The final stage of my adventures has begun. I left Israel for the 12 hour flight to Newark, New Jersey and on to Nova Scotia. There was a glitch in the flights however. When I arrived in Newark I was delayed due to fog in Halifax. There was a wait; I was tired, then the flight was cancelled. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and I was booked for the next morning, given food vouchers from the airline and sent to a hotel paid for by the airline. I was tired and did not object one bit. I needed to get up early the next day (at 3:00am) to get to the airport to catch my 6:30 flight which was also delayed due to fog still being in Halifax. We left about 9:00am and all is well. I rented a van which could accommodate my bike and I was off.
I spent 5 days again in the dorms. I found accommodations at St. Mary’s University to be just what I needed. They were inexpensive and close to downtown. I did a lot of walking, some bicycling and took in the Halifax Citadel, The Maritime Museum, Canada Day (Canadian Independence Day) and I became oriented with some of the “Celtic” foundations of this province.
I attended a concert one evening in St. Patrick’s Church which was slated to close due to high costs in renovations. The concert was part of a fund raider for the renovations. It was an original text, for the most part, entitled “Music of Sea and Sand – Currents of Sable Island and Celtic Mass for the Sea. It was written by Halifax natives and pulled together texts of ancient Celtic folk lore and texts set to music in a “mass” type of format. As I look deeper into Celtic Spirituality, there is much for reflection here. Each “concert go-er” received a text of the score. Sable Island is off of Nova Scotia and has been the home of ship rescue teams for many years. The island waters are extremely dangerous.
The past few days I’ve been exploring the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. I can see why the Scots and Irish settled here. It’s very much like Scotland and Ireland. There’s also a strong contingent of French on the Island.
The scenery is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever come across in my travels. What beauty God has made!! How honored I am to be here.
I made up for 5 days of dorm living by 5 days of “house on the water” here in Bedek Nova Scotia. It’s beautiful!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Celtic Concert at St. Patrick's in Halifax
Members of the parish worked to get the funds necessary for a parish renovation. One of the events was a fund-raising concert. It was excellent.
Hiking in Nova Scotia
This was taken on a trail near Bedek. It wasn't really good for bicycles but great for hiking.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Farewell To Jerusalem
The month has flown by and it’s time to bid farewell to this “holy land” where Jesus and the Prophets walked, where God chose a people, where miracles were performed, where we were redeemed by the God of love. God has visited us, His people.
Our group has been saying good bye now for a number of days. Some leave on the 29th, I leave on the 30th for a 12 hour flight to Newark then on to Nova Scotia. I arrive about midnight. It’ll be a long day.
The Israel leg of my journey has been another good one. The people of Tantur that I’ve met and prayed with have formed strong bonds based on our common roots as people of Jesus. There have been many faiths and lots of experiences that will affect not only our prayer and our homilies, but also our lives. I’m grateful as well for this leg of my journey.
One highlight of the last week was meeting Samah Qumsieh. Samah is the local coordinator for Blest Art Co. that sells the Olive Wood products in our church. I had the joy of meeting her family and a number of the craftsmen who produce the olive wood statues and the mother of pearl items that are on sale.
Some of Samah’s family now live in Beloit and sell products in many of the parishes in the state of Wisconsin and beyond. I’ll post a picture of some of my experiences on the blog. The Blest Art People will be at Holy Family in September so be prepared for another real treat.
Our group has been saying good bye now for a number of days. Some leave on the 29th, I leave on the 30th for a 12 hour flight to Newark then on to Nova Scotia. I arrive about midnight. It’ll be a long day.
The Israel leg of my journey has been another good one. The people of Tantur that I’ve met and prayed with have formed strong bonds based on our common roots as people of Jesus. There have been many faiths and lots of experiences that will affect not only our prayer and our homilies, but also our lives. I’m grateful as well for this leg of my journey.
One highlight of the last week was meeting Samah Qumsieh. Samah is the local coordinator for Blest Art Co. that sells the Olive Wood products in our church. I had the joy of meeting her family and a number of the craftsmen who produce the olive wood statues and the mother of pearl items that are on sale.
Some of Samah’s family now live in Beloit and sell products in many of the parishes in the state of Wisconsin and beyond. I’ll post a picture of some of my experiences on the blog. The Blest Art People will be at Holy Family in September so be prepared for another real treat.
Ordinary Life in Jerusalem
I'm a bit speechless as I rode my bike around Jerusalem, Notice the "temple mound" with the "Dome of the Rock" Mosque in the background.
I rode my bike, Jesus walked it; rode a mule at times. Ordinary things done two thousand years apart in the same land. For me, it puts new perspective and meaning to the Gospels, The human part of Jesus really comes alive like it never has before. The challenge is to keep this whole expereince in the forefront of my mind when I get home.
Mother of Pearl
I watched as they took a whole shell, cut it apart and carve from the shell. It takes quite a bit of time and detail work.
The Olive Wood Worker
The worker (or should I say "artist?") needs the best and sharpest of tools. He also needs regular eye exams and the best of eye protection.
Monday, June 23, 2008
St. Peter on Site at Capernaum
We are so fortunate to have a church in our Holy Family Parish named St. Peter. It was he who was given the "keys" of leadership to take care of the sheep and feed the flock. It's our challenge as a Catholic Community here in the Fond du Lac area to do just that. We take that very seriously as a "Holy Family" and we seek new ways to do that even more effectively. As a parish we've had numerous opportunities to lead and be of service. Again, this parish is doing a great job; like St. Peter did in his day.There are flaws and imperfections. St. Peter knew them and had them like we all do. It didn't stop him from doing what he needed to do. It won't stop us either. We've much to do. St. Peter, Pray For Us!!
Fr. Pat
Fond du Lac From a Distance
I've had the opportunity to check out the Fond du Lac Reporter occasionally, get notices of those who have died and kept up with those who are sick, need anointing and of course the tragedies associated with the rains and flooding. You have been in my thoughts and prayers quite a bit especially over the past weeks. The flooding has been a tragic occurance and even from Israel you have been in the prayers of my sabbaatical group.
I'm so pleased to see how Holy Family has taken leadership with food and other help. Parish members have generously donated time and talent and food and other gifts....It's been an inspiration to us here in the Middle East. Thank You!!!
Before I left Fond du Lac we kicked off the conclusion of the "Building with Living Stones" campaign. Many thanks to those who have paid their pledge early or have added a little something extra. I know it's not been easy, but the sooner we can get the debt paid the less we have to worry about and the sooner we can better focus on other areas of ministry, especially Christian Formation and the Catholic Education of our youngsters (and "oldsters" as well) in Fond du Lac.
Thanks for doing what you can!!
Fr. Pat
I'm so pleased to see how Holy Family has taken leadership with food and other help. Parish members have generously donated time and talent and food and other gifts....It's been an inspiration to us here in the Middle East. Thank You!!!
Before I left Fond du Lac we kicked off the conclusion of the "Building with Living Stones" campaign. Many thanks to those who have paid their pledge early or have added a little something extra. I know it's not been easy, but the sooner we can get the debt paid the less we have to worry about and the sooner we can better focus on other areas of ministry, especially Christian Formation and the Catholic Education of our youngsters (and "oldsters" as well) in Fond du Lac.
Thanks for doing what you can!!
Fr. Pat
The Holy Land: The "Fifth" Gospel
The Picture is taken near the place Jesus is beleived to have given St. Peter the "keys." Notice he is handing Peter the shepherd's staff and the challenge to take care of and feed the sheep.
What makes this experience unique is that the programs are in the context of “the fifth Gospel.” That’s the “place” where Jesus and the Scriptures are based. When a person reads the stories of Israel, Jesus, and the early Christians while “standing” and “living” in the place where it all started (The Holy Land) we get a new and deeper understanding. That’s what I’ve come to appreciate more and more each day. I see how complex is our tradition and how rich are the words of scripture; rich in ways I’ve never understood.
We’ve taken many guided excursions including a trip to the Galilee area to get to know the land. We looked at archaeological remains of buildings and churches to understand how it began and developed over the centuries.
We’ve gotten to know Jerusalem and the area where Jesus walked, preached suffered and died. We’ve been educated in Jewish tradition and understanding of the scriptures. We’ve learned about Islam and the common roots that originate back to Abraham.
We visited Nazareth and it’s churches; each could be a semester or longer of religious education. Nazareth is a city of churches that commemorate many aspects of Jesus’ early life. The home of Mary, the home of Joseph, The Sea of Galilee, where Jesus preached the Beatitudes and Peter was given the keys. We went by boat from Capernaum to Tiberius; as Jesus would have done many times. We read the scriptures that pertain to the event that is commemorated there. It’s been another month of “retreat.”
When I speak of “place” where it happens there are some questions. This happened 2000 years ago and the specific location is not always available. We look to a process of historical and archaeological study to determine or make an educated guess as to location, but the important aspect is that id did happen and this place helps us to understand and put it into a place. It’s a process of making it part of a person’s spirituality.
The last week we’ll visit the Dead Sea, Massada, located nearby, the Negev, and Ein Kerem. More on that will be coming.
June 30th I leave about Noon for the trip to Nova Scotia (New Scotland) where I’ll continue to explore more on “Celtic Roots and Spirituality.)
We’ve taken many guided excursions including a trip to the Galilee area to get to know the land. We looked at archaeological remains of buildings and churches to understand how it began and developed over the centuries.
We’ve gotten to know Jerusalem and the area where Jesus walked, preached suffered and died. We’ve been educated in Jewish tradition and understanding of the scriptures. We’ve learned about Islam and the common roots that originate back to Abraham.
We visited Nazareth and it’s churches; each could be a semester or longer of religious education. Nazareth is a city of churches that commemorate many aspects of Jesus’ early life. The home of Mary, the home of Joseph, The Sea of Galilee, where Jesus preached the Beatitudes and Peter was given the keys. We went by boat from Capernaum to Tiberius; as Jesus would have done many times. We read the scriptures that pertain to the event that is commemorated there. It’s been another month of “retreat.”
When I speak of “place” where it happens there are some questions. This happened 2000 years ago and the specific location is not always available. We look to a process of historical and archaeological study to determine or make an educated guess as to location, but the important aspect is that id did happen and this place helps us to understand and put it into a place. It’s a process of making it part of a person’s spirituality.
The last week we’ll visit the Dead Sea, Massada, located nearby, the Negev, and Ein Kerem. More on that will be coming.
June 30th I leave about Noon for the trip to Nova Scotia (New Scotland) where I’ll continue to explore more on “Celtic Roots and Spirituality.)
Miracle of the Loaves and Fish
This mosaic is beneath the altar on the floor of the church near where the miracle of the loaves and fish is believed to have taken place.
Notice there are only "four" loaves in the basket. The fifth is Jesus, the bread of life who is present on the altar.
The Sea of Galilee
Picture of the Hill of the Beatitudes taken from our boat trip on the Sea of Galilee
Four Weeks in Israel
It’s difficult to believe that I’ve been here in Jerusalem for almost a month. The time has flown by! Our group has blended together very well and we’ve enjoyed our time of travel, learning and prayer.
There are people here from all over the world, from many faiths and varied occupations, though many of us are priests, ministers, teachers or principals of schools. Our teachers have been Christian (Catholic and Protestant), Jewish and Muslim. There has been an atmosphere of respect and learning from each other that has developed from the first day.
It’s been sunny and hot the entire time. Galilee is hotter due to its southern location, but it’s a bit more relaxed and less busy than Jerusalem.
There are people here from all over the world, from many faiths and varied occupations, though many of us are priests, ministers, teachers or principals of schools. Our teachers have been Christian (Catholic and Protestant), Jewish and Muslim. There has been an atmosphere of respect and learning from each other that has developed from the first day.
It’s been sunny and hot the entire time. Galilee is hotter due to its southern location, but it’s a bit more relaxed and less busy than Jerusalem.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My Day at Tantur in Israel
Left: Archaeological dig South of Bethlehem showing the Herodian; King Herod's summer palace and government site.
Right: In the Cisterns beneath the "archaeological dig" showing the water supply tunnels and strategic planning by the builders.
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I shared my day’s schedule in Ireland, what’s happening here? The day in Israel begins with breakfast ending at 8:30 followed by class, lecture or a tour that concludes about 11:30. Today we celebrated Eucharist at 11:45am with lunch at 12:30. The remainder of the afternoon is free for personal reading, reflection, field trips or other projects. (Today we visited the excavations of the summer palace of King Herod in the first century. See pictures above.)
Evening prayer is at 5:30pm followed by supper, and talk time with the sabbatical group and leaders. After this time I keep up with e-mails and this blog. It’s been a great experience and It’s going to be an adjustment getting back into the parish schedule again. Not having the pressures has been terrific, but I do miss you all!!.
Evening prayer is at 5:30pm followed by supper, and talk time with the sabbatical group and leaders. After this time I keep up with e-mails and this blog. It’s been a great experience and It’s going to be an adjustment getting back into the parish schedule again. Not having the pressures has been terrific, but I do miss you all!!.
The Call
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Picture: Church of The Resurrection (Includes Calvary and the empty tomb)Our evening prayer tonight focused on the call. We read about the call of Samuel at Mass today and had time to reflect on particular call as individuals. My call to be here at Tantur was a good start for me today. I haven’t thought of sabbatical as a “call” until today.
Tantur is translated “little hilltop” in Arabic. It’s listed as a reflective oasis in the broken and blessed Holy Land. Am I called to be here in this place? Yes, I am. It’s becoming more clear each day. My call at this sabbatical time in my life is a call to follow Jesus more closely. I choose to do this by stepping out of my land into the land where He stepped. What an opportunity this has become! If I want to know Jesus better and understand his word, I need to step into the place where Jesus stepped and try to understand where He lived and life at that time in history. I’ve tried to do this with open eyes and open heart.
We’ve participated in all sorts of “tours” and have had numerous presentations and lectures about the time and situation of this land then and now. It’s been most interesting and informative. Yesterday (as we’ve done numerous times) a number of my group stayed on in Jerusalem to be in the places of Jesus that we’ve learned about. We spent time at the sepulcher of Jesus reading the appropriated passages from scripture. We spent time at Calvary (located in the same church) reading about the death and Jesus. We spent time in the church remembering the denial of St. Peter and the rooster’s crow. We’ve reflected on his life in the hopes to get to know him better and hopefully be better Christians; not to mention better preachers and examples of his word. That’s how I’m answering the call at this point in my life.
I’ve been here before but each time it’s different with unique insights to “my call” at this time …what a gift!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
David's City - Jerusalem (June 5th, 2008)
Although I’ve been here before, Jerusalem continues to have ever-new religious meaning for me. I’m convinced that you just can’t see it once and be done. It’s always a place that touches my faith. This is my fourth time here.
Our group has been going strong for four days now. Classes, tours and lectures are informative and it’s hard to remember all this and take it in and digest it. They told us that it’s impossible. Just live here and enjoy it and take in what you can and that’ll be enough. They tell us to take time to think and reflect. I’m trying to do this.
The Western Wall of the Temple (above) is where the Jewish Community goes to pray especially on sabbath. I, too prayed there this week.
Our group has been going strong for four days now. Classes, tours and lectures are informative and it’s hard to remember all this and take it in and digest it. They told us that it’s impossible. Just live here and enjoy it and take in what you can and that’ll be enough. They tell us to take time to think and reflect. I’m trying to do this.
The Western Wall of the Temple (above) is where the Jewish Community goes to pray especially on sabbath. I, too prayed there this week.
We drove and walked through areas today where King David lived and ruled. We saw how water kept the city alive and this water spring was the basis for Jerusalem’s founding…1,800 years before the birth of Jesus! We saw the temple area and how it developed. We walked through stones and excavations where Jesus would have walked upon entering the temple…one never can read scripture the same again after walking this walk!!
We drove through the valley around Jerusalem where Isaiah walked and wrote his prophecy. He picked up on the surroundings that were included in this prophecy. It’s alive like I’ve never experience it before!!
There are 30 of us from around the world in my group. There is also a group form the University of Notre Dame here for two weeks as well as a resident group of scholars writing and taking classes. Five of us began a small group that meets each night to process the day. It takes a small group to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
We drove through the valley around Jerusalem where Isaiah walked and wrote his prophecy. He picked up on the surroundings that were included in this prophecy. It’s alive like I’ve never experience it before!!
There are 30 of us from around the world in my group. There is also a group form the University of Notre Dame here for two weeks as well as a resident group of scholars writing and taking classes. Five of us began a small group that meets each night to process the day. It takes a small group to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
On another note:
I just finished my second load of laundry here in Israel. I don’t think I can call these washing machines; they’re laundry pulverizers!!!
There are few dryers here. Each room has a rack so you can leave your laundry to dry outside; which doesn’t take long…It’s dry and in the 90’s here today. This is more domestic than I want to experience!!!
I just finished my second load of laundry here in Israel. I don’t think I can call these washing machines; they’re laundry pulverizers!!!
There are few dryers here. Each room has a rack so you can leave your laundry to dry outside; which doesn’t take long…It’s dry and in the 90’s here today. This is more domestic than I want to experience!!!
The Holy Land -- Where Jesus Planted His Footsteps
I arrived in Israel at 5:30am local time May 31st after a trip from Dublin to London and London to Tel Aviv. What a beautiful city and airport. Jerusalem is sunny and warm. The airport lobby has a stone motif that matches the old buildings and streets of Jerusalem where Jesus walked and King David and King Solomon ruled. Just going back and walking this old city which probably has not changed too much over the years is a holy and humbling experience.
The picture showss the Temple in the background with the "Dome of the Rock" visible on the top.
The Final Days in Ireland
I wanted to get a short video in this spot, but I couldn't get it downloaded properly. So I'll include a few pictures....
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Week Between
I had an unscheduled week between my programs in Dublin and Jerusalem and I invited my friend Al to come over and spend some time traveling. He ditched the wife and kids and we went touring the island. This week turned out to be another important addition to understanding Celtic life and cultural heritage. We visited Dublin’s highlights and then on to Cork and Cobh where we visited the Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney stone…I just know my homilies will improve because of it. We went to Cork harbor where those that found it necessary to leave Ireland sailed from. There’s a special museum there that pays tribute to those that left due to the famine and it details the peril of their journeys to the US and Australia in particular. This was most interesting. Cobh for a small town has a very large Cathedral that serves the community; we also spent some time there. The Titanic’s last port before sailing off was from Cobh. This is mentioned in the heritage museum, but the only visible expression of the Titanic today is the “Titanic Bar.” This place is one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. My ordination anniversary was May 28th. It was a beautiful day for a number of reasons. I visited the Shrine of Mary in Knock where Mary Joseph and John appeared to 15 witnesses in the mid 1800’s. I’d been here before and found it a prayerful and holy site. I was glad to be there. On the 28th I also climbed the 2,500 foot mountain outside Westport just north of Galway called “Croagh Patrick.” Check out the web site on it: http://www.croagh-patrick.com/. Google also has a lot of other interesting sites if you want to know more. St. Patrick was said to have climbed it for retreat and times of reflection. It was a rather tedious climb; more difficult than I expected, but it was a great spiritual experience just the same. If St. Patrick did it and found it brought him closer to God, Fr. Patrick can do the same with similar results…and it was! We spent the week exploring the various cities with some heritage and religious implications like Ballintubber near Knock. It’s the home of a monastery and retreat center that’s been in continuous operation with daily mass for 800 years. It’s an old monastery and parish church and cemetery and from the people that just “dropped in” it’s obvious that it’s a real source of prayer and support for the local folks. We also tried the B&B circuit. People would make their spare rooms available for travelers and that’s where we stayed. For 35 Euros per person, you can have a nice room with shower and an Irish breakfast in the morning before you leave. The typical Irish breakfast consists of your choice of fruits, juices, and cereals, plus puddings (these are “port patties” on of which is made of blood.) bacon, eggs, beans, fried tomatos, and oatmeal (porridge). Not bad for and Irish breakfast. In the evenings we usually had supper at a local bub and checked out the Irish music. I’ve got a video that shows some of my sabbatical partners at a pub. Check out the picture. It’s a video if you click on it.
Phase One Comes To An End
My program at All Hallow’s College is over. It was a terrific experience for all of us. Yes, my diploma is signed and I did go to class! The highlights included a terrific group of people to reflect with, but the content of the Celtic Spirituality and the spirituality in art, music and literature were areas I had never explored before. What a gift to be able to do this!! To see God’s hand and hear God’s message in art and literature. These are pretty new areas for me.
The sections on Pastoral Care and Ministry were also excellent. Actually I can’t think of an area I really didn’t like.
If anyone’s interested I think I’d like to get a program going where a local artist would spend a class or two pulling out the spirituality in some art for members of the parish. If you’d attend something like that, please let me know when I return.
In reflection I can say that this first month was like a personal retreat and a true encounter with God. It’s been a spiritual boost for me and being in a distant land with new friends and strangers that I don’t know has challenged me to look within. Again, what a gift.
The sections on Pastoral Care and Ministry were also excellent. Actually I can’t think of an area I really didn’t like.
If anyone’s interested I think I’d like to get a program going where a local artist would spend a class or two pulling out the spirituality in some art for members of the parish. If you’d attend something like that, please let me know when I return.
In reflection I can say that this first month was like a personal retreat and a true encounter with God. It’s been a spiritual boost for me and being in a distant land with new friends and strangers that I don’t know has challenged me to look within. Again, what a gift.
Celtic Spirituality
I just completed two days of Celtic Spirituality Classes. What a gift!! It began with a trip to Glendalough. St. Kevin developed this as a monastery in the mid 600’s. The Celtic people were country folk not accustomed or inclined to “city” life. They did eventually gather in small communities which the early Celtic saints like Patrick and Kevin developed quite successfully into types of monastic communities. The monks and the lay folks worked together and these became the basis of what we would term as “parish” or even “diocese” today. The Abbot (not the bishop) was the leader and head of the monastery. The gospel and basic tenants of Christianity were studied and learned and applied to everyday life.
The early Irish were very creation centered people. They saw God in all of creation around them. When St. Patrick used the shamrock to enlighten them on the trinity, they understood and accepted that. The Celtic cross has a circle around the center. This circle represents all creation or the “sun.” They saw the connection between Jesus’ redemption and the God of creation. This was indeed learning based on the culture of the time. Patrick and the early missionaries were experts at evangelization. I think we have a lot to learn and need to work on understanding our current culture and bring the Gospel message. It’s called a process of “enculturation.”
One of my goals when I return is to do a process of evaluation and enculturation to see if we can be more effective in transmitting the gospel message to the people we work with in Fond du Lac.
The early Irish were very creation centered people. They saw God in all of creation around them. When St. Patrick used the shamrock to enlighten them on the trinity, they understood and accepted that. The Celtic cross has a circle around the center. This circle represents all creation or the “sun.” They saw the connection between Jesus’ redemption and the God of creation. This was indeed learning based on the culture of the time. Patrick and the early missionaries were experts at evangelization. I think we have a lot to learn and need to work on understanding our current culture and bring the Gospel message. It’s called a process of “enculturation.”
One of my goals when I return is to do a process of evaluation and enculturation to see if we can be more effective in transmitting the gospel message to the people we work with in Fond du Lac.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The "Troubles"
It’s impossible to summarize the pain of the people that live on this Island. It seems that from the beginning there have always been people that wanted to live here. The Vikings (from Scandinavia) invaded Ireland in 795. They were short on land in the 700’s and went out as conquerors looking for more space. The Normans, the English, and others followed their invasion. It’s a very long story. It was the Vikings that founded the city of Dublin on the Liffey River and their influence still is present today.
The established monasteries attempted to withstand the invasions. One of the characteristics of these monasteries was the High Cross. (See picture.)
It was customary for monasteries to display a wooden cross, but from the 700s onwards it became common to carve them from stone. Some had Biblical scenes carved on them, to assist in teaching the largely illiterate population. Some have speculated that they were made so large to prevent the Vikings from stealing them or knocking them down, although this is purely a guess. My picture on the left shows the High Cross at Monasterboice, county Louth. I visited there on May 9th. The High Tower behind the cross was also used as a refuge during invasions.
The English attempted to take over the island and make it part of “Great Britain.” British settlers were brought over to start colonies. They attempted to take over the whole island. It didn’t work.
The “Troubles” are mistakenly termed a war between Catholics and Protestants. It’s in reality those that want to have British rule over the island (most of which are Protestants) and those that want National (Irish) rule (most are Catholics.) Religion really has little to do with this. As usual, it’s “politics!”
Ireland’s current “troubles” has a very long story that carries much pain and hardship going back to the 10th Century. It appears that now most want to live together in peace. There’s still much lack of trust, some prejudice and some “extremists” stirring the pot on both sides. There has been good efforts made but there’s still much to do.
The established monasteries attempted to withstand the invasions. One of the characteristics of these monasteries was the High Cross. (See picture.)
It was customary for monasteries to display a wooden cross, but from the 700s onwards it became common to carve them from stone. Some had Biblical scenes carved on them, to assist in teaching the largely illiterate population. Some have speculated that they were made so large to prevent the Vikings from stealing them or knocking them down, although this is purely a guess. My picture on the left shows the High Cross at Monasterboice, county Louth. I visited there on May 9th. The High Tower behind the cross was also used as a refuge during invasions.
The English attempted to take over the island and make it part of “Great Britain.” British settlers were brought over to start colonies. They attempted to take over the whole island. It didn’t work.
The “Troubles” are mistakenly termed a war between Catholics and Protestants. It’s in reality those that want to have British rule over the island (most of which are Protestants) and those that want National (Irish) rule (most are Catholics.) Religion really has little to do with this. As usual, it’s “politics!”
Ireland’s current “troubles” has a very long story that carries much pain and hardship going back to the 10th Century. It appears that now most want to live together in peace. There’s still much lack of trust, some prejudice and some “extremists” stirring the pot on both sides. There has been good efforts made but there’s still much to do.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Potato Famine
In downtown Dublin, on the Liffey River, there is a memorial of bronze statues that pay tribute to those that died in the potatoe famine. I copied some of my pictures just above. It was indeed a painful time in Irish History.
I hear a lot about the famine and how it affected the entire island. Potatoes are a main sustenance here in Ireland. Even today potatoes are served in various forms at most of the meals. Even at breakfast, they do appear.
By the 1800s, the potato had become the staple crop in the poorest regions of Ireland. More than three million Irish peasants subsisted solely on the vegetable which is rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin C. It is possible to stay healthy on a diet of potatoes alone. (They obviously hadn’t heard of Peanut M&M’s.)
In 1845 and lasting for 6 years, a blight caused problems with the potato crop. Over a million people died here in Ireland because of the famine. Another million left for better places like America, New Zealand, Australia and the like.
Most left from the seaport of Cork where I will visit the last week in May. There’s a museum at the harbor that focuses in on the famine and those that left from Cork. Before the famine the population of Ireland was over 8 million. For many reasons more than I listed the number dropped to a little over 4 million. Today there are about 6 million people and the country has the best economy in all of Europe. They did export more computer programs than any place in the world but that’s now changing. They attracted many in the computer field which put them back on the map.
In downtown Dublin on the Liffey River there is a memorial of bronze statues that pay tribute to those that died in the famine. I’ll post pictures. It was indeed a painful time in Irish History.
By the 1800s, the potato had become the staple crop in the poorest regions of Ireland. More than three million Irish peasants subsisted solely on the vegetable which is rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin C. It is possible to stay healthy on a diet of potatoes alone. (They obviously hadn’t heard of Peanut M&M’s.)
In 1845 and lasting for 6 years, a blight caused problems with the potato crop. Over a million people died here in Ireland because of the famine. Another million left for better places like America, New Zealand, Australia and the like.
Most left from the seaport of Cork where I will visit the last week in May. There’s a museum at the harbor that focuses in on the famine and those that left from Cork. Before the famine the population of Ireland was over 8 million. For many reasons more than I listed the number dropped to a little over 4 million. Today there are about 6 million people and the country has the best economy in all of Europe. They did export more computer programs than any place in the world but that’s now changing. They attracted many in the computer field which put them back on the map.
In downtown Dublin on the Liffey River there is a memorial of bronze statues that pay tribute to those that died in the famine. I’ll post pictures. It was indeed a painful time in Irish History.
There's lots of painful history here in Ireland. More on "The Troubles" later
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What Do I Do All Day??
Good Question.
My family has been asking that question a lot. Each day is a bit different and it’s been pretty busy. Let me give you my schedule:
8:00am Breakfast in the Cafeteria
8:30am Morning Prayer with the College Community
9:15am` RFM (Renewal For Ministry) Prayer
9:30am Class till Noon. (“tea break” in between)
12:15pm Mass with the College Community
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Class till 3:00pm (no “tea” break.)
As you can see the day is full. I thought I had Friday off…WRONG. Classes are scheduled on Friday, but not in the afternoon.
My exercise consists of walking and I do that in the afternoon with a walk to the city center or St. Steven’s Green or to the Museum, Gallery, etc. Today, May 8th, a number of us toured the international headquarters of the “Sisters of Mercy” founded here in Dublin in 1831. (We took the bus for most of the way, then walked.)
My family has been asking that question a lot. Each day is a bit different and it’s been pretty busy. Let me give you my schedule:
8:00am Breakfast in the Cafeteria
8:30am Morning Prayer with the College Community
9:15am` RFM (Renewal For Ministry) Prayer
9:30am Class till Noon. (“tea break” in between)
12:15pm Mass with the College Community
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Class till 3:00pm (no “tea” break.)
As you can see the day is full. I thought I had Friday off…WRONG. Classes are scheduled on Friday, but not in the afternoon.
My exercise consists of walking and I do that in the afternoon with a walk to the city center or St. Steven’s Green or to the Museum, Gallery, etc. Today, May 8th, a number of us toured the international headquarters of the “Sisters of Mercy” founded here in Dublin in 1831. (We took the bus for most of the way, then walked.)
The Spiritual Focus
I do believe that there’s divine wisdom in small things. I found a prayer card the first day in our community room with a quote from Pope Benedict XVI. This quote has been my inspiration each day and I’d like to share it:
“And only where God is seen does life truly begin. Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary. There’s nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with him.”
This has been the important focus of my sabbatical spiritual journey so far. I’ll keep you up to date…
From Dublin….Fr. Pat.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ireland - I've Arrived!!
Sabbatical Reflections
Wednesday April 23rd
I left Chicago early Wednesday evening. It was a great flight from Milwaukee to Chicago and great from Chicago to Dublin. Getting to All Hallows College was not a problem at all. I followed the directions for the least expensive way that looked the most interesting. I took the bus (cost of less than two euros) and got off across from a hotel and took the back street behind the “Cat and Cage” Pub to the back door of All Hallows College.
I walked through the door thinking, “What did I get myself into??” There is this rather small campus with few buildings the main one under construction; I followed my directions to the reception area where my key was waiting. Found my room through a couple of doors with security buzzer and dragged by stuff up two flights.
My room is small. I had a bigger room in the un-remodeled seminary dorm at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee…..what am I doing here.
My first encounter was with Ann the cleaning lady who made me tea and showed me the ropes, the bathroom (quite a distance down the hall) where the extra towels were and how to use the washer and dryer. Next I met a Redemptorist Brother from Singapore named Celestine: a great guy working on a master’s degree with an emphasis on youth ministry.
I found the cafeteria, and met the co-director of the program. Received a warm welcome and was invited to make myself at home.
I spent some time exploring and fighting to take a nap lest I find myself overcome by jet lag. After supper that night, which consisted of a few unidentified salads that Celestine and I procured from the kitchen. We ate in the sabbatical break room, and after he took me to the “Cat and Cage Pub” for a Guinness. Not bad for the first night. I do feel however feel like I’m at summer camp needing to write home to Mom and Dad begging them to get me out of here.
Friday and Saturday I took the trek to downtown Dublin for the historical tour. I walked the entire distance (about 30 minutes) to the city center and got lost. Yes I did ask for directions. I plugged into the city bus tour that runs continually all day. I bought a ticket and “hop on and hop off” at the various spots of interest.
I toured Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral…absolutely beautiful churches. The underground medieval crypt of Christ Church contains a display of church treasures (Catholic treasures in an Anglican Church!!) and is the oldest building in Dublin going back to 1030.
On Friday I also took in the tour of Guinness (tons of people, a huge admission price – for a glass of Guinness at their 7th floor “gravity bar.” It was interesting and a good history of the Beer that continues to make Ireland famous.)
The next stop was a trip to the Kilmainham Gaol (jail.) It’s the largest unoccupied jail that gives visitors an insight into what it was like to be confined between 1796 and 1924 when it closed. The guide was fantastic with a history of rebellions in Ireland, who led them, the causes and what the fate of the losers was. He (Michael) was obviously a lover of history and a teacher by vocation. He was and is a good one! It was worth the price of admission just to get his take on Irish History. I walked back to All Hallows College (got lost again) and stopped for some great salmon at the Ivy Restaurant near the College. Needless to say sleep is coming easy.
Saturday I once again plugged into Friday’s tour. (I had some time left on my 24-hour ticket.) This time I took the bus to downtown and did not get lost. I toured the William Butler Yeats display at the National Library and took in the National Museum of Ireland. I’ve come to a real appreciation for Yeats, whose work in writing, poetry and politics influences Irish thinking even today. He’s got some rather strange theology however….
I took in Trinity College, but did not go through the Book of Kells Tour. I’ve done that a number of times before. The Book of Kells is a beautifully hand transcribed and decorated book of the four Gospels by Irish monks in the 9th Century. It’s beautiful.
St. Stephen’s Green downtown is the largest “Central Park” in Europe. There were many people there on Saturday and Grafton Street and O’Connell Street and the shopping areas in between were filled with thousands of Irish and visitors alike. Lots of young people were out just enjoying the day and the shopping and the Downtown Dublin atmosphere. I’m not exaggerating with the “thousands.”
I spent some time today at St. Mary’s Cathedral St Kevin’s Oratory where the Ukrainian Orthodox were celebrating Good Friday (on Saturday??) and St. Therese’s Church operated by the Carmelites. Celebrated Reconciliation there and only got one Hail Mary…. must have been good!
Sunday April 27, 2008
Mass today was held in the college chapel at 11:00am. I attempted a walk earlier in the morning but met Sr. Ilish (sounds like Irish only with an L refers to Elizabeth or Eileen??) talked my arm off and didn’t get a chance to walk. She’s one of the neighbors who loves to go to mass and enjoys a good homily by priests who actually prepare…doesn’t say much for the Irish clergy!!
Also met Eddie and Jim. Ed is a real storyteller, in the best sense of the word. Talked about the Irish priest (Fr. Thomas O’Reiley) who saved Atlanta Georgia during the Civil War by talking Sherman into not burning the city because a fire would burn the churches. God wouldn’t be happy with that. They’d be “gone with the wind.” The city was untouched by Sherman. I really have to check this out further, though the reference to this is listed in the All Hallows College History display…These Irish sure are important.
He also mentioned how the Irish brought Ice Hockey to Canada because when the early settlers arrived and brought their hurling sticks, they couldn’t be used during the ice and snow. They made some revisions and created hockey instead…fascinating.
Met many of my new classmates today. The females have us outnumbered.
Monday April 28 Classes begin.
There are 19 of us from Scotland, Ireland, Nigeria, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and myself from the United States. There are four men and the rest religious sisters. We’re outnumbered.
First, what are we going to study? The overview reads:
“Theology, Spirituality, and Literature; Leadership; Scripture for Life; Celtic Roots; Liturgy; Lectio Divina; The Challenge of Faith in Society Today; Transformation; The Convergence of Spirituality and Psychology; Ministry and Drama; Aesthetics and Spirituality.”
We began with a class entitled the Human Person and the Risen Christ. It’s the Easter topic with the application of Resurrection spirituality to everyday life. Fr. Martin Nolan, former Superior of the Augustinians taught the classes. He was followed by Brian Dooney who spoke of Hope in Music and Literature. He did a great job with music, art and personal experience. These have been great classes that were almost of a retreat approach.
I’ll continue this later. Back to laundry, sewing on a button and trying to keep the nuns who are watching the soccer game from using bad language.
Wednesday April 23rd
I left Chicago early Wednesday evening. It was a great flight from Milwaukee to Chicago and great from Chicago to Dublin. Getting to All Hallows College was not a problem at all. I followed the directions for the least expensive way that looked the most interesting. I took the bus (cost of less than two euros) and got off across from a hotel and took the back street behind the “Cat and Cage” Pub to the back door of All Hallows College.
I walked through the door thinking, “What did I get myself into??” There is this rather small campus with few buildings the main one under construction; I followed my directions to the reception area where my key was waiting. Found my room through a couple of doors with security buzzer and dragged by stuff up two flights.
My room is small. I had a bigger room in the un-remodeled seminary dorm at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee…..what am I doing here.
My first encounter was with Ann the cleaning lady who made me tea and showed me the ropes, the bathroom (quite a distance down the hall) where the extra towels were and how to use the washer and dryer. Next I met a Redemptorist Brother from Singapore named Celestine: a great guy working on a master’s degree with an emphasis on youth ministry.
I found the cafeteria, and met the co-director of the program. Received a warm welcome and was invited to make myself at home.
I spent some time exploring and fighting to take a nap lest I find myself overcome by jet lag. After supper that night, which consisted of a few unidentified salads that Celestine and I procured from the kitchen. We ate in the sabbatical break room, and after he took me to the “Cat and Cage Pub” for a Guinness. Not bad for the first night. I do feel however feel like I’m at summer camp needing to write home to Mom and Dad begging them to get me out of here.
Friday and Saturday I took the trek to downtown Dublin for the historical tour. I walked the entire distance (about 30 minutes) to the city center and got lost. Yes I did ask for directions. I plugged into the city bus tour that runs continually all day. I bought a ticket and “hop on and hop off” at the various spots of interest.
I toured Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral…absolutely beautiful churches. The underground medieval crypt of Christ Church contains a display of church treasures (Catholic treasures in an Anglican Church!!) and is the oldest building in Dublin going back to 1030.
On Friday I also took in the tour of Guinness (tons of people, a huge admission price – for a glass of Guinness at their 7th floor “gravity bar.” It was interesting and a good history of the Beer that continues to make Ireland famous.)
The next stop was a trip to the Kilmainham Gaol (jail.) It’s the largest unoccupied jail that gives visitors an insight into what it was like to be confined between 1796 and 1924 when it closed. The guide was fantastic with a history of rebellions in Ireland, who led them, the causes and what the fate of the losers was. He (Michael) was obviously a lover of history and a teacher by vocation. He was and is a good one! It was worth the price of admission just to get his take on Irish History. I walked back to All Hallows College (got lost again) and stopped for some great salmon at the Ivy Restaurant near the College. Needless to say sleep is coming easy.
Saturday I once again plugged into Friday’s tour. (I had some time left on my 24-hour ticket.) This time I took the bus to downtown and did not get lost. I toured the William Butler Yeats display at the National Library and took in the National Museum of Ireland. I’ve come to a real appreciation for Yeats, whose work in writing, poetry and politics influences Irish thinking even today. He’s got some rather strange theology however….
I took in Trinity College, but did not go through the Book of Kells Tour. I’ve done that a number of times before. The Book of Kells is a beautifully hand transcribed and decorated book of the four Gospels by Irish monks in the 9th Century. It’s beautiful.
St. Stephen’s Green downtown is the largest “Central Park” in Europe. There were many people there on Saturday and Grafton Street and O’Connell Street and the shopping areas in between were filled with thousands of Irish and visitors alike. Lots of young people were out just enjoying the day and the shopping and the Downtown Dublin atmosphere. I’m not exaggerating with the “thousands.”
I spent some time today at St. Mary’s Cathedral St Kevin’s Oratory where the Ukrainian Orthodox were celebrating Good Friday (on Saturday??) and St. Therese’s Church operated by the Carmelites. Celebrated Reconciliation there and only got one Hail Mary…. must have been good!
Sunday April 27, 2008
Mass today was held in the college chapel at 11:00am. I attempted a walk earlier in the morning but met Sr. Ilish (sounds like Irish only with an L refers to Elizabeth or Eileen??) talked my arm off and didn’t get a chance to walk. She’s one of the neighbors who loves to go to mass and enjoys a good homily by priests who actually prepare…doesn’t say much for the Irish clergy!!
Also met Eddie and Jim. Ed is a real storyteller, in the best sense of the word. Talked about the Irish priest (Fr. Thomas O’Reiley) who saved Atlanta Georgia during the Civil War by talking Sherman into not burning the city because a fire would burn the churches. God wouldn’t be happy with that. They’d be “gone with the wind.” The city was untouched by Sherman. I really have to check this out further, though the reference to this is listed in the All Hallows College History display…These Irish sure are important.
He also mentioned how the Irish brought Ice Hockey to Canada because when the early settlers arrived and brought their hurling sticks, they couldn’t be used during the ice and snow. They made some revisions and created hockey instead…fascinating.
Met many of my new classmates today. The females have us outnumbered.
Monday April 28 Classes begin.
There are 19 of us from Scotland, Ireland, Nigeria, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and myself from the United States. There are four men and the rest religious sisters. We’re outnumbered.
First, what are we going to study? The overview reads:
“Theology, Spirituality, and Literature; Leadership; Scripture for Life; Celtic Roots; Liturgy; Lectio Divina; The Challenge of Faith in Society Today; Transformation; The Convergence of Spirituality and Psychology; Ministry and Drama; Aesthetics and Spirituality.”
We began with a class entitled the Human Person and the Risen Christ. It’s the Easter topic with the application of Resurrection spirituality to everyday life. Fr. Martin Nolan, former Superior of the Augustinians taught the classes. He was followed by Brian Dooney who spoke of Hope in Music and Literature. He did a great job with music, art and personal experience. These have been great classes that were almost of a retreat approach.
I’ll continue this later. Back to laundry, sewing on a button and trying to keep the nuns who are watching the soccer game from using bad language.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Holy Family Parish's New Church
The completion of a building project is an ideal time to get away for R and R. Recharge and Re-generate!!! The building process is complete and to be honest, I'm a bit tired. After the building comes the real building; building the kingdom of God here in Fond du Lac; making it more accessible to God's people. That's what I hope to get better at in the next few months.
I can go on for volumes on church building. I'll just post an outside picture and that should be sufficient!!
Fr. Pat
More Thoughts on Sabbatical
Sabbatical 2008
What’s a sabbatical all about anyway? The root word of sabbatical is Sabbath. The Sabbath according to Rabbi Abraham Heschel is not simply a day when God rested. He says that God continued to “create” on the seventh day. On that day God created the ability to “reflect upon, to wondeer at, to savor the work of the past six days. It seems the creative work of the past six days was incomplete without the crowning creation of the seventh day of Sabbath.
A sabbatical, while being a time of rest, is also a creative time of reflection, imagination and balance. A person returns from Sabbath (sabbatical) not to be the same old person but to return to “parish life” renewed with new insights and energy. That’s the theory behind sabbatical and that’s the reason for the Lilly Corporation’s grant of church renewal. If your church is going to be renewed; renew your pastor! That’s what I’m about over the next few months.
I delivered the homily at our parish celebration of Holy Thursday this year. It was a wonderful celebration where we focused in on the core of what we’re about as Catholic Christians: Eucharist and Service. During the homily I outlined what we’ve been through over the last 18 years I’ve been here in Fond du Lac as pastor of St. Joe’s and now priest team moderator of Holy Family. We’ve studied our individual parish schools and began FACES. As individual parishes we worked together on collaboration, strategic planning, followed by merger studies. As the new Holy Family Parish we studies ministries and facilities. In the past years we’ve worked on building designs, capital campaign and actual building and dedication. What’s been core in all of this? Eucharist and Service, of course as celebared in our Holy Thursday liturgy!
What does this have to do with sabbatical? I’ve been involved in quite a bit of rather important issues of planning and parish development over the past years, but it’s quite different from anything I ever dreamed I would be doing as a pastor. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be working with a parish of four priests with 16,000 parish members, four churches, three closed churches, a merged parish and school system, a large staff, etc. I think you got the picture. After all that it’s time for a personal renewal in Eucharist and Service and time to reflect on the core of what my ministry is all about. Let’s get back to the basics of Priesthood. This is my personal sabbatical goal.
It’s also time to help Holy Family in our next phase of growth. We’ve got a fantastic new building, now where do we go from here as a parish? What’s our next phase of parish growth?
What’s a sabbatical all about anyway? The root word of sabbatical is Sabbath. The Sabbath according to Rabbi Abraham Heschel is not simply a day when God rested. He says that God continued to “create” on the seventh day. On that day God created the ability to “reflect upon, to wondeer at, to savor the work of the past six days. It seems the creative work of the past six days was incomplete without the crowning creation of the seventh day of Sabbath.
A sabbatical, while being a time of rest, is also a creative time of reflection, imagination and balance. A person returns from Sabbath (sabbatical) not to be the same old person but to return to “parish life” renewed with new insights and energy. That’s the theory behind sabbatical and that’s the reason for the Lilly Corporation’s grant of church renewal. If your church is going to be renewed; renew your pastor! That’s what I’m about over the next few months.
I delivered the homily at our parish celebration of Holy Thursday this year. It was a wonderful celebration where we focused in on the core of what we’re about as Catholic Christians: Eucharist and Service. During the homily I outlined what we’ve been through over the last 18 years I’ve been here in Fond du Lac as pastor of St. Joe’s and now priest team moderator of Holy Family. We’ve studied our individual parish schools and began FACES. As individual parishes we worked together on collaboration, strategic planning, followed by merger studies. As the new Holy Family Parish we studies ministries and facilities. In the past years we’ve worked on building designs, capital campaign and actual building and dedication. What’s been core in all of this? Eucharist and Service, of course as celebared in our Holy Thursday liturgy!
What does this have to do with sabbatical? I’ve been involved in quite a bit of rather important issues of planning and parish development over the past years, but it’s quite different from anything I ever dreamed I would be doing as a pastor. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be working with a parish of four priests with 16,000 parish members, four churches, three closed churches, a merged parish and school system, a large staff, etc. I think you got the picture. After all that it’s time for a personal renewal in Eucharist and Service and time to reflect on the core of what my ministry is all about. Let’s get back to the basics of Priesthood. This is my personal sabbatical goal.
It’s also time to help Holy Family in our next phase of growth. We’ve got a fantastic new building, now where do we go from here as a parish? What’s our next phase of parish growth?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
How did this all come about?
Sabbatical 2008
Earlier this year I mentioned the possibility of a sabbatical and requested some input as to what that might look like for me. A sabbatical is a period of time that a person takes for education, re-focus, and renewal in a certain subject or, in my case, ministry. I received a number of insightful suggestions and with the help of some parish members, I applied for a sabbatical grant through the Lilly Foundation based in Indianapolis. The foundation has a reputation for assisting parishes and churches of all denominations in renewal. They believe that if you renew your pastors you renew the churches. The grant for this renewal program is entitled, “What will make your heart sing?” I applied in May after many weeks of thought and meetings of the committee. I was granted the sabbatical in October. Pastor Ted Drewson from Pilgrim United Church of Christ also applied for a grant and was accepted. Our grants have different goals and are not the same.
My sabbatical will begin April 20th (aprox.) and conclude July 20th. It’s a sabbatical that I anticipate will indeed make my heart sing as well as entice some melodies from Holy Family Parish as well. The sabbatical rationale begins with the fact that three churches of various ethnic backgrounds are closing here in Fond du Lac and my desire to keep these ethnic spirits alive. Being half Irish I wrote the grant beginning there. I’m spending a month at “All Hallows College” in Dublin participating in a clergy renewal program. Some of this includes Celtic or Irish study. I’m heading to Jerusalem for a scripture study program that begins June 1st. This program, operated through the University of Notre Dame is located near Bethlehem just outside of Jerusalem and includes on site visitation to the places mentioned in the bible as well as classes and opportunity for personal study and research. Also in this sabbatical I will take a tour covering the “Journey’s of St. Paul.” This tour includes also biblical study and a trip that would include those places visited by St. Paul: Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, etc. Also included in the sabbatical is a two-week stay in Nova Scotia, home of another strong Celtic community and “Gaelic College” where I hope to do some further work.
Upon my return, built into the sabbatical grant, begins a series of programs that celebrate our cultural heritage. We’ll have a program in Celtic Spirituality, a program in Celtic Music and Dance, and one in music and story telling. That’s what’s covered in the grant. I’m hoping we can continue our cultural heritage celebration with something similar that will focus on our French, German, Hispanic and Hmong heritage. This sounds terrific to the committee and me and I hope many of you will also be able to benefit from this experience. If you’re interested in being part of the committee, please let me know.
The Lilly Grant also states that if the parish accepts the grant, the pastor has to remain in his parish for at least a year after completing the experience. (That should squelch the rumors that I’m leaving!!!) The Foundation pays not only my expenses, but also the priest who will take my place when I’m gone. This unique experience costs the parish nothing, but will add some strain on our already overworked parish staff and volunteers.
I look forward to my sabbatical experience and you as parish are very much involved in that experience. I’ll keep you updated through bulletin announcements as well as a weekly (or even daily) Internet blog that I’ll be posting from the locations I’ll be at.
I’ll keep you informed as to the latest developments as they occur.
Fr. Pat
Earlier this year I mentioned the possibility of a sabbatical and requested some input as to what that might look like for me. A sabbatical is a period of time that a person takes for education, re-focus, and renewal in a certain subject or, in my case, ministry. I received a number of insightful suggestions and with the help of some parish members, I applied for a sabbatical grant through the Lilly Foundation based in Indianapolis. The foundation has a reputation for assisting parishes and churches of all denominations in renewal. They believe that if you renew your pastors you renew the churches. The grant for this renewal program is entitled, “What will make your heart sing?” I applied in May after many weeks of thought and meetings of the committee. I was granted the sabbatical in October. Pastor Ted Drewson from Pilgrim United Church of Christ also applied for a grant and was accepted. Our grants have different goals and are not the same.
My sabbatical will begin April 20th (aprox.) and conclude July 20th. It’s a sabbatical that I anticipate will indeed make my heart sing as well as entice some melodies from Holy Family Parish as well. The sabbatical rationale begins with the fact that three churches of various ethnic backgrounds are closing here in Fond du Lac and my desire to keep these ethnic spirits alive. Being half Irish I wrote the grant beginning there. I’m spending a month at “All Hallows College” in Dublin participating in a clergy renewal program. Some of this includes Celtic or Irish study. I’m heading to Jerusalem for a scripture study program that begins June 1st. This program, operated through the University of Notre Dame is located near Bethlehem just outside of Jerusalem and includes on site visitation to the places mentioned in the bible as well as classes and opportunity for personal study and research. Also in this sabbatical I will take a tour covering the “Journey’s of St. Paul.” This tour includes also biblical study and a trip that would include those places visited by St. Paul: Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, etc. Also included in the sabbatical is a two-week stay in Nova Scotia, home of another strong Celtic community and “Gaelic College” where I hope to do some further work.
Upon my return, built into the sabbatical grant, begins a series of programs that celebrate our cultural heritage. We’ll have a program in Celtic Spirituality, a program in Celtic Music and Dance, and one in music and story telling. That’s what’s covered in the grant. I’m hoping we can continue our cultural heritage celebration with something similar that will focus on our French, German, Hispanic and Hmong heritage. This sounds terrific to the committee and me and I hope many of you will also be able to benefit from this experience. If you’re interested in being part of the committee, please let me know.
The Lilly Grant also states that if the parish accepts the grant, the pastor has to remain in his parish for at least a year after completing the experience. (That should squelch the rumors that I’m leaving!!!) The Foundation pays not only my expenses, but also the priest who will take my place when I’m gone. This unique experience costs the parish nothing, but will add some strain on our already overworked parish staff and volunteers.
I look forward to my sabbatical experience and you as parish are very much involved in that experience. I’ll keep you updated through bulletin announcements as well as a weekly (or even daily) Internet blog that I’ll be posting from the locations I’ll be at.
I’ll keep you informed as to the latest developments as they occur.
Fr. Pat
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