In California

I'm in California for Emmjolee and Larry's Wedding. I have to admit I was pretty intimidated about driving out here there are "Freeways" every couple miles and the average speed is over 70. I'm using the little GPS I bought to get around and it really helps. The only problem is it makes it harder to learn the area.

While in Garden Grove CA I stopped at the Crystal Cathedral, you know the one on TV. What a beautiful complex. I wanted to see the inside but I got thrown out because they were cleaning the carpets. I went to another door and the same lady tracked me down and booted me. I think that was the first time I was ever thrown out of Church

I'm about to get dressed and go to the wedding. The rehearsal was a little long yesterday, the church itself is huge an the staff very welcoming. The rehearsal dinner was in Long Beach right on the ocean and it was beautiful. I was wonderful seeing Emmjolee and Larry relax a bit. I'll fill you in more and post their picture when I get back from the wedding

Peace
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Yesterday was a good day... a couple of appointments a great meeting with the Area Coordinators and a chance to just take a deep breath. Last night as I took my walk I felt at peace and grateful for the life God has given me.

Things to work on.. more attention to keeping up with my email. It took me two hours to clean out 346 emails from my inbox. There were a couple that I felt bad that I had never answered. They were lost in a sea of spam.

The grill on our porch just stopped working of course when Craig and Betsey came over. Yesterday I spent almost 50 minutes on hold waiting to talk to someone about replacing the regulator. They have a nice jazz station in California though... look for the bright side

Have a good day whoever you are
fb your priest

Grateful..

Last week I went to Rhode Island for Dr. Brennan's Mom's funeral. Fr. O'Connell and Julie Englund were also there.

The church was simple the music was well done, and the whole experience was prayerful. I was touched by the neighboring priest who showed up at the last minute from another funeral to preside at the Mass. He had a very busy schedule that day. He gave a great homily.

I wore my collar went I flew into Thomas Green Airport, and so many people went out of their way to say hello to me and engage me in conversation, much more so than in Washington DC.

The headlines today talk about a 660 million dollar settlement for the abuse cases in Los Angles. There are some of us who are so intimidated by all of this negative publicity that they prefer to fade into the woodwork. I don't judge them at all and I completely understand.
However, experience has show me that there is still a wonderful respect and concern for priests in the hearts of so many. Some of the people in Rhode Island almost seemed grateful that I chose to identify myself as a priest.

I can only assume that this incredible respect which people still have for priests is the fruit of countless lives poured out in loving service to God's people and God's Church. Yes there have been a few tragically broken souls who have done horrible things but.... there is also a veritable army of dedicated men who have willingly just given their lives in service.

Thanks for the Homily Fr. David... btw "I can't imagine the world without love"

5 days to Larry and Emmjolee's wedding... YEAH
and is today the day for the NEW NICHOLS BABY to come into the world ?

Prayers promised..

Lauren and Jake Patterson..... WOW

What a wonderful celebration with family and friends it was so prayerful...
a blessing to be a part of to be sure.

From the Marriage Rite
I Jake take you Lauren to be my wife
I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad
In sickness and in health
I will love you
And Honor you
All the days of my Life

I Lauren take you Jake to be my husband
I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad
In sickness and in health
I will love you
And Honor you
All the days of my Life

Other Scenes from the Wedding...

Three Priest's Priests

My Dad loved Priests he always had a special place in his heart for them, the good, the bad, the holy ,the unholy, `those who could sing and those who were tone deaf. Nothing mattered if you were a Priest he loved you. But there were special priests who stood out in his mind and he called them Priest's Priests.. When he met a priest who impressed him by his holy life or ministry he would say, Rob there is a Priest's Priest. That honorary title was not given out lightly. This weekend I met a Priest's Priest. His name is Fr. Tom Connery. He is 70 years old and he welcomed me into his home when I went to Lauren and Jake's wedding in Glenville NY.

Fr. Tom said his last Mass in Immaculate Conception Church and was just one week into his retirement when I met him. From the very first moment his hospitality was exceptional. We immediately began to talk about our ministries and our lives. I was so moved to hear how he spoke about his life as a priest. He served wherever the Church sent him. This included several assignments in Alaska and the Albany Diocese. He spoke about his concerns for young priests and how a parishes should be run. He had an immense respect for the role of the laity in the Church. Here was a man who found a substitute for his ministry on Kodiak Island Alaska and became a fisherman for the summer so that he could better relate to his parishioners. As he reminisced I was so moved how God had lovingly worked through this man's generous heart. He did God's work in Hospital Ministry,an Inner City Parish, a church in the boonies (no disrespect intended he loved it there) and then Immaculate Conception. He spoke about the people and church he served as a father speaks of his family. When you meet a man like Fr. Connery it is easy to understand why people call priests father. He had so much to share and I was eager to listen. As he paid for breakfast at the Greek dinner down the street he looked me in the eye and said with absolute conviction. "Its been a wonderful ride" Yes it has Fr. Connery. Yes it has indeed. Thank you for the generous gift of our life and love. Enjoy your well earned rest and God Bless You

BTW strange coincidence or moment of divine providence. The day before he died Msgr. Robert Paul Mohan said the same exact words after 60 years of Priesthood. "It's been a great ride" WOW

It was also great to see Fr. Jerry Gingras he was a friend from many years back and by coincidence he was just appointed Pastor of the Immaculate Conception where I stayed. It's been years since I've seen him but he really hasn't changed. He has always been kind and generous to a fault. He is so talented and can take ordinary things and by arranging them make them beautiful. Great seeing you again Jerry.

Sitting on a porch on Route 50 in Glenville NY.

It doesn't get much better than this.. I'm sitting of the porch on the "Second Rectory" of Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville NY. Lauren Heckman and Jake Patterson are getting married this afternoon and I've come up to celebrate with them. What a beautiful place. Yesterday they had the rehearsal and dinner then we came back to church for a Holy Hour (That's a first in my book) I slept well and now I'm sitting on the porch watching the people leave from daily Mass… it looks like a good crowd. I have to admit that parish life, the rhythm of parish life appeals to me. (The grass is always greener) I still enjoy campus ministry. The kids (oops) students still make me smile and I think I still have something to offer them, but I know that there will come a point when it will be time to move on, time to try something new, something different. Just sitting here makes it easier to see myself in that next moment of my priesthood. What would my day be like, What would be my next step. How could I best spend my time as a parish priest ? I think that is one of the greatest challenges for a priest today.

As our numbers decrease there is so much more to do. How are we supposed to pick? There are still 24 hours in a day. How are we supposed to spend our day in service to God and his people? The new model isn't there yet. We still hold on to all of the administrative tasks even when it seems so clear that the people in the nursing home should come before the parish center roof. But who will take care of the roof ? I struggle with this on my college campus as well. How should my time best be spent? Should it be on endless committee meetings (if you like meetings, at CUA you would think you died and went to heaven) or should it be "Chillin" with the students in the Dining Room or Ministry of Presence on campus just walking around saying hello to everyone you meet. What does God want from me need from me? This beautiful moment of the porch gives me the chance to think about all of these things and to pray about them… "Lord What Do You Want Me to Do ?" Help me understand. Help me discern wisely how I should spend my day how I should use the time that you have given me.

There is a little boy probably 4^th or 5^th grade who must have gotten up early and just keeps riding his bike up and down the street checking out his little kingdom. He looks so peaceful as he rides back and forth up and down route 50. He is probably figuring out his day and seeing which of his friends are around. The summer school bus just picked up two kids who didn't really look that happy as they climbed aboard. There must be a lake or something around here, or maybe it is the Mohawk River. There have been several cars with kayaks on them. People who have Kayaks know about life and how to live it. There is something peaceful about a kayak. Just a snap shot from 400 Saratoga Road.

Happy 4th of July 2007

The webcam caught these scenes from this year's fireworks in Washington DC I hope you can see them.

In your rich and compassionate mercy Lord we place our trust

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.

For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight,

That you may be justified in your sentence,
vindicated when you condemn.
Indeed, in guilt was I born,
a sinner was I conceived;

Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart,
and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins,
and blot out all my guilt.

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your holy spirit take not from me.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.

Free me from blood guilt, O Lord, my saving God;
then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a holocaust, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Be bountiful, O Lord, to Sion in your kindness
by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem;
Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices,
burnt offerings and holocausts;
then shall they offer up bullocks on your altar.

Amen.

Yesterday Betsey Ramsey brought over a new laptop for me... running Vista Enterprise I am such a geek, nerd or whatever... I played with it all night.. I'll keep you posted as I continue to explore it. Why do I enjoy this stuff so much ? :)

Wedding Prep Weekend at CUA

What do you do when one person lives in California and one person lives in Texas and one person practically lives in New York and the other person lives in Connecticut ? As strange as it sounds you all get together in Washington DC ... to do some wedding preparation work. I've had a wonderful weekend with Elena and David ... and Stephanie and John (I haven't seem them in years). I am in awe of the vocation to marriage and really enjoy reflecting on it with with couple as they prepare to celebrate this wonderful sacrament. Good company and good friends..

13th Sunday Ordinary Time Year C

Today.....

In today's Gospel Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem. He knows what is awaits him there. He knows how difficult it will be and while he is resolute in his journey.. (he is willing to pay the price of love) he is very aware that it will cost him. The scholars tell us that Luke used the same verb that he will use later to describe the Ascension. So this is not only a foreshadowing of his death but also of his resurrection and ascension.

As he begins his journey the cross he almost immediately receives the rejection of the Samaritans who refuse to welcome him and his disciples. Jesus does not give into resentment or hurt but rather rebukes his disciples for doing so (They are so upset that they want to call down fire about town)

With the next three passages Jesus tries to teach us the cost of discipleship.

- You will never get rich or enjoy many creature comforts when you follow Christ

“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

-You must stay focused on the mission because it is essential even to the point of letting the dead bury the dead (Many say Jesus was using hyperbole here and that the young man's was probably not dead) It was just a common phrase of his times... Who knows In other words the young man was responding I want to follow you but not now.

- Let me say good by to my family. When we follow Christ we have to let go of the past we can't long for what we had and how we lived. Our whole focus has to be orientated toward the future.
If you are always looking back you've never really left it.

What does all of this have to do with us.

Just like Jesus was resolute in his journey to Jerusalem so must we be willing to pay the price of love... so must we be willing to embrace the cross accept it, You can't have one without the other. Love and the Cross are always connected and we can't give into discouragement. Jesus is on the way to his passion and death and he does not let the rejection of the Samaritans discourage him or allow him to become bitter angry or resentful (He doesn't say they don't appreciate the great sacrifice I am making so I'm not going') He continues on his journey

Do we get resentful when we don't feel we are understood or appreciated?

Is our love free...
While it is easy to see that we won't get rich following Christ is our love free.
Do we expect or even demand moments of priviledge or respect because of our the path we have chosen.

The Son of Man didn't even have a place to lay his head

Our mission is so essential Jesus continued on it knowing that it would cost him his life
Are we so resolute or do we place other obligations or expectations before God's call

Do we find excuses.... Yes I want to be a good person and follow Christ but
I have to do this
and I want to do that
Do we have divided hearts

Finally are we only willing to follow Christ and love our brothers and sisters on our terms or on God's terms.

We desire to say "Yes" with our whole heart but on our terms always with a little gleam in our eye for what we had in the past ? I'll go but can't I just keep this for myself

I'll go but I have to hold on to some past relationships
It's like saying I love you and I want to marry you but I just want to keep my past relationships in my head. You can't have it both ways

Not too smart if your want your marriage to be a success

The following Christ and living the life that the Gospel calls us to live is never easy. If it is easy maybe we are not living it.

Yet loving God and loving each other is our destiny it is why we were created and how we are to find our way home. It is not optional

Let us reflect this week on the simple question " Am I willing to love without counting the cost"

How we answer that question is pretty important

Hail Mary Full of Grace

Scenes from my "pot" (Terracotta) Garden June 2007

I happened upon this thought on the internet and it has pulled me in and given me so must to think about

When we contemplate the Risen Christ we see him with his wounds... they nolonger hurt him but in his glorified body they remain and in a sense are transformed. They are not taken away they do not disappear but rather are one of the key ways by which he can be known or recognized.

All of us are broken and all of us have wounds, physical, psychological whatever.... These wounds like the wounds of Christ can be transformed can be changed... but we can't necessarily expect them to disappear....

hmmmmm

Sweet Potato Baked "Fries"

Cut them up like fries (Yams or Sweet Potatoes)
Put tin foil on a cookie tray and spray it with pam or something to keep them for sticking
Coat them with some kind of oil (I used olive oil)
Salt - Pepper - Cinnamon
Bake at around 400 for 45 - 50 minutes turning them once...

They will be a little more crunchy when they cool down.

I thought they would be a dud but it turned out that I really liked them.

If you want a more scientific recipe try this link

Peace

Jer 1:4-10

In the days of King Josiah, the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said,
“I know not how to speak; I am too young.”
But the LORD answered me,
Say not, “I am too young.”
To whomever I send you, you shall go;
whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Have no fear before them,
because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,

See, I place my words in your mouth!
This day I set you
over nations and over kingdoms,
to root up and to tear down,
to destroy and to demolish,
to build and to plant.


Please God...

May I never be afraid to proclaim you truth
or to model your love

I really have to do better at keeping up this blog....

Summer is a time of planning and dreaming and preparing for the new school year. That's been what I"ve been up to of late. I also have taken the time to set up Doctor and Dentist appointments. The pace is so much slower and calmer...

Lord grant me the grace and the desire to just slow down a bit..
Help me find you in the quiet and calm which settles down on our campus over the summer
Protect our students as they work and relax these next few months.
Bring them back to us safe and sound

I ran into TJ Lee today he looked great and is working in the Pentagon... WOW

One last meeting with Lauren and Jake before their wedding.... What a priviledge to be a part of their special day...

Peace
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The Peace of Blue Lake (Thanks)

Fr. Mike and I spent a week away in Michigan at Cabin on Blue Lake thanks to kindness of one his parishioners ... Get up.. have a cup of coffee spend the morning in a canoe and the afternoon with "The Name of the Rose" Mass in the evening on the deck... Wonderful as you can see

From the Chapel of our Mission Site

Mission Honduras what a team ... what an experience

Well I just returned from a two week mission trip in Honduras. Like every experience I've had in Central America (This is number 8) I was touched by the beauty of the people and the simplicity of their life style. Necessities like medicine and shoes and adequate shelter and portable water are often missing. The daily wage where we stayed was around $5.00 a day. YES 5.00 a day that's all. While the staples rice beans etc are very reasonable anything brought in is very costly and beyond the reach of most...

Why was I born here and why were they born there ? What is my responsibility toward them ? Why do we live in such affluence and they go without. We are the same in the eyes of God and in a world view they are definitely not the worst off.

It is so easy to get lost in our affluence to grow comfortable in our lifestyle and be oblivious to the needs of those who are poor, those who go without.

We have too much
They have too little
there has to be a place where we can meet in the middle .....

Of particular concern to me of late is the whole immigration policy in the US. It seems we desperately need people from Honduras and all of Central America to staff harvest our crops and staff our service industry. But we don't want to give them any kind of legal status or very much legal protection. That way we can escort them out when we don't need them anymore. Our current policy just creates this huge class of undocumented poor people who live in fear of being sent back to poverty. Is that fair ? Is that just ?

Of particular concern is the effect that this policy has on families in Central America. When a person is in our country illegally so that they can support their family they can't go home. They can't have regular contact with their families. In Comyagua (I'm not sure how to spell that) we went into an internet cafe. There was a family huddled around a computer looking at a grainy picture of their father and son. They speak to each other over the internet every week. I venture to say that it is the only contact they have had for years. This "self imposed" exile is a great burden but also a necessity. It is probably the only way he can support his family.

So much to think about and pray about.

Lord disturb my spirit
so that I may never grow comfortable
with things I don't need
when my brothers and sisters lack so much

I'll tryand put some pictures up a little later...