From the Pastor’s desk— July 20, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

Last week I shared the significance of me arriving at Santiago de Compostela after my long walk. Since some of you have asked, it was a total of 190 miles over 15 days. Others have asked what I learned from my pilgrimage, and that’s what I want to share today.

The first thing I learned was what it felt like to have a clear mind again. Every day we would get up early and walk as far as we could before the sun came up and the heat rose. We would keep snacks in our bags and stop briefly to rest and eat before moving on. In the evenings after arriving in our next town we would rest and enjoy a good supper together. Even though I had my phone with me, I felt free of worry for three whole weeks, no responsibilities except to walk and rest. Since coming home, I can more easily return to that peace of mind.

The second thing I learned, which I’ve already mentioned in conversation, is moving together as a group. Each of us had our weaknesses show up in one way or another during the trip. We had to be patient with each other, be generous with each other, and let ourselves be accepted and helped in our weaknesses. Since coming back I’ve been attentive to how we can move together here in the parish in that same way so nobody gets left behind on the way.

One final thing I’d say is my Spanish is much improved. I’m more at ease speaking, even when I’m searching for words. While on the Camino, most of the towns were small and few people spoke English. I was often called on to translate for the group since some of us didn’t speak any Spanish. I remember one day in particular when it poured rain down and I had to call a taxi to come find us on the side of the road. We were soaked and freezing cold, and I felt like a hero that day. I often thought how grateful I am that our community here helped prepare me for those experiences.

         

           

 

             

  

Fr. Joseph