.::Firmum Est::. - - My Heart is Steadfast

Just a few days after I arrived back in Washington at the beginning of the summer, I had the honor of serving at the Installation of our new Archbishop. It was a beautiful event and the crowd at the Shrine was pouring out into the streets. Even for the priests - there were not enough seats for all who came to honor Archbishop Wuerl. We all look forward to his service to and leading of this Archdiocese of Washington.

I flew back to DC on the 14th of June. It has been a typical Washington summer since then. I had two weeks time with my family and then reported to Holy Redeemer Parish in Kensington, Maryland on July 1st. It is an opportunity to serve the community and get to know what parish life is like. That is one of the reasons that I have not posted. I’m unable to connect to my server from the Rectory. So, even though it is a lame excuse, it is an excuse. The first day in the States, I had some time to get back into ‘all things Maryland.’ A close family, the Reillys, invited me over for Crabs. The shirt I’m wearing is from the Msgr Tom Well’s Memorial Golf Tournment. Many of my brother seminarians who were ordained back in May were influenced by his life and his priesthood. This link will put you out to an article about his affect on their lives. Thank you for your continued prayers for Vocations to the Priesthood, especially in Washington. In other news, I have been serving the people of Holy Redeemer Parish. They are young and old - but overall very devoted to their immediate family. Many people, who grew up in the neighborhood, traveled away for sometime, and then returned when it was time to raise their own children. Speaking of kids, this Thursday I will travel with the Youth Group to Hershey Park. Tough Break! Riding roller coasters and getting to know the youth - as a way to spread the Gospel. Sometimes it takes a great deal of faith and trust for people to go on rides like that. These roller coasters are only temporary compared to the daily ones that teenages ride in these days. I hope to update more soon!