Dear Parishioners, A few weeks ago, we lost Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. In the time since he died, I’ve had some time to think about the influence that he had on me both as a seminarian and as a priest. As a seminarian, we read a lot of his books in our classes (translated from German into English). He was a very scholarly priest and professor in his early years of priesthood. This would continue into the years that he became Bishop and then Cardinal. He was called to Rome by (St) Pope John Paul II to serve the Church in this way. After the death of Pope John Paul II, he was called by the Holy Spirit and elected the new Pope to lead and guide the Church. As I reflect on his life, I realize that we never know where God is going to take us or what God is going to call us to do. When he was a priest and professor in the university, little did he know that he would be called to lead the Church. I certainly can relate to this as a priest, getting ready to celebrate 30 years of ordination as a priest this June. The Holy Spirit has led me to many parishes and schools over these years. In each assignment and parish, I have learned something that has helped to make me a better priest. It’s a lesson that all of us need to remember: Trust in God at all times. I am thankful for Pope Benedict and what he has taught me over the years by his writings and his example. Even though none of us know exactly where life will take us, God is always with us on the journey that we make in life. Take to heart the last words that Pope Benedict uttered: “Lord, I love you.” Even at the end of his life, he was teaching us to love our Lord. Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark