It has come to my attention that I have unknowingly caused some confusion regarding Mass intentions here at St. Rose. As well as the intention being announced in the bulletin, it has been a practice in this parish to include the priest's intention for the Mass in the General Intercessions (now also referred to as the Universal Prayer).

In my homily last weekend, I referred to a way of praying with scripture called lectio divina. I was asked to describe this practice of prayer more fully, and I am delighted to do so! Lectio divina are simply the Latin words for divine reading. It is a way of praying with scripture (or reading scripture prayerfully) that has been developed especially in the monastic tradition.

I don't know about you, but I need to work on patience about all kinds of things. I need, for example, to be a more patient driver. I also need to realize that most good and valuable things take time. I am trying to get myself in better shape physically, and I realize that is going to take time and perseverance.

October is the month of the Holy Rosary, and it provides an opportunity for another lesson in our parish School of Prayer. The Holy Rosary is a very versatile prayer, suitable for just about any age or situation. The Holy Rosary is thus particularly fitting as a basis for family prayer. If we have gotten out of the habit of family prayer (or have never established a habit of family prayer), the Holy Rosary can give you a simple way to start anew. It is a prayer that every age can join in. It is contemplative and vocal at the same time. I could go on and on about the Holy Rosary as a basis for family prayer.

Thanks! Gracias!

I have to admit that I was somewhat apprehensive about the bilingual Mass and the pig roast celebration last weekend. It was something new, bringing people together in a new way and so I was not sure how all the pieces would fit together. That was very foolish on my part! It was a great success in every way.

Change and transition are challenges, and I have found that the transition to the parish has taken longer than I had anticipated. I feel like I am getting used to the routine of the parish, and I am beginning to establish my own routine. But habits do take time! In the meantime, however, I have let some things accumulate too long. I thank you for your patience with me.

“He has done all things well.”

This line is from our Gospel today, and it speaks, of course, of Jesus. He does all things well. There is no one like Him. You will do yourself a big favor if you get to know Him better. How do I get to know someone who was last on earth in the body about 2000 years ago? You are going to think that I am a broken record, but the main way to do it is to pray.

Getting expectations right allows for proper and peaceful relationships. “Pastor” is simply the Latin word for “shepherd.” What is a shepherd expected to do? Good shepherds feed, nurture, and protect the sheep. That is what you should expect from your pastors: to be fed and nurtured from the table of word and sacrament and to be protected by the truth from error and sin. If your pastors are faithful in living their vocation as priests, in providing the sacraments of the Church, and in teaching the truth of the Church on faith and morals, then you have good pastors.

I can hear the question: “So what do we do now?” I am glad that you asked because it brings me back to my favorite answer: PRAY! I can hear the next question: “How?” OK – here are some suggestions.

I think that I need to write today about a grave situation in the Church in our country and even in the world. I do so with some hesitation because I do not wish to disturb the peace of those who are not aware of this situation. Yet, I know that a number of parishioners have deep concerns that I need to address. I also want to discuss this situation prudently as it concerns sensitive matters.

Praised be Jesus Christ! I thank God, and I thank you for the wonderful weekend of prayer and reconciliation we celebrated in the parish last weekend. You all kept Jesus company all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon in times of loving communion and conversation with Him. And you kept me in the confessional practically all day long on Saturday, and again with Fr. Joe's help on Sunday afternoon. Praise Him!

This week, I want to announce some changes in our schedule that will be rolling out in the coming weeks. Don't worry, the Sunday (and Saturday evening) Mass times are remaining the same! We will be adding to the daily Mass schedule as well as to Confession times. The routine will be for there to be two daily Masses under the new schedule.

I am writing to follow up on Bishop Spalding's visit to the parish last weekend. First, I want to suggest a concrete way to respond to the bishop's call for prayer in the life of our parish. As I indicated in my comments at the end of the Installation Mass, prayer is the one agenda item I have as your pastor. I am proposing special times of prayer for God's blessing and direction of the parish next weekend, Aug 4 and 5.