This past weekend was the celebration of Pentecost in the Church. Here at Good Shepherd our last Mass included the Rite of Enrollment for the candidates for next year’s Sacrament of Confirmation. Both were firsts for me as a priest: first Pentecost and first Rite of Enrollment.
A few days ago I went through a “rite” myself. For the first time in my very very young life I purchased a new vehicle. I will not tell you exactly what kind I bought, but suffice to say that I’ll now be officially the most envied priest of the diocese (only kidding). I will share the color: Black, Pearl-Ash Gray! Nice! This was quite an experience. I drew out a lesson in retrospect. I didn’t get out of that place with four wheels and engine without, first, spilling plenty of sweat and tears, but also, committing with my voice and by stroke of my pen the intention toward that vehicle. What a passage..and I’m glad it’s passed!
I think of this now in light of all our Sacred Liturgies which are a holy interplay between the Lord’s gifts of our human words and gestures and His divine grace. The Rite of Enrollment was quite edifying because it entailed the candidate’s word of intention to properly prepare by prayer, study, and witness combined with their concrete sign of that intention by giving their signature. I hope this year of preparation will be blessed for them especially in realizing that who they will receive at Confirmation will be much more valuable that what I’m driving and worth every word, signature, drop of sweat and tears.
Father Will Ganci
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
What a Joy!
"What a Joy!" has been on my mind this past week. One might ask, "Joy during Lent?" At first glance it seems to be out of place, but in reality it has become the heart of my Lenten journey.
At the vigil mass of Palm (Passion) Sunday, when I was reading the words of Christ as we recounted his passion, I truly felt joy. I experienced great joy for the gift of life and love that Christ bestowed upon his people by allowing himself to die to save us. How powerful a role to play in the liturgy? It was in speaking the words of the Last Supper, that the words of institution in our Eucharistic Prayer took a new life in me.
Just yesterday at the Chrism mass, seeing our beloved Bishop John celebrate the Eucharist with his fellow priests, deacons, and lay ministers truly brought joy to my heart. What a Joy to see our Diocese together in prayer and worship. As I renewed my promises of ordination that I made less than a year ago, I felt a renewal of strength and vision.
Today, as look forward to my first Triduum, that is first Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil as priest, I expect nothing less than what God has in store for me and his people. I cannot wait to participate in the Mass of Lord's Supper and to wash the feet of the people I serve. I look forward to participating in Christ's saving act of love on the cross. I yearn to celebrate the resurrection by welcoming new members to our Church.
Although I mourn with my parish over the tragic death of a dear parishioner, who served as a teacher for over 30 years. Although it pains me to see those whom I consider my family to be in pain. I have joy that in Christ's life, death, and resurrection we have been saved. The joy that I feel is not of giddiness or passing pleasure, but the consolation that Christ is among us ever especially when we share in his suffering.
At the vigil mass of Palm (Passion) Sunday, when I was reading the words of Christ as we recounted his passion, I truly felt joy. I experienced great joy for the gift of life and love that Christ bestowed upon his people by allowing himself to die to save us. How powerful a role to play in the liturgy? It was in speaking the words of the Last Supper, that the words of institution in our Eucharistic Prayer took a new life in me.
Just yesterday at the Chrism mass, seeing our beloved Bishop John celebrate the Eucharist with his fellow priests, deacons, and lay ministers truly brought joy to my heart. What a Joy to see our Diocese together in prayer and worship. As I renewed my promises of ordination that I made less than a year ago, I felt a renewal of strength and vision.
Today, as look forward to my first Triduum, that is first Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil as priest, I expect nothing less than what God has in store for me and his people. I cannot wait to participate in the Mass of Lord's Supper and to wash the feet of the people I serve. I look forward to participating in Christ's saving act of love on the cross. I yearn to celebrate the resurrection by welcoming new members to our Church.
Although I mourn with my parish over the tragic death of a dear parishioner, who served as a teacher for over 30 years. Although it pains me to see those whom I consider my family to be in pain. I have joy that in Christ's life, death, and resurrection we have been saved. The joy that I feel is not of giddiness or passing pleasure, but the consolation that Christ is among us ever especially when we share in his suffering.
Monday, March 22, 2010
March Madness Priest Style
College Basketball’s March Madness is well underway. Unfortunately FSU dropped in the 1st round to Gonzaga, but this parish priest, in his first year during the Year for Priests, is still standing…barely. Round by round:
1. Red Mass—It was a great honor to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance upon our State’s government with the bishops of the province of Florida, minus one regretfully. Our own Bp. Ricard who continues to recover from the effects of a stroke before Christmas was absent. What a powerful expression of the Church at prayer.
2. MOGS St. Patrick’s Day Dinner—The Men of Good Shepherd (MOGS) host outstanding meals several times a year. The latest was in honor of St. Patrick. I enjoyed the finest of Irish cuisine together with, I confess, one and .5 Guinesses..I didn’t give up alcohol completely for Lent..and lots of exciting music, singing, and dance. Fr. Foley was in his element. So was I since I’m a ¼ Irish, but full-blooded on St. Patrick’s. Together with this giant of Church history I place the breastplate upon me and shout, “Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ on my left, Christ on my right…!!!”
3. JPII’s South Woodstock—what a fantastic event to support a great Catholic High School. There was art, music, food, and games. Young and old, clergy, religious, laity, in-towners and out-of-towners basking in the beauty of God’s spring re-creation on the campus of JPII w/o the muddy mess of the Northern version some years ago!
4. Golf FORE Life—Open Door Women’s Clinic here in Tallahassee is a Catholic Pro-Life Women’s Health Clinic specializing in unplanned/crisis pregnancies. Together with one of our parishioners this past weekend I solicited sponsorships for my “Guarantee of Victory” round for their annual golf event. If you want to be part of this Victory please contact me at Good Shepherd!
5. Another 1st Mass: Spanish—In seminary we worshipped in Spanish frequently, but I’ve gotten rusty with the passing months. Just when I thought Spanish was something of the past I GOT THE CALL! Todavia todos los fieles son vivos despues de la disastre. The Lord is kind and merciful.
6. And Holy Week IS STILL To Come!—Let me give you a sneak preview…The Lord wins at the end of March Madness every time! Let’s allow Him to hoist the trophies of our resurrected hearts to the Father.
*The sports theme is dedicated to Deacon (soon-to-be Father) Chris LeBlanc who is a dedicated reader of his “senior” priests’ blogs.
Father Will Ganci
1. Red Mass—It was a great honor to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance upon our State’s government with the bishops of the province of Florida, minus one regretfully. Our own Bp. Ricard who continues to recover from the effects of a stroke before Christmas was absent. What a powerful expression of the Church at prayer.
2. MOGS St. Patrick’s Day Dinner—The Men of Good Shepherd (MOGS) host outstanding meals several times a year. The latest was in honor of St. Patrick. I enjoyed the finest of Irish cuisine together with, I confess, one and .5 Guinesses..I didn’t give up alcohol completely for Lent..and lots of exciting music, singing, and dance. Fr. Foley was in his element. So was I since I’m a ¼ Irish, but full-blooded on St. Patrick’s. Together with this giant of Church history I place the breastplate upon me and shout, “Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ on my left, Christ on my right…!!!”
3. JPII’s South Woodstock—what a fantastic event to support a great Catholic High School. There was art, music, food, and games. Young and old, clergy, religious, laity, in-towners and out-of-towners basking in the beauty of God’s spring re-creation on the campus of JPII w/o the muddy mess of the Northern version some years ago!
4. Golf FORE Life—Open Door Women’s Clinic here in Tallahassee is a Catholic Pro-Life Women’s Health Clinic specializing in unplanned/crisis pregnancies. Together with one of our parishioners this past weekend I solicited sponsorships for my “Guarantee of Victory” round for their annual golf event. If you want to be part of this Victory please contact me at Good Shepherd!
5. Another 1st Mass: Spanish—In seminary we worshipped in Spanish frequently, but I’ve gotten rusty with the passing months. Just when I thought Spanish was something of the past I GOT THE CALL! Todavia todos los fieles son vivos despues de la disastre. The Lord is kind and merciful.
6. And Holy Week IS STILL To Come!—Let me give you a sneak preview…The Lord wins at the end of March Madness every time! Let’s allow Him to hoist the trophies of our resurrected hearts to the Father.
*The sports theme is dedicated to Deacon (soon-to-be Father) Chris LeBlanc who is a dedicated reader of his “senior” priests’ blogs.
Father Will Ganci
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Little Ones
As I approach 9 months as a priest, I realize the statement, "The children are our Future," is a statement that needs to be modified. I believe the children are our future, but also a glimpse into our past, and a beacon of light on our present. At St. Ann I have ample opportunities to be present to the youth of my community. It is such a joy, from the small child that hugs you around your ankles and knees to the limitless energy of a teenager playing ball. I have the children to truly remind me of my own childhood growing up. They challenge me to really enter into their own particular perspective on the world. I believe children help us focus on what is really important.
With regard to children giving glimpses of our past, I have found that children remind me of a time less complicated in which love, affection, and security were abundant. They remind me of not only the joys but also the struggles that a child goes through as they pass from one stage of development to another. Above all, they remind me of where I have come from so that I may better know where I am going.
With regard to children being a beacon of light upon the present, when I see the awe and wonder in the eyes of child it makes me think, "Am I missing something?" The truth is, most of the time, we are. We miss the awesome wonder that is creation and this world that we live in. We miss the amazing gift that is sweet smell of bacon in the morning, the feel of a gentle breeze, the warmth of a sunny day, or the vastness of space.
I do believe children are our future, but also our past and present. Above all, children are the most precious gift that God gives to us.
Father Paul Lambert
With regard to children giving glimpses of our past, I have found that children remind me of a time less complicated in which love, affection, and security were abundant. They remind me of not only the joys but also the struggles that a child goes through as they pass from one stage of development to another. Above all, they remind me of where I have come from so that I may better know where I am going.
With regard to children being a beacon of light upon the present, when I see the awe and wonder in the eyes of child it makes me think, "Am I missing something?" The truth is, most of the time, we are. We miss the awesome wonder that is creation and this world that we live in. We miss the amazing gift that is sweet smell of bacon in the morning, the feel of a gentle breeze, the warmth of a sunny day, or the vastness of space.
I do believe children are our future, but also our past and present. Above all, children are the most precious gift that God gives to us.
Father Paul Lambert
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Forget me not!
Yes. This is a phrase we saw recently on those candies distributed during Valentine’s Day, but this blog is not about those (sigh of relief from your end and mine). Just a thought on a good “travel companion” that has been naggin’ at me since the beginning of Lent: The Holy Spirit! Our Blessed Lord went into the desert filled with the Holy Spirit. I desire the same during these holy and transforming days.
Lent, in my view, can often slip in unexamined fashion, into an enclosed gloomy ambience composed of the heavy clouds of personal sin and the tempestuous winds of its social counterpart. Although I say the former with great reverence for the human condition and cannot/will not dismiss the gravity of sin, my “travel partner” seems to keep picking my head up to Christ with His generous Gifts and savory Fruits. Meanwhile, He is coaching me out of old and unsuccessful life strategies (He’s better and less expensive than Stephen Covey) to new ones — He’s the best coach..sorry Coach Calhoun, you’re #2)
This past weekend I was so thankful to be part of about 90+ young and a couple not-so-young people’s Confirmation here at Good Shepherd. It was confirmation in the Holy Spirit not only in the sacraments sense, but also in my interior priestly life: I WANT IN ON THIS LENTEN JOURNEY AND ALWAYS in your ministry as I did with the Great High Priest in His.
In addition—it’s been a real long winter here in Tally so I’m asking my “travel companion” to, as the Veni Sancte Spiritus says, “Fove quod est frigidum/Melt the frozen, warm the chill.”
Happy trails to all. Forget HIM not!
Father Will Ganci
Lent, in my view, can often slip in unexamined fashion, into an enclosed gloomy ambience composed of the heavy clouds of personal sin and the tempestuous winds of its social counterpart. Although I say the former with great reverence for the human condition and cannot/will not dismiss the gravity of sin, my “travel partner” seems to keep picking my head up to Christ with His generous Gifts and savory Fruits. Meanwhile, He is coaching me out of old and unsuccessful life strategies (He’s better and less expensive than Stephen Covey) to new ones — He’s the best coach..sorry Coach Calhoun, you’re #2)
This past weekend I was so thankful to be part of about 90+ young and a couple not-so-young people’s Confirmation here at Good Shepherd. It was confirmation in the Holy Spirit not only in the sacraments sense, but also in my interior priestly life: I WANT IN ON THIS LENTEN JOURNEY AND ALWAYS in your ministry as I did with the Great High Priest in His.
In addition—it’s been a real long winter here in Tally so I’m asking my “travel companion” to, as the Veni Sancte Spiritus says, “Fove quod est frigidum/Melt the frozen, warm the chill.”
Happy trails to all. Forget HIM not!
Father Will Ganci
Monday, February 15, 2010
Man, Lent is here already!
It seems like just the other day I was moving into St. Ann's and this Wednesday I will be celebrating my first Ash Wednesday Mass. I am excited about Lent. I see Lent as one long retreat in which as a Church we step back and reflect upon our lives and refocus ourselves ever more deeply into the mystery of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
However, there is the temptation in the back of my mind to say to myself, "Well, just do what you have to do during Lent and leave it at that." There are many ways that we try to rationalize our way out of taking Lent seriously. As a result of many years of taking Lent seriously which has made Easter that much more fulfilling, that thought was eliminated by the firm foundation that was placed in me during my years with the Catholic Student Union and seminary.
As I look forward and plan for Lent, I first must evaluate my current situation. Take some time for reflection to see where I have come from and where I am now, and where the Lord is calling me to delve into. As a priest of Jesus Christ, I feel that I am being invited to learn what it truly means to suffer with Christ and his people. If there is any season of the year in which the priesthood is most clearly expressed, it is this time of sharing in the paschal mystery of Christ's sacrifice to save us.
I pray that as God leads his people during this journey of 40 days, I might be an instrument of his divine will, and in the process find a richer love and appreciation for the gift of the priesthood that God has bestowed upon me.
However, there is the temptation in the back of my mind to say to myself, "Well, just do what you have to do during Lent and leave it at that." There are many ways that we try to rationalize our way out of taking Lent seriously. As a result of many years of taking Lent seriously which has made Easter that much more fulfilling, that thought was eliminated by the firm foundation that was placed in me during my years with the Catholic Student Union and seminary.
As I look forward and plan for Lent, I first must evaluate my current situation. Take some time for reflection to see where I have come from and where I am now, and where the Lord is calling me to delve into. As a priest of Jesus Christ, I feel that I am being invited to learn what it truly means to suffer with Christ and his people. If there is any season of the year in which the priesthood is most clearly expressed, it is this time of sharing in the paschal mystery of Christ's sacrifice to save us.
I pray that as God leads his people during this journey of 40 days, I might be an instrument of his divine will, and in the process find a richer love and appreciation for the gift of the priesthood that God has bestowed upon me.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Silence Is [BETTER THAN] Golden
This week I’m going on my first personal retreat as a priest. Actually, I’m writing this “last minute” because I realized this is due for post while I’m still on silence.
I would simply like to say that I’m very much looking forward to this and have been accumulating my desires for the retreat over the past weeks in preparation for it. I’ll share one: to savor more deeply the Trinity’s work in the many, many experiences of pastoral labor in the vineyard thus far. My metaphor for parish priesthood over the past few months has been like being in a river of grace, tempted to swim upstream, but needing to just flow..flow..flow..(thankfully)with it! I pray retreat time with the Lord will help me marvel at the stream He’s provided me to be in as His Son’s priest.
Pray with me and for me in the Silence that Is BETTER THAN Golden!
Father Will Ganci
I would simply like to say that I’m very much looking forward to this and have been accumulating my desires for the retreat over the past weeks in preparation for it. I’ll share one: to savor more deeply the Trinity’s work in the many, many experiences of pastoral labor in the vineyard thus far. My metaphor for parish priesthood over the past few months has been like being in a river of grace, tempted to swim upstream, but needing to just flow..flow..flow..(thankfully)with it! I pray retreat time with the Lord will help me marvel at the stream He’s provided me to be in as His Son’s priest.
Pray with me and for me in the Silence that Is BETTER THAN Golden!
Father Will Ganci
Monday, January 25, 2010
Another day, another lesson learned.
I have found every day to be a new opportunity for growth and learning. Early on, Fr. Steven Olds, my former formation advisor at seminary, told me that there would be one guarantee in priestly ministry: that challenges would come across my desk everyday.
I have to say, as I continue to the later half of my first year as a priest, that I have found it at times to be overwhelming. People with various needs come to my attention every day: from the person needing assistance with their power bill to a person still grieving the loss of a loved one. At times I find myself helpless in the sight of the problems placed before me. I have even caught myself saying, "Why are they coming to me?" or "Why do they always come to the Church?"
It is then I realize, there is only one Savior Jesus Christ, and I am not he. I act in the person of Christ, but I am not Christ. I share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and so those seeking Christ will come my way. It is my role and duty to step back and allow the Holy Spirit to guide my minsitry to those in need.
It is in those moments that I feel overwhelmed is when I get merely a glimpse of the deep yearning that this world has for Christ. I pray that through the love of God, the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and grace of Holy Spirit, my ministry will be fruitful, that Christ may touch the lives of those who seek him every day.
I have to say, as I continue to the later half of my first year as a priest, that I have found it at times to be overwhelming. People with various needs come to my attention every day: from the person needing assistance with their power bill to a person still grieving the loss of a loved one. At times I find myself helpless in the sight of the problems placed before me. I have even caught myself saying, "Why are they coming to me?" or "Why do they always come to the Church?"
It is then I realize, there is only one Savior Jesus Christ, and I am not he. I act in the person of Christ, but I am not Christ. I share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and so those seeking Christ will come my way. It is my role and duty to step back and allow the Holy Spirit to guide my minsitry to those in need.
It is in those moments that I feel overwhelmed is when I get merely a glimpse of the deep yearning that this world has for Christ. I pray that through the love of God, the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and grace of Holy Spirit, my ministry will be fruitful, that Christ may touch the lives of those who seek him every day.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Taking Away Our Stony Hearts
I remember it like yesterday. We lined up in the pews with our Act of Contrition in our little hands and one-by-one entered the confessional for the first time to receive the forgiveness of our sins. I remember Fr. Gordon, my home pastor, being appropriately short and to the point with this young lad. He offered a few words of encouragement together with 3 Hail Marys and one Our Father for my penance. I prayed the Act of Contrition and he granted me absolution! WOW! Just like that: Thank you, Jesus! I felt great knowing I was renewed, given a fresh start, and always have after making a good confession.
Well, I had another first this past weekend: 1st Reconciliation with the children in the Religious Education program. They were adorable. Obviously they were well prepared by their parents and teachers—I coached just a little bit. They came in with a stone that had a red heart painted on it symbolizing their bad choices, actions, and behaviors that made their hearts hardened—awwwwe!
During their confessions some squirmed about, others mimicked my hand gestures, and still others stared intently at me as I spoke to them a few more words than Fr. Gordon did to me a “few years” earlier. To begin the celebration we sang “This Little Light Of Mine”. So for their penance I asked them to sing that for as much as God wanted them (aloud or silently) remembering that Jesus wants them to shine, shine, shine for Him, their parents, family, and friends! They were agreeable.
I would ask them right before the prayer of absolution if they knew what came next and they all said, “The forgiveness of sins!” It was great to see the excitement in their eyes—a grace to be asked for each day before the mysteries of faith. Absolution was granted and they left to pin their, forgiven, re-freshed, natural, non-stony heart that had their name on them on to the display board in the church—awwwwwwwwwwwwe!
Glory to you, Lord Jesus for the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation! May this priest always be a faithful confessor and even more faithful penitent!
Father Will Ganci
Well, I had another first this past weekend: 1st Reconciliation with the children in the Religious Education program. They were adorable. Obviously they were well prepared by their parents and teachers—I coached just a little bit. They came in with a stone that had a red heart painted on it symbolizing their bad choices, actions, and behaviors that made their hearts hardened—awwwwe!
During their confessions some squirmed about, others mimicked my hand gestures, and still others stared intently at me as I spoke to them a few more words than Fr. Gordon did to me a “few years” earlier. To begin the celebration we sang “This Little Light Of Mine”. So for their penance I asked them to sing that for as much as God wanted them (aloud or silently) remembering that Jesus wants them to shine, shine, shine for Him, their parents, family, and friends! They were agreeable.
I would ask them right before the prayer of absolution if they knew what came next and they all said, “The forgiveness of sins!” It was great to see the excitement in their eyes—a grace to be asked for each day before the mysteries of faith. Absolution was granted and they left to pin their, forgiven, re-freshed, natural, non-stony heart that had their name on them on to the display board in the church—awwwwwwwwwwwwe!
Glory to you, Lord Jesus for the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation! May this priest always be a faithful confessor and even more faithful penitent!
Father Will Ganci
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Emmanuel: God With Us
"Have yourself a rainy little Christmas, as the fog descends, from now on your car will be covered in dew. So have yourself, a rainy, foggy Christmas now."
The first Christmas as a priest was an extraordinary experience. From the children's Christmas Vigil mass, to the contemporary Christmas Vigil mass, the Midnight mass, and the Sunday morning masses, I was tired, but it was a good kind of tired. I found it very fitting that there was a rainstorm on Christmas eve. In the midst of some very crazy weather, we were inside celebrating the birth of Christ and Christ's presence among us amidst the rainy storm that is sometimes our lives.
This Christmas was difficult in the fact I was not able to visit family, but this allowed me to visit my parish family member's in their time of difficultly. This Christmas gave me a glimpse of what it is like for those who are not able to visit family on Christmas, like our soldiers over seas. This Christmas allowed me to grow into my vocation more fully. Dying to myself, and giving Christ to others.
This Christmas I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful foremost for priesthood I share with Jesus Christ. I am thankful for a parish family that has been sooooo supportive and caring. I am thankful for the ability to suffer with those who suffer so much greater than I. I am thankful for God's presence in our lives. I may not experience God's presence at every moment, but I know that my God is a living God, that walks at my side every step of my life.
The first Christmas as a priest was an extraordinary experience. From the children's Christmas Vigil mass, to the contemporary Christmas Vigil mass, the Midnight mass, and the Sunday morning masses, I was tired, but it was a good kind of tired. I found it very fitting that there was a rainstorm on Christmas eve. In the midst of some very crazy weather, we were inside celebrating the birth of Christ and Christ's presence among us amidst the rainy storm that is sometimes our lives.
This Christmas was difficult in the fact I was not able to visit family, but this allowed me to visit my parish family member's in their time of difficultly. This Christmas gave me a glimpse of what it is like for those who are not able to visit family on Christmas, like our soldiers over seas. This Christmas allowed me to grow into my vocation more fully. Dying to myself, and giving Christ to others.
This Christmas I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful foremost for priesthood I share with Jesus Christ. I am thankful for a parish family that has been sooooo supportive and caring. I am thankful for the ability to suffer with those who suffer so much greater than I. I am thankful for God's presence in our lives. I may not experience God's presence at every moment, but I know that my God is a living God, that walks at my side every step of my life.
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