I have a major paper due on July 8 and have to turn in my first 100+ page paper on April 6 and its defense on May 6. If I attain a high enough evaluation on this paper, I will be able to finish the second half of the advanced degree and receive a doctorate. I appreciate your interest and continued prayers. It has not been an easy first year having to juggle two parishes, a school, and academic work all by myself.
From July 9 to September 11, Fr. Lawrence Abanobi will be in residence and will be assisting at Saint Paul and Holy Family. Fr. Lawrence is a Nigerian priest who is pursuing an advanced degree in philosophy in Rome. His cardinal has asked him to get some pastoral experience in the United States. A mutual friend introduced him to me. We are very happy to welcome him for these two months.
I am hopeful that Fr. Lawrence's presence will help me put a significant dent in my academic work as well as give me the freedom to take retreat and vacation time without canceling Masses. As Fr. Lawrence does not have a driver's license in the US, I will need some volunteers to drive him when I am not available to do so. Please contact either parish office if you are able to help.
Finally, we will be temporarily adding a Mass at 4pm on Saturdays at Saint Paul from July 13 to August 31 except August 3. This experiment will be helpful as we look at adding a vigil Mass at Saint Paul due to the reconfiguration of the parish cluster that will come with the implementation of the new pastoral plan for the diocese. We will also be adding weekday Masses at Holy Family in order to give Fr. Lawrence an opportunity to celebrate Mass every day.