint Thomas Aquinas as a “gift” before he gets to “lay on the ground (for ordination) at the Cathedral (of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Biloxi).” “It’s (internship) an opportunity to work on myself, in a human way, in anticipation -- God willing -- of ordination day. It has been demanding, but it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.” The Saint Thomas Aquinas congregation, he says, is “remarkable.” “The people here have been so welcom- Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi