My dear friends,

      While we’re in fall, I’m looking forward to spring. I’m not wishing away my year, nor I am I praying to avoid winter, I’m just planning for the garden. I ‘ve been doing some work lately in the rectory courtyard. I’ve been weeding and dividing plants. Now is the time to plant bulbs for spring. I have ordered bulbs and am plotting out the beds for a burst of color come spring. The anticipation of looking out my window at beds of crocuses, daffodils, tulips, allium, and squill makes me happy. It inspires me to do the hard work now to enjoy what will come. I love fall for the crisp air, the changing foliage, but most of all for that planning ahead for joys to come.
      My life as a priest is like that. While I can enjoy what is happening now, I need to keep an eye to what’s coming. Not only am I always a week or two ahead of myself to get bulletins to print, or months ahead in planning liturgies for the various Church seasons, but I look to what is beyond. My ministry is one that has to consider the beauty of the present moment as I prepare for the glories of heaven to come. I am called to live between two worlds. I need to keep one foot in the world of this earth, and I need one in the world of the Kingdom of God. I need to engage in the activities of life here while I consider what all that means for union with the Lord forever. I need do my best to meet the needs of people I serve now and get them ready for their ultimate home with Christ in heaven.
      Living in two worlds is never simple. It’s all too easy to live for the moment but forget to plan for the future. It’s too easy to become obsessed with what is coming and miss the enjoyment of getting there, which makes enjoyment of the destination all the better. We cannot be entirely absorbed in the concerns of the moment, nor completely lost in our concerns for heaven. The Christian life take balance, control, and appreciation. When we see Christ here, it will be that much easier when he greets us in heaven. If I understand my actions have consequences for the future, it not only gets me to heaven, but guarantees my time here will be safer, happier, and holier. Enjoy what you have and rejoice at what is to come. You can have the best of both worlds. Let the splendors of fall help you see that!

Joyfully yours in Christ, Fr. Joe 

My dear friends,

      We’re in the second week of Southington’s Apple Festival. Last weekend, we were graced with beautiful weather. I hope and pray that we have the same this week! So far, we’ve gathered for concerts and contests, to line up from fritters and Frito pie (brought to you by Southington Catholic School). There have been laser shows and fireworks. I walked with the float that the Southington Catholic Home and School entered in the parade. I was with students, parents, our principal, and our advancement director. It was a fun day.

      As I write, my legs are aching. It’s a reminder that I did walk the parade route. I haven’t walked that much since my vacation. It’s time to rest up before this weekend. I may not be in very good shape (actually my shape is perfect – round!), but I made it. I managed to stick with that float and avoid tripping (which an uncoordinated guy like me does often). I may feel it for a day or two, but I made it. And I happy that I did.

      Since I’ve been here over a year, I was able to recognize many of the faces in the crowd. I heard many of the children from catechism and the school yell my name. There were parishioners who greeted me with shouts. I even heard several comment, “Hey Father, nice shoes!” (Not only were they stylish blue suede shoes, but comfortable for walking.) It was a good to be part of the community celebration. It’s worth some achy legs to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I thank God for the opportunity.

      I hope everyone is able to enjoy the continued celebration this weekend. It may be tough to take the time or it might be difficult to get around, but there’s good cause. We are people called by God to live together and support each other. Whether you do that by running a race, standing in a booth serving the vast crowd, or just patiently waiting in line to get around, you’re doing a good thing.

Happily yours in Christ, Fr. Joe