FEW WEEKS AGO, I posted about my new assignment. Well, I made it to Ohio and I am now serving Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wintersville, OH. The bishop assigned me to this parish so I will have some pastoral experience before I enter the seminary next fall. I am very blessed to be able to serve and live at this parish! There are three priests-in-residence here, and all three of them are musicians. My pastor, who is also the Vicar General of the diocese, is a Monsignor who plays the organ. The Parochial Vicar, who is also the Vocation Director, plays the guitar and saxophone. The third priest, who is retired and my spiritual director, was an organist and he says the Traditional Latin Mass privately almost everyday. And the congregation here sings out loud for the hymns. I really thank God for sending me here!
My new duties are very different from the ones I had as a music director. I am still involving in music, just not as focus as a full-time musician. I was also asked to serve as an acolyte at Masses. I am teaching a Religious Education class for some children in Steubenville and helping with the parish RCIA program. My other duties include visiting the sick and bringing them communion. I am also serving the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
I have been enjoying these new ministries that I am involve in. They are all important parts of the life of a priest. The picture above is my former pastor at St. Pius X, Fr. Randy Mattox, and me. It is impossible to have good Sacred Music without the support of wonderful priests. One of the things I learned this past year was to maintain good relationships with pastors. Communicate with them on the Liturgy and the music. The collaboration between priests, musicians and liturgists is necessary for the Reformation of the Roman Liturgy. Please keep praying for me as I continue on my formation.
