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Dear Parishioners,
It is wonderful to have returned from my retreat and vacation experience. The retreat center of St. Anthony in Honolulu was honestly a slice of heaven. It was great to get away from emails, texts and just to center myself, listening to God in a warm and tranquil setting. I was able to reflect upon my priesthood, praise and thank God for my past and through prayer and reflection through the grace of God prepare for another 11 years of active service. Over the course of weeks, I will give some more ideas on a retreat experience. Priests normally take six days a year, but the average person could take a day or maybe two so that they too can reflect upon their life, appreciate their life, and better prepare to live God’s plan. After the retreat, we had a wonderful week in a condo on the beach. Maui is indeed a beautiful island, and it was such a treat to enjoy the warm waters during the month of March. I am very grateful to Fr. Hubert who strongly encouraged me to take this time and for the extra work he has taken on in celebrating the Masses and taking care of the parish spiritually during my absence. As our priest in residence and my dear friend, it is great to be able to leave the parish knowing everything is handled with love and attention. Thanks to Deacon Ray and all the staff who worked extra hard during my retreat and vacation.
Normally for St. Patrick’s Day, I go to New York. I can celebrate Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and join the parade. This year was obviously very different. It is amazing even in Hawaii the Irish abound. Honestly, I feel very proud that a small nation has impacted the world with a sense of our faith, our culture and of course, love of life, joie de vivre. Fr. Alex and I returned on the 19th, the feast of St. Joseph. What a beautiful feast this is as we prayerfully contemplate the husband of Mary, the foster father of Jesus, the man who is loyal and true. St. Joseph is certainly a role model for all men in how to be strong but also sensitive, in how to love and how to point towards the will of the Father. Take some time this weekend as families, to talk about the importance of St. Joseph and when at Mass, gaze upon his statue to the right of the tabernacle, watch the way he holds the baby Jesus with strength and great tenderness. It was indeed St. Joseph’s privilege to help the baby to a child and the child to a man. This child Jesus who is God.
I am so thrilled to have twelve candidates of various ages who are preparing for the Easter sacraments. This Sunday, at the 9:30 am Mass, assisted by Deacon Ray, Stephanie, Colleen and Sam, we bring forward our elect and candidates for the first Scrutiny of three scrutinies. During this short liturgy, with prayer and penance, those to be initiated will formally acknowledge their sins and seek God’s grace on this third Sunday of Lent. Please keep Chris, Steve, Mark, Vincent, Eddy, Johnny, Phoebe, Zachary, Colin, Jamie, Blake and Ed in your prayers during these last days of formation.
Happy St. Joseph’s Day!
Fr. Owen