I’ve been very fortunate to have been given a sabbatical by the Cardinal, from October 25-April 25. If all works out, I will walk the Camino from end of October to early December. I want to dedicate this camino to raise funds for our outreach ministries. The second part of the sabbatical will be a program of spiritual renewal in Rome at the North American College, January- mid April.
“The best laid plans,” often have a fly in the ointment, so to speak. As I put together the sabbatical, I wasn’t aware of a law originating from the European Union that makes it clear that a visitor can only stay in the EU for 90 days within a six month period. The Camino and Rome exceed the 90 days by nearly 40, which means I must get a Visa. It may not be possible to do so, which means I will simply cancel the Camino and start the sabbatical in December.
The Administrator will be Fr. Carlos Rodríguez , pastor of St. Josaphat’s. Our Minister of evangelization, Mark Neuhengen, will take care of the day to day activities of the parish, including getting priests for any funerals or sick calls which are usually very minimal. Charisse will schedule the necessary priests for our weekend liturgies, including Fr. Udovic and Fr. Alphonse, both loved by our parishioners.
On Sunday December 10th I would like to celebrate the masses at St. Teresa’s to mark my 40th anniversary to the priesthood, which occurs on February 4th. I am grateful for the parishes, people and students who have rooted me in my ministry as priest. Without the people, there is no priesthood. I have been truly blessed and privileged to have been a part of people’s lives in the moments of joy and in the vulnerable experiences of suffering. At the heart of my priesthood has been the gathering of people around the Eucharist, the sacrament of unity, knitting us into ONE tapestry of love.