Pastor’s Letter: October 18, 2026

Pastor’s Letter: October 18, 2026

16 Oct 2026 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

Blessings to you all this weekend! I hope everyone is well—this past week at St. Philomena has been another one full of blessings and reminders that we are a true family here! Masses, Confessions, OCIA, Manna, Finance Council, Long-term planning committee, marriage prep, weddings, funerals, and time spent with students—what a wonderfully grace-filled week it has been! Although each of these is an important part of our parish life, perhaps my favorite thing this week—the commissioning of our new 5^th grade altar servers. I am so edified by the enthusiasm of our young people to serve the Mass—to be there close to the altar where Jesus becomes present. Although it is sometimes a lot of details for young minds to remember, I appreciate very much their willingness to stretch themselves in service of our parish. Please pray for our new servers as they begin assisting at daily Masses and work their way up to the weekend Masses!

This week, we continue with Msgr. Gray’s Book Study…and I find it fits well with my upcoming schedule!

Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen…Chapter 13

As Msgr. Gray observes, “Celibacy and marriage are different vocations but both focused on love. How did Sheen explain this truth? Does the world today understand this truth? Would Sheen support those today who call for the ordination of married priests? Sheen described the fruits of celibacy not as a fruitless and arid emptiness but as a greater and joyful union with God. Explain this insight. Why are priests who leave the priesthood to get married often unhappy? In the last paragraph, what is the connection between the recognition of God and our own sense of unworthiness?”

Answers: The celibate and the married person are both called to love. The celibate loves God immediately while the married person loves God mediated through the spouse. For those who are called, celibacy is a gift from God. The world does not understand this because we live in a sensate culture. Because Sheen sees the priesthood in connection with being a victim and loving God completely, he would not support married priests. The emptiness of the celibate in not having a spouse must be filled with a love of Christ that is lifegiving. The ex-priest who marries discovers that he must make many sacrifices as a married man, though he has betrayed the best of his first loves. For this reason, he will be unhappy. We recognize in God his perfect beauty and perfect love, which make our lack of perfection and our unworthiness all the more evident.

Several weeks ago in OCIA class, we were reflecting on creation in Genesis Chapters 1 and 2…and a member of the class observed well the apparent difference between God’s observation that “it is not good for man to be alone” and those who live a life of celibacy. In a practical way, the question gave me an opportunity to share how full the life of the priest truly is—and how the parish family truly is the priest’s family. As I have shared before, I love the life of a priest! This chapter did give me an opportunity to pray especially for any priests that have left ministry for whatever reason. No doubt, Sheen was writing from his own experience and conversations he had through time. Please join with me in praying for God’s grace and wisdom for anyone who needs it this day!

 Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen…Chapter 14

In this chapter, Msgr. Gray asks, “Compared to Sheen’s other works (teaching, making converts, missions, writing, radio and television) what made giving retreats especially important to him? How could Sheen tell when a priest on retreat was going to leave the priesthood? Why did Sheen consider retreats for those in prison so successful?”

Answers: He learned about himself and his own priesthood when giving retreats to other priests. Priests may enjoy hearing about liturgy, social action, psychology, or other topics. However, the priest who is uncomfortable hearing about Jesus or the Eucharist is someone who was going to leave the priesthood. Prisoners know that they are sinners and are very ready to hear about Jesus’ mercy.

This chapter is timely for me…this coming week my continuing education program has us doing a week-long silent retreat. I have done a few of these kinds of retreats through the years—I always find them so refreshing and renewing. Along the lines of what Sheen mentions is key—I especially enjoy having the time to spend with Jesus in prayer, both in Mass and adoration, as well as in the other quiet moments of the day. These retreats help to strengthen our union with Christ and help call us back to joyful moments of “being” with Jesus in prayer. Recently, Fr. Blake and I were talking about the practice of “Desert Days,” where a person might take a day or chunk of a day for quiet and prayer. Those kinds of mini-retreats are a great opportunity to renew and stay close with Jesus. If you have never tried a silent retreat or a desert day, I would encourage you to consider trying even a couple of hours—no phone or other technology, perhaps the Bible or a helpful spiritual book…but mainly just quiet prayer with the One who loves us best. You’ll be amazed at how much Jesus can do in our hearts with that kind of availability from us. Please pray for me this week and for all the priests who will be on retreat—know of my ongoing prayers and blessing for you all!

In Christ,
Father Luke