(as of last year now Fr. Jeremy & Fr. Kenny) exploring together,
(now Brother Angelus & Fr. Adam at right) teaching them how to teach, 
enjoying Mesa Española together, 
& now taking part in a Mass they are celebrating. 
Wow. I first meg Fr. Craig way back his sophomore year in high school when I was student teaching. Then he joined the youth group Darren & I used to lead at our parish. Then he was friends with my brother at the seminary. Then he was out at St. Gregory's when I taught there. Then whenever he was home on break we saw him because his home parish is also ours. Now he will be a priest in Darren's home town! I was honored &, quite honestly, a little overwhelmed to be a part of his First Mass. What a gift he has been in my life & now will be in the lives of so many! 
His First Mass was even more amazing since many of his high school classmates were there as well. Some I hadn't seen in ten years! They have fulfilling jobs, beautiful families, & happy lives. Others I kept running into over the years: working TEC & QUEST retreats together, around town, as seminarians, as my students once again (as is the case with now Br. Innocent & Br. Angelus above), & as amazing holy people. 
Thank you, God, for surrounding me with such influential, loving, enthusiastic servants with a zeal for souls. We are so happy for them & happy for us to now have them as your dedicated servants. Congratulations Fr. Craig, Fr. Adam, Fr. Matt, Deacon Tom, & Fr. Keith!
Last weekend we were able to attend Ordinations for our Diocese. What an amazing ceremony! I've gone probably ten times in my life & yet I still appreciate new parts each time. On top of all the excitement of new holy priests, it's also like a big Catholic family reunion. I see priests, brothers, sisters, & friends all together at one time that I may only see once a year. Such a gift! This year was an extra special celebration, because all four were at one time my students! There were so many other former students as well that I was getting rather nostalgic.
(now Deacon Tom at the far left) Teaching them Spanish & about different cultural celebrations while learning that God calls quite the WIDE variety of personalities to serve his kingdom,
(now Fr. Keith) being crazy & sharing in the simple joys of life, 
& now taking part in a Mass they are celebrating. 
Wow. I first meg Fr. Craig way back his sophomore year in high school when I was student teaching. Then he joined the youth group Darren & I used to lead at our parish. Then he was friends with my brother at the seminary. Then he was out at St. Gregory's when I taught there. Then whenever he was home on break we saw him because his home parish is also ours. Now he will be a priest in Darren's home town! I was honored &, quite honestly, a little overwhelmed to be a part of his First Mass. What a gift he has been in my life & now will be in the lives of so many! 
His First Mass was even more amazing since many of his high school classmates were there as well. Some I hadn't seen in ten years! They have fulfilling jobs, beautiful families, & happy lives. Others I kept running into over the years: working TEC & QUEST retreats together, around town, as seminarians, as my students once again (as is the case with now Br. Innocent & Br. Angelus above), & as amazing holy people. 
Thank you, God, for surrounding me with such influential, loving, enthusiastic servants with a zeal for souls. We are so happy for them & happy for us to now have them as your dedicated servants. Congratulations Fr. Craig, Fr. Adam, Fr. Matt, Deacon Tom, & Fr. Keith!
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