Times of trial

I really must apologize to the readers of this blog for going so long without a post, but I think everyone should know that it has been a very trying time for our deaconate formation class, and we are all in need of your prayers. We have had one Brother Aspirant who lost a brother-in-law and his father within a couple of days of each other. Still another who has lost a son to a terrible accident. Further, my own house seems to be enduring some troubles of late (no, nothing serious or threatening, just another trial of sorts). We all need your prayers. We were warned that the Enemy of our Souls would place us in the cross hairs, and it certainly would certainly seem that he is giving it his best attempt-we shall not let him win.

We had our last workshop of the year in mid-May, and Deacon Bob Smearing, who helps lead the ministry to the sick and homebound of our parish, attended. I was thrilled to have him there, and it seems that in recent weeks he and I have been communicating more, a reality with which I am particularly happy and which I hope continues. I sat next to Deacon Bob during last week's Knights of Columbus meeting and First Degree. Deacon Bob said he may be able to get an Ordo for me at the paraclete, but I haven't been able to pick it up yet (I forgot to check for it Sunday last). Deacon Bob and I are communicating more, so it is good to have a Deacon in my own parish that I can learn from on a regular basis even as classes are over for the summer.