Celebrating the Paschal Triduum is the highlight of the liturgical year. I am grateful for the privilege to serve at these liturgies as a deacon. Studying the rubrics, practicing the chants, rehearsing with the altar servers, and preparing those to be baptized with the practical details about the ceremony, all lends itself to helping me understand more fully the profound nature of these liturgies. The gestures, the prayers, the music, the symbolism, and the proclamation of the Sacred Scriptures detailing salvation history instruct us of the solemnity of what we celebrate.
It was unique this year because I was serving in a different parish. I had been at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming for the last nine years. It adds another dimension to the preparations for these liturgies when the bishop is the celebrant. This year I did not have to take into consideration the mitre, the crosier, and other episcopal details.
My wife, Margaret, is back in Cheyenne celebrating Easter with our daughter and her husband's family. This had become a tradition while we lived there. I know that I am missing out on a good meal today. Not to worry! I am at home in Hilton Head living the life of a bachelor while she is in Cheyenne. After the Easter Vigil last night I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a fresh loaf of bread, a fresh pack of bologna, and a fresh bag of chips. Easter dinner will be served.
I want to thank the many people in Cheyenne who have extended their greetings to me via my wife while she has been back in town. I miss all of you as well. The winter I do not miss, but the people I do. All of you blessed my life significantly while I served at the cathedral.
Although it was well past midnight when I got to bed, I still woke up this morning long before sunrise. I waited for it to warm up a little and then decided to get some exercise and meditation time. I felt like a tourist, but I went to all the places I usually take visitors. The first stop was the dock right in our neighborhood. The wind was blowing pretty hard and the temperature was only in he 50's. I did not stay in this spot too long.
It was unique this year because I was serving in a different parish. I had been at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming for the last nine years. It adds another dimension to the preparations for these liturgies when the bishop is the celebrant. This year I did not have to take into consideration the mitre, the crosier, and other episcopal details.
My wife, Margaret, is back in Cheyenne celebrating Easter with our daughter and her husband's family. This had become a tradition while we lived there. I know that I am missing out on a good meal today. Not to worry! I am at home in Hilton Head living the life of a bachelor while she is in Cheyenne. After the Easter Vigil last night I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a fresh loaf of bread, a fresh pack of bologna, and a fresh bag of chips. Easter dinner will be served.
I want to thank the many people in Cheyenne who have extended their greetings to me via my wife while she has been back in town. I miss all of you as well. The winter I do not miss, but the people I do. All of you blessed my life significantly while I served at the cathedral.
Although it was well past midnight when I got to bed, I still woke up this morning long before sunrise. I waited for it to warm up a little and then decided to get some exercise and meditation time. I felt like a tourist, but I went to all the places I usually take visitors. The first stop was the dock right in our neighborhood. The wind was blowing pretty hard and the temperature was only in he 50's. I did not stay in this spot too long.
Next up--Jarvis Creek Park. The mile-long pathway around the lake is always adventurous. The trees surrounding the area provided some shelter from the wind. The alligators and the birds were plentiful today. Two of the alligators were pretty good size and they were drawing a significant amount of attention from the walkers and bicyclists. I only had my phone. I wish I would have had a camera and a zoom lens, but I got as close to the gators as I was going to get. You have to look at them from a distance just as I did.
Next up--Chaplin Community Park and Burke's Beach.
I will certainly miss the beauty of Hilton Head Island and the people of St. Francis by the Sea Parish when we relocate in a couple of months. While my stay here has been short, I am grateful for the experience.
As I prepare for my new venture as executive director of St. Albert Catholic Schools, I am growing more excited by the day. I continue to learn about the school and the area. There are many positive things firmly in place already at the school. This means that we have a tremendous foundation upon which to build even greater accomplishments. I am also learning about areas that could use some improvement. That also excites me, because I have not yet seen any obstacle that seems insurmountable. I am happy to have 20 years of experience behind me in Catholic education. I have seen many of the common challenges that confront Catholic schools up close and personal. I have successfully addressed those challenges on numerous occasions in the past. It is my hope to do the same at St. Albert with the help and collaboration of the teachers, students, parents, parishioners, and all who support the endeavors of the school.
I am also thrilled to know that there are MANY PEOPLE who desire the success of St. Albert Catholic Schools. That was extremely evident in the results of the annual fundraiser. My thanks to all of you who made that event such a huge success. Wow! That was a phenomenal accomplishment.
Although I will not arrive on campus until the end of June to begin my position, I look forward to meeting many of you on May 13, when I am in town for a brief visit. Please know of my daily prayers for all of you as we make these significant transitions in our lives. I ask you to please remember me in your prayers as well.
Finally, I ask all of my readers to keep the people of Sri Lanka in your prayers. The blasts at churches and hotels have killed and harmed many people. Being martyred for the faith is becoming more and more of a reality in our world today. Let us pray for courage and perseverance.
May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
As I prepare for my new venture as executive director of St. Albert Catholic Schools, I am growing more excited by the day. I continue to learn about the school and the area. There are many positive things firmly in place already at the school. This means that we have a tremendous foundation upon which to build even greater accomplishments. I am also learning about areas that could use some improvement. That also excites me, because I have not yet seen any obstacle that seems insurmountable. I am happy to have 20 years of experience behind me in Catholic education. I have seen many of the common challenges that confront Catholic schools up close and personal. I have successfully addressed those challenges on numerous occasions in the past. It is my hope to do the same at St. Albert with the help and collaboration of the teachers, students, parents, parishioners, and all who support the endeavors of the school.
I am also thrilled to know that there are MANY PEOPLE who desire the success of St. Albert Catholic Schools. That was extremely evident in the results of the annual fundraiser. My thanks to all of you who made that event such a huge success. Wow! That was a phenomenal accomplishment.
Although I will not arrive on campus until the end of June to begin my position, I look forward to meeting many of you on May 13, when I am in town for a brief visit. Please know of my daily prayers for all of you as we make these significant transitions in our lives. I ask you to please remember me in your prayers as well.
Finally, I ask all of my readers to keep the people of Sri Lanka in your prayers. The blasts at churches and hotels have killed and harmed many people. Being martyred for the faith is becoming more and more of a reality in our world today. Let us pray for courage and perseverance.
May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
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