Father Alex's blog

These words spoken by Pope Benedict XVI at the priesthood ordination for the Diocese of Rome on June 20, 2010 offer a beautiful description of the priesthood that is not about power, but about the offering of oneself for the sake of others.  This is good stuff:

Probably one of the most difficult moments of my life as a priest (and I am certain it is no different for most) is dealing with tragedy. This past week, the tragic death of Kyle Weiss, a 2010 graduate of Mater Dei High School, has given rise to a great deal of grief and confusion that only death can cause.

Well, yesterday was field day at Holy Rosary and it did not disappoint.  I think field day is one of the greatest days for parish priests.  In general, we have no responsibility except to show up and walk around and be seen.  Not only are there no responsibilities, but there is also the wonderful opportunity to put the beat down on the student council in the faculty vs. student council annual volleyball game.

If you heard me preach this weekend, this will sound familiar.  The Gospel for today really caught my attention, partly because it's so short.  But one line in particular struck me:  "No one can take them out of my hand."  This is Jesus speaking about the sheep of his flock.  At first it sounds nice and cuddly and inviting, but let's not forget where the hands of Jesus have been.

If I have to hear one more flight attendant recite the in-flight safety procedures one more time, I am going to pull my hair out--actually maybe I'll pull my eye brows out, since I don't have any hair on my head.

I spent this past week in St. Louis for a week of classes in the doctoral program I am working on for preaching.  We are studying the history of preaching and I have to admit that I have never been a big history buff.  To be honest, I never really found it to be useful.  But this past week I was really amazed at how much I learned about the present by looking to the past.

Last weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of working a Teens Encounter Christ retreat.  I believe, if my counting is correct, that this was my 10th TEC.  It is a great pleasure for me to be able to continue to be a part of this TEC movement, which really provided me with the encouragement I needed to respond to my call to priesthood.
 

Before my ordination to the priesthood in 2005 I was given a chalice by my pastor at Sacred Heart in Evansville, Fr. Eugene Dewig, which he had used during his 50+ years of priesthood.  It is a great blessing to be able to use the chalice of the priest that played such a pivotal role in my vocation.  But recently I found out there is even more history to the chalice.

Here's an interesting story for you.  Check out this link to learn more about Oakland A's prospect Grant Desme:  http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/01/22/as-prospect-retires-to-enter-priesthood/.  Just goes to show you that we all take a different path as we pursue God's will.

It is really amazing to me how hope can survive at all in our world.  In the face of all the challenges that we are confronted with, all of the illnesses and struggles that come our way....how is it that we still have hope for the future?