As you might imagine trying to be a good shepherd to several thousand people is impossible. The best we priests can do is to be a good shepherd to those whose path we cross on any given day. As priests are fortunate to daily have the opportunity to touch the lives of many people each week. This is immensely satisfying and fulfilling. While a priest's plate is always pretty full in a large parish like Ascension, I must say that I am not overwhelmed by this ministry or task. First, of all, I have a very dedicated staff working with me and a wonderful lot of dedicated volunteers. Both staff and volunteers lighten my load a lot. Thank you.

A constant challenge for me is to know how to use my time and energy. I would appreciate prayers in this area. Our church and Canon Law tells me that my primary tasks are teaching and preaching God's word, celebration of the sacraments and pastoral care of people. The latter one, "the pastoral care of people" is for me the most challenging because it is so far reaching. How does one pastorally care for so many people? In reality, we can't but, as I already said we can care as best we can for all those who cross our path on a given day or week and simply pray for the rest. One thing that would help us a lot is for you to let us know when a parishioner is sick or going through a bad time. Sometimes, I only find out weeks later or never. Too often, people assume we know when in fact we don't or at least I don't know. Don't assume that because one or two people on our staff know about someone that we priests know. Often we don't. My extension is 3070 and my email is tobin2@bellsouth.net, you can always leave a message.

Pray for Your Priests

I know that some of you pray for us priests on a regular basis. Thank you very much. Prayer is the best gift you can give us. Love and support is the second best gift, in my opinion. I thank those of you who take time to write or email a little note or just verbally thank us for the work we do. Many of you have told me how much you enjoyed the Holy Week services.

I realize not all of you will be happy with everything we do or say. That is to be expected in such a large parish. And I have no problem with individuals expressing their opinions about issues. In fact, I encourage it. Such open, honest communication make for a mature adult church. What doesn't help and is very destructive is negative gossip and unfounded rumors. While there is nothing I can do to stop them, individuals who indulge in such destructive behavior should know that their behavior tears down the Body of Christ.

Speaking about praying for priests, I'd like to share with you the following prayer.