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. Click title for full column.

Six years ago, I was so excited for my assignment to the Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region that began on July 1, 2014. Now, at the end of the two- term assignment this June, I look back and I thank the Lord for the amazing experience I had in our region. Also, I am praying for all the people that I have encountered during my ministry and for all those I will meet in my new assignment at St. Aloysius Gonzaga and St. Jude parishes. Living and working within the WWPR was a unique experience that touched my life tremendously. So, I want to say “thank you” to God and to all. Click title for full column.

Drive- through Farewell for Fr. Lambert This Sunday! As many of you may know, Fr. Lambert has been reassigned to St. Jude and St. Aloysius Gonzaga beginning July 1. As Fr. McCullough said last week, we are deeply sorry that we cannot have a bigger and more grandiose celebration for Fr. Lambert’s departure, but for the time being, please join us for a drive-through farewell at St. Matthias this Sunday, June 21 starting at 5:00 pm.

We live in an age that tends to emphasize activity over contemplation. It’s not unique to our current age; history is riddled with times when regimes and societies have destroyed or ostracized individuals or groups who were labeled as freeloaders or “unproductive.” Contemplative nuns were literally dragged out of their convents and into forced labor in the aftermath of Henry VIII’s break from the Church, so all things considered, maybe things nowadays could be worse. But the fact remains that we often tend to appreciate things that people do for us more than we do their existence in and of itself. Click title for full column.

5th Annual Feast of Corpus Christi Procession Next Sunday, June 14, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. We will begin with Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary at 9:00 am and then process with the Blessed Sacrament displayed in a monstrance around the Greenhills Commons. We will stop at the gazebo for some time of Eucharistic adoration, Scripture, reflection, and prayer. We will then process back to the church for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Click title for full column.