Fr. Todd 8/3/25

Dear Sacred Heart and St. Mary on the Lake,

            My brother Fr. Gary and I had a blast visiting our friends out in Washington a couple of weeks ago.  It was great hanging out, going on some beautiful hikes in the nearby Cascades, and ending most days with some games of cribbage.

            Besides being a relaxing time, it was also very inspiring to step back and see God’s providence at work.  Our friend discerned in seminary that he was called not to priesthood but to marriage.  Ten years ago, Fr. Gary and I celebrated with them their wedding Mass.  As it worked out, our vacation corresponded with their ten-year wedding anniversary.  Now he and his wife have six children and are flourishing.  So, we were able to celebrate Mass with them on their anniversary in their home surrounded by their children. 

Not only was that providential but it provided a great glimpse into the goodness and beauty of marriage and family life and how this vocation provides a pathway to Heaven.  Both he and his wife love the Lord and have asked Him to help them be holy and lead holy lives.  They have asked that He would help make them like Himself.  Jesus tells us that if we would like to find life then we need to give our lives away.

In the joys and struggles of married life Jesus has given them both a pathway where all those prayers are being answered.  Innumerable opportunities to give their lives away through the middle of the night wake-ups, meal times, snack times, dishes, laundry, fixing of bikes and other toys, application of band-aids, encouragement to do chores even amidst complaining, prayers in the morning and before going to bed, having their schedules rearranged through the things mentioned above, etc.  All those ways that they are being made holy, where selflessness is drawn out of them on a daily basis. 

The sacrament of marriage is beautiful but I also know not easy.  I know I gave a homily about the goodness of the vocation to marriage a few weeks ago, but this is so important.  For all of our families – don’t ever give in to the spirit of discouragement!  Don’t be afraid to walk this pathway and don’t underestimate the power of those many daily choices you make.  Through them God is stretching your hearts and making you like Himself.  Realize that those prayer times, as distracted as they may feel, sink in and through them grace flows into your homes.  Having six children at our Masses each day meant there was nearly always someone scuffling, hollering, needing to blow their nose, or all three at once.  The Lord is so pleased at these times.  To all of our families – thank you!!  Thank you for your yes to the Lord and to us.

On a related note, some have asked about celebrating Mass on vacation and how that works.  I celebrate Mass every day.  On my day off when I am home, we have a small altar with all the things we need for Mass.  On other occasions, like this most recent vacation time, I have a traveling Mass kit that I bring with me.  It has a chalice, paten, Missal, corporal, purificator, candles, and a small crucifix.  I either bring wine and hosts for consecrating or get them from a nearby parish.  I bring the vestments needed – the alb, stole, and small chasuble that can be packed easily.

God Bless,

Fr. Todd