Dear Parishioners and Friends,
"Other duties from time to time..."
Many times, postulants enter seminary with lofty and romantic ideas about what the ordained life will be like. Perhaps this comes from watching too many television shows like "Grantchester," or movies like "The Bells of St. Mary's."
While in seminary, we learn many concepts and words like "perichoresis" and "hypostatic union." To be sure, these and other theological nuggets are essential for the solid formation of a priest. Just as important, though are the many, many things we learn "on the ground;" things that they don't (and couldn't possibly) teach in seminary.
I have had to deal with many unusual circumstances in my 14 years as a priest. Last week, however, took the cake. It all started on Thursday with a text from our cleaning crew: We hate to bother you, but there is a snake in the church. I was ready for an escaped anaconda, but when I got to the serpent along with the intrepid Sally Sonne, we encountered something about as big around as a knitting needle and half as long stuck in a spider web. It was safely returned to the wilds of the churchyard.
Then on Friday while having my morning coffee, I got a call from Saturday's bride-to-be. Her fiancé tested positive for covid, and the ceremony at the West Point Cadet Chapel was off. "Could we do it on the lawn at St. Mary's?" Of course we could! With help from Pete, a borrowed sound system from Calvin DeMond, and flowers from my garden--presto! An outdoor wedding chapel. Though far from ideal, it went off beautifully, safely, and everyone had a marvelous time.
All of this just goes to show that in ministry, we all sometimes need to be flexible in the extreme!
Blessings,
Father Rick
917.658.6314
