www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology ***Needs some help, please...

I was wondering if you all could help me brainstorm something here. I am a married Byzantine Catholic man who is trying to figure out how I'd support my family (wife, two young kids) while I attended seminary for 5-6 years. I am pretty sure I'd be able to get medical insurance for my kids no problem, but figuring out how to get medical insurance for wife and I, maintain housing and having a little money for gas, etc. is proving difficult to figure out. As far as I know, I will be unable to work due to the rigor of the program, and my wife working may be difficult because our one child is only a year old. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! If it's God's will, it will work out, I have no doubt. I'm just having difficulty figuring it out.

Are there any Orthodox members here who entered the seminary AFTER being married and with kids for a few years? Any suggestions?

Thank you all!

Discerning

If the seminary has married student housing, then you should be able to get financial aid for this, and students are often required to have some form of health insurance, which is not, of course, the best, but pays for something. It depends on the plan whether you can get this extended to a spouse or not. Does your wife have the sort of career that allows her to work from home? Friends of mine have done this while he was in seminary.

Gaudior, who prays that you can work this out.

I'd postpone seminary for a later time, when my pursuing this vocation would not affect so greatly my vocation and obligations as husband and father.

Meanwhile, you can learn how to be an excellent shepherd and spiritual father, by taking care of the little flock The Lord has already entrusted to your care.

Shalom,
Memo

Discerning:

Does your eparchy have a program where you would be able to start your program by distance education over the 'net? You might start with that approach for a couple years out of the total while still working where you are and living where you are.

I understand that St. Tikhon's Seminary (OCA) has a distance education program, but am not familiar with its particulars.

BOB

thank you for the replies thus far. Unfortunately distance learning is not an option at this time. The program requires that I do everything in a classroom--no exceptions. I had asked about this, and was told "no".

Still trying to find some financing if possible as well as insurance. I'll do my best, but it may have to wait, as suggested above.

Any more ideas, please feel free to share.

Discerning

Discerning,

I have no ready answer for you, but your vocation will be in my prayers.

Many years,

Neil

Discerning, have you checked to determine if the state you will be residing in has free insurance for low income families?

Gaudior, who has seen these things advertised on TV, but does not know which states have them

Discerning,

I suggest you speak to the married man who is currently enrolled at the seminary.

Assuming you have an undergraduate degree, the seminary formation will encompass four years. You also mention it would be difficult for wife to work. So at the minimum, you would need to cover expenses for at least four years. The following suggestion would require no small acrifice. Have you considered a second job? You could save the income from that second job to cover your future expenses for the four years? If your current job offers you medical insurance, you may be eligible for continued insurance coverage (at your expense) after you leave. This mandated by the federal law known as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986). COBRA allows you extended coverage for up to 18 months.