The Bishop Writes

(From the Nov. 13, 1997 edition of the Inland Register)

This past weekend has been for me a rich journey of many experiences with Church in the diocese. Yesterday, on the Feast of All Saints, I left early for Walla Walla. I always enjoy the drive through the Palouse, across the Snake River at Central Ferry, and the view of the Blues as one sees them periodically from the highway. Fall colors are beautiful, and the winter wheat has already sprouted to make for rich, green fields.

The first stop was in Dayton for a cup of coffee with Deacon Dale Shaeffer and his wife, Thelma. We have no resident pastor in the immediate Dayton-Waitsburg area. The parish is served sacramentally by Father John Sand, who lives in Pomeroy, almost 40 miles away. Dale and Thelma live in the parish rectory and serve both parish communities by their presence and help in taking care of parish matters in general.

We have many people in the Church besides deacons and their wives who also serve generously and in a very dedicated way. On the main street of Dayton is a St. Vincent de Paul store and the Project Timothy office which serves as outreach to the local community. Both of these are indicative of how seriously the Church considers her mission of serving all of our brothers and sisters in our parish communities, especially those in need.

In Walla Walla, before lunch with Father Otto Koltzenburg of Assumption Parish and Father Mike Savelesky of St. Patrick and St. Francis of Assisi parishes, I visited briefly one of our two retired priests in the area, Father Breznikar, who lives in an assisted living facility. I missed Father Brennan, the other retired priest, who wasn't home. I suspect he was practicing with a local choral group with whom he sings and goes on tour.

We are reminded of our elderly and retired to whom we owe so much. The other day, an elderly couple came to my office wondering how we as Church could better express gratitude and appreciation for our senior citizens and their gifts. It is so easy to take them for granted or pass them over.

Over the years in my ministry as bishop, I've always tried to stop by a parish if I'm passing through to have lunch or supper with the local priest(s). It's a small way of expressing gratitude to them and an opportunity to discuss Church. The use of the cellular phone in the car has been very valuable because sometimes the schedule has to remain somewhat flexible as I move around.

In early afternoon, I drove over to St. Patrick Parish in Pasco for the rededication of the newly refurbished St. Patrick School. This project was originally sparked by our Campaign for Catholic Education a few years ago and cost approximately $1 million. The wonderful renovation of this education center speak of great generosity, dedication, and generous sharing of gifts within the parish community.

After the rededication and reception, Msgr. Ramírez asked to stop by briefly at the parish activity for a regional Hispanic charismatic conference. There were about 800 present. I shared a brief message with them and then afterwards met folks from as far away as Medford and Caldwell. I celebrated the 5:30 p.m. parish Mass.

On the way home I stopped by St. Paul Parish near Eltopia, where they were holding a dinner and parish auction. The beautiful St. Paul Church is out in the middle of countryside with no residences nearby, but parishioners work together as community. So many generously serve their parishes and schools organizing auctions to support important ministries of the Church.

This morning on the Feast of All Souls, I celebrated Mass at Mt. St. Joseph with the Providence Sisters. Afterwards, a visit with those in the infirmary left me humbled and grateful for dedicated lives who have given us so much. They remind us of the communities of Religious women and men who have and continue to touch our Church profoundly through their lives and ministry.

This afternoon, Catholic Charities sponsored a presentation of the popular musical "West Side Story," the proceeds of which were to support the senior services work of Catholic Charities. Once again, the generous work and help of so many bring people together to support this mission as well as enjoy the stage show.

My thoughts as I reflect upon these past two days are ones of profound gratitude. As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving Day, I encourage you to also reflect upon your own lives. We all need to be especially grateful to God, but also to one another. May God bless you and give you peace.

On behalf of all of us in the diocese, I would like to express to Archbishop Brunett and Archbishop Vlaszny our prayerful congratulations and best wishes as they begin their respective roles as archbishops of Seattle and Portland. May God continue to richly bless and strengthen them with peace and joy in their episcopal ministry.

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