March 30, 2020 - From parish priest to monk

Our world continues through this trying time of the Coronavirus pandemic. Nearly all of our country is under some form of isolation or moving toward it. We are urged to keep ourselves away from the public and if we do have to go out, we are to keep a safe 6-10 foot distance from others. As a parish priest this provides many challenges. 

In the seminary I spent time discerning my vocation, but as long as I can remember I always knew that I would be a diocesan priest. I do not like being isolated from others. I enjoy being with people, or at least knowing that I can go out and be with people. In seminary several of the men took time discerning with various religious orders; some that are actively involved in the lives of the comunities in which they reside, but others that are completely cloistered, or closed off from the outside world/community. I was never attracted to the latter, nor to the former. However, if I had to enter religious life it would be with a religious order that is actively involved in the life of the people. 

The reason I bring this up is because of the situation in which I find myself now. I have virutally become a MONK! My life has completely been transformed by this pandemic, as I know many of our lives have. My usual routine and schedule is, like many other things today, "CANCELED until further notice". What am I supposed to do, everything that I was doing is gone and there are still 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week. Though it is hard to remember which day it is without any sort of routine! 

Thus a few days ago I posted my new schedule to help keep me focused and effective at accomplishing the goals for the spiritual well-being of myself and our parish. Essentially I am now a monk and St. Mark Church has become my enclosure and monastery. Givent this new lifestyle, God is allowing me to experience the life of solitude. I am getting somewhat adjusted to my new schedule, and being able to still make phone calls helps to keep me connected to all of you. Yet this separation is helping me to realize that truly God has called me to be in active ministry through the diocesan priesthood. 

So for all who are challenged with living in tight quarters and trying to stay patient, loving and kind toward spouse, children, parents and grandparents, etc..., know that there are some of us who long for being in the presence of others. We each face our different challenges during this time.  Let's take this as an opportunity to enjoy, for the time we have it, this new situation in which God has placed us.

Love and pray those you are with and/or encounter, and ask God for the grace to love them when patience wears thin. Take time to reflect on the blessings that we have, especially our relationship with God, family and friends. Finally, reach out to a neighbor to let them know you are there to help with anything or just to listen. We are all in this together, so together let's spread joy - the only real cure for anything!