Dear Parishioners,

I was really delighted with the Rosary procession that happened last Sunday. It was the beginning of a lovely tradition to honor Our Lady of the Rosary who is that patron of St Mary’s. Many of those who participated mentioned that it brought back good memories of processions and May crownings they remember as children. I would like to thank everyone who participated and those who helped with the procession and meal that followed. 

An update on a few projects that are moving forward: We have begun the restoration of the sanctuary at St. Joseph’s. With Don Mally leading, and many volunteers, we have removed the carpet in the sanctuary and are taking the sanctuary to its original wood floor. The altars with the gold leaf in the sanctuary are in need of painting and will be part of the restoration. We have also closed up some of the large holes in the exterior of the building and finished with the restoration of the bell tower area. I would like to thank all those who have volunteered and those who have helped financially with this restoration and preservation.

We have also begun work on the conversion of the convent to a priest’s residence/rectory. Whit Baker came up with a wonderful conversion plan. We will be making a proper entrance, two priest living areas, two guest rooms, a chapel and a large kitchen/dining/living room open area to host meetings and dinners. I plan to help with the demolition and construction where I can.

I have really enjoyed sharing my Camino to Santiago at Faith Night. This Wednesday will be my last presentation, we will finally make it Santiago! I so thoroughly enjoyed that pilgrimage/walk that I kept my eyes open for other pilgrimage walk opportunities. The opportunity came about six years ago when I came in contact with a man named Bret, an American that lives in Italy, who organizes walking pilgrimages in Italy. Bret has become a good friend and he has helped me organize four walking pilgrimages in Italy and the fifth one will be starting next week. I usually walk with a small group of pilgrims. There will be six pilgrims on this pilgrimage. I will depart from here after Adoration and Mass this Friday, Oct. 21. 

My first pilgrimage walks were on the Way of St. Francis. My first went from Assisi to Rome then the following year from Florence to Assisi. Then I went on the Way of St. Benedict where we started in Norcia, which is the birthplace of St. Benedict, and walked to Monte Casino where he is buried. Last year we walked from the Adriatic Coast at a town called Loretto, which is where the house of Mary is, and we walked West to Assisi. This year I will be walking with a group of five other people starting in Lucca and finishing in Assisi. This will be over a hundred mile walk over a period of twelve walking days.

When we walk we pray the rosary and have Mass every day. Part of the pilgrimage is to take the petitions of others and special needs. I will be praying for the spiritual growth and wellbeing of all of my four parishes in a spirit of thanksgiving to Our Lord for sending me to this place I now call home.