I wrote about this earlier (because I didn’t want you to be too surprised when I left), but the time for my study pilgrimage to the Holy Land is fast approaching. You may recall that I wrote that when I finished my role as Provincial Minister, I was granted a sabbatical from June 2017 to June 2018. This was to be a time of rest and renewal, updating and preparation for another ministry. At the Chapter in May when I was finishing my term, Fr. Bill Farris was elected Provincial Vicar and there was a need for a pastor here at Transfiguration. I very happily adjusted my sabbatical plans so that I could come and be with you, but our Province Leadership did suggest that I keep my plans to participate in a Holy Land study pilgrimage sponsored by Catholic Theological Union, our school of theology in Chicago, from April 29 through May 19. The study pilgrimage will be led by Bible Scholar, Sr. Laurie Brink, OP. I have been taking an online course to prepare for this adventure since last February. I will be leaving after the 8:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 29 and will return on Saturday evening, May 19, in time to celebrate Pentecost with you on May 20. I will be visiting biblical sites in Israel, Turkey, and Greece. We will be studying the Scriptures in the place where they were written! In my absence, Fr. Dennet will again be helping with masses, and I am grateful for his assistance. Please pray for me during this time, and I promise to bring you along with me in spirit as I visit the holy sites and study the Scriptures.
Fr. Jeff