Out to the West Coast

February 2, 2010

Feast of the Presentation: Candlemass Day

Peace and Good,

My mission in Plantation, Florida, went well. This was a large parish just to the north of Fort Lauderdale. The church is currently undergoing a massive renovation. The previous church had burned down, and they had built a replacement in a hurry a number of years ago. The present pastor decided that this was the time to renovate it so that it might better serve the needs of this large, diverse community.

These weeks, the confessions have been great. There have been a number of the "big fish," those who had not been to confession for a long, long time. It is such a blessing to be available for that.

The theme was "making Christ the center of our lives." I spoke of how our brokenness and sinfulness get in the way of following Christ. I also spoke of the incredible dignity to which God has called us, especially as we see in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

This week I am in San Diego, specifically Scripts Ranch.

I have not finished any books this week. Next week I should have a few completed. (I'm always reading several at a time, reading at least 10 pages in each every day.)

Lately, I have been reflecting about why some news programs are so difficult for me to watch. One of the things that I have noticed is that some of the reporters love to yell at the listener, as if that will make what they say more credible. It bothers me both because I do not appreciate being "talked down to," and also the aspects of demagoguery that seem to be involved. This complaint hits both sides of the political spectrum. I have to keep praying on it so that I can find more peace in this turbulent environment.

Here is my schedule for the next weeks.

02/06/10 - 02/11/10: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Lakeside, CA - Parish Mission

02/13/10 - 02/18/10: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, El Cajon, CA - Parish Mission

02/20/10 - 02/25/10: St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, MD - Parish Mission

02/27/10 - 03/04/10: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Oceanside, CA - Parish Mission

03/06/10 - 03/10/10: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Harborcreek, PA - Parish Mission

03/13/10 - 03/17/10: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pomfret, MD - Parish Mission

03/20/10 - 03/25/10: St. Lucie Catholic Church, Port St. Lucie, FL - Parish Mission

03/29/10: Walter Reed Army Medical Center - Noon Mass & Talk

03/30/10: St. Louis Catholic Church, Clarksville, MD - Knights of Columbus Talk "The Passion Narratives"

God bless and

Shalom

fr. Jude