Please excuse me if I have been a little unavailable over the last week. The death of my Dad came at an unexpected time, and being his only child in New Orleans (and a priest) thrust me into the center of the funeral preparations. It also placed a heavy burden of grief upon me that – while not unexpected – was more physically challenging than I would have anticipated. I couldn't believe how exhausted I became over the time that I heard about Dad's death on July 16 ( the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel ) and even up until two days after the funeral. Giving the homily at the funeral on Tuesday was one of the most difficult things I've done as a priest, but it was also a time when I experienced God's grace working through my weakness. The day before Dad's funeral was probably the most … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2009
From the Pastor – July 5, 2009
This week we celebrate “Independence Day,” the “birthday” of the United States of America.It's a day when we celebrate our “Freedom.” The Declaration of Independence was the document by which the people of the New World cast off the “yoke of slavery” of their former ruler – the King – and formed a government based on very important truths: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I'm sure we all have fond memories of celebrating this day with fireworks, hot dogs, picnics and family.But it's always good to remember the spirit behind the Declaration. Freedom is ultimately rooted in God-given truths, and apart from … [Read more...]
