Dear Friends,

There is a commonly used phrase among some people who are involved in ministry and it is, "Our God is a God of surprises!"  Well, it is indeed true.  So it is with a "Godly" and very pleasant surprise that I say hello to all of you as we begin our faith journey together.

However, I'm not coming here alone. One of our seminarians, Jose Carvajal, will be here through the end of the month before he returns to school at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore.  He has had a unique perspective this summer as he started out with me at St. Patrick's in Rutland.

Father Dennis and I go back a very long way together.  I have always known him to be a wonderful priest with a unique sense of humor and a contagious laugh!  He has been most kind in helping with this transition.  He will always be able and welcome to call the parish his home.

Father Carlos has also been very gracious and helpful with his welcome.  I met him a few years ago when he came to this country and am looking forward to sharing our ministry together.

God has been very good to me over the years, and my coming to Our Lady of the Lake is still more proof of his timely generosity to me.  I'm looking forward to celebrating our faith together.

You will be hearing more from me as time goes on, perhaps too much!

In the meantime...

Peace,
Father Michael