Interested readers will be glad to know that there were no fleas to greet me in my new Rectory (which is a flat or apartment, as they say over here). The first weekend went well, people were very kind and welcoming. It is quite unusual to be in a parish where 80% of the congregation at any Mass are visitors - Stowe is now an all-year tourist destination. I am still climbing over boxes - and I know where my alb is! I'm wondering what I will lose this time? Tomorrow is the Feast of St. Sharbel Maklouf, the great hermit of Lebanon and the patron of my birth - yes, the Owl is 45 tomorrow in earth years! I will be attending the blessing of a Well dedicated to St. Sharbel and then, I hope, be entertained royally, as befits someone of my advanced years and wisdom.
10 comments:
You said that your rectory was a flat. Does that mean you don't live in a house in the grounds of the church? Is that common in America?
In Australia we have presbyteries in which the priest/s have an office in which they meet people and a private section for themselves.
Victoria - the flat is above the Parish Centre - my office etc is downstairs - the Church is opposite, so, during the six months of snow here, I'll be wading through the white stuff!
You're back to your situation in Catholic Center days, except then you didn't have to leave the building in order to go into the chapel.
It should be interesting being in a parish where so much of the congregation consists of visitors. It will mean fewer people to get to know well, and an opportunity to have an impact on such a large number overall (even if you only get them for one Sunday here and there). Of course you do have another parish that you're responsible for as well, right?
Our parishes offices are also in the same building as the rectory. In fact, you usually have to go through the rectory itself to get from the secretary's office to the priests' offices. There is another door that accesses the priests' offices and the pastoral assistant's office, but in the past it's been rarely used. At least you won't have people tramping through your actual living space unless you invite them there.
A very happy birthday to you, Father! I hope you have a wonderful day and many more birthdays to come. We miss you, but will be heading your way soon.
Soooo, 2 hours and my original hasn't stuck. Hope this doesn't double post.
Fr. Kiely,
From my perspective it looks like you have a wonderful chance for evangelization. I am in Canon1753's former parish ( the small one) so I know something about frequent visitors. Liturgy done right will open some eyes and who knows how and where it might spread. Don't worry about the dissenters, the closer they get to the end of their term, the louder they get. I know you had a great response from your "Say the Black, Do the Red" style in your last assignment and I'm sure it'll work even in your current white collar playground. BTW, I attended a chant workshop at Blessed Sacrament with Dr. Tortolano last Advent and it was very well received by the parishioners, so don't let the liberals try to fool you on what "the people" want.
? Are you still assigned to Johnson or is a certain someone from Rutland going there? I only ask because, you know, what a place for a certain Priest with an English accent to celebrate the Gregorian Rite. I'm just sayin'. :)
Vivat Jesus
Happy Birth Day to you. You're not even 50 yet, you've got a long way to go before the rocking chair is issued. Say "hey" to the von Trapp family for me, and tell them to stop arguing. ;-D
Happy Birthday frater mihi
Thanks to you all for your thoughts/good wishes!
Happy Birthday, Father!
Any day now you should be receiving your first invitation to join the AARP...! While technically you have to be 50 to be a member, AARP starts early with the invitations, knowing that as we age we become more ah, um, eh, what's the word? - oh yes - forgetful...:)
Hope you had a happy birthday... ad multos annos!
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