Pastor's Corner

by Fr. Paul Siebert

St. Mark Catholic Church

Would you ever considered taking extra time with The Lord? Just get away somewhere to pray, read and refocus. 

Most recently I was on retreat with some fellow priests. After driving for three hours to Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, I walked in the front door. To my surprise, behind me was the Bishop who was going to give the retreat, who I never met before.

Immediately, I noticed something different about him. He did not want any help carrying his suitcase/belongings to his room. Usually, presenters get a nicer room off by themselves. He took a regular room. I was more impressed about this when I found out that he was most recently the Bishop from Harrisburg. 

I thought, “Wow, he knows the governor, our state officials, the state capital, etc. and here he is just being a normal guy!” 

I kind of liked that. 

So then after Bishop departed for his room, I was asked by the retreat coordinators to be sacristan and server for the Bishop on the altar! After saying yes, I soon realized that I was to do everything on the altar, because all the usual diocesan retreat committee members were unable to be present. Luckily it was a small group of priests in a small chapel with simple Masses and holy hours for five days -- clean up and set up included. 

It was just me and him up there.

It all went very well. Luckily, all of the priests who were there are friends  and they  were all very supportive. I could tell they were surprised to see me in that capacity. I knew that they were cheering me on saying, “Go Paul”! Especially when something was missing.  

For example, at the very first Mass of the retreat, at the washing of the hands, I realized that there was no bowl or towel. So we improvised... he put a hand out, I poured with one hand and caught the water with my other hand and it worked! None of the water hit the floor! We looked at each other and smiled.  

After that, I knew he was easy going… so the rest of it just went in a happy way.   By the time the thing was all over we had a special friendship that occurred. I indeed considered it a very wonderful time!  

So let me  close with some questions:  Is God  or someone else asking you to do something different? Please consider saying, “Yes!”

Have a wonderful week!