Rite of Enrollment and “Rite of Passage”

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

I survived the first six months

It is hard to believe it has been over six months since I was ordained a priest. I recently had the opportunity to return to my Alma Mater, Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, and the most frequent question I got was, "has the priesthood been what you expected?" Looking back over these past six months, I realize that it has been a whirlwind of experiences that have affirmed and challenged me. I would like to speak of two.

First, is the outreach ministry to the middle schoolers known as "Cell." Every Wednesday and Friday, St. Ann's opens its doors to all the middles schoolers of our community. They invade like a barbarian horde from across the street to the Family Life Center of St. Ann's. The middle schoolers get out of school around 2 pm and so we provide a safe place for them to share in fellowship and fun. At first, this was a very daunting challenge, however, as the children have gotten to know me they have begun to warm up to me. I don't know whether it was schooling a few of them in basketball or just throwing around the football, but a change occurred. There is one moment that stands out in my mind, a girl wanting me to watch her throw the football. It was then that I realized one of the fruits of spiritual fatherhood. I remember as a child wanting my Dad to see how far I could throw, how high I could jump, etc. It truly is the little things that count.

Second, is my ministry to the sick. Although I have been trained sufficiently in the art of pastoral care, I could not have imagined the intimate situations that I have been invited to witness. Whether it be a woman dying of cancer wanting to pray the rosary with a priest and her family or comforting a mother with two sick sons and a husband that is restricted to a wheelchair. It is in those moments that I experience helplessness. Only Christ has the power to console, to heal, and bring comfort. I realize that I am but a instrument and a path by which Christ can touch his people.

I cannot imagine what the next six months will bring, but one thing is for certain. In all that I do, Christ will be there to guide me, strengthen me, challenge me, humble me, and affirm me.

May you all have a Blessed Christmas

Father Paul Lambert

“In Prison and You Visited Me”

One of the many joys of the first months of priesthood is that now all the great feasts of the Church’s liturgical year that I’ve shared in through the years I’m now celebrating as a priest! I find myself in prayer and in “random thoughts” saying, “I can’t believe I’m preparing a homily and will celebrate Mass on All Saints…All Souls…Christ the King…WOW!

With Advent we’ve begun a new (liturgical) year—let’s sing “Auld Lang Syne”…better yet, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”.

Pope Benedict’s latest reflections on Advent point out that the ancient word used for Advent includes the understanding of a visit from a dignitary, king, or deity. His Holiness is also a well-trained Augustinian scholar whose main emphasis, within that tradition following Platonic philosophy, focuses on the transcending, lunging, propelling, liberating, soaring nature of humanity out from the potentially imprisoning confines of this world and this life.

I think I’ve experienced a little “two-step” dance between these two ideas above in my fledgling months. Our Eastern Deanery has a very involved prison ministry. Particularly here at Good Shepherd, between our parishioners and us priests, we have a presence at one, if not two, prisons every Sunday. This is something I always wanted to be involved with. In fact, I had my first experience in prison ministry (Taylor Correctional Institution) while assigned in Perry “many moons” ago now.

Anyway—the “two-step” Advent dance between the visit and prison. Last week, I went to the women’s prison for the first time. I celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. It was incredible to behold the faces of these women as they received the sacraments. Their experience of the Lord’s powerful and loving “visit” with them precisely within their current circumstances was palpable. Was that not an experience of transcendence, liberation, soaring?

This Advent I’m on the lookout for Advent “two-steps” in the streets of Tallahassee. I know I’ve already seen it where I did not expect, but that’s probably where I’ll find it again.

Father Will Ganci

Chimbote

I have just returned from a mission trip that took place in Chimbote, Peru, about six hours north of Lima, the capital city of Peru. I am so blessed that St. Ann Catholic Church had given me the opportunity to visit the parish that they continually support in Chimbote, Peru. I had many expectations about my trip to third world country. I was looking forward to having my eyes opened to the face of poverty, and the joy of those whose only riches are found in our savior, Jesus Christ. What I experienced was beyond what I could have possibly expected.

Chimbote is a city that was created to support the fishing industry. This city is located near the Pacific Ocean, but is surround by arid desert. If I didn't know better I would have though someone had brought me to the Sahara Desert. The city is busy with noise of cab drivers honking, speaking blaring music, and the occasional whistle of a police officer. I saw living conditions that shocked me, and houses that I couldn't believe people lived in.

Though what stands out the most was the people I encountered. An eighteen year old mother with a 12 day old baby. A old woman hunched over so much that she was bent over. Not to mentioned the many people with disabilities. However, it was the faith of these people that made such a powerful impression upon me. They look to God for answers and have faith that God will take care of them. They even say a prayer after the collection asking the Lord to bless what they have offered to God and his Church.

I hoped that this trip would broaden my view of the Church and its purpose in this world. I have returned with a different perspective on this world we live in, and my priesthood has taken on a new meaning. As I look toward Thanksgiving, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for, and that there is bountiful harvest that I have been invited to work on.

High School Revisited....

High School Revisited!

This year is my 10th anniversary of High School graduation. I don’t know what happened with my Class of ’99, but I haven’t heard about any events to celebrate. Perhaps they left me off the invitation list (teary eyed).

I enjoyed High School. I even remember most of the words to the Alma Mater and enjoy singing it on occasion. The great memories of classes, teachers, athletics, friends, etc. I can’t believe it has been 10 years!

God is good! Even if my classmates abandoned me, God has not (Is 49.15). My first year in the priesthood, in the Year for Priests, God has brought me to John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee…Go Panthers!

Over these past few months since the academic year began I’ve had the opportunity to relive the excitement of High School simply being in their presence. Once a month I offer Mass on Friday and if there are other events going on, such as this coming weekend, they will perform Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, I’ll try to attend. I’ve enjoyed attending the various Fall sports, however, I must admit that I’d rather be playing than watching. Recently, the girl’s volleyball team won the Regional Championship and will advance to the State Finals this week…once again…Go Panthers!

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my 10th anniversary! Thanks JPII!!

Father Will Ganci

Life is changed not ended...

"Life is changed, not ended." These words echoed in my mind as I celebrated the commemoration of All Souls. Since I have been at St. Ann's, there have been numerous funerals. Some we (The Staff and I) were expecting and others caught us by surprise. As the names of the faithful departed over my short time at St. Ann came to mind, I began to truly understand that simple phrase, "In death, life is changed, not ended." Just about every funeral I have concelebrated with my pastor, he choose the first preface for Christian Funerals, which includes that phrase. I knew of course that we must die to this world to be reborn in life eternal, but there is something more to this phrase.

A parishioner mentioned that a certain parishioner who had died was one of the pillars of St. Ann's. Without missing a beat I said, "Now he is part of the foundation." It was then I realized that the lives of this parish family have not only effect on earth, but continue to pray for us in heaven. I knew of the concept of the communion of saints, those in purgatory, and the Church present, but it was only then did I experience with such power the love of God that binds us all together.

With that in mind, the Eucharist, as the point at which heaven kisses earth, is nothing short of experiencing God's love. What an honor that God has chosen me, a weak man, to bring about such a reality!

Many Voices, One Word

Many Voices, One Word - My first Priesthood Retreat

I’m just retuning from my very first priesthood retreat held this past week. I cannot give the Lord enough thanks for the many graces received during this time set aside to be together with my brother priests and to be refreshed by Lord through prayer and the direction of our Retreat Master.

It is always appropriate to name and share graces after retreat…so:

Grace #1: Our Retreat Master, Fr. Ron Rieder, OFM. Cap., a tremendous priest of 47 years was THE MESSAGE!! His love for the priesthood and his particular walk in it, with tales of trial and glory, was absolutely perfect for a freshman class priest needing to hear about faithfulness “to the end” (cf. John 13:1).

Grace #2: This was the first time to be together with a majority of the priests of our diocese since our ordination, June 13th. The concelebration of all the priests with Bp. Ricard was incredibly powerful for me. Hearing the words of the epiclesis (the calling of the Holy Spirit), the whispers of the Words of Institution filling the one upper room with the One Word, Jesus Christ. From great distances — Perry to Perdido — the mission and communion that we share across the miles, in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ, was there!

Grace #3: Waiting anxiously for my return to Good Shepherd to write this edition of the PT Year of the Priest Blog!!! Truly, this retreat was a breath of fresh air; literally because we were near the Gulf of Mexico, spiritually because of the precious commodity of time surrendered to the Lord for those days (may each of our days include the latter).

Priesthood Retreat 2009, in this Year for Priests, was great, but I look forward to the next one and the times in between to be together with my brother priests to unite our voices to the One Word,“This is my body…This is my blood," the Mystery of Faith!

Father Will Ganci, October 26, 2009

The View from the Altar

When I look out into the congregation on Sunday, waiting for them to settle in their seats for the homily, I see a lot more than just faces in a crowd. I see a community of faith that has persevered through many trials and difficulties. I see their joy, and I see their pain. I see their peace, and I see their uneasiness. I see the broken body that is the mystical body of Christ. I see my home.

Although it has only been three months and I still feel like a newbie, I am beginning to grasp my parish ever closer to my heart. Every Mass, every confession, every trip to the hospital, draws me into ever closer intimacy with my parish. It is not only the good times but the struggles that bring me deeper into parish life. It is in the conflicts, the issues that arise, that I am given to opportunity to grow deeper in relationship with those I minister to.

I have come to understand that Hurricane Ivan and Dennis forever changed this community of faith. There was and still is residual pain and suffering still lingering in the community, but this is overpowered by the great unity that was sparked in those troubling times. I have come to understand and appreciate the culture of the community of Gulf Breeze.

When I look out into the congregation, I don't see parents, retired elderly, small children, young families. I see the family that has accepted me into their home. I see a people thirsting for the word of God to come alive in their hearts and lives. I see the Kingdom of God being made manifest before my eyes.

A Lovely Smorgasbord: Good Shepherd Staff Meetings

Our staff meetings at Good Shepherd are a lovely smorgasbord, indeed! However, these meetings are not too Swedish as the origins of the word might lead one to think.

COURSE #1: We meet every Thursday at 12:00. The meeting begins with quiet prayer together—inviting the Good Shepherd to gather us and lead our discussion. Then we reflect on the upcoming weekend’s readings; each are voluntarily read by a staff member. Then we share a thought or word that struck us from the scriptures. Various reflection questions are put before us to stimulate application of God’s word in our lives and the life of our parish. We offer special intentions for various needs and then pray a closing prayer followed by…

COURSE #2: The blessing of the FOOD!...which is provided by a member of the staff, including us priests, each week. You can’t beat this kind of staff meeting—very Catholic! Eat, drink, discuss, etc. and still accomplish what needs to be done in a staff meeting.

This past Thursday’s meeting fell on the Feast of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower. Of course, this great saint was from France. In her honor, we enjoyed a very tasty French meal (no French champagne at noontime), meanwhile we pummeled through our agenda in the usual good spirit and concluded almost simultaneously with the last ounce of the delectable French dish served!

What great experiences for this newly ordained priest in this Year for Priests! Will staff meetings always be like this? What staff meeting can compare with our great staff meeting? A Lovely smorgasbord, indeed!

Father Will Ganci

St. Mary to St. Mary - serving God's people

From St. Mary Parish (Fort Walton Beach) to St. Mary Parish (Pensacola)

It has been twenty-eight days since I have arrived at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pensacola, and unpacked my running shoes and books. I’m ready for my second assignment — whatever Father Dominic Phan Sa needs me to do. I’ve been going to the nursing homes, visiting the elderly at the nursing homes, bringing the sacraments: anointing of the sick, confession, and the Eucharist.

It’s been a real challenge learning all the parishioners’ names but the people have been real nice about it. Sunday we had our parish picnic and I was put to the test of remembering as many as I could. Needless to say I needed some more practice of remembering who is who. At the picnic we had hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, and just about every kind of side dish you could think of. When it came to the sweets we had enough for everybody to enjoy.

We had games for all the different kids to play — volleyball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, horseshoes, and face painting for the younger ones. We had a great turnout of our church family at our annual picnic.

I have been saying Mass every day and preaching the word of God. The people have been very friendly and supportive in everything I have done here at St.Mary’s.

“The Eucharist, that which comes to us through the hands of our spiritual fathers, is considered to be the source and the summit of our spiritual lives. It’s the very reason we are Catholic, that Christ gave us this gift through the hands of our priest.” (Sacramentum Caritatis)

I am blessed to be here but I look to the future with confidence, that God will inspire me to serve the Church with love and compassion of Christ.

Father Bob Johnson, Sept. 28, 2009

My parent's 40th Anniversary, Sept. 12, 2009

It must have been half-way through my last year of seminary that I realized that within my first year of priesthood my parents would be celebrating their 40 years of marriage. From that time my siblings and I started to plan for this momentous occasion. We were thinking renting a hall, inviting all their friends, and having a big party for their marriage. When it came down to it, all my parents wanted was us to be together. This not the easiest task.

The Anniversary mass and dinner would take place in Clearwater, FL where my parents live. My older brother Luke, his wife Mary, and their two daughters Amy and Isabelle live in Loveland, Colorado. My older sister was living in Glendale, California. My younger brother Philip, who lives the closest, lives in Orlando, FL. By the grace of God we all arrived safe and in good humor.

It was a Saturday that we were going to celebrate a mass for my parents. The first thought was to have it just before dinner, and celebrate the Sunday's liturgy as a vigil. However, we decided to celebrate it earlier. I had planned on it being the Sunday's liturgy so I scrambled and picked out the ritual mass for anniversaries, and some readings that are given for anniversaries. I had my parents read the first reading and the responsorial psalm. My Dad read the words from Psalm 128, "May you see your children's children," he looked to his left and right at his two granddaughters. It was such a graceful moment.

As I said a prayer of blessing over my parents after the homily and blessed their rings with holy water, my Mom's eyes watered with tears of joy. I ask her afterwards what had struck her so powerfully. She said that when they got married she could not have imagined that 40 years later that she would receive a blessing from her own son on her anniversary.

As I left my family and returned to my parish family, I felt and still do feel recharged by the experience. It was because of my parents' radical living of their vocation in marriage that gave birth to my vocation as a priest. It is their love that they shared with me that allowed me to experience God's love and to give God's love daily to those who I encounter every day.