In loco isto dabo pacem

"In this place, I will give peace"

On a day off during the week, I got up to Bath, Maine to see my friends the Finns and and old friend Ana Lisa from college. It's a joy that my friend Patrick will be entering St John's Seminary, my alma mater, in the fall. We all had a great time reminiscing about our alma mater, Franciscan University, and talking about the Lord's blessings amidst trials. 

We took to the sea to the Cap'n Fish Whale Watch in Boothbay Harbor. Go figure that we would see a bunch of fin whales with the Finn family! 

We came back and had Mass on the Finn family dining room table, agape style, as we pondered the mystery of the Lord's dwelling place.

It was then that we shifted gears to the traditional Finn family lobster dinner. I look forward to it every summer. 

This morning before the crack of dawn we drove Ana Lisa to Portland and then took in a great breakfast, or I should say "beck"fast at Becky's Diner. 

Patrick and I then got to what is probably my favorite place in the United States, Portland Head Light. 

I was inspired to workout there, and somehow managed to master a time delay shot for a workout selfie. 

Praying and working out here feels amazing. It's a beautiful interplay of the divine and human. Perhaps that's why Henry Wadsworth Longfellow likened this place to the great St Christopher. It's a place that bears the Christ and his peace. 

XLT Westfield 7/27

Tonight I had the awesome grace of being the speaker at XLT Westfield, the praise and worship with Eucharistic adoration and speaker event that I helped start with youth minister Tim Hourihan at St Mary's Parish. I'm so thankful to God for the fruits that this ministry continues to bear, especially for the amazing sounds of Soul Motive, the worship band of youth and young adults that is seriously like hearing a recording every time you hear them. 

Tonight I got to witness to the Lord's power, giving the congregation a crash course in the 12 steps, and a couple pointers that they could take with them when they left: a daily plan of life, Sacraments, the Word of God, Grace, power, and reaching out to a community of witnesses. The message strongly resounded as the band started singing "You are not alone" by Kari Jobe, helping us to understand that with the Lord and his Church we are never alone, and do not have to go it alone.

We got the opportunity to lay it all down before the Bread of Life, giving to the Lord all the things that have left us powerless, have made life unmanageable, and have left us feeling alone. To be in his presence, we felt and knew that God loves us, "oh how he loves us!"

From the response, I am glad people left with a renewed sense of the Lord's power. It was great to see the new Diocesan youth minister, Gina Czerwinski present in the assembly, as it showed the Diocese's interest in these events growing. I am so grateful to be able to witness in this way, for it has helped me to keep in mind the grace of God for recovery in my own life.

CatholicTV and Steubenville East

Yesterday I had the great pleasure to share my story live on CatholicTV's "This is the day" program with Fr Robert Reed and co-host Kate Andrews. I was welcomed to the studios in Watertown, Ma by a very hospitable staff, especially the program director Bonnie Rodgers. The entire process of live tv is definitely a feat, and they all made it feel so simple. It went by quickly. 

I'm very humbled to share this message with the public, but also excited for the possibility of future ministry not only to my brother priests, but also what looks like a budding ministry to the youth and young adult population. I am currently in talks with several youth ministers throughout the country, one as far away as Hawaii, who would like to share our journeys of health and wellness to a population which is increasingly leading unhealthy lifestyles. Please pray for this initiative.

(Link to the interview on CatholicTV)

http://youtu.be/SCEBZBzDdo4

While on my way back to Springfield, many of my friends were gathering for the opening night of the Steubenville East youth conference in Lowell, Ma. I stopped by to catch up and to attend my first youth conference. The beautiful thing about those conferences is the amount of confessions and the need for priests at that event. It was needed for me, as I was able not only to hear confessions for an hour and a half, but to go to confession myself. I left fully energized for my weekend.

Home in Springfield, I'm happy to gather with some of the men of the parish in a budding men's ministry for a summer bbq. These men are young fathers who come from different cultures and backgrounds, but all have their Catholic faith and our parish in common. It's my certain prayer that they continue to grow in their faith together and foster the future of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.  

The Bike trail and some new events

I've found a new love. It's the bike trail. I knew when I wanted to start training for a triathlon that I needed to transition from spin to biking outdoors. Now that I've purchased a bike and a friend loaned me a bike rack, I've hit the bike trail a couple times. It won't stop at a couple. 

Being outdoors during the summer is so amazing. Driving to discover new trails has also brought me together with parishioners who are biking enthusiasts. 

I even got my mom in on the action! 

I will say that after being out a couple times, I need a smaller and faster bike. But we'll get there! 

In other news, I am rededicating my energy towards my 12 step program, which has suffered a little because of ministry and trips. I am eager to continue the steps and to stay true to the eating behaviors that have gotten me to where I am today. There is no room for complacency. I must seek progress, especially on the spiritual side of things. 

I'm happy to announce a couple events which have been confirmed. I will appear on Catholic TV's This is the Day next Friday live at 10:30am. Also, I will be  the opening speaker at the Maine Catholic Men's Conference in Augusta on October 10th, a venue which will be shared with the great professor and philosopher Peter Kreeft. I am deeply honored to be able to share my story in these capacities!