Father Zach's blog

Since my last blog, I have been transitioning to a new parish assignment - Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Evansville, IN. 

As I've been settling into the new Parish environment, I came across a document concerning transition that was part of a workshop for my seminarian classmates and I during our final months at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake - Mundelein Seminary.  Settling into a new place isn't easy for everyone.  To help with transition, the staff encouraged us to pay attention to the following:

1) Integrating our Role, Responsibilities and Identity

2) Connecting: on a human level, on a spiritual level and in terms of the mission

3) Building a support system

4) Strategies: daily prayer, hard work, exercise, good relationships and some continued study

I think one of the hardest things for a priest to accomplish at times is finding time for prayer.  As I type this blog, it is already 10:18 AM and I haven't been able to sit down (undisturbed) to complete the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer.  My intent has been good, but staff, parishioners and other priorities can change my original plans and time lines.  I did have time b

If you would like to know more about my current assignment at Saint Mary Church in Ireland, IN, please follow the following link:
 
http://www.irelandindiana.com/StMarysCatholicChurch/Index.htm
 

On June 5th, I will celebrate 5 years of ordained priesthood. Many people are responsible (or can be blamed) for my journey towards the priesthood. During my life before ordained priesthood, I lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Chicago, Evansville, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, and my hometown of Tell City, IN.