Long time coming: an update from the Abitadeacon
This Friday morning finds me in my office at my parish church, working on some projects, listening to Gregorian chant and contemplating the realities of the day, of this time, of this season of my life. Overall, 2022, despite its many everyday blessings and God's always abundant graces, has been a year of challenge. Both my wife and I battled through some health issues; bless her heart Wendy is still battling. It has been a year of extended hospitalizations, doctor visits and even confronting head on the possibility that we should began the process of moving to a less demanding home; one that does not require endless grass cutting and maintenance no longer easily accomplished.
Very recently, due to some of what I share above, I discerned that it was time for me to step away from my 14+ year ministry at Rayburn Correctional Center. During that time, I was called the Catholic pastoral care chaplain for the men who clung to their Catholic faith despite incarceration. I have written many times here of the joy of this ministry, the unexpected gifts of grace and peace as I went about my responsibilities as a prison chaplain. To leave this ministry was not easy to do; it was not easy to admit how necessary it became. In a big state-run prison, there is lots of walking, really a lot of walking. There is also lots of waiting and my chronic rheumatoid arthritis was not holding up to the rigors of the long walks and waits through the control room, halls and walkways of Rayburn. Thankfully, Archbishop Aymond graciously accepted my decision, and we await, with joyful anticipation, the assignment of a deacon, much younger than I, to take my place. I am also thrilled to learn of the recent commitment of a local priest who will be visiting once a month to hear confessions and offer Mass. I hope to still be able to go into the prison on occasion, so I did arrange to have my security clearance updated. We will see where this leads, but the most important thing is that these men be fed spiritually from the deposit of faith and the fullness of Truth and hear the word of God and feast on the Body & Blood of Jesus.
Meanwhile, my life and my service as a Deacon has taken on new meaning and purpose since I joined the staff at my parish in Abita Springs. I spend a good part of everyday at St. Jane de Chantal assisting both the pastor and parishioners in a myriad of activities, projects, plans and ministries. One unexpected joy has been working very closely with our RCIA program and team as well as my expanded opportunities with Bible studies and more. I am very happy to be available during the day to assist at funerals, plan weddings in a more complete way and experience the gift of the many parishioners who call or visit every day, many in need of help, someone to listen, someone to be present to them.
It is also a great joy, as a grandparent, to be able to spend so much time with the 2 grandchildren who live nearby. Wendy and I bring them to school a couple of times a week even though that requires us to be on the road long before the sun comes up. Brennan and Walker keep us busy and smiling a lot as we are able to interact with them often. My other 2 grands live so far away from us and our physical time with them is very limited. We often Skype, something I started doing with the family even as Calvin was a mere newborn. He and his sister Katelyn are a joy, and it always lifts our spirits when we can catch up, either in person (the best way) or via Skype.
I mentioned earlier that we have at least entered into discussions about staying in our current home or moving elsewhere. We have been in our current place for nearly 27 years and have always been "at home" and comfortable on my almost 10 acres. We still can recall fondly those days when the place was home to 5 horses, a goat, chickens and critters galore. The early days when deer roamed freely on the property in the fall and winter and the turkeys in the spring are also fond memories. We've grown our own food on this place and marveled at beautiful scenery that comes with acreage in a real country setting. Our first major accomplishment was the emptying out of our overfilled attic and barn. We filled up two huge dumpsters with our accumulated stuff and made several runs to charities with numerous items. It seems that the reality is not so much if we move but when we move; I do not anticipate it will be that soon, probably a year or so from now. I don't think it would be easy to move but reality may be the eventual decision point that requires a move. If we move, we will stay close so we can remain in the area we have grown to love, close to the family also here in Louisiana and close to my parish ministries.
So, as I return to the duties of the day and continue to listen to this beautiful Gregorian chant, I ready myself for a weekend of ministry, family and the dreaded trip to Wal-Mart this afternoon. Peace and prayers to all.
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