Dear Parishioners,

I had the wonderful opportunity to make a retreat this summer from this past Sunday night, July 18 through Wednesday night July 20. The retreat presenters were Scott Hahn, John Bergsma, and Ralph Martin.

A retreat is meant for “stepping back” from pastoral duties to “go forward” in our spiritual lives with the significant help of listening to God and these chosen presenters. The conferences, daily Mass, adoration, and quiet time are meant to aid me in developing my faith formation in priesthood.

I have enjoyed retreats before and annually for 40 years! Everything about this retreat was incredibly good, helpful, insightful, and refreshing.

While the retreat was held in a conference center at Oglebay State Park, it was also available “virtually.” Because of my recent flare up of polymyalgia rheumatica (inflammation of many muscles) I chose the “virtual” retreat. It worked out very well! The only missing part was the opportunity for priestly fraternity at the actual conference.

All of you were remembered in my prayers. I know many of you have certain difficulties, health problems, experiences of doubt in these crazy times, troubled marriages, sibling rivalry, death of a spouse or parent, and children going through messy things. I prayed for your patient endurance knowing that God reigns supreme.

Many blessings,

Father Jim