Sunday, July 31, 2011

2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS, 12 DAYS, ...........AND 1,000 BLOG COLUMN POSTS OF, "INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH"...........

834 days ago, at this hour, I wrote my first Google Blogger, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", blog column.  Having only decided that Sunday afternoon to start a blog, I surprised myself that in less than ninety minutes, after the moment, I went to my search engine for instructions as to how to set up a blog, I was successfully blogging.  Today, 27 months and 12 days later, I have written and published 1,000 blog columns.  This retrospective is the 1,001st.  The topics, commentary, analysis, and dialogue, I intended to provide a forum for; I believe after the first one thousand I am achieving, as I share my response and feedback to a wide array of contemporary and historical issues in the news, or pertinent insights into the lives of and faith experiences of Believers in California, the United States, and around the World. I am grateful to my loyal and growing blog readership, and your responses to my imparted messages..... The Statistical facts relating to the first 1,000 blog columns of, "Insights Into Life And Faith", are an interesting assortment of findings.  For openers, the number of -
                                                         All Time Page Views since April 19, 2009 are :  18,465;
                                         Page Views in the Past Month are :  2,176;
                                         57% of All Blog readers use as their Browser  Internet Explorer;
                                         82% of All Blog Readers use as their Operating System  Windows
And to date the Top 10
Countries following My Blog are :
                                                           United States   15,589
                                                           Malaysia   355
                                                           Ireland   294  *
                                                           United Kingdom   254
                                                           Germany   185
                                                           Russia   164
                                                           Netherlands   152
                                                           Canada   113
                                                           India   85  **
                                                           Lativia   81

*Until last week Ireland had been the second most blog viewing country in the World, from the inception.

**India only entered the Top Ten blog viewing countries  last week, replacing China, which had been in 9th place since June 2010.

THANK YOU ONE ALL ALL FOR FOLLOWING MY BLOG THESE PAST 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS, AND 12 DAYS...........MUCH MORE AHEAD IN THE DAYS, MONTHS, AND YEARS TO COME !!!!!!!!!!!  fr.tdp                       

PARISHIONER VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO STEP UP, WHILE PERSONAL FRIENDS STILL DO NOT...........

Okay, as my late, straightforward, tell like it is, father used to say, "Let's call a spade, a spade".  After numerous requests over the past four weeks, for volunteer helpers to assist with my home health care antibiotic infusion therapy treatments, morning and evening - in the OLOL rectory, my straightforward steadfastness in putting my need before all of you in my circle of friends and former parishioners, has all but fallen on deaf ears, as only three former parishioners, who are personal friends, have taken up the cause and volunteered.  The handful of other volunteers are OLOL of Lourdes parishioners.  Otherwise despite the sheer numbers in my personal / pastoral circle, I would be on my own, to facilitate a therapy, I cannot physically administer to myself.  It is as sad, as it is true, that only nine eleven persons total since July 6, have responded to addressing this essential need, out of more than 8,300 Catholic families and friends, I have shared my priestly ministry and personal friendship, with the past twenty four years.  Again, I can hear my father's words, through the years - "Don't be naive boy, people will put themselves first, especially when you need them most".  I never before believed that to be true, and certainly not as a blanket statement.  But after the ongoing struggle not only of recent weeks, but the past six months I have had to endure, trying to line up sufficent volunteers to do those things I must do, but cannot presently do for myself, the miniscule response, and scramble to secure willing helpers, who are not paid professionals, speaks volumes about how little a priority others in my circle place on addressing any of this.  I am not inclined to shut the door on anyone who retains the potential to assiost me, but have become much more realistic about who and what, most of you will do to help, and for the most part that means not helping, not responding, blowing off, or rationalizing away, why someone else should be doing it.  I will push forward, and do what I can to see the necessary needs are met.  The four parishioners who were among my previous seven infusion therapy volunteers, have renewed their willingness to continue helping.  Not because I asked them to, but because they care and are faithful enough to God, the Church, and their Pastor, to say YES.  And the commitment to helping me on the part of one of those parish families, despite the grief of losing their father last week, is expanding, as another sister and her husband have decided, they too, want to assist me.  I am only meeting them, so what does it say about persons I have know for decades, unwillingness to do so ?  This morning's parishioner - volunteer, signed up for two more mornings this week, and has served the priests and sisters of OLOL, and of Immaculate Conception Ellis Senior Center, for many years, by cooking - and is a first class cook, to boot.  I will continue to pray for more of you who can help me, to help me, for as I fondly and regularly say, "Many Hands Make Little Work",   Fr.  Troy

I STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS THIS WEEK ON :   W 8-3  8AM   TH 8-4  8PM   F 8-5  8PM
                                                                                      SA 8-6  10AM & 8PM   SU 8-7  8PM
WHICH DAY, TIME, AND TREATMENT, SHOULD YOUR NAME BE ON ???????????...........fr.tdp
925-5313.

THE 18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - JESUS FEEDS THE HUNGERS OF THE MANY; PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, INTERPERSONALLY, - AND STILL DOES TODAY !!!!!...........

Matthew's Gospel focuses on attention on this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time on the miraculous Feeding Ministry of Jesus, in providing for the multitude of people who came to Him and His Apostles, seeking to have their hunger fed.  Yet the feeding Jesus instructs the Apostles to prepare what Matthew describes as the,"five thousand men",(not mentioning the likely comparable, or greater, number of women and children) to receive, is much more than a physical meal of bread and fish.  It is indeed as much a feeding of their souls, in the spiritual food of God's grace and love.  Jesus seeks to feed the whole person, not only a portion of the human body.  As the Christ of Creation, Jesus the Lord, cares deeply about the needs of Humankind, for whom He came into the World, to be the Reconciler of with the Divine GodHead.  Thus the Gospel Story we hear proclaimed today, is the caring, compassionate, loving, and gracious, outreach ministry of a Shepherd, a Savior, who comes to feed the wholiostic, bodies and souls, of the truly hungry.  It is an interpersonal, communal interaction intersecting with the physical with the spiritual.  And by feeding this immense multitude of desperately hungry humans, Jesus sets an uniequivocal example for His Catholic-Christian Disciples.  We too, are meant to Feed the wholistic hungers of those in need, as one of focuses of our Community of Believers' ministry to the poor, needy, hungry, and homeless persons in our midst.  Some of the most effective of those parish communal feeding ministries are multiplied throughout the twenty counties of Northern / Superior California, that comprise the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.  Having served as the Sacramento Diocesan Food Bowl Committee Chairman for ten years, 1991-2001; I can attest personally and pastoral to how assiduously and effectively, these parishioner and community-wide volunteers carry out the feeding ministries in their geographical areas.  During my watch over the Food Bowl, we focused $500,000.00 in annual Lenten alms collected and contributed to help fund upwards of three dozen independent feeding ministries, under the umbrella of our ministry.  We strategically donated those monies as widely as possible to maximize the outreach accomplished by each of the feeding ministries involved.  Among those that stood out for their need and resourcefulness during that decade were the St. Anne's Parish, Meadowview Food Locker, the Our Lady of Lourdes St. Peter Claver Kitchen, The Anderson-Cottonwood Food Locker, and the Eastern Plumas Ecumenical Feeding Ministry.  And today, in the decade since my tenure with the Food Bowl Ministry ended, the need for feeding the hungry, as well as the number of outreach ministries, addressing the increasing need have grown.  As you celebrate this summer Sunday, and enjoy the meals and snacks, this day affords you, Ask - How am I helping to Feed the wholistically real hungers of the poor, marginalized, and truly needy in your locality and within your Community of Believers ?  What feeding ministry is your parish or congregation providing, and in what way will you contribute your time, talents, and treasure as your stewardship of Creation, to answer the hungers of others, presented to you ???????????...........In Christ Jesus Our Wholistically Feeding Lord And God,   Fr.  Troy

I AM IN NEED OF AN 8PM SUNDAY INFUSION THERAPY VOLUNTEER TONIGHT, IN THE OLOL RECTORY.  CAN YOU ? WILL YOU ?? HELP ME ???...........925-5313  fr.tdp

Saturday, July 30, 2011

CHIPPING AWAY AT GETTING THE VOLUNTEERS I NEED - TWO MORE OLOL PARISHIONERS GENEROUSLY AGREE TO HELP FACILITATE MY ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION THERAPY TREATMENTS...........

My twenty seven hour challenge to find the new, fresh, infusion therapy volunteers, I need to facilitate my morning and evening treatments, is making slow, but successful progress.  I still have not received a response from any of my circle of personal friends and past parishioners, in the greater Sacramento County area, but after tonight's 5 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass, two more OLOL parishioners graciously volunteered to help me.  John Thomas, an inquirer into the Catholic Faith, enrolled in the RCIA process, who is already been one of my overnight caregivers and driver volunteers, has agreed to be tonight and tomorrow night's 8 p.m. volunteer.  Connie Matthews, a longtime, and loyal, parishioner, who three weeks ago volunteered to be one of my drivers on Wednesdays and Fridays to my physical therapy sessions with Quinn McArthur; whose father Beotis, passed away this week, called me as I was preparing dinner, twenty minutes ago, and agreed to be my 10 a.m. volunteer tomorrow morning; and will sign up to do other weekday mornings as well.  Like Jack and Patty Pennington, who are continuing to help me cover the antibiootic infusion therapy, despite enduring their current bereavement and moving toward their father's funeral Memorial Mass, on Thursday morning, Connie Matthews, John Thomas, and others like them, are being the People of God, all Catholic-Christian Disciples are meant to be, by the definition of the name, "Christian".  All in my circle of family, friends, and fellow believers can definitely learn a valuable lesson of caring and selflessness, from them...........CAN YOU ?  WILL YOU ??  HELP ME BY VOLUNTEERING TO ASSIST ???   Fr.  Troy

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR INFUSION THERAPY TREATMENTS THIS WEEK ON
   TU 8-2  9AM & 8 PM   W 8-3  9AM    TH 8-4  9AM & 8PM   F 8-5  9AM & 8PM   SA 8-6  10AM & 8PM   SU 8-7  10AM & 8PM

FOUR HOURS UNTIL MY EVENING ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION TREATMENT AND NO NEW VOLUNTEERS YET...........

Twenty four hours after I posted my continuing need for new and fresh volunteers to assist me, with my antibiotic infusion therapy in the rectory, mornings and evenings, seven days a week, which my doctor decided yesterday afternoon would not end on the original schedule, but continue for the time being; and having posted two blog columns, as well as numerous e-mails and phone calls made to solicit further assistance of my parishioners and friends, since then; I sit here preparing to celebtate the 5 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass, still needing a volunteer to connect and disconnect my 8 p.m. treatment, and having received no response to my urgent request, despite having fifteen more persons read my blog today, than did yesterday.  When bereaved family members who are parishioners, can continue to answer this need, after doing their share and more, during the past three weeks, it is difficult to understand why any of the rest of you who are capable of carrying out this relatively simple, and straightforward, procedure, do not even inquire, or respond to my sincere and undeniably important request.  Is it that I'm on my own to scrape up the bare minimum number of persons, and all but literally press them into service, regardless, so as not to inconvenience the rest of you ?  Or is it that you don't really care whether I am in the parish doing the ministry I can and need to be doing, rather than being sidelined in a hospital rehab bed, away from OLOL, for no good reason other than these twice daily, less than four hours total, required daily therapy treatments ?  Whatever the reason, the indifference and unavailability, to my requests are indicating clearly, what few persons within my wider circle are willing to even respond to my need, beyond your own comfort zones.  I will find a way to soldier on, in completing this antibiotic regimen, hopefully without having to be readmitted to do so. But trying to accept and understand, the unwillingness and rationalizations, of those of you who will not respond, will take me even longer to phantom, as despite our obvious friendship connection, there seems to exist a greater disconnect...........Fr.  Troy

IF YOU CAN, AND ARE WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THESE INFUSION THERAPY TREATMENTS,  CONTACT ME HERE ON THE BLOG;  E-MAIL ME AT  troypow@yahoo.com  OR TELEPHONE ME, AT  925-5313.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED THIS WEEK  ON :

TONIGHT,  SA 7-30-11  8PM
TOMORROW,  SU 7-31,  10AM & 8PM
M 8-1,  9AM & 8PM
TU 8-2,  9AM & 8PM
W 8-3,  9AM & 8PM
TH 8-4,  9AM & 8PM
F 8-5,  9AM & 8PM
SA 8-6,  10AM & 8PM
SU 8-7,  10AM & 8PM

THE TWENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY THE MAYOR OF SACRAMENTO PROCLAIMED, "TROY POWERS DAY"...........

The Summer of 1982, was an anticipatory, and very active time for me in South Sacramento at St. Roses's / St. Patrick's were I continued to work in parish ministry, as I had been working fulltime for the previous two years, with Msgr. Ed Kavanagh, Fr. Jerry Boland, Fr. Colin MacDonald, Sr. Mary Dominica Cunningham, RSM, the Sisters of Mercy, the other parishioners, and Bishop Alfonso Gallegos, O.A.R.  I was in final preparations that summer to begin my seminary studies on September 13th, and battening down the hatches in my native Sacramento, as the days counted down to my departing for Ireland, and entering St. Kieran's Seminary, in Kilkenny, as a first year ecclesiastical student, studying for the priesthood.  In mid July, Msgr. Kavanagh requested to meet with me and Patricia Hornback, the Community Relations Director of St. Patrick's Home, with whom I had worked closely since 1979-80.  We sat with the, "Boss", as many of us referred to him, and he came right to the point.  He had decided to hold a Parish Dinner on Friday night July 30th, less than two weeks away, to celebrate my farewell for the seminary, and he discussed how we were to organize it.  The event was held in the new, just five month old, St. Rose / St. Patrick Social Center, now the Monsignor Kavanagh Hall, and the entree for the dinner was Barbequed Chicken.  Written invitations were sent, Sunday bulletin and pulpit announcements made, the stellar group of parishioners and volunteers, who handled such events in the parish in those years, were convened and set in motion, and on that Friday night, les than a fortnight later, my fellow parishioners, family members, and personal friends, gathered, 350 persons plus, including Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn, in acknowledgement and celebration of my ministry in the parish, and imminent forthcoming farewell for Kilkenny, in late August.  It was a scintillating evening of faith, family, friendship, and fellowship, and those in attendance were generous in their willingness to pay for their dinner and still share gifts of appreciation and best wishes with me.  Sacramento City Councilman Joe Serna, who I had known since my freshman year in college, and who had been my Government professor, and Internship Director, at CSU-Sacramento, was in attendance, and among a small group of selected speakers.  He stepped up to the dias, penultimate to Msgr. Kavanagh's remarks, kindly spoke about his experiences with me as a student and political volunteer, and then produced a proclamation issued by Mayor Phil Isenberg, declaring -  July 30, 1982, as, "Troy Powers Day", in the City of Sacramento.  Twenty four years old, an upstart youth minister, and pre-seminarian, and the city of my birth, by actions of the Mayor and City Council, were designating a day recognizing me !!  Unbelievable !!, except it was true...........Over the subsequent years, I have tried to remember and give life to the memory of that day, commemorating it in some small way.  That's what my historically minded self does !!  In 1984, July 30, was the date the former diocesan newspaper,  The Catholic Herald, published my story as their special correspondent to the Democratic National Convention, held that year in San Francisco.  I was a third year seminarian by then, and encountered the multitudes present for the nominating convention, persons of all political persuasions, including, "Jews For Jesus"; and, "Commies For Christ".  I had planeed to commemorate this 29th anniversary of,  'TPD', by celebrating the completion and freedom from the past six weeks of antibiotic infusion therapy.  But alas, Dr. Martin decided otherwise, yesterday afternoon.  I am in a renewed scramble to find, and train, sufficent lay volunteers, to assist in facilitating connecting and disconnecting me to the infusion pump, every morning and evening, for the time being.  It is not rocket science, but a relatively simple procedure.  I need your help to continue and complete this current regimen, or face the likelihood of being returned to rehab and the hospital, for no reason other than lack of helpers to do this, which keeps me in the parish, and on the job ministering.  I need someone to volunteer tonight at 8 pm, and tomorrow at 10 am and 8 pm, to get me through the weekend, and I arrange to cover the coming week's 14 antibiotic infusion treatments.  CAN YOU, WILL YOU, say YES, to ASSISTING ME WITH THIS VITAL NEED ?
What more need I do to increase the willingness of those of you in my circle, to help get this therapy done, and allow me to remain, active, pastorally, adfministratively, and ministerially, pro-active, as Pastor of OLOL, and a Priest of Jesus Christ ??  You my friends and parishioners, are the key to keeping that happening...........With Hope Filled Optimism A Goodly Number Of You Will Volunteer In Friendship And Discipleship,   Fr.  Troy

To schedule yourself for one of my Treatment times :  Contact me Here on the Blog;  E-mail me, at  troypow@yahoo.com  or call me, at  925-5313.

I STILL AM IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FOLLOWING TREATMENTS THIS WEEK :

Tonight's  SA 7-30  8PM treatment;  Tomorrow's  SU 7-31 treatments at 10AM, & 8PM,  M 8-1 to F 8-5  9AM & 8PM;  and SA 8-6 & SU 8-7  10AM & 8PM,...........Does one or more of them have your name on it ?  I certainly pray so...........

Friday, July 29, 2011

SEVEN HOURS AFTER POSTING MY NEED FOR MORE INFUSION THERAPY VOLUNTEERS, I HAVE RECEIVED NO NEW RESPONSES OF HELP...........

Granted, learning and announcing my further, continuing need for more fresh volunteers from within my circle, to help facilitate my antibiotic infusion therapy, which the Doctor has decided to continue as of tomorrow morning and evening for the time being, I have not yet heard back from anyone, inquiring or willing, to step up and agree to do the treatments with or for me.  Astonishing, as my blog alone garners a daily reradership of over seventy persons, more than one third of them in the greater Sacramento area.  Furthermore, in my twenty four years as a priest, I have served in five parishes, in the northeastern corridor of  Sacramento County - Holy Family, Citrus Heights; St. John the Baptist, Folsom; Presentation Parish, Arden; and St. Philomene's, Arden Arcade; as well as, Our Lady of Lourdes, Del Paso Heights/Rio Linda/Elverta/Robla/.  These five parish comprise more than 8,300 registered families combined; and my personal circle of friends and other former parishioners, count several hundreds more; yet for the past three and a half weeks, despite my repeated requests, facebook messages, and phone calls, it has been impossible so far, to recruit, or get a response from anyone more than the seven volunteers, plus Fr. Pius, who have facilitated these 47 home health care antibiotic infusion treatments I have received in the OLOL rectory since July 6th.  Most of the seven volunteers are not, nor should they be, available to continue covering the extended schedule of treatments I will have to take.  They have done their share, giving me at least two treatments a week each, over the past three weeks and two days.  Three of them have endured the loss of their fathers, this week, and it is insensitive, and unfair, to expect them in their personal parental bereavement, to feel it necessary to continue doing this for me, at this time under the circumstances they are experiencing.  Yet, do the lack of new responses from the rest of my circle, that is going to happen.  The Penningtons were here Wednesday morning and tonight, to complete the schedule they had signed up for, even after their father's passing and with his funeral Memorial Mass set for next Thursday morning.  And because there is no one scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, as of tonight, they are willing, (to my embarrassment they need to) to do my connect/disconnect tomorrow morning's 10 a.m. treatment, and a number of other 9 a.m. treatments, during the coming - all because I need someone's help, and there is no one else outside the seven, responding to any of my requests to assist with it.  What more can I say to make the point, that this is something, virtually anyone of the rest of you can do.  I can train you very simply to do what is necessary.  It is increasingly disappointing me to discover the indifference and unavailability in regards to answering this need I am continuing to encounter.  When adding the infusion volunteers and driver volunteers together, I have only been able to get less than ten tenths of one percent of the 8,300 families in greater Sacramento, I know as a priest, Pastor, and personal friend, for the past twenty four years plus, to proactively respond to my currently undeniable medical/therapeutic need.  That's a sad statement of fact, when through and despite my diabetic, transplant, and amputation, challenges, have striven to remain an unconditional, and honorable friend and priest, to those 99.9 % of you; as well as to the less than
 two tenths of one percent, who are now being truly unconditional and responsive friends...........Fr.  Troy

IF YOU CAN AND ARE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION THERAPY FACILITATING CONTACT ME HERE, BY E-MAIL, OR BY CALLING.....
                                                                     troypow@yahoo.com   925-5313

TREATMENTS REQUIRING VOLUNTEERS THIS WEEK  JULY 30 - AUGUST 7.

SA 7-30 -  8 PM
SU 7-31 -  10AM & 8PM
M 8-1 -  9AM & 8PM
TU 8-2 -  9AM & 8PM
W 8-3 -  9AM & 8PM
TH 8-4 -  9AM & 8PM
F 8-5 -  9AM & 8PM
SA 8-6 -  10AM & 8PM
SU 8-7 -  10AM & 8PM

DR. MARTIN DECIDES TO CONTINUE MY ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION THERAPY FOR NOW...........

Within the hour, Dr. Randy Martin, M.D., my Sutter Roseville Infections Specialist, has decided to continue with my home health antibiotic infusion therapy twice daily, thus I need more volunteers willing to train to do the facilitating of these treatments for me, 9 a.m., and 8 p.m., Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. and 8 p/m/, Saturday and Sunday.  After more than three weeks, and 47 treatments done by the seven volunteers who originally agreed to assist me with this therapy, thinking their commitment concluded tonight; it is only fair and just, that others of you, numbering in the several hundreds, in my circle of friends, take it forward from here.  Believing and knowing how, "Many hands make little work", if an appreciable number of you will only commit yourself to doing a handful of the therapy treatments with me, it will be minimally disruptive to you, and highly effective for me, in securing these indispensable treatments.  I am in immediate need of persons to assist me with my Saturday and Sunday infusions.  I can train you to do what is necessary - and again this is something any willing layperson, can be successfully trained to do.  The treatments once I am connected to the infusion take approximately 90 minutes, and there is no need to stay and sit through the treatment.  Half of the last three weeks volunteers, proceeded to carry out their other duties and errands, away from the rectory, while I am undergoing the infusion; returning at the conclusion to disconnect me.  I renew my sincere and vital request of all of you in my circle of family, friends, fellow belivers, CAN YOU, WILL YOU HELP ME, meet this necessary home health care therapy, or see me return to the hospital and rehabilitation, in neutral - just because of these twice daily therapies.  I am making progress, but will only continue to do so, with your willingness to help...........With Hopeful Optimism My Request Will Not Go Unanswered Because Many Of You Care Enough To Volunteer...........Prayerfully And Very Truly Yours In Jesus The Lord,   Fr.  Troy

TO CONTACT ME ABOUT BECOMING ONE OFD MY ANTIBIOTIC INFUSION THERAPOY VOLUNTEERS,  COMMENT HERE ON MY BLOG, LEAVING YOUR NAME, NUMBER, AND DAYS OF THE WEEK, AND PREFERRED TIME, A.M. OR P.M., YOU CAN HELP.  OR E-MAIL ME, AT  troypow@yahoo.com  OR CALL,  925-5313...........

ST. MARTHA - SHINING EXAMPLE OF HOSPITALITY AND FELLOWSHIP FOR CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES...........

On this fifth Friday of July, the Christian Liturgical Calendar honors, St. Martha, sister of Mary, and Lazarus, close friend, and loyal disciple of Jesus, is an exemplary witness to Hospitality, and Fellowship, in the Living Faith of Catholic-Christian Discipleship.  Martha was fastidious in the details of serving and caring for her guests, including Jesus, who were visitors to the Family Home.  But she was also very generous with the hospitable care and fellowship she shared with Jesus, and in coming to faithfully witness to the redemptive mission of Christ, and the power, and purpose, of His Resurrection.  Her words professing belief in the New and Risen Life Jesus provides all Believers in John's Gospel, " Yes, Lord -I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, (the Christ) He who has come into the World", is a great personal testimony to the belief inherent in the Christian Community of Believers, that Jesus The Christ. God's Co-Eternal Son, is the Savior of the World, and the Redeemer of Humankind.  Be extra generous, to someone else today, in the spirit and truth of St. Martha of Bethany...........Fr.  Troy

Thursday, July 28, 2011

THURSDAY MORNING TURNS TOPSY-TURVY IN A FEW DIFFERENT WAYS...........

This morning, as I was awaiting arrival of the scheduled volunteer for Thursday's a.m. antibiotic infusion therapy facilitating, the telephone rang and it was last night's volunteer, Paul Friedrich calling with the news that his father, Bill, had died suddlenly, overnight.  This occurring less than two days, after OLOL parishioners Patty and Jack Pennington's father passed away, on Tuesday evening, following a year and a half year struggle with cancer.Then, 9 a.m., and beyond arrived, and the morning infusion theapy volunteer, did not appear.  The other six volunteers were either at work, or otherwise occupied; so need being the mother of invention, I walked Fr. Pius through how to connect and disconnect me.....  Staying on top of a current parish matter where as Pastor, I am having to be the prophetic voice and loyal servant of the whole parish community, versus the self interests of a handful of persons, seeking to circumvent the Parish and my servant-leadership; also had to be dealt with.  Then following through on a request from Bishop Soto, to authorize him to speak with my doctors, which I granted him orally two weeks ago; present privacy protocols require that I grant him permission in writing, by filing a form with the Mercy Medical Group, with whom Dr. Hwang, is affiliated.  The release form was to be e-mailed to me, within the hour, circa 11 a.m.  Phillip, my home health physical therapist was here for Thursday's pt session in the 3 p.m. hour.  Fr. Tony Traynor, stopped by at 4 p.m., for a chat and I invited him to stay for dinner. The rest of the evening includes a nap, and then Erka Ransom's 8:30 p.m., arrival, when she is scheduled to be here for my third to last antibiotic infusion therapy treatment...........Fr.  Troy      

SORTING OUT PARISH DESK WORK TOPS THURSDAY'S AGENDA...........

I was originally scheduled for a blood lab today, but as the orders are worked out, it is postponed, thus Teri Currier, who was to be my volunteer driver today, will be freed, until a later date, as she is decidedly willing to be one of my drivers to the medical appointments and procedures I have need for assistance getting to and from for.  From our years together as undergraduate friends at Sacramento State to the present, she has always been a bright light and uplifting presence in my life.  In addition to my penultimate day morning and evening infusion therapy, taking care of parish paperwork stands before me today.  Then at 3 p.m., Phillip, my home health care physicak therapoist will be here for my next pt session.  As the Sacramento sun and California heat increases anew, here's hoping you stay cool, whatever you may be doing today...........Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

THE AWESOME BLENDSHIP OF UNCONDITIONAL FRIENDSHIP...........

As ever, Ted Dahlberg was at the front door of OLOL rectory, punctually at the stroke of 2 p.m., to drive me to my 2:30 p.m. nuclear medicine testing part three - at Sutter General Capitol Pavillon, as the only respondent to my request for a ride today.  I feel grateful for his generous spirit, and unconditional willingness, whenever he is available; to step up and get me to and from these essential appointments in my rehabilitation and restoration.  But I am also concerned about having to over-depend on the handful of persons in my circle, like Ted, because too few others, are responsive or willing to answer my requests for transportation.   The time I spend with him and his wife, Irene, are always enjoyable as the blendship of more than thirty years of friendship, confirms the authentic and unconditional care they have for me, as a person, and their friend, as well as a priest.  Today's procedure was half as long as it was scheduled to be, so Ted and I were back at OLOL, at about a quarter to 4 o'clock.  My cell phone has been acting up for more than six weeks and in a matter of minutes Ted was able to get it properly functioning for me again, as to use a new term I learned at the Capitol Pavillon today, I am not a, "technologist".  With just five antibiotic infusion therapy treatments remaining to complete, Paul Friedrich will be here to facilitate the p.m. treatment tonight.  I hold out hope in regards to my currently indefinite transportation needs, that many more of you will say yes, and provide rides as needed.  But I am becoming increasingly realistic that asking and seeking, will not necessarily produce anyone else.  Only the generosity of their own hearts and minds, can unlock that possibility, and make it happen...........Fr.  Troy

>>>I AM CURRENTLY SEEKING A RIDE TO MY NEXT APPOINTMENT AT ANCHOR PROSTHETICS AT AUBURN BOULEVARD AND WATT AVENUE ON THURSDAY AUGUST 11, AT 11 A.M.  PICK-UP AT OLOL RECTORY @ 10:30 A.M.  IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WITH TRANSPORTATION THAT DAY, PLEASE LEAVE ME A MESSAGE HERE ON MY BLOG, -
E-MAIL AT  troypow@yahoo.com  OR CALL 925-5313.....THANKS.   fr.tdp

NO VOLUNTEER DRIVER RESPONSES FOR MY NUCLEAR MEDICINE TESTING PART THREE TODAY, EXCEPT FOR TED DAHLBERG..........

One of my close friends expressed his opinion during the past week, that given the breadth of my personal and professional relationships, that I probably have 400 relatively very good friends.  Yet, over the past six months as I have dealt with my right foot amputation, and two serious spinal cord infections, rehabilitation, and therapy, how astounding it is, that a very small number of them, likely less than five percent of that total, have volunteered to assist me, be it with transportation to medical and therapeutic appointments, or the antibiotic infusion therapy I have been doing in the rectory the past threec weeks.  Instead, inordinately, a handful of my friends and current parishioners are left to do all they can, and I am scrambling daily, weekly, monthly, to find essential rides and assistance, at high costs to myself.  This morning Ted Dahlberg, my South Sacramento / St. Rose's parishioner friend, has generously volunteered yet again, to get me to and from my Nuclear Medicine testing part three, at the Sutter General Capitol Pavillion, in downtown Sacramento, this afternnon, even though on Monday he has already volunteered, seven to eight hours of his time for this same purpose.  I posted my need for today's ride on my blog as soon as I was told about it on Monday.  Furthermore, I called and facebooked about it to no avail.  Therefore, I am coming to believe that despite the great number of persons in my circle of friends, most are conditional, and only a small band of you willing to go the extra miles required at this time, to help me meet these real and otherwise unreachable, needs.  As long as I remain in a wheelchair, unable to drive myself to these medical appointments, or do for myself the therapeutic procedures , like this one I am finishing Friday night, I can only depend on the unconditional generosity of the five percent of you, who truly care enough to help me, and use my own financial resources to take taxis, to those appointments, no one else is available to cover.  That is an expensive proposition, as in just nine of the pastv twelve weeks taxi rides have cost $1.263.00 !!!!!!!!!!!
Meanwhile, I will continue posting my needs for assistance, not being gullible, but  with optimism that Christian charity, discipleship, and friendship, will unconditionally, prevail...........Very Truly Yours In Christ Jesus The Lord,   Fr.  Troy    

ETERNAL REST AND PEACE GRANT TO JACK PENNINGTON SR., O LORD...........

Jack Pennington Sr., who with his wife and six children, has resided in Rio Linda, since the first year of OLOL's Parish existence, died peacefully on Tuesday evening, surrounded by the love of his family, after a year and a half's battle with cancer.  Since my pastorate of OLOL began last summer, the Pennington Family have been a very generous and participating presence in the livelihood and stewardship of our parish community.  Jack's daughter became our volunteer Parish Bookkeper last October.  His oldest son, Jack Jr. followed his sister into parish ministry and administrative assistance just weeks later volunteering to serve as our Parish Computer Technician.  Jack Jr.'s proficiency with computer and electronics technology, and Patty's three decades of exemplary work experience as an auditor/bookkeper, for the State of California, and the spirit of Catholic-Christian Stewardship, with which they are donating their time, talents, and treasure is impeccable and of great benefit to OLOL, with an ever scant parish budget and economic challenges.  And Mr. and Mrs. Pennington Sr., have also during the past year also generously assisted the parish, by their gift of a new parish officer laser jet printer.  This summer they are also sharing the bounty of their home garden, with the priests and sisters, very flavorfully, fresh, vegetables and fruits.  Our parish sympathies go out to his wife of 62 years, and their two sons, four daughters, and all the loved ones.  Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Pennington are pending.  But our prayers and Masses, for his eternal repose, have begun, as this morning's 8 a.m. Mass was already scheduled for Jack Sr.'s Intentions...........Eternal Rest Grant Unto His Holy Soul, o Lord, May He Rest In Peace.  Alleluia, Amen !!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A TELEPHONE CALL THIS A.M. BRINGS A PLEASANT VISITOR TO OLOL...........

Sitting at the dining table during my morning antibiotic infusion therapy treatment, just after I finished my breakfast, a phone call came for me from a delightful source : my cherished colleague, faithful friend, innovative Pastor, and inspiring priest amd person, Reverend Father Jerry Ryle, Pastor Emeritus of St. Philomene's Parish, in Arden Arcade, in Sacramento.  Now Priest on Campus, at Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, Conneticut.  Not having seen him in two years, when he went to Conneticut, just before my kidney transplant, it was wonderful spending two hours plus with him today, conversing and catching.  Without doubt, he is a well gifted charismatic, liturgically, and spiritually, grounded priest, who after his first two years at Sacred Heart Unuversity, is even more exuding of the energy and enthusiasm, that have always been hallmarks of his priestly ministry.  I am truly blessed to have his fraternal friendship, and to have had the opportunity to work with him at St. Philomene's Parish, in Sacramento, during the last three years of his priestly ministry in Sacramento.  I look forward to visiting him at SHU, in Connetict, in the next year or so...........Fr.  Troy

I HAVE HAD NO RESPONDENTS TO MY REQUEST FOR A DRIVER TO SUTTER GENERAL CAPITOL PAVILLON, TOMORROW WED. JULY 27TH, AT 2 P.M., FOR MY 2:30 P.M. NUCLEAR MEDIVINE TESTING, PART 3.  IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WITH A RIDE TO THIS APPOINTMENT.  CONTAQCT ME BEFORE 12 NOON WEDNESDAY...........

ALSO, I NOW HAVE A PROSTHESES ADJUSTMENT FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT ON THUESDAY AUGUST 11TH, AT 11 A.M., AT ANCHOR PROSTHETICS, WATT AVENUE & AUBURN BOULEVARD, FOR WHICH I AM SEEKING A DRIVER.....troydavidpowers.blogspot.com  or  troypow@yahoo.com  925-5313.

WAITING FOR WHAT THIS TUESDAY BRINGS...........

With just 8 home health antibiotic infusion therapy treatments left, as I countdown to its conclusion Friday night, I start this Tuesday morning with an 11 a.m. appointment, with Clint at Anchor Prosthetics, waiting to learn if my a.m. infusion volunteer will be able to take me to see Clint, who is located at Watt Avenue and Auburn Boulevard.  Anyone else available to do so, would also be appreciated, or it will be back to taking a taxi, which I am trying to avoid - given my wide circle of friends.  Then, at 3 p.m., Phillip, the home health physical therapist will be here in the rectory, as we proceed in earnest with the continuation of my p.t. .  He has set as our ending goal, having me walk independent down the ramp at the front door of the rectory, over to the main entrance to the church. 
More OLOL administrative work on my plate again today, with parish bills and other paperwork, to be done...........Hoping a ride to my prosthesist at 11 o'clock is secured soon...........Stay As Cool As Possible In The Summer Heat,   Fr.  Troy

Monday, July 25, 2011

MY TWO APPOINTMENTS, IN ONE DAY, OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE TESTING, PART ONE...........

Patty Pennington connected my antibiotic infision therapy at 8:50 a.m., and Ted Dahlberg, arrived punctually at 9 a.m., to drive me to Sutter General Capitol Pavillion, for my 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., first appointment today for the nuclear medicine study, Dr. Martin has ordered.  A dye injection and preliminary scanning followed, and what was scheduled as a forty five minute procedure, was actually one hour and twenty minutes long.  I returned to OLOL rectory, to take my morning medications and to have brunch, and then Ted was back just after 1 p.m., to take me downtown, for my second appointment.  It was an additional ninety minutes of testing, which was followed by another dye injection, that will addressed on Wednesday, in part three of the nuclear medicine testing.  I now have need this Wednesday July 27th, for a 2:30 p.m., again at the Sutter General Capitol Pavillon, downtown.  If you are available to provide me with transportation to this appointment, please let me know - by leaving a comment here on my blog; or e-mailing me at  troypow@yahoo.com .....  The beat goes on for the remainder of the day.  Dinner, the Debt Ceiling addresses, by President Obama, and Speaker Boehner, my weekly Picc Line dressing change, and Vanco Trough, and my p.m. Antibiotic Infusion Therapy, which Ray Riehle will be facilitating tonight...........Fr.  Troy

CAN YOU PROVIDE ME A RIDE THIS WED. 7-27 @ 2:00 PM FROM OLOL RECTORY TO SUTTER GENERAL CAPITOL PAVILLION, DOWNTOWN - FOR MY NEXT NUCLEAR MEDICINE TESTS ?  IF YOU CAN,  CONTACT ME HERE ON MY BLOG, OR E-MAIL ME AT,
troypow@yahoo.com  fr,tdp

  

MONDAY BRINGS A NUCLEAR MEDICINE TEST IN TWO PARTS FOR ME, AS ORDERED BY DR. MARTIN...........

With just five days and ten antibiotic infusion therapy treatment at home in the rectory remaining, this morning I am celebrating the 8 a.m. Mass, having the a.m. treatment connected and then being taken by my South Sacramento St. Rose's parishioner / friend, Ted Dahlberg, to the Sutter Imaging Center, in downtown for the start of a Nuclear Medicine test, ordered by Dr. Randy Martin.  A 9:30 a.m. injection will be done, and then i come back to OLOL, and will return to Sutter Imaging, for a 1:30 p.m., follow-through test, the results of which will be rendered on Wednesday.  A normal Monday of parish administration desk work is on my docket for the rest of the day.....Liturgically, we commemorate St. James the Apostle of Jesus.  The Canossians Sisters are also departing this morning for their Motherhouse, in Albuquerque, New Mexico; for their annual respite to go on retreat and hold congregational meetings, with their religious order confreres.  More, as the day unfolds...........Peace And Prayers,   Fr.  Troy

Sunday, July 24, 2011

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND FINAL THREE PARABLES OF JESUS...........

As this Sunday morning dawns, the designation of this extended liturgical season defines its designation, in the message and meaning of the 3 Gospel Parables of Jesus Christ, in Matthew 13:44-52.  The Parables of,  'The Hidden Treasure'; 'The Merchant With Pearls'; and 'The Net Cast Into the Sea'; are proclaimed by Jesus and intended to underscore how we as people of Faith and disciples of Christ, would respond if we were literally the persons in those parabolic stories, carrying out the ordinary events of everyday life.  What "hidden treaures", do you and I, possess that we can use more effectively as members of the Body of Christ, and the common good of the Community of Believers and the temporal World in which we share ?  What "pearls" of Faith, Hope, and Love, are ours, to value and to enrich not only our own lives, but the betterment of others ?  What catch will we achieve as we "cast our nets" into the sea of selflessly seeking those who are searching to discover their own treasures and pearls of Life in the Living and True God ?  The Call of Christ is issued to the most struggling human being and the most privileged; to both sinners and righteous people; to the baptized and the uninitiated; All of us as have ordinary, everyday, opportunities to hear the Call of Christ, and to actively respond.  To do so, requires our willingness to embrace the lessons of the Parables, as we strive to share ourselves ever more fully in the Divine gift of Discipleship to serving the common good of the Church and the building up of God's Kingdom, which is the purpose and goal, we are striving to attain as initiated members of the Body of Christ in the World...........Fr.  Troy

Saturday, July 23, 2011

WEEK 55 AS PASTOR OF OLOL AND THE FIRST WEDDING SINCE I ARRIVED HERE...........

In the one year and three weeks I have been the 6th Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento/Del Paso Heights/Rio Linda/Elverta/Robla/, only today- nearly a month into my second year, was there a Nuptial Mass, a Tongan Wedding.  The Catholic Bride and Methodist  Groom, are in the United States Military, and are residing and assigned in the Bay Area.  Her parents and family are parishioners here at OLOL, thus the site of the wedding.  But the password of this marriage preparation period, occurring during my first year observation of what the parish does ministerially; is Lessons Learned.  Lessons for the prospective bride and groom, beginning with scheduling a Wedding in OLOL Church involves much more than telephoning the parish office and declaring a wedding date, without ever meeting with the parish priests.  The Diocese of Sacramento and the Parish have a 6 month Marriagec Preparation period, during which completion of a Sacrament of Marriage Instructions course, is to be taken by the Engaged couple; all paperwork required is filled out and if necessary, processed and finalized by, the appropriate diocesan Tribunal officials; and the Marriage License and Church Wedding Offering, are submitted at least a week before the Wedding.  This was the 152nd Wedding I have officiated at as a deacon and priest.  Father Pius concelebrated the Nuptial Mass with me, which was very helpful considering the ornate mats, the Tongan decorations include, which my wheelchair would have found very difficult to navigate.  Weddings are notorious for running late in getting underway.  Today's wedding was no exception; actually it was the second latest starting nuptials of the one hundred and fifty two sacramental  celebrations of Marriage, I have led, forty six minutes after the scheduled hour.  As the summer proceeds, I am finetuning and confirming the pastoral and sacramental practices OLOL will follow during my pastorate - for Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Christian Initiation, which will be promulgated in its fullness with the start of the new Parish Year, in September.  In the meantime, these occasions will be teachable moments for parishioners participating in them.  No other weddings are as yet scheduled on the OLOL Parish Calendar.  I apply the 6 month Marriage Preparation to the day, so the next Parish Wedding will be scheduled or January 23, 2012, or thereafter..........A Wedding Is But A Day; A Marriage Lasts A Lifetime !...........Fr.  Troy

FRIDAY'S TERRORIST BOMBING IN OSLO, NORWAY.....CITY OF WORLD PEACE...........

A double bombing explosion in Oslo, Norway on Friday, killed ninety two Norwegians, 7 persons in downtown Oslo; and eighty-five children, at a popular, political, summer camp outside the city.  The prime suspect for setting off the bombings is a 32 year old Norwegian, Anders Brehring Breivik, described by authorities in Oslo, as a right wing Christian activist, with a disdain for Muslims.  Such a person, is by definition, oxymoronic, as Christians as Believers in Jesus, and the Living and True God of All Creation, cannot be true disciples of Christ and terrorists.  Terrorism, hatred, violence, and murder, are juxtaposed to the Gospel of Life and Love, proclaimed by Jesus the Christ.  Oslo, a city known around the world for being the location of the awarding of the annual Nobel Peace Prize, has been shattered by this horrendous tragedy, striking at the natural sociability and serenity of the Norwegian People.  Sadly, this terrorist act underscores the reality of sin and selfishness present in the hearts and minds of warped individuals and groups, of every stripe, culture, and national origin in today's World.  Our thoughts and prayers, solidarity, and support, are with the familes, loved ones, and communities, so deeply impacted by this senseless selfish act, against these nearly eight dozen Norwegians, seven dozen plus, innocent, promising young people, who had the potential to be the future leaders of Norway.  As for Anders Brehring Breivik, should he be found guilty of this oddious crime, be brought to justice as he is held accountable for the travesty inflicted on his fellow citizens while proclaiming discipleship in Jesus Christ...........Peace, Prayers, Solidarity, Support,   Fr.  Troy

Friday, July 22, 2011

THE IRISH PEOPLE AFTER CENTURIES OF ALLIANCE WITH, ARE IN SERIOUS CONFLICT WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH...........

Breaking news from the Republic of Ireland in recent days is that the strain caused the sexual abuse scandal of the clergy and religious, in the close knit, centuries old, relationship between Irish Catholics, the Vatican, the Irish Government, the Fianna Fail political party founded by Eamon De Valera; broke wide open when the current Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, of the Fine Gael Party, publicly criticized the Vatican, thus the Catholic Church, for mishandling and covering up, the sexual abuse by not cooperating with law enforcement investigations into the scandals.  The separation of the Catholic Church, from the State of the Irish Republic, portends uncharted waters for the roles and relationship of politicians and the Irish Government; versus senior prelates of the Irish Church, about which there is mounting skepticism.  More to Come about this unprecedented happening of real division between Church and Irish political parties, that will never be what it has been for most of a century; as the Irish People, until now more than 90% Catholic in the 4.5 million citizen Irish Republic; are growing increasingly skeptical and openly critical of their Hierarchy of Bishops, and the Universal Supreme Pontiff, for not effectively responding legally, as well as morally, in regards, to wayward, offending priests and railing against the bishops who have until now ; not done as much as they can, to address and arrest the sexual abusers in their Dioceses..........More On This Over The Weekend, as the story and analysis, increase about this stunning turn of events...........Love, Peace, And Prayers,   Fr.  Troy

ST. MARY MAGADELENE, FAITHFUL WITNESS AND EXEMPLARY PENITENT...........

The Catholic-Christian Liturgical Calendar today, honors St. Mary Magdalene, who after her repentance for sin, became an exemplary penitent, and faithful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Mary of Magdala, was afforded the honor of becoming the First Witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, and was given the opportunity to be the person who informed the huddled Disciples and Apostles, that the Master and Teacher was gone from the tomb and had risen from the dead.  She is truly one of the Holy Women of the Gospels, and an outstanding proponent of Forgiveness and Conversion.  May Mry Mgdalene's Commitment to Christ, be a genuine inspiration of the power and necessity of Repentance, Conversion, and New Experiences...........Fr.  Troy

Thursday, July 21, 2011

AFTER 30 YEARS, THE FINAL LANDING OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE.....50 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FIRST MAN IN ORBIT...........

Yesterday marked the 42nd anniversary of American astronauts first landing on the Moon, and Neil Armstrong's definitive declaration, "One small step for Man.....One giant leap for (hu)Mankind...........Early this morning the Space Shuttle completed its final mission into the orbits of the sky.  30 Years after it's debut launch, 135 space shuttle missions later, the statistics attained in this three decades, include 541 million miles traveled; 21,000 orbits of the Earth completed; 37 visits to the Space Station; and today's landing is the 78th, to occur at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I find it phenomenal to think that it was thirty years ago that the first Space Shuttle was launched.  Like with the earlier facets of the Space Program in the United States, the Gemini and Apollo missions of the 1960's and 1970's, amidst all the success, there has also been sadness and sorrow, as two of the Space Shuttle launchings failed, killing its occupants.  The first Space Shuttle tragedy occurred in January 1986, when I was still in my last semester of seminary formation, at St. Patrick's in Menlo Park. On that morning which was the launch withe astronauts of a crew that included other lay professionals, including Christa McAuliffe, America's First Teacher in Space, I was watching the live coverage up in my room, until time came to go down to the Chapel, for Morning Mass.  As the presider began the Liturgy, he announced that other staff had just informed him that the Space Shuttle had exploded just moments following its launch.  So we began Mass by especially praying for those aboard and their family members and NASA colleagues.  The future of further space exploration by the United States will now be limited to having our American astronauts go into orbit with Russian cosmonauts on Soyuz, to the International.  Our National Aeronautical Space Administration, (NASA) will re-group, as budget cuts are absorbed and well down the line perhaps late in this, or early in the next decade, missions to outer space, perhaps even Mars or Venus may leap from the drawing board to the forefront of more American adventures in the skies of heaven of outer space...........Congratulations And Commemoration Of All The Astronauts And Those Who Have Been An Essential Part Of These Past 30 Years,   Fr.  Troy  

MY FIRST SESSION IN THE RECTORY WITH PHYSICAL THERAPIST PHILLIP, ORIENTATION AND ASSESSMENT...........

Phillip, my home health physical therapist for the next 3-4 weeks, arrived at the rectory at 2:45 p.m., for my first session with him.  He said he was only contacted about me yesterday, as we began by his asking me background questions about my condition and history.  He then did a basic physical strength testing on my left leg and foot, adjusted the height of my walker, and had me stand up and take a walk through the rectory.  Next he asked to see and assess my bathroom, in which he raised the height of my shower chair and recommended I elevate the toilet, by placing the commode over the top of it.  He also, strongly recommended that I have several disability stainless steel bars installed; which I was planning to do.  Down the line he thinks I should get a medical supply company shower bench, which I questioned for their length and how far it might extend outside the bathtub; as while I am in a wheelchair I must be able to get it into the bathroom for use of the sink and the toilet, as well as the shower/tub.  If only I had some of the size of my former master bathroom in the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Rectory, that I had from 1994-2000.  The shower area alone, was big enough for two shower heads, a shower chair, and bench !!!!!!!!!!!  Phillip, will be coming to work with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the late afternoon.  In between he recommended that I have others, (Fr. Pius, Paul, Larry, Ray, etc.) observe me standing and walking, pushing the wheelchair behind me.  The physicaL therapy plan he laid out, was to walk not only around the kitchen counters, but between then sideways, as well as forwards and backwards.  He also plans to have me walk independently out of the rectory, down the ramp, and toward the front entrance of the church within the next few weeks...........
Push Forward !!,   Fr. Troy

ALLELUIA !!! AMEN !!! A HOME HEALTH CARE PHYSICAL THERAPIST CONTACTS ME AFTER 15 DAYS WITHOUT...........

The 5 p.m. Wednesday deadline I set to have my home health care pohysical therapy scheduled, came and went with no response.  Then, at 11:45 a.m., this morning a physical therapist telephone me here at OLOL, wanting to come to see me at 3 p.m., today.  Alleluia !!! Amen !!!  After fifteen days of waiting without any p.t., except for thatstanding and walking exercise I have done with my antibiotic infusion therapy volunteers, this week.  Please God, we can start today and the evidence of progress in standing and walking, I am starting to really make can continue to develop forward.  I am grateful to the Case Management staff of Mercy General Hospital Acute Rehabiltation, Dr. James Cookson's medical assistant Barbara, Ray Riehle, Paul Friedrich, Larry Wager, Caterina Pellegrino, and Quinn McArthur, for their assistance and support in securing the start of this essential prostheses therapy and my ability to walk upstanding and independently again !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

LIKE THE CALL TO HOLINESS; THE CALL TO MINISTRY IN CATHOLIC-CHRISTIANITY IS A UNIVERSAL AND SELFLESS CALL...........

Authentic, unconditional, Discipleship in Jesus The Christ of Humankind's Salvation, is anchored in being selfless, spiritually grounded, believers, followers, and members, of the organic, Body of Christ in the World; - The Church founded by God's Son, Jesus as He completed the Paschal Mystery of Redemption for which He was born into the World, as God Made Man.  The Second Vatican Council,(1962-1965)  the latest to date,  of the twenty one Ecumenical Councils in the history of Catholic-Christianity, by which the Church is primarily guided, and governed; proclaimed the basic responsibility of Christians to the Universal Call to Holiness.  The Call to Holiness, is manifested in the lives we lead as Catholic-Christians, by our personal and uncondiotional communal commitment to Prayer, Worship, and Ministry.  Holiness, Prayer, Worship, Ministry, are the Baptismal responsibility and right; obligation and opportunity; of every Catholic-Christian, not only a select number of persons.  By calling multiple persons to become followers, and by forming a community of believers, Jesus The Christ, the Master-Shepherd, founded His Church as a, "People Of God".  That is the Divine Intention, that is the Primary Purpose, for which we are called, formed, and initiated, to be Church.  Unfortunately, given the selfish of sin caused by our fallen human nature, there are Catholic-Christians who fail to understand or practice, unconditional and selfless Discipleship, and define their membership in the Community of Believers, as self granted permission, to control and dominate others and to promote self serving, and selectively, targeted aims and agendas, that do not serve the common good of all, but the special interest of the few.  That approach to Discipleship is wrongheaded, and erroneous, as well as un-Christ like, and contrary to Gospel Values.  Eradicating just such attitudes and actions, and promoting the common good of the entire Faith Community, is the prophetic, and undeniable, duty of  ordained, or consecrated, servant-leaders of the Church.  As a priest and pastor of the Catholic Church, that is my focus and commitment to the People of God entrusted to my spiritual and temporal care.  I am presently applying that commitment to being the Servant-Leader of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, as the duly, canonically appointed, 6th Pastor of this geographic and parochial, Community of Believers.  Overseeing and serving the Common Good, and sorting out wayward agendas of individual and special interests, that attempt to limit the horizons of, "Faith, Fellowship, Collegiality, and Collaboration", is my commitment and my goal, - past, present, and future, rooted in my Disclpeship and Stewardship in Christ.  The People Of God, who are OLOL Parish can know that my priestly, pastoral ministry, and temporal administration, is to serve and lead the Whole Community in the spirit of the Gospel Values, proclaimed by Jesus, and preached by the Christ; a theology and ecclesiology, which is tethered to the biblical passage in the Acts of the Apostles 2:42; and faithfully adhered to by striving to call the parishioners to truly practice what they profess as Catholic-Christian Disciples, in the spirit of Acts; and taken forward and fulfilled, by carrying out the Beatitudes and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.  Yesterday, today, tomorrow, that is my pledge to God, to the Bishop, and to the Parishioners, I am blessed to be able to serve as a native born, locally grown, vocation of the Sacramento Diocese, and an ordained Priest of Jesus Christ...........Fr.  Troy

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NO WORD YET FROM THE HOME HEALTH NURSING AGENCY WITH MERCY REHAB JOINED IN HELPING ME GET MY PHYSICAL THERAPY IN THE RECTORY STARTED...........

The nursing agency, Mercy Rehab arranged my home health care physical therapy with, continues to be derelict, in providing, and even scheduling, the start of my work with a therapist in the rectory, and they are two weeks behind schedule.  I have given the nursing agency until 5 p.m., today - to have me scheduled starting this week, or I will terminate with them and return, to my external, personal, physical therapist, Quinn McArthur, who is most likely, the superior choice anyway.  The challenge to returning to Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy, with whom I have scheduled a tentative 4 p.m. Friday appointment, is getting the transportation to and from.  A handful of parishioners, have indicated they will be available to drive me there and back, as it is only as far as Madison Avenue and Van Maren Lane, so it should work out.  It however amazes and irritates me, that a professional medical agency, contracted with by a Catholic institution, are as inferior, and indifferent, to the home health care needs of patients assigned to them.  I guess as long as Medicare, and Insurance, are paying for it, they think all that counts is the number of patients and the profit margin, they can garner.  I take my rehabilitation therapy seriously enough and only today discovered I now have the strength, balance, and ability, to stand up independently for a few moments, not holding on to a walker, or other additional support, and did so twice in my bathroom, this morning and afternoon, as I was transferring back into my wheelchair.  So I need to proceed with a therapeutic professional, who takes my case, just as seriously.  Quinn McArthur, certainly - has, does, will !!!!!  So it will be interesting to see if, and who calls me back between now and the end of the work day.  And I wonder if Mercy Rehab Case Management will have any more success in resolving the inherent problems with this agency's deficiencies and mistakes, in my regard - or will I have to resume my own p.t., with my own three month / eight year therapist, professional, and disciple / friend ???????????...........Fr.  Troy

WEDNESDAYS ARE MY DAY OFF, OR ARE THEY DURING MY REHAB THERAPY CONVALESCENCE TIME ???????????...........

In the four parishes in which I have been Pastor, the day off weekly I have taken is Wednesday.  I choose as Wednesdays as the midway point of the week from Sunday to Saturday; thus putting equal work days on either side of my day off.  An appreciable in the United States do the same.  As a priest there are times when any of us have to surrender a portion, of our bonafided day off.  Yet, I make no claims to be Super-Father, with a big S-F  logo emblazoned on my chest; who doesn't need to eat, sleep, take a day off, go on vacation, or do other ordinary everyday human things.  A depleted, or tired priest, is not an effective minister of the Gospel or the People of God, for very long.  And working 7 days a week, non-stop also sets priests, like any other person up, for an adverse breakdown in our health.  Explaining that and getting parishioners to always understand or accept the reality that Father's day off is his to schedule, not theirs, can be a continuous challenge.  Other than morning Mass, or special occasions; I strive to  maintain my day off, as my day off - for rest, recreation, and redirection of my energies and efforts the remainder of the work week.  At present, being present in the rectory most of the time when I am not in church, at medical appointments, or therapy sessions, maintaining the balance between being off on Wednesdays and not being oblivious to authentic concerns on the part of others.  From my Grandmother Powers I received what I refer to in her words, being - "Even Steven".  What she did for anyone of her family members, or friends, she insisted on being able to do for all others.  I apply the same standard to my own priestly and pastoral ministry.  I do not play favorites, or put individuals or groups of persons, before the common good of the whole parish.  Currently, I am having to exercise exactly that approach to counteract attempts on the part of a select few to control me and the community, to advance their own agendas.  Given my health, therapy, and rehabilitation requirements this year, I will not be taking a vacation.  Therefore, maintaining my day off and resting, relaxing, and recreating, on Wednesdays weekly,  is even more imperative.  Besides celebrating the 8 a.m. Mass and doing my Prostheses Therapy, Wednesday requests of me will have to be need dealt with on Thursdays.  Praying The Parishioners Of  OLOL, And All In My Circle Of Friends Will Honor This Request, I Remain In Christ Jesus Who Is Lord,   Fr.  Troy 

DEADLINE DAY FOR HOME HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY TO BEGIN...........

Two weeks out of Mercy General Rehab and back at the Parish, where twice daily through July 29th, I have been undergoing Antibiotic Infusion Therapy, with the help of trained volunteers, and anchorerd once a week, by an R.N., from a home health nursing agency; I am still waiting for a home heralth physical therapist to arrive, and begin the carrying out, of my required and necessary prostheses therapy in the rectory, for which I am eligible.  Today is the day I have set for the nursing agency to s set the physical therapy schedule with me, or I will also be contacting Mercy General Rehab Discharge Planning and my personal, external therapist, Quinn McArthur, to set resuming with him at Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy, about resuming with him twice weekly, if a home health pt schedule is not in place by the end of the workday.  I will not allow the progress I made in Mercy Acute Rehab, to be dissipated away, by the intransigence of inept follow through of unprofessional  home health providers.  Even my own, allowable standing and walking exercises, the past two weeks, indicate I can progress, if the other responsible parties will only carry out their home health duties with and for me !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

THE MURDOCH MESS - 4 EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATES; 2 POLICE OFFICIALS; 1 NEWS REPORTER; CAUGHT UP IN A WEB OF CORRUPTION AS MURDOCH SENIOR AND SON, WITH THEIR ATTORNEY APPEAR BEFORE THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT...........

After decades of publishing questionable, unscrupulous, if not sleazy, newspapers in Great Britain, and throughout the World, including the United States, where the Murdoch News Corporation owns The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, Fox News, Fox Television / 20th Century Fox Studios, and Harper-Collins Books and Publishing, Australian born, 80 year old mega mogul, Rupert Murdoch, and his son and chief lieutenant, and likely designated successor, James, and their attorney; were summoned today to appear before the British Parliament, to give an accounting, and answer an onslaught of parliamentary, personal, political, and legal, questions about the unfolding scandal of corruption and the crimes committed by newspapers, reporters, editors, and executives of the Murdoch international operations, particularly in Great Britain.  In the face of seriously strenuous questioning by Members of Parliament, the best defense of the Murdoch team, led by the Founder and Patriarch, and Son, and until she was arrested earlier this week, their chief female lieutenant and protege', was to apologize profusely, without confessing any criminal acts.  The senior Murdoch and his scion, also denied any knowledge of the deeds of others, obfuscating, and naming and blaming, others for the presumptive criminal corruption.  Not knowing what is going on in the companies of the corporate conglomerate, of which he is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, seems to underline the credibility and strain the believability, of what was being said by the Murdoch Team -
in response to intense and persistent questioning of the M.P.'s.  Early, first day news analysis of the answers presented by Rupert and James Murdoch gives them a grade of, "D", and did nothing more than buy them time to survive the tide of discovery and allegations, mounting against most facets of News Corp. internationally.  The British Parliament will continue their hearings into the Murdoch Corruption Scandal tomorrow, turning their focus to the role and relationships sitting Prime Minister David Cameron played in his connections to, and appointment of a high ranking former Murdoch associates, as one of the senior assistants of his Government.....  The investigations and allegations of criminal corruption in the Murdoch media operations, are only beginning; and could potentially unleash a wave of incredulity, as to just how fair, balanced, legal, moral, or righteous, the American media operations of, "Murdoch, Inc.", truly are !!!!!!!!!!!  In the classic question of the venerable Goodson-Todman game show, "To Tell The Truth", Will the Real Rupert Murdoch, Please Stand Up ???????????...........Fr.  Troy 

RAY RIEHLE MY CHIEF INFUSION THERAPY VOLUNTEER OFFERS TO DRIVE ME TO MY 10:45 A.M. APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MCMONAGLE, DESPITE HAVING TO LEAVE HIS WORK, TO DO SO...........

Ray Riehle, my twenty year friend and former parishioner, from my fifteen months as newly ordained Associate Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Citrus Heights;and my three and a half years as Associate Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish Folsom; who is currently heading up my Antibiotic Infusion Therapy home health treatments and was my Tuesday morning volunteer to connect and disconnect me, generously offered to drive me to and from my appointment in Roseville, with Dr. McMonagle.  He did so, as my self imposed, 9 a.m. deadline for contact from northeastern Sacramento parishioners and friends, passed without a response.  Ray who is an independent small businessman, in Citrus Heights, who has worked valiantly extra hard the past four years during the economic recession, to keep himself viably in business, like so many others in our local communities, was taking time away from his essential livelihood, to help me because he cares deeply about me and getting me healed and able to progress with my priestly ministry.  Others either not working or retired, who could and some instances say you will help provide me with transportation to these medical appointments and then don't respond, or make yourself available, can learn a lesson from Ray.  From this point forward I will put my requests for your assistance out equally among all of you in my circle.  I ask you who are sincerely willing to help me with these rides, until please God, I am trained to drive again with my prostheses; to send me a comment posting with your Name, Days of the Week and Times on those Says you are available, so that I can put together a Master List of Driver Volunteers, and not be scurrying the day or two before each doctor's or medical appointment to find and secure a driver.  The time and energy I am expending on tracking down rides, is a total waste.  And spending $50-$100 each time on taxi rides to multiple appointments throughout each month, OLOL budget cannot provide for and which are putting a substantial strain on my income to pay for and meet my other co-pays and other monthly expenses, which next month will include a round-trip airfare and lodging in Phoenix, for several days as I undergo my 2nd Annual Kidney Transplant Evaluation at the Mayo Clinic; volunteer drivers, who I am willing to provide gas money, or use of my car to and from appointments for, are imperative to covering the bases.  I do not enjoy complaining, or pressing anyone into service.  But I know, that if any of you I know and care about, were to be in a similar predicament, my conscience, discipleship, and our friendship / relationship, would cause me to help you in my need.  So I continue to pray that more of you will see your way to responding in the affirmative and lessening my frustration at spinning my wheels each and every time, a new medical appointment day approaches.  Peace + Prayers, In Jesus Who Is Lord...........Fr.  Troy

MY NEXT MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS I AM NEEDING DRIVERS FOR ARE :

Monday July 25th - 9:15 am   SUTTER IMAGING CENTER, 28th & CAPITOL AVE. 
                                 1:15 p.m.  SUTTER IMAGING CENTER,   28th & CAPITOL AVE.

Thurs.  July 28th -   8 a.m.  LABCORP, Elvas Avenue

IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO DRIVE ME AT ONE OF THOSE TIMES, PLEASE CONTACT ME BY BLOG, E-MAIL, OR PHONE OLOL, AT  916-925-5313.  THANK YOU...........    

STILL SEEKING A DRIVER FOR THIS MORNING'S APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MCMONAGLE...........

As I awake on this Tuesday after morning, my customary post transplant four hours or more sleep, I am still seeking a driver from among my parishioners, friends, and contacts, who are available this morning to transport me to and from my 10:45 a.m. appointment, with my primary care physician and diabetic doctor, James McMonagle, M.D.  As of now I have been unable to anyone who can drive me, unless I look to someone fifteen miles south of OLOL, which is further to picking me up, than it is to driving to the doctor's office at Douglas Boulevard and North Sunrise Avenue.  I will now have to ask some of my South Sacramento circle, if they are available to take me, or call my taxi driver, as I need to leave the rectory, no later than 10:15 a.m., preferably closer to 10 o'clock, to be on time for the appointment...........If you read this in time to help me, and can provide me with transportation this morning, please call me at OLOL Rectory, 916-925-5313.  Fr.  Troy

Monday, July 18, 2011

NON STOP MONDAY......AND STILL SEEKING A RIDE TO MY APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MCMONAGLE TUESDAY MORNING...........

As this top of the work week day closes, it has been a usually busy, but even more non-stop day.  8 a.m. Mass, followed by Monday parish administration work, kept me occupied, along with my morning antibiotic infusion therapy, until 11 a.m.  A liquid breakfast of coffee and juice, at 7 a.m., tied me over until brunch at 11 a.m., my scrambled egg omelette concoction, with turkey bacon and wheat toast; plus a myriad of phone calls, mostly financial assistance, and food requests, came in continuously throughout the morning and afternoon.  And with the Parish Office closed and Fr. Pius on his day off, yours truly took the calls.  I met with Sister Eliza, to discuss Sister Felicity's employment as Parish Director of Religious Education for the coming year.  I spoke by phone with Dr. Cookson's medical assistant, Barbara, about my physical therapy referral, and was told the agency, to her surprise had dropped the ball on me, because they normally send a fax request to the doctor, straight away.  I did not have to request or do anything, to get it, even though my home health nurse had insisted it was my responsibility to do so.  Then when the assigned nurse, called to tell me what time she would be making her weekly visit to me today, and I raised the question of her misinformation and failure to set my physical therapy home health in motion, she proceeded for the third time in twelve days, to blame me for her mistake.  Three strikes and she was out of here.  I told her not to return, called the nursing agency and informed the manager / supervisor, of the problems I have had, including a picc line dressing last week, that  was not properly taped down, and has been coming loose all week; a line that goes directly to the heart - the agency manager / supervisor agreed to send another nurse.    I laid down in the early afternoon for a nap, that resulted in laying down, dozing three or four times, and  each time I dozed, had an incoming parish call come in !!!!! So I got up and made and returned some calls myself, while awaiting other incoming calls.  Working on my infusion volunteer scheduling through July 29th, and trying to find a driver to my appointment tomorrow morning in Roseville, with Dr. McMonagle, from one of the handful of parishioners who have volunteered to drive me to medical appointments, they were either not available, or non responsive, so it looks like I will be taking another $100.00 plius taxi ride roundtrip to get to my appointment; unless as I stated last night in my blog column, I ask one of my South Sacramento friends, which given the fifty five mile plus roundtrip for them, I am reticent to do, when there should be someone closer who can do it.  It has been suggested that I hire a twenty something college student and paid him / her a nominal fee for their time and gas.  When confronted with my thrice weekly dialysis treatments for two years and a half years, in 2007-2009, before my kidney transplant, my living donor, and St. Rose's South Sacramento parishioners and friends, drove me to almost 100% of those appointments.  Picking me up at Presentation Church in Arden, driving me to the dialysis clinic in Orangevale, and returning home to South Sacramento.  Quite a haul, three days a week, for 379 treatment appointments, and probably in the same 55-60 miles distance driving, I referenced above.  The Presentation Parish Helping Hands Ministry, volunteered to drive me home from the dialysis clinic in Orangevale to the parish, a 30 mile plus roundtrip, three times weekly,during those two and a half years, and provided about 95% of my rides; all of them at the dinner hour for the people driving me.  And a goodly number of the Presentation, and also St. Philomene's parishioners, who volunteered were elderly - which at first observation of my current lack of appointment transportation coverage, could seem to be the cause. But then, wouldn't that also have been true, for as lengthy a time as my 379 dialysis treatments unfolded, of those who provided me those rides in the other two parishes ??   One of the differences may be that  in the other two parishes, it was a ministry, whose President did the scheduling of drivers, and a near perfect job of covering the need to get me home, to the parish rectory.  And initially they volunteered to drive me to and from Orangevale, for all of the treatments !!!!!!!!!!!  Who do I now tap to do the driver and rides scheduling for me ?  Thus here I am having to do it myself.  In the 'State of the Parish Address' I delivered on Pentecost Sunday in June, one of the goals for this current Parish Year, I proposed is a Helping Hands Ministry for OLOL Parish.  Whether it can and will achieve the same success here, is as yet unanswered; as an orientation, committed membership recruitment, and organizational meeting has not yet been held.  Whereas, at Presentation, when Helping Hands assistance was offered to me, a priest in the parish, I was concerned that accepting might take the ministry members away from addressing necessary and pertinent parishioners need for their assistance; here at OLOL, with our small and aging number of active participants in ministry, I wonder if as the parish priest, I find it hard to get the help I will need with medical appointments for several more months, whether ill, infirm, disabled, parishioners in need without family, friends, or neighbors, to assist them will have any more assurance of assistance when they need it.  On both fronts only time will tell and the responses, speak for themselves.  As I blogged previously this month, the older I become the more trustful that in God's Time and Plan, this too, will be resolved and covered, and that I won't be left to wonder more times than not, who is have available from the nearest possible location to the parish and the appointments, without having to call my taxi-man ??  In the words I directed to my circle of family, friends, and parishioners, in rounding up just seven Infusion Therapy volunteers for my 47 home health treatments this month - Can You ?  Will You ??  Help Me, By Sharing In The Rides To The Medical Appointments I Need ???...........Fr.  Troy

A MID SUMMER'S DAY OF INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION...........

Today the Catholic-Christian Community celebrate the Memorial of St. Camillus de Lellis, a dedicated soldier of the Roman Empire, who became a convert and disciple of the Christian Faith.  He hailed from Abruzzi, Italy.  As a Christian Disciple, Camillus de Lellis devoted the remainder of his life to the care and healing of the Sick.   After celebrating the 8 a.m. Mass, I will enter what I call, "Monday-itis", the rapid fire, morning long, schedule of getting the coming week started.  Addressing the administrative details of parish life and receiving follow-up and fresh phone call and door bell messages, directing and instructing them according to their questions and needs.  Having received a dozen or more requests last week for financial assistance, which OLOL cannot provide due to our subsistent parish budget; I expect, especially beyond the middle of the month, that I will receive two or more such calls today.....  The chief focus of this day universally, by declaration of the current President of South Africa, is - "Mandella International Day", in honor of Nelson Mandella's 93rd Birthday today; and in recognition of prisoner and then president, Mandella's yeoman continuing contribution for fifty years plus, to the causes of freedom, dignity, and hguman rights.  I will blog more soon, about this truly exemplary citizen of the world in the 20th and 21st Centuries...........Long May The Truth Of Emanicipation And Freedom For The Progress Of All Peoples,   Fr.  Troy 

Sunday, July 17, 2011

A REST FILLED SUNDAY AFTERNOON AFTER A SICK CALL IN RIO LINDA...........

 After celebrating the 10:30 a.m. Mass, with the 5 Baptisms, number 884-888, on my baptismal hit parade, attending the Hospitality Sunday reception in honor of Fr. Pius' Birthday, and returning to the rectory, to have my lunch before laying my body down, after 7 hours of being up and in the wheelchair, which included a 100 foot walkabout the rectory, with my walker, and Ray Riehle walking behind me with the wheelchair; a phone call came from the Pennington Family in Rio Linda, informing me their husband and father, Jack Sr., who has cancer, had taken a turn for the worse.  Patty and Jack, who for the past nine months are now the Parish Bookkeeper and Computer Technician, came to the church to drive me out to their home to pastorally visit their father and celebrate the Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and Dying, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.  Returned to the rectory by 3 p.m., I took my afternoon nap and then chatted with my Facebook friends until dinner.  Within the hour, Paul Friedrich, will be here to connect and disconnect me from my antibiotic infusion therapy, home health treatment # 24 of 47.  This afternoon I also called and left a detailed reminder message for Dr. Cookson's assistant regarding getting my home health physical therapy.  This eleven day lay-off because complications with the nursing agency setting it up, is delaying reactivating the pt.  It will resume this week, as I have decided either I assured by home health nursing, that there will be two pt sessions before the weekend, or I return to my twice weekly pt sessions at Swanson-McArthur Physical Therapy on Madison Avenue and Van Maren Lane.  Quinn McArthur, my pt, is a magnificent professional man, with great skills and a very congenial personality.  The necessity of arranging transportation, versus having the therapists for whom I qualify presently, to come to me in the church rectory, is the only reason I would delay returning to Quinn.   Many of my South Sacramento friends and former parishioners stand ready to drive me to my medical appointments.  However, it is unfair that they should drive 15 miles or more to OLOL, to take me to appointments in downtown Sacramento, or Roseville.  Their volunteer round trip driving of me to these appointments is 45-60 miles  total; whereas if my present and past, parishioners, or personal friends in the northeast Sacramento  volunteer to drive me to these very same appointments, the distance per appointment, they would drive is 15-40 miles.  Thus the South Sacramentans 2/3 further by being my volunteer drivers on the northeastern side of Sacramento and Placer Counties.  Now were the appointments reversed, and be in South Sacramento, or Elk Grove, I would look much more to my friends and parishioners down thereto be my primary appointment drivers.  My parents ingrained in me and my siblings that we take no one, or what they do for us, for granted.  Afew dollars for gasoline, or as soon as I get my car battery recharged and running, use of my car to get to these medical and therapeutic appointments.  The alternative, taxi rides, even though I have an outstanding and personally attending,  taxi man and his family providing them when I must take a taxi, who operate from this 95838 zip code, is an expensive way to travel to appointments ten to fifteen miles fron the OLOL rectory.  Praising God For The Blessings Of Life, Faith, Hope, Love, Vocation, Salvation, And The Will To Push Forward,   Fr.  Troy 

THE 16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BRINGS JULY BAPTISMS, AND HOSPITALITY SUNDAY CELEBRATING FR. PIUS' BIRTHDAY TO OLOL...........

In the middle of July and summer days, in the midst of Ordinary Time, we celebrate this 16th Sunday.  As we go into the parabolic Field, of possession and opportunity, Jesus calls upon us His Disciples, to selflerssly use our personal possessions to provide a positive response to the everyday opportunities to serve not only our best interests, but the common good of all.  If media mogul, Rupert Murdoch and his now increasingly evident, corrupt associates, had lived their personal and professional lives by that golden rule, they, and we, would not be confronted with the unfolding fallout, caused by their crimes.  How are you,. personally, professionally, communally, utilizing your own 'Field of Possessions and Opportunities ?.....As I preside at our 10:30 a.m. Mass this morning at OLOL Church, I will also be officiating at our five newest Parish Baptisms, at the Mass, as we now schedule our baptisms.  Also, today is our monthly Hospitality Sunday, as we gather for coffee, donuts, and juice, in the Parish Hall following this morning's Masses.  Fr. Pius Amah, presently our Parochial Vicar, will be feted at both of these hospitality receptions, in celebration of his 53rd Birthday, which he celebrated on Monday July 11.  As I blog, I am undergoing my a.m. antiobiotic infusion, with the first volunreer and trainer of other volunteers, Ray Riehle, facilitating this treatment.  He is attending the 8:30 a.m. Mass, while I do my treatment and have my breakfast...........Until Later In Jesus The Lord,   Fr.  Troy

Saturday, July 16, 2011

CONCLUDING THIS MEMORABLE, COMMEMORATING, MEMORIALIZING, SATURDAY JULY 16, 2011...........

Nearly seven months after his struggle  and  passing away, following a valiant and persevering battle with ALS-Lou Gehrig's Disease, 1 of 107, American first Gulf War veterans, who contracted the disease for some unknown reason; we honored Captain Brian Charles Welch's request that in addition to his Funeral Service, in Dallas, Texas, that a Memorial Service, Celebrating his Life, be held in California.  Today his wife Kim, and his loved ones, fulfilled his request.  Several dozen persons gathered at the home of his mother and father in-law, Ken and Pearlene Munson, in Lincoln; this afternoon for a few hours, and celebrated and commemorated Brian.  Despite the best laid plans over the past seven months as coordinated and planned by our mutual friend of thirty three years, Joseph A. Gibson, in consultation and cooperation with Curtis L. Richards, yours truly, and the Welch and Munson Families; our scheduled 12 Noon starting time had to be pushed back several minutes, because of an unexpected delay in departing from Sacramento, on the part of myself, Curtis, and his driver, Megan; who were making the journey to Lincoln together.  I was first up on the Ceremony program, after Opening Remarks from Joe, so our start time was fifteen to thirty minutes later than planned.  But from that point, the Celebration went swimmingly.  I led off with liturgical, memorial prayers, scripture readings, preaching, and blessings.  Pete Heur, like Brian, a pilot, who was one of his closest personal friends the past thirty years, followed with the recitation of the United States Air Force Prayer.  As he concluded, Pete invited Kim Welch, Brian's widow, to come forward and join him, and together they walked a short distance and thosein attendance stood to look toward the designated location; where Kim was handed a single, white, dove - which she released into the sky.  As the dove soared into the air, a flock of white doves, were released skyward, behind the, "pilot" dove, and they flew over the property. It was an awestruck, almost majestic, sight to view.  Next, Brian's older biological brother, Mark Welch, provided memories of growing up with Brian and the lifelong relationship they shared for the duration of Brian's fifty years on earth.  It was a poignant, but very positive re-enforcement, - of the power of love, made evident in family life.  Joe Gibson then shared some of the letters of remembrance that have been received since Brian's death, which underscored the decency, dignity, commitment, and constancy, by which Brian lived, as a college student, associated students government leader, university union assistant manager, air force pilot, and friend.  Joe then offered a brief presentation of his own recollections, which ever verbal me, had to ask to audibly add to; especially in regards to the relationship Brian and Curtis Richards shared, with Joe astutely setting up comments, that I could follow up with, tongue in cheek, and take a few pokes, at the relationship as a reporter, and managing editor, of the State Hornet, Curtis shared with Brian, and all of us !!!!!!!!!!!  To bring the Memorial Service proper to a close, Joe invited the assembled gathering to join in a small tree and wooded area,  just behind were the cermony was held, to take a small American flag, and have a group photograph taken of the event.  A wonderful luncheon of the first meal Kim ever prepared for Brian, when they were dating nearly three decades ago, Lasagne, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, Chocolate Cake, and Red Wine, that had been Brian's favorite meal; and a Welch Family mainstay on his birthday and their wedding anniversary, up until his passing, was served.  Our Memories of this truly great son, brother, husband, father, air traffic controller, veteran, pilot, friend, student government leader, fraternity brother, and believer, will make our love for him and the treasury of memories we share of him, an indelible, everlasting, part of our lives...........Eternal Rest Grant Unto His Holy Soul O Lord, And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.  Until We Meet Again In God's Kingdom Brian, May You Rest In Peace,   Troy

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE RESTORED HEALTH AND HEALING OF REVEREND FATHER JOSEPH TERNULLO...........

I join my vioce of those of so many others in Sacramento, and our Diocese, in requesting prayers for the Intentions of Healing and Restored Health, for Reverend Father Joseph Ternullo.  Fr. Joe, like myself - a native born, locally grown, vocation of the Sacramento Diocese, was ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Church of Sacramento, in 1973, having completed his ordination formation studies at St. Patrick's Seminary, in Menlo Park, California.  He is a seminary classmate of Bishop Richard J. Garcia, now the Ordinary of the Diocese of Monterey, in California.  Following bypass surgery on July 7th, Fr. Ternullo has suffered follow-up complications, and at last word, was returned to his hospital's Intensive Care Unit.  I first met Fr. Joe in 1978, as he transferred from his first priestly assignment, which I share in common with him, Holy Family Parish Citrus Heights; and I was taking Diocesan Cathecist Faith Formation Certification courses.  Fr. Joe was one of the presenters and, as I was a senior at CSU-Sacramento, and beginning to seriously discern my own potential priestly vocation, I was struck that evening, not only by the earnestness of his presentation and its content, but the happiness and positive desire he exuded as a young priest, for God, the Church, and us his audience and students.  In June 1993, when I was elected Chairman of the Diocesan Council of Priests, Fr. Joe Ternullo, was also elected to serve with me, as Vice Chairman.  For the following fifteen months we worked and served together through the transition of Bishop Francis Quinn's retirement; and Bishop William Keith Weigand's installation as Bishops of Sacramento.  So together, let us pray for Fr. Joe's quick and complete recovery.  Presently, he is serving as Chaplain to St. Francis High School in Sacramento.  Previous to that, he was a neighboring priest to Our Lady of Lourdes, as Pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, in North Highlands.   Joseph, my brother, colleague, and priest, "May Lord Bless You And Keep You;  May The Lord Make His Face Upon You And Be Gracious To You;  May the Lord Grant You Peace";...........Fr.  Troy

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