June 15, 2025
Over the years, a prayer written by a Trappist Monk has been a part of my prayer life, especially in times when I am uncertain as to where I am going and not seeing a clear road ahead of me. I have found the prayer to be consoling in my spiritual life, trusting that in my desire to follow the will of the Father, the Holy Spirit will indeed guide me to where I need to be as a disciple of Jesus. Following is the prayer: 
 
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone." Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk.
 
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus in the days following the death of Jesus were downcast, troubled, sad and lonely. Walking away from the tragedy, perhaps not really knowing where they were going, Jesus met them on the way. He opened their hearts through the Scriptures and the breaking of the bread (Eucharist). The encounter filled them with the Holy Spirit – a joy and peace that transcended the grief and confusion, and allowed them to travel the road back to Jerusalem. The two did not know what was in store for them. What they did know was Jesus’ spirit of love was with and in them. Resolutely, the two would follow the will of the Father, however that unfolded.
 
As we embark on the summer and travel to destinations familiar or unknown, may we use this time to conform our will – mind and heart, to the will of Jesus. In trust we know that if we get lost or start to go down the wrong road, the Holy Spirit will lead us back to Jesus so he can take us home to the Father. 
 
The spiritual road can be challenging and daunting. Our travels by automobile can be hazardous because of all of the distracted drivers, those who don’t follow the speed limit and posted signs trying to keep everyone safe. In the spiritual life we don’t want to be defensive unless we are tangling with the evil one. On our roads today, defensive driving is crucial. Eyes and ears always need to be alert to our surroundings so that we reach our destination safely.
 
Here at St. Paul, our parking configuration has been a source of pause. The design works fine for our weekend Masses, however, when there are funerals, weddings and especially when school is in session our parking layout is not conducive to safety and a more controlled flow of traffic. During the week of June 23, our parking lot will be transformed. It will be power stripped (of the old lining and signage), and a new pattern will be striped. 
 
The new configuration will help with the flow, slow traffic down, create safer walking conditions and add another 30 parking spaces (which we really need). Please see the next page for the new design. The decision to reconfigure the parking lot was made after lengthy consultation with the Building and School Committees, along with the administration of the school and 
parish office.  
 
There are a couple of things to note. A parishioner is donating funds to power strip and re-stripe the parking lot, and I am very grateful for their generosity. This layout will be evaluated throughout the summer and fall months to determine its viability. In addition, a complete professional parking lot assessment has been completed, and it has been determined that the lot needs to be dug up and redone. 
 
As we travel the roads of life, be it spiritually or physically, we rely on each other for safety through prayer and thoughtfulness, and we offer generosity beyond our desire to make all things new. 
 
To all our fathers, may your day be filled with joy and gratitude for being a dad! Happy Father’s Day! 
 
Fr. Jim