Ordinarily I am a big fan of picking one theme and developing it as best as I can; I always try to stay focused on making just one point and sticking to it, whether it’s in the bulletin or in a homily. However, it seems that this is just one of those weeks where I have a bunch of little things to put out there, so I apologize in advance as I invite you to meander through my stream of consciousness.
 
First of all, I can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity in celebrating at the Picnic with the Padres with myself and Fr. Lambert. Everyone had a great time because of all the hard work of parishioners and staff, and Fr. Lambert and I were overwhelmed by your generosity. We continually keep you in our prayers, and now we can do so even as we enjoy the spirits which our flock has given us… The picnic, and all the other regional events like it, are a reminder of the importance of enjoying our community and promoting true joy as we live out our vocations.
 
Speaking of vocations, next weekend we will have two special visitors in the region from the seminary community. Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer will be celebrating Mass at St. Matthias on Saturday night and then at OLR and St. James on Sunday morning. As the Director of Vocations, Fr. Dan travels all over the Archdiocese to invite young men and women to consider God’s call in their lives. If you have children, perhaps consider bringing them to one of the Masses which Fr. Dan is celebrating so that they have the chance to hear a priest witness about a religious vocation.
 
We will also have Deacon Jeff Stegbauer at St. James on Saturday night and then at St. Matthias and OLR on Sunday morning. He was baptized at St. James, and some of his family are still parishioners there. He is coming out to preach and celebrate with us and his family. He and I were in seminary for two years together, and it is another great opportunity for the good people of the region to get to know a young man who is preparing for a life of service in the Church. With all the seminarians kicking around these parts nowadays, it might not seem that notable, but I believe it is important for people of all ages to see others following their vocations, no matter what our call from God is.
 
Finally, I am leaving on the evening of July 22 on a pilgrimage to Spain. I will be walking a section of El Camino de Santiago de Compostela with a group of pilgrims. I ask that you keep me and all those who are walking “The Way” in prayer, that this trip may bear spiritual fruit in our lives. I will be walking with one primary intention: the spiritual renewal and sanctification of the region and all those within our parish community. May God bless all of us working to live out our vocations in the region, that we might bear fruit in bringing the Gospel to a world which so desperately needs it.
 
Prayers always,
Fr. McCullough