I hope this finds you all well, enjoying the tail of the week and the beginning of the weekend. For myself, this week has been a trip – I hosted my monthly priest support group here in Port Angeles on Monday and went to the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center in Federal Way for a one-day priest retreat on Wednesday. My day off was spent at my family home due to a brief but intense scare when my father was rushed to the hospital (while travelling out-of-state to visit his extended family) for an emergency gallbladder removal on Tuesday. Happily, that went perfectly fine and he arrived safely home late this week (thank you to all who were praying for him!).

If that weren’t enough, we had our first non-Partners in the Gospel staff meeting and our second parish family townhall meeting this Friday. ALSO also, we have our parish potluck picnic coming up this Sunday (1:30 pm at the Fairview Grange). And here I thought city life in Seattle was busy!

In all of this, what has been standing out for me lately has been the great blessing of being pastor here on the Olympic Peninsula. Our parish staff members are all mission-oriented, good-humoured, and hard working – I have been delighted to discover how much fun it is to work with them. Similarly, our deacons and priests are both devote and down-to-earth, and I have been glad for their support and service….as well as the gentle teasing & poking that comes from the fraternity we share!

But it is in the parish communities that I have been most edified. Partners in the Gospel is hardly the easiest of undertakings, but especially so here in the far reaches of the archdiocese. It seems to me that the average Catholic here might reasonably look cynically at a new pastor with grand aspirations and plans, introducing systematic changes and proposing new ways of working as a parish & a parish family. Especially for those who have felt that the archbishop and his chancery have not carefully attended to their needs here, that might translate into distrust, bitterness, and defensiveness.

I am pleased and grateful to share that that has not been my experience – quite the opposite! Folks from across the peninsula have nearly universally expressed an openness and optimism that has been refreshing and energizing.

So, thank you. Thank you for not just sticking it out through the difficulties of our current circumstances or holding fast to your faith (that too!), but for your openness to whatever the Lord brings – and extending that kindness to me and my brother priests. Know that your efforts and generosity are seen & appreciated – and they fill even crazy & turbulent weeks with confidence that we’re in this together, buoyed up by the Lord and each other.

August 20 – Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Born into nobility in France, his intellect and piety were quickly recognizable even at a young age. He was especially devoted to Mary, Queen of heaven (perhaps there is a connection to that memorial and his being so close together?). At a relatively young age, he joined the Cistercians during a time of strict reformation and was eventually sent to found a new house in Clairvaux. It was there that he began to be recognized in both leadership and wisdom. After his death, he was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius VII. Read about him at Franciscan Media.

August 21 – Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, we know today’s saint better as Pope Pius X. Only pope for about 11 years, he was a great advocate of the Eucharist – particularly frequent (even daily!) reception. He also promoted reading of the Scriptures, reformation of the liturgy, homilies that were clear & simple, and the re-introduction of Gregorian chant. Read about him at Word on Fire.

August 22 – Today’s memorial – that of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary – is a relatively new celebration. Established in 1954 by Pope Pius XII, this title is rooted in Mary’s motherhood of Jesus and her close association with His kingship, especially in light of the Jewish tradition of the queen mother. The solemnity of the assumption of Mary, celebrated just a week prior (a kind of octave, this!), is naturally followed by our celebration of her queenship in heaven. Read Pope Benedict XVI’s 2012 reflection on this memorial during his general audience that day.

August 24 – Little is known about the apostle Bartholomew – also known as Nathaniel, best friend of Philip. Jesus says of him “Here is a true child of Israle. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47). He is mentioned in the three Gospel lists of Apostles but that’s about it! Though we have no clear knowledge of his life, tradition holds that he preached in the east and died in Armenia – flayed alive for his preaching of the gospel (thus his being depicted holding a knife, the instrument of his martyrdom). Read about him at Catholic Culture.

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Priests celebrating their anniversaries this week