The Churches

RETURN OF THE PASTOR . . . Father Dan is becoming a sermon in himself, having returned from Guest House, a recovery center for priests, a new man, living one day at a time and telling us about it in measured phrases in the bulletin. I knew something was up a week ago when after mass he stood praying, head bowed and arms around the shoulders of a man and a woman. A memorable picture.

Today he tells in the bulletin of the visit of his counsellor from Guest House, who came to see how he is doing and to meet with various people and groups, as announced a week ago. Dan briefly describes his "program" of attending A.A. meetings, "getting out for walks, and setting aside time for reading and meditation" -- in addition to his regular duties.

In a telling commentary about life as a pastor with application to life as anything else, he says, "I've had to learn how to carve time out of the day to take care of my self," adding poignantly, "So far, so good." He quotes the "one day at a time" motto, thanking for the support he is getting and thanking God for us parishioners.

The lady of our house, like me a lifelong Catholic, can't recall anything like this from a priest. Nor I.

posted by Jim Bowman @ 3/13/2005 12:38:00 PM