I thought that it may be worth sharing with the parish my personal reflection that I wrote yesterday on my personal Facebook page.
I share this all for the glory of God, the source of my strength and joy!
It has been a busy weekend! Since my mother's passing on Friday I was honored to celebrate the First Communion Mass where 25 of our second graders received Jesus for the first time. Afterwards I celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday afternoon confessions and 4:30 pm Mass where another one of my young parishioners received their first Holy Communion.
This morning I heard morning confessions and the 8 am Mass. Later in the afternoon I concelebrated alongside Bishop Gainer for the Annual Diocesan Scout Recognition Mass before returning to the parish to celebrate the Sunday Evening Mass.
I look forward tomorrow to getting back to my regular routine of teaching, serving lunch, and greeting our school students at the end of the day. Last week I was so blessed to spend lots of time with my mother as she prepared to enter eternal life. In the midst of everything I was blessed to attend our school children's concert and was uplifted by the patriotic songs.
While I am sure many people would have understood if I were to decide to take a break from my daily activities, it is not in my makeup. As pastor I felt it was important to attend the concert, officiate at the first communion and funeral, and attend the Diocesan Scout Mass since I am the chaplain. Why? The answer is simple...a father never abandons his children.
I am a priest! It is the Eucharist and prayer that sustains me. The past few weeks have been taxing for this young priest but God has given me the energy and grace to get through it and will continue to do it. Yes on Thursday I will bury my mom. Is there sadness? Absolutely! At the same time there is also joy in knowing that she is finally at peace.
A new chapter has begun, not a life without mom,but with my mom present in a whole different way. Yesterday's First Communion Mass was not just the first communion for our second graders, but also the first time when my mother joined me in an unique and special way around the altar of sacrifice.
I have so many stories to tell of God's blessings since last week, which I feel that it is important to share in the coming days and weeks. Our Lord works wonders each and every day! God is good...all the time! Thank you all for the prayers, my family and I appreciate them!
