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I expected “ordinary” parish priesthood, but what I expect doesn’t matter in God’s world. In fact I did spend seven wonderful years as a parish priest: first in Somerville and then in East Weymouth. Then came a nine year string of “specialized” ministries: in the Clergy Personnel Office, as head of the office dealing with clergy sexual misconduct, and then as a Spiritual Director to seminarians at Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton. When that assignment ended in the Spring, I presumed I’d be heading back into parish life. Believe me, that’s no demotion. Parish life is what priests sign up for to start with, and it’s what we’re drawn to. Parish life is varied, unpredictable and puts priests into the middle of the interesting and important realm of people’s faith lives. The intersection of real life and faith is always busy and never dull.

In coming to Saint Paul’s I have in some sense returned to parish life. This is a vibrant community—a parish of choice for many as well as geography for our neighbors. Walk into Saint Paul’s at any liturgy and you will see the universality of Catholicism: old folks, young families, lifelong residents and academic pilgrims, the rich and the poor. Its beautiful edifice rings out with magnificent music and well-planned liturgies. The care of generations of clergy has served well a multifaceted congregation. It’s truly a pleasure to call Saint Paul’s “home.”

In another sense, I have embarked on another adventure into unknown territory. Campus Ministry is new to me except for a year’s internship at UMass Boston while I was a seminarian. I find the students here to be enthusiastic and good persons who admirably desire to weave the life of faith into their experience while growing as students and leaders. That students recognize the importance of faith—a fundamental trust in God—reveals a depth of character still latent in many of their peers. They see life’s mysterious quality as an invitation to know its Source and to love genuinely. My short time here has already bolstered my own faith and helped me to channel my own energies for ministry to their service. That’s what good community does.

With God’s grace and guidance I hope to be of service to these fine young men and women and to provide good example and support to all who join me in their education.