Trent Barton, Seminarian, Diocese of Fort Worth
The Robson Ranch Catholic Community was treated to a special event on Sunday evening, July 9. Although the community usually does not meet in the summer, it was our only chance to have Trent Barton, Seminarian, Diocese of Fort Worth, come speak with us. Trent is currently assigned to St. Mark’s Parish for the summer and is also assisting the vocations office for the diocese. Trent grew up in Seymour, Texas, together with four brothers. He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was both a graduate assistant and full-time assistant football coach at the university for 12 years before joining seminary in the Fall of 2020 with the Diocese of Fort Worth. Trent currently attends Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., for theology.
Joan Bridges, our president, opened the meeting with a prayer and then after several announcements, asked those new to the group to stand and introduce themselves. There were many new attendees, not new to the Ranch but new to our group. In fact, some of the newbies have been at the Ranch nearly two decades.
Joan then proceeded to introduce our guest speaker Trent who was both informative and extremely interesting to listen to. Trent said that after much prayer, he decided to speak about Abraham, Moses, Zachariah, and Elizabeth, all of whom received a mission from God later in life for the purpose of building up the Kingdom of God. Trent spoke of how we can continue to be open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, even after we have accomplished so much in life. Although most in the group are retired and now enjoying the fruits of their labors, Trent reminded everyone that Christian life is not a set of tasks that once complete we simply wait for our reward, but a journey that is ongoing, one that only culminates in our longed-for unity with God in eternity. Trent cautioned all to not water down the faith due to the current climate in our country but to stay true to the teaching of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
The evening closed with a prayer, and all left feeling energized in our faith.
The RR Catholic Community meets September through May on the second Tuesday of the month. Please come join us. All are welcome.