So, it’s been a while since I updated my blog…4 months actually. Well, I got kind of busy and updating my blog really had to take a back seat for a while. I am now ready to have another go at it and try to keep up a little better. There are so many other good blogs out there to read that I have to admit I’ve been spending more time reading other people’s stuff than writing my own. Perhaps you’re wondering what I’ve been up to for the last months. Well, here’s a quick overview and then I’ll get back to blogging some more recent events.

The thing the occupied most (well, almost all) of my summer was serving as a hospital chaplain at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. This was a part of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program and was required for my Master of Divinity degree at the seminary. It was a very tiring summer, but I enjoyed a lot of the ministry. I was in charge of the Emergency Room and Trauma Center and things are seldom dull there. Every time the pager goes off, you know you are going to be needed for what is likely the most significant day in someone’s life, sometimes the last day. Although I learned a lot, I was glad when it was over. Above is my CPE group, 4 Catholic seminarians (a rarity in CPE) and my Muslim supervisor (also a rarity).

My friend Doug was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. This will be me soon, but more on that later.

Another good friend, Fr. Kent O’Connor was named a pastor in Sabetha, KS and left Cure of Ars after four years as Associate Pastor.

I spent some time with my Godson, Benedict. Here he tried to run me over with his scooter. He’s an ornery little guy.

I once again served as judge at the annual parish BBQ contest. It’s a tough job, but the priesthood is all about service, so I agreed.

I spent some time with my grandparents who are very excited for my ordination. We went and visited the homestead of my great-great-great grandparents as well as the graves of many of my relatives.

I won the Jared Cheek Memorial Mini Cup in a hardly fought miniature golfing battle that took two holes of sudden death to decide the winner. Fr. Greg Hammes sponsors the tournament each year which was renamed last year in honor of Seminarian Jared Cheek who was the last winner before being killed in a car accident in the fall of 2005.

I spent some time with my family down at the Lake of the Ozarks for a family reunion. I love the early morning jet ski rides.

My first nephew, Tanner Jacob, was born who I will baptize the day after my odrdination next month.

I had more fun with Benedict, but this time kept a firm hold on him so he wouldn’t attack me.

He still tried to poke my eye out.

Before heading back to seminary I had a nice farewell night with friends. When the St. Lawrence group gets together now there are always lots of little kids to play with. It’s awesome to see such holy families living out their vocations. God has truly blessed me with great friends.

Well, that’s a whirlwind update of the last four months. I promise more postings in the next few days, particularly one with the details of my Diaconate Ordination coming up in 5 weeks and 2 days (but who’s counting).