Weekend Masses

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, August is knocking at the door and the bags are packed or are being packed for college. The freshmen and women are setting off on their first adventure, their first independent venture. They are uneasy nervous, but there is no way they will admit it. Parents are worried that they will not succeed or live up to their values or that they will make their mistakes, but part of parenting is letting go. Part of parenting is trusting and realizing that you have done the best you can. Part of parenting is realizing that mistakes are learning experiences and that failure is at times the key to success. As you let them go we pray for you and for them. We try to keep in touch and we remember what it was like for us. The other college students have seen it and they are happy. Most want to return, they have new friends with whom they have experiences to share and they have learned what it is like to be independent. We thank God for their success their sense of adventure and we pray that a new generation of responsible citizens are ready for the adventure of renewing and making our world a better space. God be with them. The Journey continues. Fr Karl  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, When I was growing up birthdays were low key. You might get some new clothes or shoes if you needed them. There were no lavish celebrations. Usually they were an ordinary day. A 21st birthday would be a little more special. As I get older I see birthdays and anniversaries as an opportunity to reflect on life and to be thankful. I want to be thankful for the people I have journeyed with, for the opportunities I have been given. I look back and realize that God has been part of that journey, especially in the times when life seemed to be hard and difficult. I wished a colleague happy birthday recently and his response was, “It is great that after so many years we still have friends of many years journeying with us”. I have had many appointments in my years as a priest. Some I liked and some I did not like, but there were always people who helped and supported me along the way. My family has always been there for me. Their hospitality and welcome has always gone beyond what was expected and more than I could ever return. My society colleagues have always been a source of inspiration and have made me look at the world differently. In my work in parishes and in fundraising I have come across great generosity and faith. All of these things I am thankful for. As I add another year to my collection I choose not to count the number but see it as an opportunity to say Thank you Lord for all you have given me. “Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good” The journey continues, Fr Karl