Pastor’s Column

NEWS & UPDATES

Dear parishioners,

I pray that you and your loved ones are enjoying a restful summer. As I mentioned in a recent pastor’s column, it is important for us to take time to rest and recharge, when possible, especially during this time of year. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do just that.

While I will be away from the parish for the next two weeks taking some much-anticipated vacation time, please know that you and your prayer intention will remain with me. I had originally planned on taking my vacation in Portugal with my family, but I will instead remain “in the area” spending time with my parents (and family) and hopefully chipping away at some dusty books that I’ve been meaning to read…let’s see!

My hope is to return ready and recharged to serve and lead this incredible parish community that occupies such a large portion of my heart. The parish leadership and I have been gearing up for an exciting year to come. I can’t wait to see you all soon!

Below is a prayer that I’d like to share with you. It has been on my mind, and I hope it speaks to you (even though it can be a challenge to pray). Blessings to you and your loved ones. See you soon!

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Help me to know the restorative power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations…of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pet a dog, to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me each day of the fable of the tortoise and the hare, that I may know that the race is not always to the swift and that there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward into the branches of the towering trees and know that they’re tall because they grow slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of Life’s enduring values, that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
Amen.