I was ordained a deacon in June of 1999. I went to school for another year after ordination to receive my certifications to be an administrator of religious education at all age levels–elementary, secondary, and adult education. I accepted my first full-time position as a Director of Religious Education in July of 2000 at St. Benedict’s Parish in Florence, Colorado. Wow! More than a quarter of a century has passed since then.
I recently had the opportunity to return to Florence for a brief visit. It filled my mind with many great memories. I had much to learn in my new role back when I started shortly after ordination. There were bumps in the road to be sure, but my second year revealed the depth of goodness in the people of St. Benedict. I was diagnosed with cancer just a little over a year after beginning my role at St. Benedict. The outpouring of love and prayerful support went far beyond anything I could have expected.
The parish has added a Divine Mercy Chapel. Seeing this new chapel made me stop and pause. God has blessed me with an abundance of Divine Mercy over these nearly 27 years of ordained ministry. At my ordination I heard these words clearly, “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach.” In God’s mercy, I have been given the gift of serving despite my many shortcomings and flaws.
I am extremely grateful for the privilege of having served at St. Benedict Parish in Florence, Colorado. Blessings to all in this wonderful community!