So, we will see how it goes…
In the category of things that I have mixed emotions about, I am very excited for Pat Marstall, our parish secretary, who is going on an extended period of vacation beginning next week. It is a kind of trial run for her, as she looks to options on how to spend the silver and golden years ahead. I am glad for her and the opportunity before her. And I pray for a restful, relaxing time, with much sunshine and enjoyable weather in Florida.
The mixed emotion side of things is that she will be gone for an entire month. Not since the hiatus between Sr. Dorothy’s leaving that position and Pat’s hire, will there have been such a gap without a secretary to handle the flow of phone and foot traffic that wends its way into our St. Ann rectory on a regular basis. I suspect it will become very clear how much I rely upon her to keep the parish running so smoothly. I also expect to find out how many little things she does quietly and efficiently behind the scenes that I take for granted.
In the interim, Eileen will be busier than normal, finishing off and editing the bulletin, answering the doors, and attending to the normal interactions that compose “a day at St. Ann.” We will make full use of the auto-attendant while Pat is gone, so to reach Eileen, dial extension 852, and to reach me, dial 855 when the message kicks on. I would ask that you be a bit more patient at the door if it takes us a bit longer to answer it, or if there are moments when no one answers, because Eileen is making a run over to school or I am at the Newman Center. We will do our best to post notifications on the door when no one will be around on a given hour or day to greet you.
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Next week, September 15-19, 2014, the priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis will join Archbishop Robert J. Carlson for the 2014 Convocation. This meeting occurs once every four years and offers our clergy a unique opportunity for prayer, reflection, and discussion as coworkers, brothers, and friends.
Fr. Ron has graciously agreed to cover masses here while I am gone. (Be sure to thank him, as most parishes will only be having communion services in the absence of their priests…) Please keep Archbishop Carlson and the priests of our archdiocese in your prayers during this special time.