Summer is here and it’s hard to believe that we are half-
way through the year! How is that even possible? I am
very grateful for these summer months! I love the warm
weather and the long days. Before kids came along I
was an absolute night owl, so I have fond memories of
staying up late on those warm summer nights!

We are now a couple weeks out from the Easter Mis-
sion with Father Gary! I have spoken to so many of you
on what a powerful experience it was, and how it really
transformed hearts! There is no doubt the number one
question I will be hearing is “Will Father Gary come
back next year?” I can tell you with certainty that my
answer will be in the form of a question for the time be-
ing, and that question is: “what have you done with the
gift of that mission?” As Father Gary said “mission is to
help give a boost to our faith, and that extra encourage-
ment that we need.” For me, this mission hit at the very
best time, because my head was all over the place. It
helped transform my thinking, and allowed me to focus
on my heart. The heart is how God speaks to us, and is
the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit! It was wonderful to
be in a crowded Church and prepare for Pentecost in
such a powerful way! It’s something I will never forget!

The mission was also very important for the unity of our
parish as yet another transition is upon us. Unfortunate-
ly to many, view change as a hindrance and resist it
with all their might. While it is very hard losing our be-
loved Father Steve we must move forward with forti-
tude, because the mission of Jesus Christ is at hand.
We should never want to go to Mass because of the
priest/deacon sitting up in the sanctuary. We should run
to Mass because we get to receive the body and blood
of our Lord Jesus Christ! This Sunday is the Solemnity
of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ! The Eucharist is
what makes us Catholics, and we have to embrace this
sacrament with all that we are. Are you truly coming to
Mass for all the right reasons? If not, why not, and what
will you do to change for Him? Our goal is Heaven, and
an eternity with our Lord.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Father Ste-
ve for the gift of his priesthood! I am so very grateful for
Father Steve! When we first met he became my friend,
and now he is my brother! His big laugh always makes
me smile, and while he is just “up the road” from us; I
will truly miss his bear hugs! Father Steve helped vest
me on my ordination day, and pushed me to start doing
homilies when I was unsure of myself. My family abso-
lutely adores this guy, and my daughters will be crushed
when they don’t get to see him every weekend! They
loved chasing after him when Mass was over, and it
was hilarious to watch him running around playing tag
with them.