My dear friends in Christ,
Well the best laid plans of mice and men to asunder! We were supposed to be at St. Anne's Shrine this weekend for our Fall retreat, but life intervened and has caused us to reschedule the retreat for the end of October. I believe there must be a reason for this change, a particular grace that God intends for those on the retreat. So while we may be a bit disappointed to have not gone on retreat this weekend, let's pray to be open for the graces God will bestow upon us in October. "We know that all things work for good for those who love God." Romans 8:28

I will be away from the Catholic Center from Sunday afternoon, 9/19 until Saturday morning, 9/25. for the last 15 years I have been blessed to have the use of a beautiful cottage on Lake Skaneateles in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. It is a week of true relaxation and renewal. I'll be with a couple of priest friends and we'll have Mass, pray the liturgy of the hours, play some golf and enjoy some nice meals. While I know we are still at the beginning of the semester and we're just getting to know each other, I decided to keep the days away on my calendar because  I've not been away for a week's vacation since last year and I know that if I don't take the time I'm likely to get a bit grumpy. So please pray for me while I'm away and know that I will be praying for you. I'll be back in time to pick some apples next Saturday.

Msgr. DeForge will be offering the evening Masses Monday through Thursday this coming week. I'm most appreciative of his willingness to help me out. Unfortunately, we'll not have Mass on Wednesday or Friday mornings. This will be the last real alteration to our daily Mass schedules for the rest of the semester.

Stay well, keep the faith, study hard but pray harder,

Msgr. John J. McDermott, V.G.