A brief pastor's post this week - posted at the 11th hour (quite literally!), no less. Reflecting on the week before it closes, I find myself especially grateful for two different forms of fraternity: with my brother priests and with the staff & clergy of our parish family. This last Monday I gathered with my Jesu Caritas group - our priest support group - for Mass, a holy hour together, breakfast in town, and our monthly check in.... along with the usual kibitzing and catching up that happens when friends get together! And this is something that need not be exclusive to priests: any group of faithful and faith-filled friends could do this. Oftentimes, when folks ask for spiritual direction, what they're really seeking is spiritual companionship - something we all are equipped to offer, as well as receive.
At the tail end of the week, we shut down our offices early across the parish family. Hosted by some generous parishioners, we all gathered for a potluck bbq - the second go-around of what I hope will become an annual practice for all of our staff, deacons, and priests. From Port Townsend to Forks, we had nearly everyone from our offices together, enjoying good food, great company, and lots of good cheer. I don't imagine I'm sharing anything everyone doesn't already know, but we sure are blessed in those who work in our parishes! God is good - and His goodness is especially evident in the members of His Body, locally and across our archdiocese.
Saints & celebrations
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- August 16 - Saint Roch - Today's saint is neat for several reasons, but one that I find particularly delightful is that he had a birthmark in the shape of a cross on his chest. His name means 'rock', which is also pretty awesome. There is also some reason to believe that referring to dogs as 'man's best friend' is inspired by how, when he was afflicted with the plague, a hunting dog discovered and provided for him. But the most important part about his life was his witness to Christ - check it out over at Radio Veritas Asia.
- August 17 - Saint Clare of Montefalco - Choosing heremitical (hermit) life at a very young age, today's saint eventually established a convent under the Rule of Saint Augustine, which she directed as abbess and spiritual director. Upon her death, her very heart was found to bear the symbols of Christ's passion! Read more about her at Dynamic Catholic.
- August 18 - Saint Helena - Perhaps most known for her discovery of the True Cross, Saint Helena (a convert!) had an extraordinary devotion to serving the poor and the Lord in His Passion. We have her to thank for the Basilicas of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Basilica of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem - and of course, the finding of the True Cross, the remains of which are preserved in the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Read about her at the Vatican News website.
- August 19 - Saint Magnus - Another saint with a neat name today. Saint Magnus was a 2nd century convert who eventually became a bishop. Despite the persecution of Christians at the time, he proclaimed the gospel in several regions. He was eventually captured and martyred. Learn more about him at Saint For a Minute.
- August 20 - Saint Bernard - Though today's saint desired to live the simply life of a monk, his wisdom and talent in settling conflict pulled him from the monastary. He served in settling disputes even to the point of intervening against a schism, advocating for the primacy of Rome against an anti-pope. Especially due to his written teaching, the Church eventually declared him a Doctor of the Church. Learn more about him at Loyola Press.
- August 21 - Saint Pius X - Though today's saint is associated with schismatic clerics of our time, his papacy is best remembered for focus on the unity of the Eucharist (lowering the age of First Holy Communion to seven or the 'age of reason') and bringing consistency in Catholic faith & practice, particularly in the Catechism and liturgical teaching. Read more about him at the Vatican City State website.
- August 22 - Saint Synforianus - Today's saint is likely not well known by most Catholics, at least those who do not reside or have connections to the villages France where he is remembered. A martyr of the second century, he refused to honor the pagan idols of the time, going so far as to challenge the proconsul at his arrest. Even after he was scourged and ailed, he refused to submit and was martyred. Catholic Culture has an a lovely reflection and fuller account of his life & death, well worth checking out.
Priests celebrating their anniversaries this week
- Rev. Nicholas Kayongo (August 9, 2014)
- Rev. David A. Rogerson (August 13, 1977)
- Rev. Ronald Maag (August 14, 1978)
- Most Rev. Eusebio L. Elizondo (August 18, 1984)
- Rev. Paul R. Pluth (August 18, 1996)
- Rev. Ethel Anarado (August 18, 2001)
- Very Rev. Anthony E. Bawyn (August 21, 1982)
Remembering our deceased priests
- Fr. William Ogden (August 10, 1984)
- Fr. Thomas Lane (August 11, 1997)
- Fr. Matthew Naumes (August 13, 2018)
- Fr. Matthew S. Beglin (August 19, 1951)
- Fr. Thomas Brennan (August 19, 1943)
- Fr. Jarlath Heneghan (August 20, 2022)
- Fr. Matthew J. Woods (August 21, 1939)
- Fr. Patrick G. O’Neill (August 22, 2011)
It was a fun day for all our staff at the annual BBQ. My hope is it does become an event that brings us closer together in our personal and work lives.
It was a BLAST! And I’m particularly grateful to our hosts, who went the extra mile to prepare, welcome, and clean up after (to say nothing of put up with ;-).