Every priest, and every leader, for that matter, brings their own personal gifts, skills, and interests into their roles. Conversely, they also carry with them their weaknesses and proclivity for rookie mistakes in certain fields that they must both work on and surround themselves with people who can bridge the gap for them.
 
In my first two years here in the region, I counted myself lucky to have inherited a region rather than having to implement it as the first pastor after the regionalization. The hard work necessary to bring multiple parish offices and staffs together had been done before me, by Fr. Chris, a man who was far more experienced in that aspect of leadership than I was. It freed me up to focus on more of the spiritual elements than I could have if that had been my cross to carry.The last few months have seen that dynamic turned on its head, as there has been an exponential increase in the logistical work to be done under a pandemic. Coordinating a streaming effort, a new Mass
schedule, distancing recommendations from the
Archdiocese and the government, the list goes on.
I would never have survived without my immensely dedicated and talented staff. That said, as we see things continue to cautiously open up and move forward, we in the region are looking to follow suit. It has now been over three months since I have had a day without at least one Mass to preach, in at least one language. It has been a grind, to be sure. I look forward to taking a full day off, and not setting my alarm to see when my body deems it necessary to wake up.
 
With all that in mind, please see the new regional schedule, which is very similar to the old schedule before Covid, with a few minor changes and additions. Please note that there will no longer be sign-ups for Mass, but we will continue following the distancing protocols and sanitizing
procedures that have been put in place.

I ask that you continue to be patient and work with one another to be safe as we enter this new stage.
 
Prayers always,
Fr. McC