My Dear Brothers and Sisters of San Felipe,

It’s still the first days of my pastorate here and many things have already happened.  These will all become known in the days and weeks ahead.  One of the great joys of this past week already has been the daily masses we have shared especially the mass with the school children we celebrated this past Tuesday.

There have already been some meetings happening with the staff and the Liturgy Committee to name but a few.  We are diligently planning the liturgies for Passion/Palm Sunday, Holy Week, The Triduum and Easter.  This time of year is normally really packed with all these things AND since this is my first year here with you, it just seems like there are many MORE things to do as we become familiar with one another and prepare for these most important, beautiful AND spiritual experiences.  I love liturgy (I actually have a Master of Arts Degree in Liturgy from my days in the seminary) and I REALLY appreciate when liturgy is done well.  Having said that, it is my desire is to learn what your history has been, what customs you have regarding all of these celebrations and for me to share some insights into what I might be able to share.  It is my hope that most everything that has been done in the past will be the basic framework for now.  Therefore, I am not planning on making any MAJOR changes at this time.

As we hear about the, “Man Born Blind,” in this weekend’s liturgy, we are faced with the ideas of our own blindness.  We ask our God to help us with our blindness may be.  We also might look to this nameless man and desire to repeat the line from the gospel that the, “Man Born Blind,” says to Jesus, “I do believe Lord,” as we trust our God will heal whatever blindness may affect us. 

Perhaps this week, as we continue our Lenten journey and preparation for the Easter celebrations that we all might honestly face our blindness.  Furthermore, we can ask for the strength to believe like the, “Man Born Blind,” that our God will heal us if we truly desire that healing.

May God bless us today and always!