Message from our Pastor
The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 24, 2023
I am happy to be home after ten days in Spain. I was grateful to all who inquired about my travels and especially the experience on the Camino. Honestly, as I said to many, I am still processing the experience of the pilgrimage and the walking for five consecutive days. What I sensed through the walking I found myself in a certain rhythm that made me forget how far I had gone and how much farther I must go. This was a good space to be in because it allowed me to take in more of my surroundings. I found myself talking to others along the trail but at times just walking by myself and pondering what I was doing.
I am still not sure why I decided to do the Camino, but I know that God was certainly a part of the pilgrimage. I often thought of how many people had taken these same steps for the last twelve-hundred years. I think of the many young and older people I saw on the ancient trail and was surprised by the sheer number of people we witnessed on the walk. When we arrived at St. James Cathedral in Santiago, they estimated over 2500 pilgrims arrived that day. When we finally arrived at the Cathedral I was taken aback by the enormous space of the square and the beauty of the Cathedral façade. When I arrived, I found myself wandering from our own group and just spending ten minutes in gratitude for arriving. I know I accomplished something healthy, spiritual and good. God was present and I choked back tears as I looked at all the pilgrims and people filling the square.
I believe it will take some time to fully realize what just took place in Spain. This is how God often works in my life. I have to ponder and reflect and at some point, I will come to a greater realization as to why I went to Europe to walk eighty miles in five days. The spiritual part of the journey will take time to place into words. It is worth the pondering and post pilgrimage prayer because insight and some wisdom will come my way. Several people in the parish have walked the Camino this summer and we will offer a presentation on Saturday, October 14th in Hanson Hall. I am sure we will have a sign-up sheet in the next few weekends.
I am happy to say, the parish is certainly up and running. I walked into all the PSR classes last Sunday morning and found the students and teachers already going over lessons for the day. I am grateful to all the teachers, students, and parents who are a part of the program this year. More PSR classes began on Tuesday and Wednesday. I enjoyed the blessing we prayed over the catechists for this coming year at last Sunday’s 11 o’clock Mass. They all appear to be enjoying this ministry.
Today we have our Family Fall Fest. I hope many of you will join us as a parish community after the 11AM Mass in Hanson Hall and outside to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. This event
always signifies that summer is ending, programs have started, and school is in session. Thank you to the festival committee and all you have done to make this event possible.
Saturday, October 7th is our annual Clam Bake. There is always plenty of food and time to share with others. If you do not care for clams there is also roasted chicken. Please call the parish office for reservations.
Just to keep in the back of your mind, we have our Service Day on Saturday, November 11th. We had close to 175 people participate last year and we are hoping for just as many if not more people to attend this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my time raking leaves and clearing out flower beds at Old South Church last year. I am wondering where I will be assigned this year. Sign-ups will take place beginning October 21st and 22nd.
We also have our Parish Gala coming up on Saturday, November 4th at the Regovich Catering. The Gala is designed to bring people together and to include assisting our Homeless Ministry. Music will be provided, and our hope is to have great food with fellowship and to enjoy time with one another. Tickets can be purchased online via the WeShare link or call the parish office.
I am somewhat stunned that we are closing in on the month of October and the beginning of the last few months of the year. These months, weeks, and days will fly by us at a steady pace. We are only nine weeks away from the season of Advent. We just keep moving forward on this pilgrimage of life and faith. It’s good to be back at the parish as I try to process all that has taken place on my way to Santiago, Spain and the tomb and Cathedral of St. James. Have a great week.
