March 22, 2026

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the funeral for my friend, Father Jerry Kaywell. It was held at Sacred Heart Church in Punta Gorda, Florida, where he had ministered as pastor for twenty-two years. If you are ever in that area, I highly recommend you stop by for Mass. The wake and funeral were truly beautiful with wonderful music and many priests were there along with the bishop to concelebrate Mass. Our mission speaker, Father Steven Olds, preached at both services.

The one thing that stands out the most was how friendly people were to me. I was obviously a priest, and obviously I knew only a few people. I was approached by at least ten people who introduced themselves, asked how I knew Father Jerry, and were very generous in their concern for me in my grief, even as they grieved their pastor. I was deeply touched and grateful for their natural desire to make me feel at home.

It was clear that this is a community that takes welcoming the stranger very much to heart. It made me think of the many times I have heard from visitors to Saint George how welcome they feel here. That is because of YOU. When you greet someone who seems to be a new face, when you have a friendly conversation, when you invite them to join you in your pew—those are the times when people feel the warmth of God’s People. Do not ever underestimate the impact you can make by simply making someone feel at home at Saint George.

On Monday at 7:00 PM, we will be celebrating God’s infinite love for us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I urge you to join us for this beautiful gift of God’s forgiveness. I especially invite those who have not been to the sacrament for a long while. Feeling the embrace of God’s love and the support of the Church is a renewing and profound moment. Please join us Monday at 7:00 PM.

On Tuesday at 7:00 PM, we are extending a special opportunity. Father Kevin McCray and I will be leading a pilgrimage to northern France this coming September. Among the places we will see are Chartres, home of a 1000 year old cathedral, known for its magnificent stained glass windows; Giverny, the village where the Impressionist painter Monet got his inspiration; Lisieux, home of Saint Theresa of the Holy Face of Jesus, better known as the Little Flower; the beaches of D-Day at Normandy; and Paris! This same trip will be offered both in September, 2026 and April, 2027. If you have any interest in making such an amazing pilgrimage, please join us Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Parish Life Center.