God is good! Today is the one-month anniversary of being appointed pastor of St. Anthony of Padua. It was providential that His Grace, Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB, came today to a full 11:30 a.m. Mass and installed me as pastor. After the Mass, there was an informal and joyful reception in the hall with lots of food (which will last me for a few days, I’m sure).

During an installation Mass, there is a liturgical rite where the bishop leads the new pastor to various locations of the church (the ambo, altar, celebrant’s chair, baptismal font, tabernacle, altar rail, and confessional), and explains the ministry that will be carried out there and exhorts the new pastor to fulfill his duties well.

Two things struck me during His Grace’s exhortations: 1) He spoke about our adoration chapel and in front of the tabernacle in the main church as the places where I will pray for the parishioners of St. Anthony’s and intercede for them. This reminded me of the obligation to be a mediator for the people in prayer. It’s God who heals, strengthens and touches hearts and I’m His instrument.

2) I believe he mentioned St. John Vianney twice as my model for carrying out my priestly duties. My devotion to St. John has increased a lot lately, and I long to be a priest like Him, faithful, simple, tireless, prayerful, kind and strong.

My first month here has been really blessed. It’s taken some time to get things in order, and I still have many unpacked boxes. Slowly but surely, I’m arranging things so that I can live and work well. I flourish with order, so whenever I get things in the right places, it helps me have peace and clarity. I’ve been able to keep a healthy lifestyle and have some balance, though the important duties of the parish, like getting to know people, have prevented me from adding posts to my blog.

More importantly, and I can’t take it for granted, has been the kindness and hospitality of the parishioners here. They have welcomed me with open arms and I hope I’m reciprocating! Various friends of mine who have visited have also commented on this, so it’s a great virtue. Other strengths include daily Mass attendance, which seems to me to be high for a parish of this size, and a great reverence, shown by the fact that everyone receives Communion kneeling.

I must say that I’m excited about being a pastor, that is to say, about leading people closer to God, giving them Jesus in the sacraments and sharing His truth and love with them. I’ve noticed that I feel a great love and concern for the people here, and really want to love them in everything I do—I’ve never felt this paternal instinct to such a strong degree, which I think is a gift from God.

Being a pastor has also been a challenge because I bear great responsibility. One Saturday, before the evening Mass, I wondered, “Are there any announcements?” My normal inclination has been to ask Fr. Ron, but then I realized, “Wait! I’m the pastor! I have to choose what needs to be announced.” It’s also taken me a lot of time to get familiar with the financial aspects of the parish, but I thank God for the help and expertise that people have given me. Where would I be without them!

That said, I welcome the challenge with enthusiasm. I want to be a saint, and I want to share God’s call to be a saint with everyone! I want to listen to everyone, search for the truth, discern where God is calling us, and then decide, and then move with energy towards the goal!

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and support! And let’s all give thanks to God!