Bishop's Blog / Serenity

I like this picture of the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul under construction.  It has a nice peaceful feel and I need to breath, smile and find the quiet moments.  As you can imagine the calendar has revved up slightly in the past 10 days.  I'm enjoying every moment but I have to admit they are starting to blur together. 

I've managed to cover a few miles in the past few days.  Masses in Grand Saline and Emory on Sunday, mass with the Daughters of Divine Hope at their Convent in Marshall on Monday and Mass this morning for Saint Mary's School at St. Mary's Parish in Longview.

Things are coming together for the Ordination on November 28.  We have a major committee meeting on Friday.  I have ordered a ring and pectoral cross.  The design for the Coat of Arms has been sent to the artist.  The crozier is being ordered and I will be fitted for vestments next week.  Bishop Corrada was kind enough to fed ex a choir cassock and the other items I need for a formal portrait so that is being scheduled also. 

I'm glad I already have my retreat scheduled for next week in Subiaco, Arkansas,  it will be a great opportunity to get away from all of this planning and remember what it is really all about.  I said at the Press Conference that my main job is to be a man of prayer.  I'm beginning to see how challenging that is and how very important it is.  As people continue to congratulate me I constantly say please pray for me.  If you are reading this please know that is the greatest gift you can give me.  PRAY PRAY PRAY and then PRAY some more!!!!!!!!!

We launch the Year of Faith as proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, October 11.  Let us rejoice together in this opportunity to give thanks for the Gift of Faith and seek new ways to deepen our Faith and share it with others.

God Bless. 

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