From the Pastor’s Desk:
Springfield Catholic High’s graduation took place on Friday evening of last week. They will truly never be the same after Friday evening. They will be attending colleges and universities all over the country, from California to Ohio. Some may even study abroad to get a much larger view of life. Some may enter the armed forces of the United States. Regardless of where they end up for the next years of their lives, their lives will never be the same. They are moving into the adult world with adult consequences for their actions. For myself it was a solemn celebration. Several of the students I had baptized, and others have been on the theater stage since their fourth or fifth grade.
On Tuesday evening we will celebrate the 8th grade St. Agnes Graduation Mass. As those young people walk into the Church for the last time as a class, they will never be the same. A few will transfer to public high schools, while the majority will enter Springfield Catholic High. Wherever they go, they will be beginning a new life. They will be making new friends, having new teachers, studying new subjects, or subjects much more in depth, all the while struggling to figure out who they are and what they are really all about. It is an exciting time and a scary time. A time of discovery and a time of growth on a more adult level with more adult consequences for their actions. My prayers are with them as they begin this new life.
On Friday of this week, May 21st Jesse Hiett will be ordained to the Diaconate here at the Cathedral. I have known Jesse for years as he has been on his faith journey. I believe he would agree with me that it has been an interesting journey. We work and grow at the Lord’s pace. His ordination Mass will be at 7 pm and you are invited, masks required.
On Monday May 24th I will celebrate my anniversary to the priesthood at a 7pm Mass. It has been 40 years since I knelt before Bishop Law and placed my hands inside of his hands and promised Obedience, Prayer Life, A Spirit of Poverty and Celibacy to him and to his successors. I am working under my fourth bishop. These 40 years of my faith journey have been filled with joy, happiness, sadness and frustration. There have been days when I said, “Why did I ever answer the call to priesthood?” and then there are days when I say, “Thank you Lord for the vocation of my priesthood and for my parents who encouraged me.”
My life as a priest has been rewarding. I have always chosen to work in Catholic Schools and with young people. I have approached my ministry as all the people of my parish are a part of my family. I believe that is why I have never been homesick and I believe for the great majority of the time, always been happy. Whether it is daily Mass, funerals, weddings, baptisms, planning for something in the parish, teaching in the school, directing the musicals at the high school; I feel the presence of God here at St. Agnes every day. I want to thank each of you for your accepting of this strange Christmas over the top, musical director, singing, and traveling priest. I must admit, I have wondered where the years have gone. It seems like I have awakened to find that 40 years have all of sudden disappeared.