Dear Friends,

    From Tuesday through Thursday, the priests of our diocese will be gathering for our convocation. This takes place every two years and gives us a chance to get away from our usual routines and spend some time together. This year, we will be at the Sheraton in Eastham, Massachusetts, and our presenter will be Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston.

    The convocation is a chance for us to pray together, share our joys and struggles, exchange ideas, and simply enjoy one another’s company. It’s also an opportunity to catch up with priests we don’t get to see very often.

    One of the great blessings of the priesthood is the fraternity we share with one another. Although we serve in different parishes and have different responsibilities, we share the same vocation and many of the same experiences. It’s good to have a few days when we can put aside our usual schedules and enjoy being together.

    Of course, not every conversation at these gatherings is about theology or parish life! There is plenty of laughter, storytelling, catching up, and usually some good-natured teasing. That’s all part of the experience, too. Sometimes just sitting around a table with brother priests, sharing a meal and some laughs, can be as valuable as any presentation.

    I think these gatherings are a  reminder that priesthood is not something we live out on our own. We are part of a larger family of priests, and the friendships and support we offer one another are important. Like any friendship, priestly fraternity needs time and attention, and that’s part of what these days are all about.

    While Fr. Carlos and I are away, Fr. Kevin Cody has kindly agreed to celebrate the Masses here at St. Mary’s. We are grateful to him for making himself available and helping us out.

    I ask you to keep the priests of our diocese in your prayers during these days. Pray that our time together will be one of renewal, friendship, and encouragement, and that we will return to our parishes refreshed and ready to continue the work entrusted to us.

    And, as always, please know that you will be in our prayers as well!

God bless you all!                                                                          Fr. John