Greetings:
Greetings as you journey with your fellow priests joyfully and hopefully led by Archbishop Sample along the path of Mission Renewal. A Mission Renewal not only for you, but a path you are to lead the People of God entrusted to you.
I humbling offer the following as points of reflection on this week’s Convocation and upon your return. If you do not receive this before your departure, please read and reflect upon your return.
Who am I?
My wife and I were married at one of your parishes, served with your music, and RCIA ministries. I have served Social Justice Ministries, and Knights of Columbus.
Mom and Dad and extended family instilled in me the love of God’s word in its practical application in the world. Mom was severed as a Salvation Army captain and youth ministry in downtown Chicago during the 1940’s. Dad taught me the dignity of work and helped First Nations in northern Saskatchewan develop their own wild rice and rock quarry businesses.
My Franciscan uncle was Librarian at St. Joseph Seminary and Law Library of the University of Chicago. His longest tenure was as Quincy College’s Librarian. One of my younger cousins is area director for Catholic Charities where she lives in Illinois.
Professionally, I worked for Providence Health and Services IS and served as its Mission coordinator. Subsequently, I served the poor and marginalized at Outside In. In retirement, I supported individuals applying for their citizenship in Philadelphia PA for Catholic social services. In the Portland metro area, I accompany immigrant families and individuals to Immigration Court Hearing through the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice. Educationally, I graduated from Villanova VIISTA DOJ compliant immigration legal advocacy program (2020) I possess lay ministry certificate from the Archdiocese of Portland/Notre Dame University (2015). My Seattle University BPA (1981) gave knowledge of effective public policy, plus Catholic Social Teaching from theology to real world application.
Priest, Prophet, and King:
You and all People of God are anointed as priest, prophet and king at our baptism. In receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders, you are ‘… enabled to act as a representative of Christ, Head of the Church, in his triple office of priest, prophet, and king.’ CCC 1581
As priests, you fulfill the first office by celebrating the Eucharist with and for the People of God, and Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders,
You serve as king/shepherd along with your parish councils and ministries.
In your role as prophet, you share the Word, preach on it, and call your congregations to be the light in the world through their actions. “In the same way, your light must shine so that it can be seen by others; this will enable them to observe your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16