3/5/2023

Last week I said “unless we hear from you that you want Masses to be streamed then the computer and the camera and wires will be taken down after next weekend.” Well, we heard from you, and you changed our mind! We will continue to stream as we have been. Thank you for speaking up and thank you for letting us know. At the same time, we are going to work at having a more professional setup where the sound quality is better, it is easier to run, and there are no wires running across our floor to trip over. It is not lost on me that there are more polished streamers of Masses to watch, and yet you want to tune in to your local parish. I treasure that loyalty and want to honor it.
I caught a virus that was going around our school and am following the doctor’s orders and isolating. This particular virus involves a sore throat and chest congestion. It is NOT strep throat or COVID, and I am getting better slowly. I apologize for not being able to give the talk on last Monday, and hope to be able to do it this coming Monday. The irony is not lost on me that the topic of the talk was “healing,” and I was “sick.” I can hear the comment, “Physician, heal thyself!” It was suggested that I put the three talks back one week, but the third week would be March 20th which is the day I am scheduled to have my first cataract eye surgery. I hope that after cataract surgery on both eyes, I will eventually be able to read better from the altar and ambo, have better night vision, and see where my golf shots land… Let us see how this plays out.
On an entirely different note, I had dinner with Dr. Martin Kanne, M.D., in Kansas City. He is in his late 60s and plans mission trips to Guatemala consisting in 10 – 14 people. He is looking for people who can work and help the people in this third world country. He is willing to come and speak to the parish if I think that we have people who are interested. It is amazing how much one can accomplish with a few resources in Guatemala. I myself have seen both the poverty and the tremendous impact that a little money can have in this country when I was working on Fr. Rother’s Cause for Canonization. If anyone would be interested in such a trip, Dr. Kanne would be a great contact. He is looking for workers, not donations. Please let me know if you are interested.
May the Transfiguration of Christ inspire us to live as members of Christ’s new creation, seeking to become like Him in His Glory by following him in his passion. May this be a memorable and blessed Lent! It is a joy to be your pastor!

Father Albert, O.S.B.