Days of Grace

Belated Merry Christmas!

2011-12-30T14:59:00.000-05:00

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all! At least there are a couple more days left in this Christmas Day (octave). I am late because I have been so exhausted that all I could do is a whole lot of nothing!

I am feeling much better now, and more rested as I take downtime from not only the Christmas rush but also the renovation. The church is all finished now (except for minor tweaking here and there) and this is how it turned out for Christmas:

I am quite pleased with how it turned out, and it is a lovely church in which to say Mass. As always, God is so good!

Certificate of Occupancy!

2011-12-17T07:59:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a great day as we got our certificate of occupancy for the church! This means we can move in and get it ready for Christmas! The pews are in, all the stained glass windows are in, and the altar furniture is here. It all looks beautiful! We have lots of work to do this week with final instllations, organizing and decorating, but it is really turning out great! Thank you, Jesus!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:31:00.001-05:00

I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving Day today. As we hear in the Mass, it is good always and everywhere to give thanks to God, for He is so good to us. Enjoy this day as we thank him for our country and all the ways He blesses us!

This Week's Developments

2011-11-12T18:54:00.001-05:00

We had some dramatic changes this week with the renovation. The installation of some of the stained glass windows and the altar rail really makes things look different in the church!

First Stained Glass Window!

2011-11-10T16:26:00.001-05:00

When we first decided to do the stained glass windows, their care was entrusted St. Faustina and her intercession. Many prayers went up to her throughout the process and she has really come through. It was interesting that this morning, when the windows came in, guess which window was the first one installed? You guessed it...

It is a beautiful window, as are all six of them that were installed today. They really have a dramatic effect on the church! I can't wait to get the rest of them next month!

New Sanctuary Arch

2011-11-05T11:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, workers installed the new sanctuary arch, taking great care to make it resemble as closely as possible the old arch. I think they did a tremendous job, as it is practically identical!

The three rosette pieces were used from the old arch and the rest was made from foam by computer. Pretty amazing job!

The next exciting thing on the horizon is that some of the stained glass windows are due to be installed next Thursday. I am definitely breaking out the video camera for that one!

Ceiling Trim

2011-11-02T21:42:00.000-04:00

This video is a week late, but it shows what is going on inside the church. There is little different to date inside, so this video is still current. It is taking some time to do the ceiling trim.

New Flooring

2011-10-07T12:20:00.001-04:00

Today the workers put in the new flooring in the church. It is basically a poured concrete product. There is also a tour of the basement and how it is coming along.

Looks like a special Christmas!

2011-10-06T19:01:00.001-04:00

We got news this week from the general contractor that he can now guarantee that we can be in the new church in time for Christmas eve Masses! This will be truly a blessing and very appropriate as we can offer the new church to Jesus on the solemnity of His birth. I am really excited and hope everyone can join us in the new space for this blessed occasion.

The Christmas Mass schedule will be the same as last year:
Christmas Eve: 6:00 PM in English, 8:00 PM in Spanish, and 12 M Midnight Mass in English
Christmas Day: 10:00 AM in English

I have never been one to be like the retail stores that think of Christmas long before even Halloween, but this year it is different! Come one, come all! There will be more "Room at the Inn" this Christmas!

Looking great!

2011-10-01T10:06:00.001-04:00

With all the work on the building, and going on retreat, I just haven't been able to do videos as much as I would like. I do have a few now that I can post. I did one on September 13, and a couple yesterday to keep folks up to date on what is going on construction-wise. Things are looking great, and we are still praying for Christmas eve as the first Mass.

This one is from Sept. 13, 2011:

These two are from yesterday, September 30, 2011:

Building it back up!!

2011-08-19T12:17:00.000-04:00

I have been a bit late in posting progress videos, mostly because it has been a really busy couple of weeks with the building. This week I making up for lost time, posting several videos from last week and this week. There has been a LOT of progress building and framing the inside of the church. The flooring has been put in, as well as the framing of the sacristy, vestry, confession, and sanctuary. Things are really taking shape now!

All opened up!

2011-08-02T19:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a video of the church now that all the old stuff (flooring, walls, etc) has been taken out.

All of the Stained Glass Windows are SOLD!

2011-08-01T11:42:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, all the stained glass windows for the church have sold! The last one went last week. God is so good to us! I thought they would take a good while to sell, like three or four years, but they are all done now, and should be ready to be installed by the end of the year. Thank you Jesus, and the intercession of Sts. Faustina and Therese!

This week should be pretty exciting as the new floor is to go in. I am really looking forward to being able to walk around inside and get a feel for the new space for the first time. I will post a video as that comes along. The video this week will probably show them installing the new floor system, and next weeks should be me walking around inside. I can't wait!

Keep praying, as we have a long way to go yet, but things are getting exciting!

Making progress!

2011-07-28T12:12:00.000-04:00

The renovation of the church is going along well, as we are beginning to see lots of new stuff being finished rather than just watching demolition! I have two videos this week (because I went on vacation last week without posting last weeks!)

Anyway, here is the first one from July 15:

This one is the latest video, showing the windows installed and the final demolition of the interior walls:

Flooring taken out.

2011-07-09T14:48:00.000-04:00

Here is the update this week. The roof trusses didnt arrive until late in the week, so the workers decided to do some of the interior demolition in order to not waste time. It sure looks different!

Quickie

2011-07-02T12:04:00.000-04:00

This is a quick update just showing the preparations for the new roof that is going up next week.

Update

2011-07-01T19:28:00.001-04:00

I should have a new video up tomorrow. It is a really short one showing a new wall they pu in to support the new roof trusses. Most of the work these past two weeks has been roofwork, and without getting on the roof it is hard to get pictures.

Nevertheless, all is going great with the renovation. Next week will see the erection of the new roof as the trusses come on Tuesday. Once that gets up the church should be all dried in!

Roofing work begins...

2011-06-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

This week roof work begins. I hope it gets finished as soon as possible!

Monday's Video

2011-06-08T14:32:00.007-04:00

I finally got the video from Monday up on youtube. Not a lot new here, just that the stained glass windows are removed. They are reframing the windows this week.

Update Delayed a Bit...

2011-06-06T13:03:00.002-04:00

The renovation this week is moving right along. The old stained glass windows are out and much of the flat roof has been removed. I did take a video, but my computer is in the shop that I process it with, so the video may be delayed a couple of days or so.
The plan this week is to begin to frame the windows so that the thermopanes and the stained glass can be ordered.

I will post the video as soon as I can!

Yesterday's Videos

2011-06-01T07:39:00.001-04:00

These videos are from yesterday. Things are moving along!

These show them taking out the old stained glass windows:

Last week's Progress Video

2011-06-01T06:42:00.002-04:00

I am planning to take progress videos every week, so this is the one from last week, when demolition really got started:

This is the way things looked in the old basement/teen room:

Videos!

2011-05-31T21:37:00.006-04:00

I have been shooting some videos of the progress of the church renovation. I am posting them here and then also on the parish website (as long as I can figure out how!)

Here is the first:

Ok, so maybe I am no videographer, but at least you can follow the progress!

Work has begun!

2011-05-23T21:37:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day of real work on the church renovation. workers were in the church taking out the old carpet and ceiling tiles, preparing for the replacement of the roof which is soon to come. It is really exciting to watch the transformation of the church, although it cannot help but proceed at a slower pace than I would like. Nevertheless, the work has begun and we are on our way to a beautiful new church!

Last Weekend!!!

2011-05-07T13:32:00.005-04:00

I can't believe we have already arrived at the time of beginning construction on the church renovation. Lots of work has gone into planning and raising money (which we are still doing) and finally we are at the point when we can beging the renovation! This weekend is the last weekend of Masses in the current church. Monday morning, I will celebrate Mass in the social hall for the first time. That will be our new home for the next 6 months. It certainly won't be the same, but as long as Jesus is there, it will be great!

Working on this project has really been a tremendous experience. It has been a lot of work which has seemed overwhelming at times, but it is really exciting to see it starting to take shape. When it is finished the church is really going to be beautiful!

It is going to be sad to celebrate Mass for the last time in the church as it is on Sunday, but the effort we put in over the next six months is going to be well worth it!!

Santo Subito!!!

2011-01-14T09:22:00.004-05:00

It is a great day in the Church! It was announced today officially that Pope John Paul II will be beatified on May 1!

I have great affection for John Paul II, for like many other people, he was the only pope I knew for so many years. He was the pope when I came into the church, and because of his outreach to people and great visibility/accessibility, I was able to see him personally and shake his hand when he visited Baltimore MD in 1995(?).

I am thrilled for his beatification, and can't wait for his canonization!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:39:00.002-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a most holy and blessed new year!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to one and all! May the blessings of the Christ child be with you today and all the days of your life!

Advent has begun!

2010-11-28T21:55:00.004-05:00

Happy Advent! Our new liturgical year has begun! As the world begins its frenetic shopping frenzy, we as church begin waiting - waiting on Jesus. In our waiting our hearts grow in yearning for God's kingdom that Christ brings, both in His birth and fully at His second coming. With all the brokenness we see in the world, how we long for the fulfillment of God's kindom of peace, justice, and love. Advent is a time of prayerful longing, waiting for the joy that Christ brings to all who will receive Him.

Come Emmanuel!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T21:46:00.002-05:00

I wish you all a most blessed and joyful Thanksgiving Day! God is so good in all his generosity to us. It is good always to give him thanks! Have a wonderful day with your family and friends.

Thank you, St. Therese!

2010-10-04T16:45:00.004-04:00

I have to thank St. Therese for a gift she gave our parish on her feast day last friday. We have a devotion to St. Therese because her relic is in our altar. i thought this year we would focus on her day a bit more and I would provide roses for the foot of the altar as a special gift to her. I arrived that day at church in preparation for Mass and went into the sanctuary with the roses I had brought, only to find that the regular altar flowers had just arrived for the weekend and were... you guess it... all ROSES!! I inquired as to where the roses came from, and was told that they were just what came from the florist. No one had specially ordered roses.

Makes you want to go hmmm....

Thank you St. Therese!

"Room at the Inn" Capital Campaign Kickoff

2010-09-28T21:37:00.002-04:00

Last night we had our big kickoff dinner for the "Room at the Inn" Capital Campaign for the renovation of our little church in Ellijay. We are trying to renovate to create more seating and it is a great undertaking for a parish our size. The dinner last night was really wonderful and I think most everyone there had a good time (at least I HOPE!) It was catered by a parishioner who has a catering company and the food was really top notch. It was the first time our community has had such a function and think it went over well. We will see as the pledges roll in!

Priest Convocation

2010-09-21T21:47:00.002-04:00

This week I am away with my brother priests of the Archdiocese for our biannual convocation. Every other year we get together with Archbishop Gregory to discuss some particular issue(s) related to priestly service in our Archdiocese. This year we are discussing the new english translation of the Roman Missal which is set to be implemented in Advent of 2011. It is great to be with my brother priests and to learn a few new insights into our beautiful liturgy. We are so blessed that God gave us the Mass!! I have lots of new things to pray about and to share over this coming year!

Flea Market Day!

2010-09-17T20:47:00.003-04:00

Today was the first day of our annual Flea Market and it was a really great day! This year we set up a big tent in the parking lot and apparently it attracted several passers by because at the opening hour we were inundated with visitors! I do think we did as much today as we did for the total of last year's flea market, and we still have another day to go. All the proceeds go to the building fund for the church renovation. God is so good!!!

Deliver me, Jesus!

2010-08-29T19:10:00.002-04:00

Todays readings on humility are so profound. We do not meditate enough on the need for humility. I am reminded of the prayer of Merry Cardinal del Val, secretary of state to Pope Saint Pius X. I read it first in the Pieta prayer book shortly after becoming catholic and it really amazed me. I had never thought about praying for this! Since then I know how blessed I am when I am able to let go of the need to be esteemed, recognized, liked, etc. The esteem of Jesus is all I need. Pride can be so subtle and insidious!

Jesus, deliver me!

God bless you all on this beautiful Sunday!

Shopping at the farm!

2010-07-27T07:58:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday after Masses I decided to visit a local farm near town that has begun selling their own cut meat to the public. It is an old dairy farm that has been fully functional since 1840 or so, and has always sold large cuts (quarters and halves) but only recently decided to sell individual cuts to the average consumer. It was really a tremendous experience to actually go to the FARM to buy my meat. And to think I thought it was cool when I first discovered the butcher shop versus going to the grocery store! Now I can go to the source itself! And it is all organically grown (at local farms like this, it has always been done that way!) It was really cool. As you drive up, the dairy cows are right there to greet you in their pen, drinking from the trough and staying cool with fans. You have to try and not think about their fate! I have a roast out thawing now that I am gonna put in the crock pot later today. I can't wait to see how it tastes.

They also sell RAW milk by the gallon. It is for pets, though, cause you can't sell raw, unpasturized milk for human consumption. They make that very clear - it is for pets only. I bought some for my pet Noah, though I don't think he is going to get any ;). Of course, I may learn to make pet cheese and pet butter. I don't think he will get any of that either.

As much of a techno geek as I can be, I love all the progress we have made over the years. After experiences like this, however, and thinking about how we now buy food with no connection whatsoever with where it comes from, you gotta wonder if it is really progress at all.

Church Renovation Plans

2010-07-25T07:10:00.007-04:00

I love our little church in Ellijay. It is pretty hard not to. It is small and quaint, and was built in the twenties, so it has a lot of old charm. The only problem is that it only holds 120 people, which is really a bit too small. To remedy that, plans have been drawn up to increase the seating capacity to 222 which would be a big improvement!
In drawing up the plans, great care was taken to preserve the look and feel of the church as much as possible. The goal was only to increase seating capacity. Here is the architectural rendering of the interior of the church after renovations:

As you can see, it looks pretty familiar! The architect was worried the picture looked too much like the current interior, to which I replied, "that's a GOOD thing!"

We are still trying to discern when the Lord wants us to begin the project. That will be mostly determined by our capacity to raise the money necessary to start. It is going to be hard to meet our goal, but with God, all things are possible!

Most Holy Week

2010-03-29T12:57:00.002-04:00

I would like to wish everyone a most Holy Week this week as we commemorate the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord. Hold tight to the mystery of this week, for it is overflowing with graces and the needed spiritual sustenance we all are dependent upon. Do not underestimate the power of this week to change our lives. Every year I discover it to be a new and evermore profound experience of God's love. It is truly more love than we can take. That is why we relive it every year, hoping to take in a little more each time we go through it. It is a love that can never be exhausted.

With all the negative news about scandal in the church which can be demoralizing at best, it is important to keep our eyes on Jesus, and how he suffered so unjustly at the hands of evil. We, too must at times follow, but always with His strength guiding and protecting us on to His resurrection. Resurrection will come. It always does. It is God's last word for those who trust in Him. Here is a good article which helps to keep the media headlines in perspective. Be at peace. Our Lord has conquered the world.

Forgive them Father - the abusers, those who hide the truth, and those who attack the Church unjustly - they know not what they do. And bless the innocent children, may they teach us the faith of a child.

Praise you Jesus! My Lord and my God!

St. Joseph, pray for us!

2010-03-19T08:49:00.002-04:00

When I think of St. Joseph, I always think of my grandfather. Pawpaw was a quiet, unassuming man who was exceedingly kind. Though quiet, he always made sure the family was well cared for, working hard at his own business. Everything always seemed taken care of when Pawpaw was around.

St. Joseph is much like that. He always seems to be quiet and out of view much of the time in our faith tradition, yet he always lovingly took care of the Holy Family and made sure they were never without love and sustenance. His quiet fidelity and devotion is a powerful intercession for us. He is a great model for fathers everywhere (even priestly fathers!)

I am so glad that one of the great traditions of St. Joseph is being maintained at Good Samaritan church. We have been doing the St. Joseph altar for three years and it has truly been a blessing. We keep to the sicilian traditions and it has opened us up in a new way to the blessings of St. Joseph's intercession. We prayed a novena three years ago, for sufficient rain to end the drought that was getting so bad they were wondering if we would have to ration water. We haven't had a drought since! People still ask me to stop praying for rain!

St. Joseph is also a powerful intercessor for families. This year I am praying that he intercede for all families to strengthen them with his fatherly care. Maybe in the future people will be telling me, "father, you can stop praying for love in our family - we are overflowing with it now!"

Till then,

St. Joseph, pray for us!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's day to all the Irish and to everyone! Last year I missed out on corned beef and cabbage, so the search is on to get some before the day is out!

Happy Laetare Sunday!

2010-03-13T21:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Laetare Sunday!

Ok, I am embarrassed for not posting since Christmas! These things happen, I am afraid. At any rate, I hope everyone is having a blessed lent and joyful Laetare Sunday. The celebration of our redemption is just around the corner, believe it or not, and it is good to have a bit of joy in anticipation of Easter, which is only three weeks away!

This season is always a renewal for me, and this year is no exception. Our penitential Lenten practices always seem to bring out the weakness in us, but God responds with his great loving Spirit to fill and renew us. He is so good!
Fill up on the scripture readings these last couple of weeks before Holy Week, as they are full of God’s mercy and compassion. We will need it, for in two weeks we will be walking with Jesus through his passion.

May these last weeks of lent strengthen you in holiness and mercy. I am praying for you, please do the same for me!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

May you all have a most Merry and Holy Christmas and a joyful New Year!!!

Parish Picnic was a great time!

2009-10-05T07:34:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who worked hard on our Parish Picnic yesterday. Many people showed up from both our english and spanish communities and it was a lot of fun. There was a lot of food, games for the kids, a crazy parish dog stealing from everyone's plates, and even some praying in the life chain to finish things off. Everyone seemed to have a great time!!

Congratulations Bishop Zarama!

2009-09-30T19:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's ordination Mass for Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama was truly beautiful! It was a great honor to be able to be there to witness a new successor to the apostles being made. Bishop Zarama was gracious as he gave his remarks at the end of Mass, showing how moved he was by the outpouring of love and support he received. It was truly a great day for the Archdiocese of Atlanta and for the Church universal!

2009 Flea Market

2009-09-24T10:34:00.003-04:00

Good Samaritan's 2009 Flea Market was a tremendous success! Despite the rain, we had a great turnout and everyone worked tremendously hard to make it a success!!

The flea market made over $10,000 to benefit the building fund! Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success!

Congratulations, Archbishop Gregory!

2009-09-24T10:18:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Archbishop Gregory on his appointment as the only US bishop to attend the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa. It is quite an honor for the Holy Father to have named him. It makes me wonder if AB Gregory might need to be looking for something red to wear at the next consistory?? Pure speculation on my part, and I know nothing of such things, but it is fun to think about!

Happy Labor Day

2009-09-07T12:31:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day today, as we are reminded of the blessings of work and the ability to build up the kingdom of God through our labors!

The Joys of Mountain Living!

2009-08-18T08:29:00.003-04:00

I have been dealing with trying to find out which neighborhood dog has been getting into the garbage and strewing it over the yard. I have had my suspicions, and fearing that the worst scenario would be that it was Noah, my own golden retriever (although MY dog would NEVER do THAT! ;) ) Anyway, this morning I caught the culprit red.. um.. pawed! It was a BEAR! Yea a black bear has been terrorizing the neighborhood garbage cans, especially on garbage pickup day. Of course, I was so concerned about getting him away from the garbage so I wouldn't have another massive clean up job that I totally forgot to snap a quick picture! Oh well, I am sure he will be back.

Ahh the joys of mountain living!

Gotta love these days of grace!

Bluegrass Gospel Mass

2009-08-17T13:47:00.003-04:00

Yesterday at our 9:00 AM Mass we had the pleasure of having some guest musicians come to play for Mass. It was the (unofficial) first bluegrass gospel Mass in Ellijay! The Partin family is a local group that plays in various churches around town, so I invited them to come see what Mass was all about. It was a great event and everyone seemed to really enjoy the different style of music. Nothing like adding a little local flavor to our Mass celebration!

Feast of the Assumption tomorrow

2009-08-14T09:27:00.002-04:00

As you know, tomorrow is the Feast of the Assumption, and many have asked if it is a Holy Day of obligation. Usually it is a holy day, honoring the assumption of our Blessed Mother body and soul into heaven after her life here on earth. On years when the day falls on Saturday or Monday, however, the obligation is abrogated, as it the case this year. So tomorrow is not obligatory this year.

Congratulations Bishop-Elect Luis Zarama!!

2009-07-28T08:30:00.004-04:00

My apologies for being away from the computer yesterday and was thus unable to comment on yesterday's historical news of Msgr. Luis Zarama being named by Pope Benedict XVI as first auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. It is a great time for the Archdiocese as it marks our growing population and the increasing importance of the hispanic presence in our area. I am personally very excited about it, as I know Msgr. Zarama is a very humble, pastoral, and intelligent man who will bring many gifts to his episcopal ministry. His episcopal ordination, the first ever held in the Archdiocese, will be on September 29 at the Cathedral in Atlanta. My only worry is now who am I going to get to cover for me when I go on vacation???? Congratulations, Bishop-elect Zarama!!

Dinner with our Seminarians

2009-07-21T15:38:00.002-04:00

Last night I had the pleasure of having a group of our Atlanta seminarians over for dinner at the rectory. I didn't even have to cook, which made it all the better, because with Rey as his sous chef, Gaurav (last year's seminarian at Good Samaritan) made one of his famous indian dishes and had us all stuffed by the end of the evening.

It was truly a pleasure to be with them and getting to know them. The stories they told of seminary life brought back many memories - some reminding me what a gift seminary life is, and others reminding me what a greater gift it is that it is only a temporary state in life! It was remarkable though to see that the things they are discussing and debating were much the same as they were for me when I was in seminary ten years ago.

It is beautiful to see men growing in their love the Church and for Christ as they continue their formation for the priesthood. It is also a great encouragement for those of us already ordained, reminding us that we are a part of a long lineage of men who have heard a call and followed it into service as a priest of Christ, often in spite of most overwhelming odds. Every man has a different background, different talents, different personalities, different stories. Yet everyone there last night seemed to have one thing in common, a love for Christ and His Church and a desire to answer His call with fidelity and sincerity.

We are blessed to have such fine men studying for our Archdiocese, and grateful to God that He has blessed us with the vocations we need here in Atlanta. Please pray for our young men as they continue their studies, and pray that the Lord continues to send us men who desire to serve as sincere and holy priests.

Whodda thunk?

2009-07-16T20:13:00.003-04:00

Who would have thought my meager blogging efforts would be written about alongside Fr. Vic Galier's? Check out the latest Ga Bulletin article on blogging in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Now I really need to post more often!!!

Pray for our president

2009-07-10T08:43:00.003-04:00

Today President Obama meets with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. Let us pray that the meeting opens the heart of our president on issues regarding life. It will be interesting to see how/if the release of Caritas in Veritate affects the meeting or highlights particular issues.

Caritas in Veritate is out!!

2009-07-07T09:12:00.008-04:00

Today the Holy See released the much anticipated encyclical Caritas in Veritate, the latest encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI which deals with Catholic social teaching. Encyclicals are major works by the Holy Father addressed to the entire faithful and offer insights and developments of the teaching of the Church for all faithful in light of the current state of the world and history. It is a beautiful document which focuses on the demands of love in dealing with all human relationships, both personal, public and political. The church will be unpacking it for some time to come!

I feel a homily or two (or three... or...) coming on!

Gearing up for Summer

2009-05-26T09:46:00.002-04:00

Now that we have passed Memorial Day, the summer season is officially here! There is a lot going on as the summer approaches. I know I should be relaxing, but there seems to be tons of things to keep me occupied!

First, our seminarian is coming this week to serve at Good Samaritan for the summer. His name is Rey Pineda, and he is a fine young man studying at Southern Catholic in Dawsonville. I have been blessed with great seminarians in the past, and I know Rey will be no exception!

Next week, we have confirmation on Tuesday, with a visit from Archbishop Gregory. It is always a treat when he comes to visit!

We also have the Eucharistic Congress coming up, as well as our local Eucharistic Procession for Corpus Christi, where we will bless the city of Ellijay with benediction in the town square. It should be a very moving experience!

I hope to relax a bit, but looks like it is going to be a hopping summer!!!

Happy Easter!! The Lord is Risen!!!

2009-04-15T07:23:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter to on and all!! Ok, I know I am a few days late in this, but I think I have sufficiently recovered from the emotional Holy Week last week. The Triduum was a very emotionally charged and uplifting time for me, from washing the childrens feet, to the Lord scheduling the rain on Good Friday around our Living Stations and Passion Service, to the joy of the Easter Vigil, and seeing the church so beautifully lit up by the Light of Christ in everyone's candles. I have just been OVERWHELMED with the goodness of God these past few days. I hope it isn't just me, and that others have felt the same. God is so good to us.

Blessed Holy Week!!

2009-04-09T11:36:00.002-04:00

I would like to wish everyone a most blessed Holy Week as we begin the Holy Triduum today. The Triduum is the three days before Easter where we celebrate Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, Good Friday with the celebration of the Lord's Passion, and Holy Saturday where we celebrate the richest liturgy of the year with the Easter Vigil Mass. Graces are overflowing in abundance these days!

Moving Day!!

2009-04-01T07:25:00.003-04:00

The day has finally arrived! Today we are moving the church offices across the street to our new digs. We'll have more room, more storage, and more parking! Once we are all settled in and the place is all decorated and presentable, we will have an open house of coffee and donuts so everyone can take a look. (Of course, you can always come by anyway and see what is going on!)

Holy Father introduces Year of the Priest

2009-03-17T07:54:00.003-04:00

As we know, we are currently in the year of St. Paul, celebrating the apostolic and evangelical zeal of a great saint of the church. Yesterday, the Holy Father announced that next year will be the Year of the Priest, to promote the continuing formation and holiness of the priesthood. He will also name the Cure of Ars, St. Jean Vianney, currently patron saint of parish priests, to be patron saint of all priests. We pray that all priests continue to grow in love and holiness. St. Jean Vianney, pray for us!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T07:51:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! I hope everyone has a great day and is inspired by the zeal of our favorite Irish saint! Somehow I have to find some corned beef and cabbage!

Lent begins

2009-02-26T07:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the lenten season and it was a great day as many came to Mass to mark the start of our yearly penitence. Lent is such a rich time as we discipline ourselves with fasting and abstinence, and increase our prayer so that we may be better prepared to receive the joy of the risen Lord at Eastertime. Our lenten practices are not merely quaint tradition, but, if seriously embraced, help us to strengthen our will and control our desires so that we are not mastered by things that can interfere with our relationship with God. It is definitely one of those moments where we get out what we put in. What a shame it would be if we ended the season no better off than when we began spiritually! So let us earnestly empty ourselves, so the Lord may fill us with His Spirit!

Visiting our seminarians

2009-02-20T12:17:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I returned from a quick visit to our seminarians at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It was the first time I had been back to a seminary since my ordination and it was a great trip. The anxiety of seminary life - tests, papers, evaluations - hit me when I saw the seminary, just like it did when I was there! Fortunately, reason kicked in and it didn't last long. It was a joy to be able to pray with the men in formation who are working diligently and faithfully to answer our Lord's call to the priesthood. It was great to see our Good Samaritan seminarians - the ones who have served in our parish in summer assignments - as well as meet the other men there studying for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. We have very fine men studying for our Archdiocese. We are truly going to be blessed with wonderful, holy priests!

The visit was intended to let the men know that the folks back home are praying for them and looking forward to getting them back in future summer assignments and eventually as priests. Please continue to pray for these men and for all vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Our Lord is so generous in providing for vocations! Thanks be to God!

Progress on the new offices

2009-02-09T16:31:00.002-05:00

Just to update everyone, the new offices are coming along nicely. The house we bought across the street from the church into which we will relocate the church offices is undergoing some renovation to prepare for our moving in, and it is coming along well. We are probably looking at another month or so before we move in. (It will take me that long to pack up the books in my office!)

Some folks have asked what the current office space will be used for. So far the plan is to relocate the sacristy into Sally's office, and my office will be a room for priests to vest and pray before Mass.

It is an exciting project and the new office space will give us a considerable amount of added space. And we can never have too much of that!

Warming weather

2009-02-09T16:28:00.002-05:00

What a relief it is! This has been a long long winter and the weather these past couple of days has been long awaited! It has been beautiful and WARM!!!

There is something about springtime weather that really "wakes us up!" It really has me. I know my vacation time has extended much longer than I originally expected, in terms of blogging, anyway! Now it is time to get things back into gear!

Vacation week!

2009-01-05T18:25:00.002-05:00

I am on vacation this week till Saturday. Not sure if I am going anywhere or just going to hang out, but I find just hanging out the most relaxing!!!

Pictures of the baby goats

2009-01-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to post a quick picture of the new baby goats. They are too cute and are really funny when they start jumping around!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T14:53:00.003-05:00

On this most holy night, may you all have all the peace and joy the birth of our Savior brings to us!

2008 Cookie Walk

2008-12-19T21:49:00.000-05:00

Today our parish held its first day of our annual Cookie Walk. It is a two day cookie sale, and tomorrow it ends. People come into our parish hall and buy a cookie tin, and can then go around the hall to all the tables that are filled with plates of many varieties of cookies, and fill their tins with whatever they can get in them. It was a very festive occasion and many people came by to purchase the sweet snacks. Everyone seemed impressed by the quality and variety. It is our second year and it has already become a tradition in the town it seems. Everyone looks forward to the Annual Cookie Walk! Kudos to the parish bakers!

New baby goats!

2008-12-19T21:45:00.001-05:00

I went to make my daily check on my critters at the "farm" and noticed as I drove in that the goat that was expecting was nowhere to be seen. I looked more closely and saw her head in the goat shelter. Normally she is with the rest of the goats and running up to my car in anticipation of food! I got out of my car and heard unfamiliar baby cries! Yea, she had her babies this morning - two beautiful little kids, one male and one female. The male is brown and black and the female is white/gray. I will try to take pictures and post them soon. They were really cute and mighty hungry!

First Agape Meal

2008-12-17T07:37:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday, we hosted our first Agape meal at the church. Most people had never heard of an Agape meal before, and while it goes by many other names, it is simple a free meal for members of the community in need. Agape is the greek term for Christian love, and the meal is designed to be simple a free, no strings attached gift to those who receive it. The scriptural foundation is both Matthew 22 and Luke 14 in the story of the invitations to the feast. Jesus tells us that when we have a feast, we are to invite the poor, those who cannot repay us.

The dinner was truly a beautiful event. The tables were all decorated for the season, with each one decorated by a different family or organization in the parish. Each one was different, but they were all beautiful and inviting. The food was delicious, and was served efficiently and quickly so the guests didn’t have to do anything but enjoy. We had many servers as well, and everyone seemed to really enjoy taking care of our guests. Our guests seemed to really enjoy it as well, taking in the cuisine and the hospitality with joy and gratitude.

It truly is a joyful thing to give freely to someone with no expectation of return. It is liberating and helps the giver as much or more than the recipient. Many thanks to all who took part in this endeavor, for much hard work went into it. I hope everyone was as blessed by it as I was!

Immaculate Conception (a day late!)

2008-12-09T08:31:00.001-05:00

I know I am a day late, but yesterday I just did not get to sit down to write, and yet I felt such a wonderful sense of joy over the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception that we celebrated. So today I would just like to share with you my joy and enthusiasm over Our Lady, even if it is a day late.

It is no coincidence that the Immaculate Conception is our national patroness. She is a shining reminder of so many things about humanity, our dignity, the beginning of our life, and the great things that are possible for us in faith.

First, Our lady shows us what great dignity God has bestowed upon the human race. By choosing her to be the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God, or Theotokos, God has bestowed upon humanity a tremendous dignity. What great love He has for us that He would send his son to be born as one of us. How could humanity be bad if the Son of God himself has chosen to become human himself! To receive this great gift, God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, giving her the grace of salvation through the merits of Christ, before her conception, so that she may be kept free from the stain of original sin for every moment of her life. She is the model for all Christians, a witness to the dignity that God has bestowed upon us. We are all called to live lives of purity and holiness just as our Blessed Mother does.

Secondly, it was the conception of Mary that is important here. The Church doesn’t speak of the immaculate Birth of Mary. It is the fact of her Immaculate Conception that is important. If it were only her birth that were important, then what about the day before her birth? Was she free from sin then? If not, what changed? The moment of her conception is the first moment of her life, and she was free from sin even then. This underscores the importance of understanding that the life of all persons begins at their conception.

Finally, Mary shows us in her Immaculate Conception that all things are possible for God, and thus, all things are possible for humanity. As she lives free from sin, so may we, as difficult as it may seem. She comforts and inspires us on that journey, and points us to the One who makes it possible – her son Jesus. She helps us see that He is the link between “how can this be?” and “let it be.” He is the one who gives us the courage to hope, and to turn that hope into reality.

May we as catholics and as a nation never fail to seek recourse from our Blessed Mother, the Immaculate Conception, for guidance and assistance on our road to Christ. May she intercede for us to bring our nation back to dignity and hope that God bestows upon those who trust in Him.

Happy New Year!

2008-11-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

This first Sunday of Advent begins the Church's New Year. The Church celebrates the new year not with fireworks and parties, but with quiet anticipation - anticipation that feeds our sense of hope for what Christ brings to the world. We embrace a sense of waiting - waiting on the Lord. We live in a world of instant gratification, yet the things we grasp at trying to satisfy ourselves never do in fact satisfy us. What we really long for, the world we know is "out there somewhere," is God's Kingdom which is coming. Advent is the season of embracing that waiting and watching, hoping and longing for a better world that Christ promises to bring at his second coming. It is also the joy of realizing that at His birth, Christ fulfills that promise, though the kingdom is not yet brought in its fullness.

So we begin the new year with a knowledge that the Kingdom is both here, and yet to come, and we wait, and watch, until that time when Christ comes again to bring the new life of his kingdom to fulfillment.

Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Today we remember with great devotion all the good things God has bestowed upon our country. We are a nation founded on a deep faith in God and on the recognition of his providence in our lives. We thank Him with all that we are and dedicate ourselves to continue to grow in His service!

Pray for Victims in Mumbai

2008-11-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

Today with great sadness we awaken to the news of the terrorist attack in Mumbai. We pray for the victims of this senseless act of violence against innocent life.

Recognizing our visitation

2008-11-20T08:16:00.000-05:00

In meditating on today's Gospel passage, where Jesus is mourning over Jerusalem and what will happen to her due to not recognizing her "visitation," I am reminded how we all can fall into problems in life because we cannot see the graces that are right before our eyes. These are the days of our visitation, because Jesus is present to us in so many ways, especially in the Eucharist. We need the strength he provides us on a daily basis, in order to withstand the pressures and temptations of the world which lead us to misery and death. As we read today about Jesus looking over Jerusalem and lamenting what is to befall her simply because she cannot see her loving Lord in her midst, makes us wonder how the Lord looks upon us, our country, our world. Would he have reason to lament what would befall us because we do not recognize Him in our lives today?

Please pray for our new president elect.

2008-11-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

This morning we awake to a new direction in the leadership of our country with the election of Barack Obama as our new president. It is in many ways an historic moment in the history of our country, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of so many as we have our first African american president. Surely his presidency will go far in bridging the racial divide in our country and that is truly a blessing for our country.

However, as I heard his speech last night, talking about hope and the fulfillment of dreams, coming together and looking forward, I couldn't help but think of those who have been left behind, those who never got the oportunity to hope, to dream, to look forward - the victims of abortion. Without the opportunity for life itself, all the other talk of unity and possibilities rings empty.

In several parts of the country where abortion bans were on the ballot, I believe they all failed to pass last night, denying a vast number of people the very opportunities they were professing to be promoting in their vote for president, by denying them the opportunity for life itself.

Let us pray that the Lord may change the hearts of all americans on this vital issue in America. May he move the heart of our president-elect and the hearts of members of congress to create opportunities of equality, freedom, and a hopeful future to ALL americans, especially those in the womb awaiting their birth.

Vote and Pray

2008-11-04T07:13:00.000-05:00

Today is election day. Everyone who has not already please get out and vote. And PLEASE continue to pray for our country, for guidance, and for whoever is elected tonight.

Pray, Pray, Pray

2008-11-03T07:08:00.001-05:00

With one day left before the election, please pray, pray, pray that our votes are guided by the Holy Spirit and that God's will is done as we elect our national leaders.

Passing of Msgr. Tom Kenny

2008-10-31T19:07:00.000-04:00

With deep sadness I am reporting the passing of Msgr. Tom Kenny, pastor of the Christ the King Cathedral in Atlanta. He died in his sleep on October 30 at the age of 69 according to Archdiocesan reports. He was a dear priest and friend of many. He will be sorely missed. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the souls of all the faithful departed, especially at this time of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.

Archbishop Gregory on voting

2008-10-30T17:19:00.001-04:00

As everyone knows, the election is only days away. Here is what Archbishop Gregory has to say about the election and voting.

Parish Picnic

2008-10-06T07:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we held our annual parish picnic, which fell near (and on) feasts of our patron saints: St. Therese (Oct. 1 ) and St. Faustina (yesterday, Oct. 5). Of course, the Divine Mercy is our true patron saint, but our Lord came to Faustina and St. Therese offered one of her relics for our new altar, so we are grateful to both of these saints!

The picnic was a great success. We normally have it at the church, but parking and space gets tight so this year we did it at a near by park by the river. It was a great time with lots of food and fun! Noah kept me busy shooing him off of begging from people. There were games for the kids, and everyone seemed to have a good time. When 2:30 rolled around, we all participated in the Life Chain, offering an hour of prayer for an end to abortion.

It is good to have such events where people can come and just relax and have a good time with each other!

Visit to a nearby farm

2008-09-23T08:42:00.000-04:00

Last evening I paid a visit to a family of a neighboring parish who has a small family farm where he grows all the food for his family. It was a beautiful visit, seeing all his chickens, goats, cows, and horse, and learning how he cares for his family with what God gives him. I got a good lesson in milking, too. Since my goats do not yet have milk, he let me milk one of his:

This is Cocoa and me fumbling through the novice milking experience. You can just see Cocoa telling me, " look, if you don't know what you are doing, can you at least make it quick???!!" Hopefully I wasn't too hard on the goat. The Blessed Mother was watching over us. :)

It was a humble farm, owned by a humble family who was very very rich in faith and God's blessings!

On the financial chaos...

2008-09-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking and praying a lot about the current financial crisis in the country, which by all accounts, seems much bigger than people are talking about. Nonetheless, it is one of those times where we cling to God in prayer, for He is our refuge and our comfort. In prayer this past week I have several times heard the scripture prediction from Micah 5:4, "He shall be peace." Not simple that Jesus will bring us peace, but that he shal be peace itself! There is nothing at all whatsoever to fear in Christ.

Today's reading from the Liturgy of the Hours is especially appropriate as we experience trials, such as those occurring today:

Romans 8:18-21

The sufferings of the present age are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us. Indeed, the whole created world eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God. Creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but by him who once subjected it; yet not without hope, because the world itself will be freed from its slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Lord, free us from our slavery to sin and corruption, for all our hope is in You.

Convocation

2008-09-15T08:27:00.000-04:00

This afternoon i am heading out to the Archdiocesan Priest convocation. We get together every other year to discuss various issues and topics. It is a great time to see other priests. I will be praying for everyone during this time. Please pray for our priests!

I'm still here...

2008-09-10T14:20:00.000-04:00

I just wanted everyone to know that I am still here! Sorry I have been so remiss in keeping up the postings.

This week I have been on vacation, pretty much living the farm life and getting lots of r&r. The chickens and goats are all doing great, though I am still waiting on more egg production! Most of my chickens are too young to lay as of now. They are a lot of fun to watch, though!

Hopefully I will learn how to post pictures her so I can show you my menagerie.

Food Pantry

2008-07-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of visiting the local community food pantry which serves Ellijay and indeed all of Gilmer County. I was impressed both by the size of the operation and also of the cheerful attitude of its volunteer workers. The walls are lined with shelves filled with a variety of staple foods, and workers go through with shopping carts to fill bags for the recipients. They are open once a week and offer basic foods for anyone in need. They work extremely hard, relying on generous donations of time (and money) to provide this great assistance to those who need it. Despite their hard work, everyone there seemed particularly joyfull to be helping out.

They have also been working on a local community garden which provides fresh produce to the food bank as well. They are in need of workers, so I figure with my new interest in farm life :) I may just have to make a stop by there as well!

Seeing such generosity from our community really does the heart good!

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-04T08:36:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Visit from the Archbishop and New Confirmandi

2008-06-30T06:41:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we had our first confirmation at Good Samaritan with Archbishop Gregory. It was a joyful event, sure to make any pastor proud. I was so proud of our young people who had worked so hard to receive their sacrament. Archbishop Gregory was as personable as ever, asking the candidates questions and drawing a laugh with each one. It is always a blessing when he comes to a parish. He really inspires and uplifts everyone. I am sure the confirmandi appreciated his friendly demeanor.

Confirmation is an important sacrament: the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the completion of full initiation in the faith. It was a joy to share it with the future of the church!

Farm life

2008-06-24T08:11:00.000-04:00

Ok, call me crazy, but I am starting a small farm. I am beginning with chickens, for which I am in the throes of building a new hen house. It is great fun - a fulfillment of a lifelong desire to have a small hobby farm. I will probably get goats within a few months, and possibly sheep. I am not doing this at the rectory, but at some property I bought last year a few miles away.

There have been many spiritual blessings out of it already. There is a sense of grounding helping to raise such staple foods such as chicken and eggs. It seems that the age old question of which comes first the chicken or the egg is answered in moderned times as "the chicken of course. The eggs are in the dairy section and that is at the end of the store!" So it is good to experience first hand that chicken comes from somewhere other than our local Ingles (or Kroger, or Publix). It makes you feel closer to nature and closer to God. It also serves as a small retreat where I can go to pray and be alone with God.

It is nice that we don't all have to rely on raising our own food, but to raise a little of it by choice is a great blessing and grace! Fresh eggs, anyone?

Vacation

2008-06-16T08:44:00.000-04:00

I apologize for my longer than normal lapse in posting, but I have been away on vacation this past week. I went fishing in the gulf outside of Pensacola. It was a wonderful getaway, and we caught lots of dolphin, a few wahoo, and I even landed a blue marlin! It was a thrilling experience. I didn't even get seasick! We just tagged the marlin and let it go, which is the custom anymore. There is a great feeling of freedom out on the ocean, and it really helped me relax and renew my mind.

Now it is back to work - back to counting all the graces God is giving us!

Vocations

2008-06-03T08:40:00.000-04:00

This is the season when we often think of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Our Archbishop ordained 8 men to the priesthood this year which is quite a blessing. That fact, coupled with my own anniversary of my ordination, I have been thinking a good bit about how to promote vocations in my small parish.

As in every parish, we have an altar server who really stands out. He is always eager and willing to serve, and does a great job. During Mass this past Sunday, while he was serving, I kept thinking that I needed to ask him if he was thinking about the priesthood. If he wasn't, I felt he needed to be - at least thinking about it. You never know if these little intuitions are from the Lord or not, but I tend to trust them more when they occur during Mass. So I made a firm decision that as soon as Mass was over I would ask him to think about whether or not he might be called to become a priest.

As soon as Mass was over, while I was unvesting, I thanked him for serving, and before I could say anything else, he said, "Father, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about the priesthood." Wow! I was thrilled! Not only was he thinking about it, but obviously the Holy Spirit had gotten to him before I did! And this was the first time he had ever mentioned anything about it. Hmmm... I am kinda betting this might just be a real vocation. ;)

Grace, grace, just so much grace...

Corpus Christi

2008-05-26T07:10:00.000-04:00

Corpus Christi is one of my favorite feast days in the Church. The beauty of the gift of the Eucharist is truly overwhelming when we really meditate upon it. Professing our faith in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a bold expression of our faith in his love.

This year we did our first Eucharistic procession. Since our church is just a block off the town square, I have been wanting to do one through the downtown area. This year our seminarian wanted to organize it, so he did and it was beautiful!

There is a great joy and thrill in honoring our Lord publicly in this way. I felt myself overwhelmed with emotion during communion time, with everyone receiving Jesus, uniting ourselves to Him and to one another, and then knowing that this most intimate moment would culminate in processing out of the church to proclaim to the town and the whole world that our Lord is with us, feeding us, loving us, strengthening us even now as we journey on toward Heaven! It was truly an overwhelming experience!

During the actual procession, we prayed the litany of the Eucharist and made our trip around the block through the downtown area. It was a short trip this time, I am thinking next year will be longer!!! Nevertheless cars drove by, watching us, probably thinking, "what in the world are they doing?" I felt sorry for them that they didn't yet know what blessing was passing their way. Hopefully with more catechesis and evangelization they will one day. Hopefully they too will join us one day in proudly, humbly, thankfully, walking with Jesus through the streets of Ellijay on the feast of Corpus Christi.

Reconnecting

2008-05-06T14:38:00.000-04:00

For those who do not know, I am a convert. I was raised in the Episcopal church and became Catholic in 1994. When people ask me how I became Catholic, I tell them that it was finally the Blessed Mother who led me home to the Church. I always tell them the story of how one time in my early twenties, when I was working at a psychiatric hospital in Atlanta, my supervisor introduced me to Our Blessed Mother. I was stressed and going through a difficult time, and her suggestion to me was that I try praying the Hail Mary. She said she wasn't trying to push anything on me, but that it was very calming and might help. Well I did, and it was calming and did help. Indeed she didn't push anything on me, but offered me a free gift of the love and comfort of Mary which I so needed at the time. It also set me on a course of seeking and finding my Heavenly Mother, the Church and the priesthood.

I lost contact with that supervisor over the years, and she never knew that I eventually became catholic, let alone a priest. I have prayed often that I would be able to get in touch with her somehow to tell her how much I appreciated her "suggestion" and how instrumental she was in setting me on the course that led to where I am today. People need to hear that their encouragement of others in the faith often bears fruit. So for almost 20 years I have waited and prayed that I might reconnect with her to thank her.

This past Saturday a newly made friend who had bought land in our town gave me a call to schedule a time to bless her new rural oasis. She was in town to visit the property with her dog and a friend, and wanted to say hello. In fact, she called from the church parking lot. Since her dog was with her she didnt want to bring her into the church, so she sent her friend in to get me. So after hanging up with her, who do you think walks in the door to my office? My former supervisor!!! I was bowled over, and after we realized who each other was and I shared the story, we were both overwhelmed with God's grace in that moment. My newly made friend finally wondered where we were and brought her dog on in, and the three of us had a great time marvelling in God's providence.

You never know how a little word of encouragement to someone can steer them in a totally unexpected new direction. I am sure gratefull that my former supervisor did, and am praising God that I am finally able to tell her. Ya gotta believe these are the Days of Grace!!!

Springtime in the Church

2008-04-22T07:24:00.001-04:00

It doesn't get any better than this! The dogwoods are out, everything is in bloom, the sky is warm and clear, and the Holy Father just finished a tremendously successfull trip to the United States. There is such a feeling of the joy of Easter in the air!

I just bought a bunch of flowers to plant in my garden and got about half of it planted yesterday. I am a real country boy at heart! After planting them I took a break and visited parishioners who have a bit of a farm. They have goats and chickens. They were so cute! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous and it was all in all a great day. God does wonderful work!! (to say the least!)

The Holy Father did some blooming of his own. He was truly filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit while he was here, and it was infectious. He left everyone trully bowled over by his outreach and candor regarding the sexual abuse crisis, and charmed by his childlike joy which comes through as he waves to the cheering crowds. I believe he did a great deal to heal the wounds in the American church, and on many levels. Not only did he begin real healing of the sexual abuse crisis,but also brought healing to much of the liberal/conservative polarization. He touched the hearts of all spectrums within, and without, the church. He leaves us more excited than ever to be catholic, and even proved to be an impressive uniter with those outside the church. Perhaps we are indeed moving into a new "springtime of the church" that John Paul the Great spoke about?

Regardless, the sun sure is beautiful today.

Welcome, Holy Father!

2008-04-15T09:01:00.000-04:00

Today is the day of our Holy Father's arrival in the United States! It is such a blessing to have him come here. A papal visit touches lives in so many ways. I remember when Pope John Paul II came to Baltimore in 1995, it was such a memorable event for me. I was a seminarian in pre-theology at Mount St. Mary's seminary in Emmitsburg, and we were invited to the Mass at Oriole Park in Camden Yard, and then to St. Mary's Seminary where we were to see the Holy Father off as he headed back to Rome. The Mass was incredible. So many people were there and there was such excitement to see the Holy Father and hear what he had to say to us.

Then at the seminary, all of us seminarians, from Mt. St. Mary's and St. Mary's (I can't remember if other seminaries were represented,) were lined up on the steps of the seminary to await the Holy Father's arrival. I was excited to be able to see him more closely, as we were so far from him at the stadium that we could barely make him out! I was somewhere in the middle of the crowd there on the steps of the seminary (a very beautiful and impressive building) but I was 5 or 6 rows back, so I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't be near the front and get to see him up close. It didn't matter, though. I still felt fortunate to be able to get as close as I was. At that time I had only been catholic about a year and a half, and to be both a seminarian, and about to be about see the pope close up was indeed an overwhelming experience!

We waited there a good while on the steps - longer than anticipated, actually. We were all starting to get tired for it was getting very late. Finally, they make an announcement: The Holy Father is on his way! More importantly, he wanted to pray in the chapel while he was there, so if we seminarians would be so kind as to make a path up the center of the steps for the Holy Father to pass it would be most appreciated. :D Yep, the crowd parted indeed right next to me, leaving me now on the end of the "aisle" as the pope passed by! I was able shake his hand as he walked by and say hello. What a beautiful grace that was! Totally overwhelming.

Many such graces happen as the Holy Father visits us. I have heard many more such stories, much more touching and meaningful, as people are able to see the Vicar of Christ up close. These moments draw us closer to the pope and to our faith, increasing our realization that our faith is personal and alive.

This time I won't be able to be "up close," but like many millions of Americans, I will be following Pope Benedict XVI's time in America closely via television. Even from the vantage point of our living rooms I fully anticipate a bounty of graces flowing!

Holy Father's Visit

2008-04-11T08:17:00.000-04:00

The Holy Father's visit to the United States is getting closer and I am getting more excited by the day. I have heard the reports about his visit to Ground Zero, where he is to come, not to give a speech, but to pray. That is such a powerful gesture. Too often in times of tragedy or stress, we feel like we have to have some profound words to say, or we want to hear someone say something to make it all right. The Holy Father shows us that in those moments of deepest confusion and sorrow, what we need is simply to pray.

The Holy Father is our leader, our teacher and our "papa." His presence alone is a sign of God's presence with us and His unfailing hand active in our history. By coming to America, he brings the peace of Christ to our hurting nation in a way no one else can. He also reminds us that in the face of tragedy and national pain, Christ alone is our answer. Christ alone is our Hope.

May we continue to pray for a safe and fruitful visit for Pope Benedict XVI, and may we pray that our nation is open to the healing he brings.

Music at the parish

2008-04-08T07:52:00.001-04:00

Recently I have noticed that the hymnals we have in our church are showing signs of age and wear, and it may be getting close to time to get some new ones. Which one to replace them with is now the question. We have been using Glory and Praise and I am thinking about finding one that has a little more of the traditional music in it. I have looked at the St. Michael hymnal and have Adoremus on order to examine. It is not easy to find one that has all good music, mixing in traditional chant with the newer songs, and having a bit of spanish ones as well for our diverse community. I didn't even think they had them with chant anymore, but it seems that is coming back, thanks to the Holy Father's initiative.

It is good to see a renaissance of the old traditional music. Traditional music reminds us of the timelessness of the liturgy, that our prayer is bigger than the cultural tastes and whims that come and go so quickly. Now I am not one to say that we should "go back" to the Tridentine Mass, especially as a norm, because the reforms of Vatican II are important in helping us to engage ever more fully in the prayer of the church today. But there is transcendental beauty in the latin liturgy that has been too much lost to modern experimentation of personal taste. When Pope John XXIII said we needed to open the windows of the church and let in some fresh air, I am not sure he meant also to throw out all the antique furniture and replace it with Ikea.

The music at Mass, and indeed all aspects of the Church's liturgy, should ground us in our rich history, touch us where we are today, and move us forward toward the future fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. As our Lord says in Matthew: "He said to them, ‘Therefore, every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure new things and old things.’ (Matthew 13:52)" Indeed there are more contemporary music choices that are indeed treasures for the church, born out of a genuine expression of current-day faith in Christ. These treasures also belong in today's Mass. The old and the new together, joined by the Spirit, make the full richness of Catholic prayer come alive in our hearts and minds in a way that one or the other cannot do alone. This, I believe is the goal of the current liturgical renaissance.

I am not sure yet which hymnal will best suit this purpose for our parish, but I am certain that the Holy Spirit will certainly guide us, helping us to bring out the old and the new in songs of praise and thanksgiving to our holy, loving, eternal Father. Gotta love these days of Grace!

Work Day

2008-04-05T08:50:00.000-04:00

Today is the spring work day in the parish sponsored by the Knights of Colombus, where we spruce up the grounds and trim shrubs, etc. Unfortunately St. Joseph is still busy interceding for us with the drought and it is still raining outside (and I am not complaining - St. Joseph can take all the time he wants! ) Not to worry, we can always reschedule. The Knights are very dependable.

We have a great Knights of Columbus council here in our parish. It is a new council, barely two years old, that was started as soon as I arrived here. In that time they have really made their mark and shown what a dedicated and faithful group of men they are. When I arrived, our church had no kneelers. The pews are curved and too close together, so it was said that we couldn't have kneelers. The more I prayed about it, the more I felt we needed kneelers. I talked to the knights about it, and they took it on as a church project. Now, needless to say, we have fine kneelers, and the Knights won second place internationally (yes, that means among all councils in the world!) for the project. This was in the council's first year! They have since helped restore an old confessional, raised money for various charitable organizations in the community, led prayer during lent, and generally have been at the center of parish life here. I know that Knights of Columbus councils vary and participation ebbs and flows over time, but it is a great organization that serves the parish and community in tremendous ways. These men make a pastor very proud!

Growth of the Church

2008-04-03T09:07:00.000-04:00

I attended a meeting yesterday in our deanery concerning the development of the church in our area. It was interesting to see the growth rates of the different parishes and how all of us were experiencing various degrees of "growing pains." What a great problem to have! I know this is not the case everywhere, however. A couple of years ago I attended a new pastors workshop in the northeast where parishes are closing or being combined. It is definitely a different dynamic there, and I know it is frustrating and demoralizing. God will always take care of His church, however. If it is waning in one place, it is blossoming in another. We just have to keep faithful and keep looking at the big picture - spreading the Gospel everywhere. It is a blessing that the church in the south is growing. We need it. This is protestant country that still holds many prejudices against the catholic church. We have to evangelize here to make sure people know the truth about catholicism, so we have to be on our toes and proactive. There are challenges everywhere, but the important thing is realizing that the Holy Spirit is active everywhere building the church - sometimes blossoming, sometimes pruning - but always protecting and guiding us on our journey to the Kingdom of God.