I have to admit that I am a bit at a loss of what to write about this month. I haven't traveled to any distant place on the face of the earth, just to visit my Mom and I need that material for homilies. Nothing really exciting has happened or is on the horizon as being unusually significant. A quick prayer to the Holy Spirit and a piercing look from Gail, our secretary, gave me the inspiration for my article this month.

In the sacristy where I vest for Mass, there is a small book [burgundy colored for 2009] which is called 'The Ordo' or it's full title, 'The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Celebration of the Eucharist 2009'. This small book is the official Liturgical Calendar of the Church issued each year containing a listing of the Mass to be celebrated each day, with its liturgical rank and color, together with the liturgical rubrics to be observed in the recitation of the Divine Office which each priest is obligated to pray daily. The Ordo also lists on the opposite page a necrology, a list of priests of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and other dioceses of Texas who have died that particular day and the year of that priest's death. The month June has the anniversaries of death of priests that, I think, are important for us to remember.

I know that you have been on the edge of your seat waiting for my escapades in Australia and New Zealand. My bulletin article last month was all about my anticipation of my upcoming cruise to the other side of the world where I'd never been before: Australia and New Zealand. Well, the best laid plans of mice and men....

The Saturday evening before the trip was to begin on the following Thursday, I was told that the cruise was canceled because the ship had been put in dry dock. It seems that the cruise line has had trouble with this particular fleet of ships and this ship in particular. Just my luck that I'd be assigned chaplain on a ship going nowhere.

One of the questions I've been asked since Fr. Kelly's arrival here at St. Mary/St. Joseph has been how we met. Now there's a story and an example of how God works in mysterious ways.

When I was assigned to St. Mary Church in Hempstead [now renamed St. Katherine Drexel after the merging of St. Mary/Hempstead and St. Martin de Porres/Prarie View], I soon realized that being outside of Houston definitely had its advantages as well as disadvantages that came with the territory. The distance of many parishioners from the church property was significantly greater than the 'around the corner' or 'in the neighborhood' living situation of parishioners in larger cities and especially Houston. An unforeseen disadvantage was the willingness of rent-a-priests to come 'out into the country' to help out on a weekend or for special services, such as a penance service or adult education.

MAKE SURE YOUR MUG-SHOT IS IN THE NEW PICTORAL DIRECTORY!!!

If you haven't yet made your appointment to have your picture in the new Pictoral Directory being put together as you're reading this, get on the phone and call the parish office immediately [936-894-2223]. It is extremely important that the pictures of as many as possible be included for this directory to be the valuable tool it can be in helping us be a community of friends not just anonymous parishioners.

As my Mother would say, "I've never asked you for anything. You can do this one thing for me." Do it for me, your pastor. Trying to keep you all straight and pictured in my head is important to me. The pictoral directory helps me in those senior moments when memory fails...the face is familiar, name a blank...or..know the name, but can't picture the face. Keeping husband and wives/parents and children pictured together can also prevent a faux paux....If your mug shot is not in there, I claim no responsibility for whatever I might say or do.

A Clarification: During the recent Men's Club meeting, some of the men asked just what we have to do to observe Lent. Basically, there are two issues: Abstinence and Fasting.

* Abstinence refers to not eating meat. All Catholics six and older should not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and on the other Fridays of Lent. There is no "Senior Citizen Exception" for this penance.

* Fasting refers to limiting your food and drink [traditionally meaning one normal meal and two lesser meals daily]. Catholics under the age of sixty are oblig­ed to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

While it is true that Lent is a penitential season. many Catholics seem to think that Abstinence and Fasting are all we "have to do." In reality, there are many other practices we ought to consider weaving into our lives to draw ourselves closer to Christ. These could include such things like going to Confession, attending an extra Mass during the week, coming for the Adoration of the Eucharist, making the Stations of the Cross on Fridays, as well as the acts of self-denial and charity to those in need. Easy? With Christ's grace, you just might find it to be not only easier than you think -- -- but also well worth the effort.

Over the last few years, it has become more and more common for people who, for one reason or another, are not going to receive the Eucharist during Mass, to come forward with their hands crossed on their chests as a sign that they are seeking a blessing. Should the priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion give the person this blessing?

The correct answer is "No," at least for the present. First of all, extraordinary minister are not among those who can give such blessings since lay people are unable to confer blessings with­in the context of Holy Mass. These blessings, rather, are to be given by the priest, More perti­nent, however, is the fact that all the people present in the Church will receive the liturgical bless­ing these people are seeking in the final blessing at the end of Mass.

For these two reasons, those who will not or cannot receive the Eucharist at Mass should not come forward at Communion for a special blessing. Rather, they should rejoice that they will receive that blessing along with all the others present at the end of Mass in the final blessing.

Now that the Year of 2009 is in full swing, I would like to take this opportunity to once again let you know that one of my New Year's resolution each year is to make a concerted effort to respond to your needs and requests as timely as possible and without your thinking you're being overlooked or, worse, that I'm not interested. Being your pastor is, not only my job, but my privilege and joy. July 1st will mark 10 years of my being assigned as local shepherd to a wonderful bunch of parishioners whom I also consider my friends. Not that every moment has been like being in 'a rose garden', but your support and being my extended family has made these soon to be 36 years of Priesthood more fun than toil.

It's hard to believe that the year 2009 is here. In some ways this is a year marking interesting and significant milstones.

I can remember when 1999 dawned and I was serenely happy as pastor of Mary, Mother of God, in Hempstead. The Diocese had begun the process of merging the parishes of Hempstead and Prairie View and it was becoming evident that the merger needed someone who could come in new and not be partial to either camp. There was also the unavoidable fact that I had been in Hempstead for over 13 years and was a little overdue to be moved. I remember looking around and discovered that Plantersville was in need of a permanent pastor. Fr. Burke, a Holy Ghost Father, had recently retired due to both age and medical reasons. I really prayed hard asking the Holy Spirit to guide my decision and put the whole affair in God's hands. I mentioned to a member of the Personnel Borad that I was interested in being assigned to Plantersville/Stoneham. His response was rather lukewarm and I had this fear that I might have to go back into Houston. Even some of my priest friends were amused and negative of my not only staying outside Houston, but going to such a small, really country parish. At least Hempstead was more of a town, I was told..ha. To my relief and surprise, I was notified I would be assigned to St. Mary's in Plantersville and St. Joseph, its mission, in Stoneham. The assignment was to take effect on July 1, 1999.

Some may remember that first weekend. The news/gossip was that the new pastor was tall and thin. For many, that's all that was known about him. Saturday evening a car glides into the priest's driveway at St. Mary's and out steps a rather heftly priest using a cane and smiling broadly. As is his custom, he was playing the scene for all its worth. Not until he begins the Mass does he introduce himself as "not the new pastor'. The name of that rent-a-Priest that first weekend, taking my place, was......Fr. William Kelly. Isn't it funy how things come full circle? Fr. Kelly would be a regular rent-a-priest around here for about a year and a half until he (against all my advice) accepted an assignment as pastor of St. Anthony Church in Danbury. I did finally show up the next weekend. I was on a Polka Cruise to Alaska with the Vrazel Polka Band. (I can hear some grumbling that I've not changed a bit in almost ten years....sill going on cruises...ha....).

I have never regretted not only my decision but what I feel was the guidance of the Holy Spirit in sending me here as your pastor. It seems almost impossible that I am in my tenth year, July 1, 2009 beginning my eleventh. God is good. I've not only seen our Community of Faith grow in population, but grow united in witnessing to Christ in this out-of-the-way-corner of Texas. I myself have deepened my faith and commitment to my Priesthood because of the tremendous support and prayers that flow from you each Sunday. Your kindness and encouragement in those few moments of stress that come with life is appreciated and make each day a day I am thankful for being here with you, working together for the honor and glory of God. I am looking forward to being with you for many years to come. I am hoping that the year 2009 will find us all enjoying and thankful for the wonderful faith family with which God has gifted us. It is a gift. Let's take care that we treasure it properly. United in faith and love 2009 is going to be terrific!

During the restoration of St. Mary, the artist, Ms. Donell Hill, had just uncovered the pattern of stenciling on the front left column of the church. It was a gold/yellow color. The same pattern was already uncovered on the back column on the same side of the church, only it was a green color. I remarked to Donell, "You don't think they did gold-green, gold-green, do you?", meaning rotating the column color. She responded, "Father, I think they did gold/green, gold/green.". I sighed and said, "Donell, this place is going to really look busy." She smiled, "Father, we passed 'busy' a long time ago.".

Both of our churches of St. Mary and St. Joseph are beautiful spaces of worship and storehouses of artistic treasures original to each structure or acquired and given a new home. Each treasure has its own particular beauty and each has its own story. For example, the back altar of St. Mary's is original to the church and purchased from a company in San Antonio and dates to probably the 1920's. The original back altar of St. Joseph's was burned in the renovation of 1968 and has been replaced with a side altar dating from the 1860's from the Church of the Assumption in Buffalo, New York. The statues of both church are original to each church.

I apologize for a lapse of two months without 'A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR' or installments on my October 2007 cruise. Like everyone, I guess, the time just rushes by and I find myself squeezed for a deadline. I have vowed to Gail, our secretary, that I would definitely have my part of the bulletin to her early because this is our Bazaar 2008 bulletin and I have been absent from these pages for too long.

He's Back!....To Stay
[For a long time, the Good Lord willing!]

Fr. Kelly is ensconced in his mobile mansion! He arrived Thursday, August 14th about 3pm with his entourage of 8 cats. He says that he already feels at home and is very appreciative of the warm welcome he has received.

Fr. Kelly is still very much teaching Scripture at the University of St. Thomas, though his schedule is limited to a couple of days a week, helping save time with the rather long commute. Fr. Kelly is no stranger to long drives, however, and spends his time busily on his cell phone. If he calls while driving, be prepared to entertain him....ha.

To clarify Fr. Kelly's position here at St. Mary/St. Joseph: He is in residence. That means he's primarily living with us and helping in the parish on Sundays, especially with one of the early Masses. He is not 'on call' and therefore his phone number will not be listed in the directory. Hopefully, he will be able to get rested and enjoy just being here with us, breathing in our country air.

Many thanks to the guys who have work long hours in the hot sun preparing for Fr. Kelly's arrival. They engineered and constructed a carport and ramps that Fr. Kelly needed to protect his car and scooter from the elements and ensure easy access into and out of his home. Fr. Kelly remarked that he didn't expect anything so well constructed or attractive. However, he has not yet received the tab for beer those guys have run up working those long hours in the hot sun.

Bridget [beagle], Y2K [cat], Benedict & Faustina and child [cockatiels], and I now have a neighbor.

It's been two issues since I've recounted my fabulous cruise through the Mediterranean last October. The writing of the memories has taken longer than the cruise itself...ha. I've taken a break to wish everyone a Happy Easter and, in last month's issue, I shared with you the wonderful life, death and funeral of our parish beagle, Bridget III. Now, it's time to hit the road/sea again.

Celebrating The Liturgy To The Best of Our Ability And In Conformity To The Rules And Guidelines Of The Church.

The celebration of every Liturgy is important in the life of the Church and, specifically, in the life of the parish. The major responsibility of a pastor is to ensure that the celebration of every Liturgy is according to the prescribed norms of the Universal Church and celebrated to the best of the community's ability. Of course, the Sunday Celebration is paramount and requires much time and care in its preparation and celebration. But every Liturgy is worthy and requires time and care so that its celebration is indeed the celebration of the Church. The pastor is the one whom the Bishop entrusts with the responsibility of guiding the community in celebrating the Liturgy properly and with devotion.

Once again I am going to interrupt my story, sharing with you the experience and adventure of my holiday aboard ship from Rome, through the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Next month I'll pick up the story at Odessa in the Ukraine, formerly of Russia and the point-of-origin of many of our families of St. Mary.

Knowing how everyone is eagerly awaiting the next installment on my latest travels, I'm going to pause a moment and keep you on the edge of your seat and take this opportunity to reflect on the joy and rebirth that is central to not just Easter Sunday, but the entire Easter Season of 50 days.

[4th installment of Fr. Ed.'s Cruise 2007....]

I have to say that the Turkish bath experience was one of the highlights of the cruise. Not only was it 'going native', but the bath house itself was remarkable. It dated to the 15th century and has been in continuous use. There must be a special price for the natives and one for the tourists. I should have been suspicious when I saw the Mastercard logo on the window of the cashier. When I looked through my Mastercard billing, I almost fainted when I discovered that bathing in Turkey is expensive: about $80. Surely the natives don't pay that price...not the guys in there that day. If they do, they bath once a month, at most. [ha]. After the bath and a late supper, I slept like a log.

[ 3rd installment of Fr. Ed.'s October cruise as chaplain]

Our destination after the islands of Mykonos and Santorini was the island of Rhodes. All three are Greek islands. Whereas Mykonos and Santorini have a definite Greek atmosphere and influence, Rhodes has a profound Mediaeval/Crusader air about it, at least in the old center which is of interest to tourists. Many of the buildings have been restored and one can imagine knights Templar wandering around the place, holding out against the invading hoard of Islam. As with most of the islands of Greece and definitely the ports-of-call of a cruise ship, the economy is geared to the tourist trade. One has to really wander off the beaten path to find the natives who don't pounce on you trying to sell you something. Rhodes is a beautiful island with an exciting history that is important for us in the West. It is remarkable that so much has survived and how much has been restored. It's a small area of historical interest so bumping into fellow cruise ship passengers and comparing notes and giving directions was common. After a while, all the buildings began to look alike and the eyes can take just so much in. Quite a few of us found a typical Greek outside taverna and decided to watch the tourists over a little pevo/cerveza/beer. Before long, it was time to wander the narrow streets back to the ship, eat again [of course] and rest up for the next stop.

(part 2)....My holiday abroad

On two previous cruises, I was housed with the crew down-below where the carpet stops, no art is displayed on the walls, and there's always a faint smell of the kitchen. The first time was on a cruise to Alaska when I opened the door of the cabin assigned to me to find that chaplain on the previous cruise was fast asleep and the room looking like a tornado hit it. [He must not have gone to a minor seminary]. The ship had already sailed so there we were: two chaplains. My now co-chaplain was an elderly priest who mistakenly thought he was continuing with the ship. I generously insisted that he keep the room he was in. [Actually, I thought it would take too long to clean it thoroughly...ha]. The crew member in charge of the chaplain's activities was in a panic and asked that I relax on deck and he'd have me a room as soon as possible. Several hours later, I was paiged and reported to his office. He was very apologetic and explained the situation and confusion. He asked if it would be acceptable to be housed with the crew in their quarters. What could I say? I followed him down, down, down into the bowels of the ship. He showed me my cabin: an interior cabin with two bunks, desk, restroom/shower. It was located near the entertainers' quarters which proved to be entertaining itself. It was a little noisy during practice times, but, as the days went by, I realized what a unique experience I was having. The second time I roomed with the crew, I requested a cabin in the crew quarters and was given one with a port hole...small port hole, but a view outside! It was near the kitchen area and a little noisy, but handy for a midnight snack....ha. Being with the crew and entertainers below deck and also with the passengers above gave me the experience of two cruises.

I am so blessed to have a family of parishioners whom I sincerely enjoy being around and who are so thoughtful and generous beyond what I could ever deserve or hope for. During Mass when we pray, "Lord, I am not worthy...", I am thinking not just of receiving Him in Eucharist, but also of my unworthiness of such a supportive and loving community surrounding me as Pastor.

For the past two years, I have been privileged to be invited to be part of Gerusa and Nate Parks' group of friends traveling the high seas. We've cruised the coast of Spain, around the French Riviera, down the Greek isles, sailing into the lagoon of Venice. We've crossed the English channel, toured the coast of Western Europe, and embarked from the same Irish port as did the Titanic, for a transatlantic repositioning. This year I was invited to accompany them on a spectacular cruise arriving Rome, down the Italian peninsular, through the Greek isles, through the Bosporus Strait and the port of Istanbul, into the Black Sea, down the coast of Turkey, making our way back to Rome, stopping at Athens and Naples. As has been my custom, I want to share with you the highlights of what was an unforgettable cruise with a wonderful group of fellow travelers and friends.

"Finally, the wash bowl is gone." I understand that some [or many?] were not emotionally attached to the metal baptismal bowels which we have used as fonts in both of our churches of St. Mary and St. Joseph for about seven years. It's interesting that I personally never heard the comment while they were in place, only when they were replaced by the new fonts in both churches. I guess no one wanted to hurt Father's feelings. Ha. Actually, I always considered the bowls temporary, hoping to eventually find something more permanent. What that would be I wasn't sure.

Many of the readers of this month's [September] bulletin are visitors and guests who come to celebrate St. Mary's annual Homecoming/Bazaar. We are always excited having so many come out to this special church and Community of Faith to enjoy a mouth-watering, homemade meal, play fun games and win prizes, bid ferociously on fantastic auction items, and rub shoulders with relatives, friends and even strangers. There's an atmosphere of the old-time country social that is so hard to find these days, but which has thankfully survived in small pockets like our communities of St. Mary and St. Joseph.

Planning is already well underway for our new year of religious education for our children and youth. Each year is, of course, always building on the previous year's experiences with an eye to making an already good program even better. We are blessed with some of the best teachers in the Archdiocese and the most dedicated staff in any parish. We take seriously our responsibility to pass on the Roman Catholic Faith that has been handed down to us.

When St. Mary presented the one person play 'A Late Night Catechism', a full hall of almost 300 persons went back in time to parochial school experiences of the 40's, 50's and early 60's. Yours truly was part of that parochial experience, an experience I often refer to as 'the Golden Age' of Catholic school education. It seems that regardless of the Order of Sisters/Nuns that occupied the classroom, the prototype was the same and the implements of teaching identical: ruler-in-hand, large belted rosary, blackboard, statue of the Immaculate Conception, pictures of the Stations of the Cross plastered around the room. At the end of the performance, the sister/actress addressed the audience/classroom and spoke eloquently of the dedication and sacrifice of the heroic sisters who braved classrooms crammed with kids who needed academic and religious education. She reminded us of the often serious plight of those same sisters who today are elderly and being cared for by a declining number of their fellow sisters.

You never know what an 89 year old woman will do. However, when the 89 year old woman happens to be my Mother, you shouldn't be surprised. I have to admit that this time, I was a bit floored.

When I was seven years old, my family moved into the house that we would occupy for 52 years. Previously we had lived in a very small house behind our first grocery store on Port Avenue in Corpus Christi. It was so small that, when my sister was born and my Mom had some complications, I was sent to live with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins in Robstown where I was enrolled in the first grade. I came back home for 2nd grade, my brother beginning 1st grade. At that time we lived in the boundary of Christ the King Church, though we went to the Czech church of St. Cyril and Methodius.

Every individual and organization is important to parish life. The parish is made up of a collection of individuals and families who share a common faith which binds them together and a common vision that unites them in working together for the same goal. Our faith is, of course, rooted in Jesus Christ whose dying and rising we just celebrated at Easter. Our vision is to be seen as His disciples doing His will, not our own. Our goal is that all we do will be done to give Him honor and glory, working together in His Church.

I was ordained in 1973 in a class of 5. My Ordination class consisted of: Fr. John Weyer, Fr. Drew Wood, Fr. Dennis Peterson, Fr. Ralph Schmidt and yours truly. Fr. Ralph, whose last assignment was in Texas City, died several years ago. Now, Fr. John Weyer, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul in Houston, has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It is very serious. I'm not sure any treatment is planned. I told him I was praying to Pope John Paul II for a miracle. John Paul needs a few more miracles for his canonization process. We can then both go to Rome for the ceremony and have front seats. Seriously, do keep him in your prayers. It doesn't look too good.

Also, in the same rectory, I visited with Fr. Al Walsh, who was with us for a short time. He also has esophageal cancer and is undergoing treatment. He looks a little pale, but is responding, I think. With both Fr. John and Fr. Al suffering the same cancer, not many are lining up for St. Vincent de Paul.

Do keep both Fr. John and Fr. Al in your prayers.

In many ways a priest's family becomes his immediate parish and the families who surround him daily with their support, understanding and love. The very title of 'father' implies a relationship based in a family setting. In celebrating the events of family life-birth, marriage, anniversaries, sickness, dying, death and everything that comes in-between-a priest is immersed in the lives of the families entrusted to his care.

However, each priest does come from a physical family. He doesn't drop from heaven with a collar around his neck and a sermon in hand. Like everyone, each priest is a product of a particular family and formed by the relationships and interaction of the family in which he was nurtured and grew up. Like everyone, maintaining and sustaining those important family relationships becomes increasingly more important as one gets older and more difficult as the stress and strain of daily duties pull on one's attention and time. Like the children of the cobbler who often go barefooted, a priest's physical family is sometimes, maybe often, the last in line to be ministered to. Planning a visit home or for a family event is always tenuous until the last minute. The immediate needs of the parish family can come into play, especially a death which is totally unable to be scheduled. With all that in mind, let me tell you about my visit home for three days last month.

As Rev. Lawrence E. Mick was quoted in our February bulletin, "The key to understanding the meaning of Lent is simple: Baptism, Preparation for Baptism and for renewing baptismal commitment (Penance) lies at the heart of the season." With this in mind, let us all rejoice in the fact that St. Mary, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Plantersville has the perfect environment for the Lenten season. In fact, our painted church proclaims our individual baptismal promises all year long!

Each and every Sunday, we enter the church and see the framed German inscription on the right wall that means "Come to me all who labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest." We all have our own "crosses" to bear in life, all of which seem so minor as compared to our Lord and Savior's death on a cross. As we sign ourselves with holy water before entering the church, we recall our own baptism and take comfort in the fact that God truly loves us.

This baptismal theme continues most prominently in the ceiling art. Above the sanctuary a golden shell radiates golden streams of fire among nine angels. The heavenly choir of angels witness the Baptism that Jesus brings to the world: "Baptism of the fire of love." The dove represents the Holy Spirit, the fire of Love. The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus raises his hands with blessings. At the bottom of his feet are the instruments of his passion: the crown of thorns, the scourging whip, etc.

Crosses of many shapes and sizes abound throughout St. Mary's. The stations of the cross are prominent on the side walls. In each ceiling arch we find a cluster of four crosses. At the end of each pew there is a carved cross in the wood. There is a cross at the top of the Blessed Sacrament Shrine. There is a cross on the right wall behind Mary's statue. The kneeler at the shrine of the Infant of Prague has that same cross. Our processional cross is the identical cross. Notice that on the ends of these crosses there is a bud with three blooms. We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, "There is only one prescription for happiness and it is taking up our own cross and following Jesus." Our blessings are different from the world's blessings. We are signed with a cross of ashes at the beginning of Lent. We bless ourselves with the sign of the cross each time we pray. We glory in the cross. The cross is the preeminent symbol of Jesus our redeemer and our birth into the Way, the Truth and the Life of Jesus, the Christ.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the stained glass windows on each side of the central Shine of the Blessed Sacrament amplify that burning FIRE OF LOVE that is our HOME on earth and in Heaven. The stars in the ceiling are flames of that same Fire of Love that is in each of our hearts. Above the Sanctuary the Lamb (Jesus slain) is circled with that same Fire of Love.

How fortunate we are to be surrounded by crosses, reminding us of our eternal connection--through our Baptism--to Jesus Christ. Keep that thought close to your hearts throughout this Lenten Season.

All priests are supposed to take at least a week's retreat to deepen their relationship with the Lord and strengthen their commitment to priestly ministry. There are many different kinds of retreats: silent, in solitude, structured, one-on-one with a retreat director, group, and probably other kinds I'm not familiar with. Our Archdiocese has a policy that every-other-year the retreat is to be taken together as a group with the off-year your choice of the type of retreat you want to participate in. This year is a 'together' retreat at the Holy Name Retreat Center in Houston. It's the same retreat where St. Mary Men's Club will have their retreat in March.

So much is packed into each day and month that when we come to the end of a year and at the threshold of a new year, it's difficult to appreciate all that's happened and a little intimidating to think of what lies ahead.

This past year of 2006 has been another year in the long history of our churches of St. Mary and St. Joseph. I am very proud of both communities and especially pleased with the interaction and cooperation that have flowered among the members of both churches. In this age of shortage of priests, it makes a pastor's job so much easier when the communities served not only get along, but work together.

I wonder sometimes about many of our church customs which might be disappearing because we don't take the time or realize how enriching these customs can be to help us appreciate our faith. Some of the customs that I grew up with are memories that I treasure now but, honestly, didn't think that much of when at home with my family. But they were the fabric of our family life around which so much that we did as a family revolved. Certain times of the year had their special customs or rituals, the most special was the time of Advent leading to Christmas.

Many have asked about my recent holiday, wondering where I had wandered off to. I enjoy recounting my travels to all who ask and now want to share with you my good fortune of being chaplain on a transatlantic repositioning cruise. I know you will all appreciate the hardship and sacrifice such a voyage entails and that it was only by the grace of God, love of you, my dog/cat/bird, and lure of a paycheck that I returned.

Sunday, October 1st, has been designated a Respect For Life Sunday throughout the Dioceses of the United States. We are challenged to work for the Gospel of Life and to refuse to be among those who:

...choose political expediency over the life of the unborn child.
...attend to their own comforts when defenseless children need their support
...sit in a pew listening to a sermon, but refuse to let it change their lives.
...see the Gospel of Life as an abstraction, not as a personal obligation.
...never visit their parents or listen to their children.
...never grapple with the moral dimensions of embryonic stem cell research.

Success Beyond All Expectations!
A Wonderful Swan-Song For Chairperson, Ron Carroll.

After three (3) [count 'em-one, two, three] years as Chairperson of St. Mary's Bazaar, Ron Carroll is elated to step aside for the new, yet to be named, Chairperson for next year's Homecoming extravaganza. Ron's tenure has seen the whole range of a bazaar's unfolding: His first year saw the temperature soar to over 108 degrees, with the EMS assisting people passing out from the heat. It was a test of endurance and stamina for everyone. His second year saw the clouds open Saturday evening and not close, literally, till Monday sometime. We're talking downpours, not scattered showers. Sunday morning dawned with long, drawn faces which read 'despair'. Then, almost miraculously, the cars started coming one-after-another as if we were re-enacting 'Field of Dreams'. What we thought would be a disaster of a bazaar turned out to be even better than the year before. Now, as Ron's last bazaar as Chairperson dawned, everything seemed in place, workers in position. Then a flood of people descended. The food line at one time extended almost to the entrance at FM1774. We were all speechless and almost startled with delight. It’s said at this writing that we served somewhere like 3000 dinners.

"How is it having a roommate?" That's the question I have been asked since Fr Al arrived to live in residence and become a part of our communities of St. Mary and St. Joseph. I actually have had three roommates through the years: Bridget, the Beagle, Y2K the cat, and John Paul, the cockatiel. They have been my companions in the rectory with whom I have had to relate to and take care of as I come and go throughout the day. The question might be "How is it having another roommate?"

As promised, here is the low-down on our ‘gift from God’: Fr. Al[bert] Walsh.

Fr. Al was born in County Limerick, Ireland, the fifth of ten children [How very Catholic] on August 4, 1929. [We’ll have to have a Birthday Blessing at Masses that weekend]. His father and mother ran a general store in a small country village. Both his parents attended daily Mass and received Holy Communion. From a very early age he wanted to be a priest. He worked in the family business for a short time after finishing school. He then approached Fr. Joe O’Sullivan [with whom I was stationed in Baytown at St. Joseph in 1977, I think] about studying for the Galveston-Houston diocese. He was accepted and started studying in 1949. After completing philosophy in Ireland, he was sent to Louvain, Belgium. He began to have doubts toward the end of his second year of theology and took time out to think about his vocation. He returned to the seminary in Houston in the Fall of 1957, but withdrew again in December 1959. After he had been out of the seminary for a while, he came to the conclusion that he had given the calling to the priesthood a fair chance and in 1961 decided to answer the call to the vocation of marriage and raise a family.

We have news of great joy!

For several years now we have been aware that we needed to add yet another Mass at St. Mary. Both the 9am and the 10:30am Masses are full, often standing room only. However, adding another Mass would require acquiring another priest. With the acute shortage of available priests, the odds have always been slim to none. There were times when I felt we were close to achieving our goal, but each time the opportunity fell through. Above all, I wanted to take care not to disrupt the delicate balance of the Archdiocese of ensuring a priest for each parish in need of one. As needy as we are for the service of another priest, there are areas in the Archdiocese where a parish needs to be created, but there is no priest available to become pastor. So, our hope has always been to secure the service of a priest who already exercised a ministry of some sort in the Archdiocese and was free to come and help us or a priest who was retired and free to find a place to live in retirement. An additional factor in our situation has been the remoteness of being outside the metropolitan area of Houston. I was reminded on more than one occasion that "that's in the middle of nowhere". I have known that it would take a special kind of priest who would appreciate our unique locations [Plantersville and Stoneham ] and our very unique communities of St. Mary and St. Joseph. With the rise of gas prices I was convinced our chances were diminished even more.

Each May I can sense a sigh of achievement and relief when our CCE program is finished for another year. It's a long nine months of long Wednesday nights 'at the church' for our kids, parents, teachers, and all who work so hard to ensure the handing on of our Roman Catholic faith to our children and youth. As each year ends, we are always looking forward for the next, using each year's experience to build an even better program for the next year.

I have to apologize for last month's lack of a message from me. As with so many, just finding the time to sit and compose myself and get ideas together is, for various reasons, difficult to find. The moment came when last month's bullein had to be sent to the printer and my message was still just 'words in my mind', not anywhere near to being put on paper. It's somewhat flattering and very embarrassing that so many noticed the absence and called the office. I am resolved to do better. So, now a word from your pastor....

Some of my fellow priests remark to me that it must be wonderful to be pastor of a small country parish, even though it is two churches. They have parishes much larger, sometime's composed of 1500 or more families. I truthfully respond that it is indeed wonderful being pastor of a smaller community, though often we have the same obstacles to overcome as do the larger churches. Every church struggles to be personal, people knowing each other and interacting with one another as a family. We hear those words so often: 'family', 'brothers and sisters. Yet, feeling oneself as part of that family can be very difficult unless steps are taken to bridge the gap between individuals and groups. In a mega-parish it is nearly impossible. In a smaller situation as ours, it is possible to at least have the opportunity of knowing a larger segment of parish life than our own immediate circle. As pastor of a smaller parish community such as ours, as time goes by I am privileged to be able to put many husbands together with wives, many parents with their children, and often grandparents with their grandchildren. As with all things worthwhile, it takes effort and a certain degree of being familiar with the face and placing a name to it or knowing a name and eventually identifying it with a face. It takes concentration and an appreciation of how important it is not to be an anonymous group who occupies a building on weekends.

“Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes”, “Praise the Lord all you peoples”. This is the inscription uncovered on the facing of the choir loft quite accidentally during the restoration of St. Mary. It has been restored and is once again seen as the assembly is leaving the pews to go out into the world to continue its witness in the midst of everyday life. Generations before us saw that inscription as we do now as a challenge to live what we have celebrated during our time together during the Sunday celebration. Archbishop Fiorenza wrote in his pastoral letter, “SUNDAY: The Original Feast Day, a Pastoral Letter on the Sunday Eucharist” [1987], “Long before the assembly gathers, ministers prayerfully prepare themselves to preside, to proclaim and preach the Word, to welcome and care for the people of God hospitably, to lead the assembly in song and to share the Lord’s presence in bread and wine which have become for us His most precious Body and Blood. We must not gather carelessly for this celebration, but rather we must give our best efforts to see that the environment, the music, the ministers, and the faithful who gather are well prepared to celebrate these most sacred mysteries of our faith.” We here at St. Mary and St. Joseph have taken to heart the words of our Archbishop and throughout each year and each liturgical season we gather with the intention of giving our best in praising God in prayer and song. Each ministry takes seriously its obligation to be prepared and present to the assembly when exercising its liturgical function.

Christmas is always associated with the giving and receiving of gifts. As much as we sometimes like to emphasize otherwise, we’re all shopping for that special something for those important in our lives.

Recently I was reminded that as a community we have been given the most precious of gifts, the gift of our children. Some of my fellow priests think that, because I serve in a rural community, there are very few children or young people around. Well, that is far from the case, I tell them. All one has to do is come on any Wednesday evening when CCE is in progress and be amazed at the number of children and youth on the property. Our Sunday celebrations resound with the welcome noise of our little ones trying to join their voices to the chorus of the assembly.

November is traditionally the month and time of year when we specifically remember those who have preceded us in death. November 1st and 2nd are special days of celebrating the lives of all God’s holy ones and remembering in prayer our loved ones who have died. The two days are yoked together because we firmly believe that death does not separated us from those whom we love and that our prayer for them is effective and necessary.

Now that we have weathered two hurricanes, it might be informative and helpful to reflect on the experience and lessons learned.

Of course, we are all aware of how fortunate we have been.  Just viewing the images of the damage and lives torn apart have been wrenching.  I have to remind myself that it could have been our area and us in those pictures.  One almost feels a little guilty having prayed that we be spared, knowing that each hurricane had to hit somewhere.  Yet, that is the power of prayer and accepting all that happens as somehow part of God’s ability to bring good out of even the worst of disasters.  We have to remember that God originally planned a paradise for us, free from all pain and suffering, and definitely hurricanes.  We live now in a world that is so different from that intended by God.   Yet, even when touched personally or knowing the suffering of others compels us to trust in God’s love and be certain of His care of His children everywhere in every crisis, natural disaster, or tragedy.

Father,

All the elements of nature obey Your command.
Calm the storms that threaten us
and turn our fear of Your power
into praise of Your goodness.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.   Amen.

Consistently....

Knowing how easily we forget or just need to get in the habit, the 1st weekend of each month is to be designated ‘Food Pantry Sunday’, a weekend to bring an item or two from your pantry to share with those whose pantries are not so full.  The large wicker basket is now in the foyer of the hall at St. Mary and in the foyer of the church at St. Joseph.  This is a wonderful way to have the whole family participate in reaching out to those in need, each member picking a favorite item...not something just to get rid of.  Of course, the baskets are there every day of every month….just in case you forget anyway.

Ports of Call....continued from last month....

Actually the first port we experienced was the city of Barcelona, Spain. I have been to Barcelona several times, the first being 1970. It's a large city with its main point of interest for us being the Church of the Holy Family, a church that has been under construction since 1882 . [So, all who are frustrated and anxious about the restoration of St. Mary should take heart]. The pace of the construction is determined by the donations which must come from the private sector. No government or foundation money may be used. So, it is being built as the money comes in. The architecture of the cathedral itself is rather bizarre. It's an intricate structure, each shape having a special meaning. I would recommend going on line and seeing for yourself. Search 'Google' for 'La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain, Antonio Gaudi'.

"In the spirit of hospitality, let's break open again the importance of welcoming at our liturgies. We begin our liturgical celebrations first of all by welcoming each other. It is not enough for a lector, commentator, priest, or musician to welcome people. If we truly believe that the members of the assembly are the primary celebrators, then we must offer them the opportunity to welcome each other. We need to encourage each one of them to welcome Christ (their neighbors) and to be welcomed as Christ would welcome them at the heavenly banquet.

Although many parishes now begin their liturgies with a greeting, I'm not certain that the people understand the true meaning and the sacredness of this gesture. Whereas the kiss of peace is a gesture of reconciliation and unity, the welcoming is a gesture that makes strangers part of the family. It breaks down the barriers of individualism and allows us to be an assembly (and, eventually, a community) that prays, sings, listens, shares with one another in Eucharist, and lives out the call to discipleship. Do you realize that if we don't pay attention to one another at the beginning of liturgy, then we don't even look directly at those around us until the kiss of peace? Does it seem right that we should sing together, ask for forgiveness for our sins, listen to readings where God speaks to God's people as a community, offer intercessions for one another, and join together in the Eucharistic Prayer without once having encountered the people around us, except incidentally?"

And Now A Word From Your Pastor...

A good pastor knows his flock. A very good pastor 'knows' what his flock is thinking. The best of pastors 'hears' the conversations of parishioners even though he may be thousands of miles away.

My having been 'out-of-pocket' for the past two weekends has no doubt provoked the comment: 'Wonder where he's off to now'. Other comments of a 'not-so-charitable' nature were probably also uttered. My mom has a 'sixth sense' of knowing that I'm off somewhere and asks in Czech, 'Sotem delat, tan Eda' [What is that Eddie doing?]. As you might now realize I am one of those pastors who can 'hear' the conversations of parishioners even though he may be thousands of miles away.

Our Deacon Peter Sechelski fell asleep on his birthday and awoke in the presence of Jesus, whom he so faithfully served as a deacon in His Church here at St. Mary/St. Joseph and at St. Stanislaus in Anderson. What timing! In the early Church, the day of one’s death was considered one’s birthday in heaven. What a gift to enter the world and leave it on the same day. Even his last day, his birthday, was spent doing the Lord’s business.

Historical Marker Dedication For Our Catholic Community of the Church of the Nativity of Mary

On September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, our Catholic Community of the Church of the Nativity of Mary in Plantersville will dedicate the historical marker making it a Texas Registered Landmark. Many thanks to Mrs. Pam Poole for all her time and effort in researching and putting together the history of the church and working with the Texas Historical Society to make this momentous event a reality. We've all been aware of and have appreciated the uniqueness and historical character of St. Mary Church. To have it recognized and appreciated by all of Texas is an honor and a dream come true.

Critical to appreciating and understanding our history and our historical treasures is the realization that the Church is not a building, but its people. One generation builds on the other. The Church is never a country club with a restricted membership or personal property handed down. We are making our own history and leaving our own historical treasures for future generations. Look around. It's happening.

Some pastors are just more blessed than others. As in all things, one can
only wonder ‘Why?’. But then, there is no answer except to remind oneself that all
good things come to us from God, so often through the goodness of those around us.
That is how I feel as I approach my 30th anniversary of Ordination to the
Priesthood. As I look back on those 30 years, I marvel at how quickly the time has
gone. Granted, some days seem longer than others and ‘not every day has been a
holiday’, but never have I regretted accepting the invitation to consider the
Priesthood as my vocation. I am especially thankful to the Church for calling me to
such a high office.

On September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, our Catholic Community of the Church of the Nativity of Mary in Plantersville will dedicate the historical marker making it a Texas Registered Landmark. Many thanks to Mrs. Pam Poole for all her time and effort in researching and putting together the history of the church and working with the Texas Historical Society to make this momentous event a reality. We’ve all been aware of and have appreciated the uniqueness and historical character of St. Mary Church. To have it recognized and appreciated by all of Texas is an honor and a dream come true.