Greetings to all of you!
Our travels this week takes us to what I think is one of the most peaceful and beautiful settings in all the world. After leaving Turkey, we visited the region of Galilee in which Jesus spent His early years and most of His adult years growing up. Upon visiting this historic place, one can see why Jesus spent much of His time here, especially with His disciples after the resurrection. We began by visiting the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave His most inspiring teaching to the multitudes that were gathered on the slope of the hill. Behind them was the Sea of Galilee which goes as far as the eye can see and was the scene of many of the parts in the New Testament. It was there where many of our group took their shoes off and waded in those waters where Jesus performed some of His miracles. I couldn't help but picture in my mind those scenes from scripture where Jesus calmed the storm and where He would sit in a boat and teach just beyond the shore to those willing to listen. After we left there we went to a Kibbutz where we had a wonderful "Gospel meal" consisting of fish from the Sea of Galilee along with some Jewish vegetables and bread. I think I even found a coin in one of the fish! We also visited the area in which Jesus visited after the Resurrection and the spot where He gave Peter the Keys to the Kingdom. After we had our meal we went back to the ship, took a nice nap and then prepared for yet another feast for dinner. Next week: Jerusalem!
It also has been a busy week as we have been interviewing candidates for the Director of Stewardship position here at the parish. We had many applications and we currently have begun the interview process. There are some excellent candidates who have applied and we ask for your prayers as we continue the n process. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Monday, November 22, 2010
Trip to Europe/Golf Tournament
Greetings to all of you!
As promised I wish to give you some more highlights about our trip to Europe. After Greece, we traveled to the country of Turkey and its outstanding beauty! I didn't expect to find that the western part of this country was made up of large mountains and fertile valleys but I was impressed by its peacefulness and beauty. Our first stop was to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul did much of his preaching, and I couldn't get over how progressive and modernistic the people of Ephesus were. The beauty of Ephesus was outstanding with all its marble structures and mosaics even on its sidewalks. We saw where Paul preached in its amphitheater and on some of the rolling hills where I could imagine thousands listening to his every word. We then traveled to a small town way up in the hills where legend has it that Mary, along with the Apostle John, built a small house in which she lived out her remaining days. It's hard to digest what was in front of us as we strode through this modest home and the peace and beauty that surrounded it. We had Mass there just outside her house, and some of us bought religious articles to bring back with us. I simply took in the beauty and tried to imagine Our Lady living here in this peaceful place and upon leaving, I said an "Ave" for you all as we went to the bus down the hill. Next week: Galilee!
Last Sunday we completed our annual St. Mark Golf tournament, and again we all had a marvelous time! God provided us with great weather, and we made some money for our building fund to boot! Of course, I was on the 7th hole again this year as an easy mark for anybody who wanted to "Beat the Priest", and it seemed that the heavy breezes kept many people from fulfilling that quest! I have to say though that my best shot of the day came against my snotty brothers who tried to intimidate me with great shots onto the green. However, I nailed one a few feet away and now I have bragging rights for another year! I thank Chuck and Lois Lewandowski and the golf committee in all their efforts in making this day a great success!
Well that is all for now. Let's enjoy the great weather and keep our Lord close to your heart!
Peace,
Fr. David
As promised I wish to give you some more highlights about our trip to Europe. After Greece, we traveled to the country of Turkey and its outstanding beauty! I didn't expect to find that the western part of this country was made up of large mountains and fertile valleys but I was impressed by its peacefulness and beauty. Our first stop was to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul did much of his preaching, and I couldn't get over how progressive and modernistic the people of Ephesus were. The beauty of Ephesus was outstanding with all its marble structures and mosaics even on its sidewalks. We saw where Paul preached in its amphitheater and on some of the rolling hills where I could imagine thousands listening to his every word. We then traveled to a small town way up in the hills where legend has it that Mary, along with the Apostle John, built a small house in which she lived out her remaining days. It's hard to digest what was in front of us as we strode through this modest home and the peace and beauty that surrounded it. We had Mass there just outside her house, and some of us bought religious articles to bring back with us. I simply took in the beauty and tried to imagine Our Lady living here in this peaceful place and upon leaving, I said an "Ave" for you all as we went to the bus down the hill. Next week: Galilee!
Last Sunday we completed our annual St. Mark Golf tournament, and again we all had a marvelous time! God provided us with great weather, and we made some money for our building fund to boot! Of course, I was on the 7th hole again this year as an easy mark for anybody who wanted to "Beat the Priest", and it seemed that the heavy breezes kept many people from fulfilling that quest! I have to say though that my best shot of the day came against my snotty brothers who tried to intimidate me with great shots onto the green. However, I nailed one a few feet away and now I have bragging rights for another year! I thank Chuck and Lois Lewandowski and the golf committee in all their efforts in making this day a great success!
Well that is all for now. Let's enjoy the great weather and keep our Lord close to your heart!
Peace,
Fr. David
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Journey Continued/Renewal
Fr. David’s Travels:
Greetings to all of you!
I promised many of you that I would write down some thoughts about the parish Pilgrimage" to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. But rather than bore you with details, I will give you some of the highlights. First of all, we had a wonderful group of people who came on the trip, and we all bonded beautifully and became fast friends by the time it was over. There were some grueling climbs up steep mountains and church steps. I was stunned by the determination of some of our elderly and disabled participants to make sure they made it to the top! Anyway, I'm really glad to be back in the good old U.S of A. What follows are some highlights about what we experienced.
Of course, Italy is always a treasure to behold and experience! My brother, sister-in-law and I spent a lot of time eating pasta and drinking wine. It seems we tried to find Trattorias that served prosciutto, suprasade, olives, cheese, bread, and all the other things we ate growing up. I think we spent more time eating than visiting Rome's sights. However, we all did experience the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica and a few of the Piazza's of Italy. However, we did have one experience that was so profound when we visited the actual tomb of St. Peter himself. The guide took us underground beneath the Basilica where an excavation took place in the late 1930's and 40's. Although it was said that the Basilica was built over the Tomb of St. Peter, there was never really any evidence of it until now. As the guide took us through what amounted to an ancient cemetery with its road ways and mausoleums, we eventually came across the actual tomb. What was even more startling was that we even got to see the graffiti wall which contained the actual bones of the first Pope himself. It really made my skin tingle with excitement, and I could hardly imagine what I was seeing! If you ever get to Rome, make sure you take in this experience. It will really put you in touch with the early Church! Next week the highlights will include Greece and Turkey.
Also this week we are celebrating Commitment Sunday in which we renew our Commitment to God for the many blessings He has given us. If you didn't bring your commitment form, feel free to pick one up in the narthex of the church and drop it in the collection basket when you are able. May God bless your Stewardship!
I guess that does it for now. Hope you all have a blessed week!
Peace,
Fr. David
Greetings to all of you!
I promised many of you that I would write down some thoughts about the parish Pilgrimage" to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. But rather than bore you with details, I will give you some of the highlights. First of all, we had a wonderful group of people who came on the trip, and we all bonded beautifully and became fast friends by the time it was over. There were some grueling climbs up steep mountains and church steps. I was stunned by the determination of some of our elderly and disabled participants to make sure they made it to the top! Anyway, I'm really glad to be back in the good old U.S of A. What follows are some highlights about what we experienced.
Of course, Italy is always a treasure to behold and experience! My brother, sister-in-law and I spent a lot of time eating pasta and drinking wine. It seems we tried to find Trattorias that served prosciutto, suprasade, olives, cheese, bread, and all the other things we ate growing up. I think we spent more time eating than visiting Rome's sights. However, we all did experience the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica and a few of the Piazza's of Italy. However, we did have one experience that was so profound when we visited the actual tomb of St. Peter himself. The guide took us underground beneath the Basilica where an excavation took place in the late 1930's and 40's. Although it was said that the Basilica was built over the Tomb of St. Peter, there was never really any evidence of it until now. As the guide took us through what amounted to an ancient cemetery with its road ways and mausoleums, we eventually came across the actual tomb. What was even more startling was that we even got to see the graffiti wall which contained the actual bones of the first Pope himself. It really made my skin tingle with excitement, and I could hardly imagine what I was seeing! If you ever get to Rome, make sure you take in this experience. It will really put you in touch with the early Church! Next week the highlights will include Greece and Turkey.
Also this week we are celebrating Commitment Sunday in which we renew our Commitment to God for the many blessings He has given us. If you didn't bring your commitment form, feel free to pick one up in the narthex of the church and drop it in the collection basket when you are able. May God bless your Stewardship!
I guess that does it for now. Hope you all have a blessed week!
Peace,
Fr. David
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