Dear Friends,
This coming week I will be joyfully celebrating my 38th Anniversary of being ordained to the Priesthood!
It seems almost like yesterday on the evening of November 11th that family, friends, and faith communities gathered around me as Bishop Matthew Clark presided at the Ordination.
My theme was chosen from Psalm 139:9-10. "If I take the wings of dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall guide me and your right hand hold me fast."
This Psalm has never failed me nor has the Lord Jesus over all these years. There have been many blessings and joys. There have been struggles and trials as well. Throughout this sacred journey the Lord has ever been at my side.
At my side have been others who have supported and nourished my vocation. My parents, family, dear friends and the faith communities where I have been blessed to grow up in and those I have assisted in my formation and priesthood. Fondly, I think of Holy Ghost where I grew up, Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Beverly, Massachusetts where I would intern as a Seminarian, Saint John of Rochester where I would have my Deacon Internship and be ordained, and the following parishes where I would serve, Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca, Saint John the Evangelist in Greece and Saint Patrick's in Macedon.
And my blessings are abundant today as I serve the faith communities of Saint Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration. My life is rich in the love of the Lord and the graces He continually brings into my life. Indeed, "His right hand holds me fast" !
As I embrace my vocation please know how grateful I am for all your prayer, support and love.
November 7-13 is Vocation Awareness Week. Bishop Hickey used to say that priests must be about finding our own replacement. That is an old sentiment. I am not in any hurry to retire or be replaced but I ask you to join me in prayer that the future of our church may embrace worthy servants to be with us in the years ahead. They are before us.
In closing, this coming week, I will have the opportunity with my friend Deb Housel to visit Bishop Clark and Mary Ann Binsack. I am excited to be able to spend some time with them. Bishop Clark has been very supportive of me throughout the years. It will be special to have some "anniversary" time with him, Mary Ann and Deb.
Please keep us in your prayer and know you are in mine everyday.
Blessings,
Rob