Feast of St. Joseph – What I Miss…

March 19, 2020

I have heard the comment, “What I missed during this time, _______ .“ (fill in the blank). Think of what it will be like when once again we can meet, when some sense of normalcy returns.

Yesterday I came face-to-face on what I miss. I stood on top of the stair landing calling down to one of our young students, her dad, and the dog. This young lady’s smile can light up the world, and it was then I realized: I miss the young ones. If you would be so kind to humor once again my song selection, this one from George Strait, “I Saw God Today.”

I’ve been to church, I’ve read the book

I know He’s here, but I don’t look near as often as I should.

Yeah I know I should.

His fingerprints are everywhere

I just look down and stop and stare, open my eyes and then I swear

I SAW GOD TODAY

At the school there are times, too infrequent to tell the truth, when I can go up on the playground and spend time with the students. The little ones and I have a game on the playground structure in which I try to stop their coming down the slide. They use all sorts of methods and gimmicks to try and pass by successfully. It is their triumph in fooling father, the look of pure happiness in their eyes, the laughter in their voices, that leap of joy that I miss the most.

I have to believe that laughter, that joy must be the expression on God’s face when He looks upon you and me. Where else would such beauty come from if not from the one who created us in His own very image. Yes, there is a great deal we miss but one very important part of our lives that remains: God is here today. “Just stop and stare and then you will swear, YOU SAW GOD TODAY!”

Please continue to keep our healthcare workers, the first responders, those working to stem the spread or find a cure in your prayers today. Also, our elderly: they have given us a great gift, a lesson we should take to heart. Many live alone, have understood isolation and solitude, and yet give us an example of how to live each day. So many seniors in their homes or in care homes are even more secluded NOW for their protection. Let us not forget their example of faith, hope, and love.

The Wandering Padre

Fr. Dave

The Cross I Carry

On my morning walk between the churches of St. Charles and St. Matthias I carry two crosses. One is the cross given to me by my father (more on that later), the other a small comfort cross carried on my pilgrimages. This cross was made by Phil, a parishioner. During pilgrimage hikes this cross is normally in my pocket although it is made and its purpose is to cradle in one’s hand. This is because hiking poles are often in use. But on these morning walks poles are not needed and I can carry the cross.

By accident I discovered a wonderful gift with the cross in my hand. I carry it in my right hand as it seems to nestle there quite nicely. When I meet someone my natural instinct is to reach out to greet them but the cross reminds me of the need presently for social distancing. When someone drives by and recognizes me, usually tooting the horn, I once again instinctively raise my hand in a wave. Such a small object made with care and love cradled in my hand being raised as if imparting a blessing. The presence of our Lord is ever with us, but especially in these trying times.

I have been asked when the churches are open and I am trying to keep to a schedule of opening St. Charles by 7:00 a.m. and then start the walk through the neighborhoods to open St. Matthias before 8:00 a.m. They stay open until at least 4:00 p.m. as it is a little harder to plan late afternoon. Hand sanitizer is right inside the door to use, so please keep safe. I and some brave souls continue to try and put the daily mass online but no promises as we work through some issues.

If you see me walking by give out a shout so I may raise my hand in prayer and blessing.

In faith, hope, and love, your Wandering Padre.

Fr. Dave

P.S. Attempts are being made to livestream daily Mass tonight at 5:00 pm via St. Charles Parish Facebook page.

A walk of faith, hope, and love on the feast of St. Patrick

As many of you know, it has been a blessing for me to travel on pilgrimages in Spain and Italy. Yesterday in the midst of my walk to St. Matthias the song “You’ll never walk alone” started to play on my iTouch (yes I know that I am dating myself with this outmoded form of listening to music). The words of this song took on a new significance during this moment in my life.

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don’t be afraid of the dark.

At the end of the storm

There’s a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone.

You’ll never walk alone.

I have found in the outpouring of love from our church members that these words are so very true. People have called, emailed, and text messaged the desire to help in any way possible. To run errands, to contact the homebound, to simply stay connected with one another. But those words also remind me that none of us walk alone as I learned on my pilgrimage treks. Our God is always at our side and we simply need to open our eyes to that presence in those around us.

I hope today that we will be able to post the daily celebration of mass in the chapel but once again when it comes to these wonderful modes of communication, your pastor has a lot to learn. Social distancing does not help when one is trying to social network. This would be a good time to encourage our young people to consider if they might be called to serve the church as they seem to be hardwired for this means of communication.

In faith, hope, and love,
Fr. Dave