Fr. Don’s Weekly Letter ~ 24 August 2025

Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,

I asked A.I. the origin of the word “pastor.” The word “pastor” originates from the Latin word “pastor,” meaning “shepherd.” This term, in turn, comes from the Latin verb “pascere,” which means “to lead to pasture, set to grazing, cause to eat.” In religious contexts, particularly within Christianity, “pastor” is used to describe a clergyman or minister who is a shepherd to a flock or congregation.

It has been my experience, however, that the job often seems more like that of a sheepdog than a shepherd, running around biting at peoples’ heels to try to move this ship of church in the right direction. You hear people use the phrase “herding cats” a lot, but I think it better to popularize “herding sheep.”

It is an interesting reflection: to lead them to pasture, to set them to grazing, and to “cause [them] to eat?” What is the old phrase – you can lead a horse to water...but you can’t make it drink! But that is, apparently, exactly my vocation.

What is the best course of action for Saint Bernadette, how do I place it in front of you, and convince you that you can’t live without it? That there is nothing more important to your life than what Jesus is offering at this and every moment of your life? I would hope that in an unobscured moment of clarity each and every person in our parish would realize that this is True. But how do we renew our hearts to make Saint Bernadette our priority as a community that brings us holiness and life?

This is not something that happens automatically, sadly. It is only inspired by an encounter of the love of God, often in prayer but sometimes in our interactions with others. There is an unconditionality of love that lays bare all our brokenness from bad experiences of love which did more harm than good. It is only actualized by the same interaction when we experience the beauty of others serving us and our service to others. This is the love that saves. This is the love whose absence on the last day will bring about the words of our Savior, reminding us that every time we did not do something out of love for the least of our brothers and sisters, we did not do it for him. It is starkly simple.

In our planning committee meeting for Parish Life Weekend there was some discussion about the use of the word “commitment.” “Commitment card.” “Commitment Sunday.” People are afraid to commit to things today, I was told. There is the pasture... so many possibilities. Please, eat. The alternative is to starve.

I need your help.

We have a great future just about to open up. Think of the possibilities with a new building: we have to plan. We have to dream. So what does a pastor do when he needs help? He forms a committee. There are a lot of jokes out there about committees and death by meetings. But I propose to you the first Church committee had 12 members, suddenly then 11, and then a new 12th was called up. We do human things by calling forth the gifts that God has already placed in our community.

I’m forming a parish advisory board because finally I think we are ready. The pasture is laid out before us. We are led to the water.

Also, I need two other principal committees first. One is a group that will effectively call forth the gifts from the many cultures and language groups that make up our parish family. I’m calling it the Multicultural Ministry Team (how original!). Everyone needs to be represented and have a part and a say in how we dream our future.

Second, I need a Communications Committee. This is particularly an area where you youth and young adult members of our family can shine. I love to tell our kids that I graduated from college before personal computers were invented. They invented the internet the year I was ordained. (They don’t believe me.) So you can see how steep my learning curve is! I make this bulletin, that is about the depth of my tech talents. BUT... YOU can get our good news out there! Think about how quickly bad news fills the world-wide web. Good news can travel just as quickly and will provide people with the hope they need so much. The best news is usually received in person: by word of mouth, share our story and get people excited! It will require commitment...

The Lord be with you.