The Bishop Writes

(From the July 4, 2002 edition of the Inland Register)

All of us look forward to summer and warmer weather. In the Northwest we are blessed with so much natural beauty in such great diversity: the ocean shores; the beautiful Cascade Mountains; the warm, dry climate of the Inland Northwest.

Vacations and enjoyment of the climate provide us the opportunity for renewal and refreshment. However, that is not true for all of us – this is the time of year farmers tend and harvest crops. With delight we watch the fields of the ripening grain, as their luscious green turns golden and the fruit on the trees grows rapidly until harvest time.

For many years now the Catholic bishops of the Northwest have gathered together in the summer for a few days of rest and relaxation. Each of us takes turns hosting the gatherings. Over various Fourth of July holidays we’ve met on the Oregon coast; in Bend, Ore.; Whitefish, Mont.; Nelson, B.C.; and this year, Hood River, Ore. Each site has its own history and places of interest. In addition, it’s a time for us bishops to gather in a more relaxed atmosphere, since so much of our ministry involves more formal occasions and celebrations.

A couple of weeks ago the priests from the Diocese of Spokane who were seminarian alumni of the Josephinum near Columbus, Ohio, hosted the school’s annual reunion for the western part of the U.S. About 30 came. Of those, six were my classmates. As seminarians we lived together for 12 years, nine months at a time. The climate fostered close relationships, like family, that never really dull with the passing of years. It was a great time for us as we told the countless stories, shared our mutual journeys of priesthood, and talked about church. These days there is more than enough to talk about.

This is also the season when there are many anniversary celebrations. Last week I had the privilege of presiding at the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of relatives on my father’s side, in St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Tacoma. There are several reasons why golden wedding anniversaries are significant events these days.

First of all, we are living longer than ever before, so such anniversaries are more possible. Secondly, with the significant increase in marital breakup in our culture of late, those who have lived their marriage for 50 years together give admirable witness and certainly are an inspiration to family and friends.

As with all of life, marriage has its challenges and successes, its great joys and disappointments. Those who live for 50 years in marriage are great teachers and examples of a very human relationship of two individuals who have lived together in mutual love, support, and community of life.

Today, perhaps more than ever, with the demands on the sacrament of marriage, we can admire those who have lived their fidelity for such a long time. But we also need to be present to those who struggle in marriage relationships, and those who, for one reason or another, experience marital failure. There is always a bit of risk in entering into a marriage relationship, just as there is risk for one ordained to the priesthood. We do our best to prepare ourselves in both areas of commitment, but also we need to be sensitive to those who struggle and who, despite their best intentions and efforts, may even fail.

Two parishes celebrate their centennials this summer: St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Harrington on June 23, and Our Lady Queen of Peace in Sprague on July 14.

Every summer, the priests of the diocese and I gather at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center for a Mass of Thanksgiving, social and dinner for those who celebrate their special anniversaries. This year’s celebration will take place July 17. Of special mention are those who celebrate 25, 50, and 60 years as priests. This year the silver jubilarians are Fathers Roy Floch, Tom Mele and Paul Vevik. Three priests celebrate their golden jubilees: Fathers George Morbeck and Charles Skok and Msgr. William Van Ommeren. All three, though officially “retired,” are still active in ministry.

Father Terrence Tully in Spokane and Father William Brennan in Walla Walla still keep active as they celebrate their 60th year as priests. Father Tully is a member of our Diocesan Pastoral Council and continues to be involved with Scouting. Over the years of his retirement, Father Brennan has been a member of a local choral group in Walla Walla. They have even gone on tours! Such examples remind all of us of the great quality of staying young in heart, although the body may indicate otherwise.

I hope this summer will be for all of us a time of grace and appreciation. We have been blessed in many ways.

May God grant you joy and peace.

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