From th
e Pastor’s Desk
In less than a month, I will begin a 3-month sabbatical – a time to get re-energized and focused after these 32-plus years as a priest. On Sunday, September 4 I will head to Rome to take part in the Institute for Continuing Theological Education (ICTE) at the North American College, the seminary our U.S. Bishops have in Rome. The program that I will part of is designed for priests like me (over 20 years ordained) to have a chance to get updated on developments in theological and scriptural trends since ordination (1984 in my case). Since the program is centered in the “Eternal City” there will be some nice opportunities for both cultural and spiritual immersion in a city and area that is at the heart of our Catholic faith.
While I am away, Fr. Lawrence will be the interim administrator which means he gets to take care of the day-to-day items of parish management. Don’t expect him to change anything in any major way since he’s not allowed to do that. (He’s promised me that he’ll any dramatic changes to a bare minimum!) We are also expecting to get a priest to come in to the parish for a few months to provide additional assistance for the normal schedule of Masses, confessions and parish activities.
During the time away, I will also be blessed to celebrate Mass at some of the most historic and important sites of our faith. Just as during the pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy I led in February, I will be happy to bring your prayer intentions with me while on this sabbatical. If you would send them to me at my email (frtomstaug@gmail.com), I will keep these in my prayers and during my Masses. Please get them to me no later than Tuesday, August 30.
Love,
Father Tom