FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BVM AND OUR INTERPERSONAL VISITS............

At the end of the month of May, we celebrate the Marian liturgical Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It commemorates the Blessed Mother's familial visit to her cousin Elizabeth, a three month visit while they were pregnant with John the Baptist and the Christ Child. Mary's visit to Elizabeth was an act of love and care for her relative and a prophetic sign of the prophetic role John the Baptist in Elizabeth's womb would play in the fulfilling final heralding of the coming of the Messiah. Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth started me to thinking bout the visitations all of us are called on by family ties, friendship, and charity, to make in fulfilling our roles as Catholc-Christian disciples and compassionate human beings. uring the past few months I hav gained a renewed insight into the priority our personal visitations have in the lves of the ill,infirm, alienated, disabled, or marginalized. I am forever grateful to the persons who care enough to take some of their precious time and come to visit me during this period of involuntary exile; lifting the veil of detachment and absence from the priestly ministry I know I should b carrying out. And I am not alone in valuing the care and concern other persons show by visiting the shut in, or those in hospitals, homes, and other health care residences, where they are removed from wholstic daily interaction with the wider world. On this Feast of the Visitation, discern who you can make a personl visit to coming days to affirm and edify them in he knowledge they are not forgoten, nor are they diminshed in the memory of others, left to cope with whatever reality they endure not on their own, but maintain the support and solidarity of others; just as Mary showed care and compassion for Elizabeth and recieved an abundance of grace in return............Fr. Troy

MITT ROMNEY GOES OVER THE TOP WITH WIN IN TEXAS PRIMARY............

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's six year campaign to gain the Republican Presidential Nomination was met on Tuesday with his decisive win in the 2012 Texas Primary.  Winning 69% of the votes, compared to 12% for Ron Paul;  8% for Rick Santorum; and 5% for Newt Gingrich; Romney captured more than enough of the number of Convention Delegates to reach and exceed the required 1,144 delegates necessary to win the Presidential Nomination.  Appearing in Las Vegas Tuesday night at a fundraiser with Donald Trump, overshadowed some of the triumphal nature of the evening, given the renewed focus on Trump's raising of the Birther issue regarding President Obama.  With the state of the Economy being Romney's strongest campaign issue, Trump's diversionary focus, which on Sunday caused conservative commentator George Will, on ABC News "This Week", to call Trump a, "bloviating ignorameous", and led CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday, to tell Trump in a live interview on, "The Situation Room", that he is starting to sound, "ridiculous"; is obscuring Romney's ability to maximize the effectiveness of his economic message in what is shaping up as a very close presidential election race.  The sooner Romney detaches himself from the over the top self promotion of Trump the entertainer, the greater opportunity he will be in returning his campaign to its most credible basis for electing him President............Fr.  Troy

THE SYRIAN ATROCITY DESERVES AN IMMEDIATE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS RESPONSE............

The newly disclosed killing of 108 Syrians by their own Assad Family dictatorship, which is teetering and clinging to power, is an atrocity that cannot be ignored or overlooked by the international community of nations.  A human rights campaign that seeks to secure the safety of Syrian citizens by stringent economic and diplomatic sanctions on the Assad Government need to be developed  as well as an irrevocable insistence that asserts Syrian children and adults alike have a right to be free from fear of violence, terrorism, or death, inflicted on them by their own countrymen.  Many of the 108 victims killed in this occurrence were undeniably assassinated, being shot directly in the head.  Forty nine of the victims killed were children, a grievous act, underpinning the travesty of this crime.  Turkey is indicating a willingness to assist in providing safe zones for the Syrian people.  The United States, the United Nations, and NATO, need now to organize a collective response to support the citizens of Syria, and bring a cessation to the abuse and aggression of President Assad's Government............Fr,  Troy

AMERICAN MEMORIAL DAY, SACRAMENTO DIOCESAN ERECTION DAY, PRIESTS JUBILARIAN DAY, HAS A FOURTH SIGNIFICANCE FOR ME............

On this Memorial Day holiday in the United States we remember and commemorate the 2.5 million American citizens n our history who have laid down their lives as military members in the time of war and in the cause of peace; in acknowledgement and appreciation of their service. Todaym is also the 126th Anniversary of the erection (creation) of the Diocese of Sacramento on May 28, 1886.  I t is also the occasion of our annual Priests' Jubilarian Dinner, for those priests celebrating the 25th, 40th, 50th, and 60th, Anniversaries of their Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  As a silver jubilarian I was one of tonight's honorees.  Reverend Father Benedict graciously and fraternally, provided me a ride to and from the jubilarian dinner, which was held in the recently dedicated St. Mel Parish Center in Fair Oaks.  It was also ten years ago today, that I was diagnosed with diabetes.  A decade later I am grateful to God for preserving my life and for the perseverance to continue in carrying out my priestly vocation in ordained ministry, despite the hardship and obstacles I have had tom endure.  To my brother priests and circle of friends and faithful parishioners, whose support and affirmation continue to sustain me, especially now while I am sidelined and striving to resume doing what I am confident the Lord Jesus Christ wants me do, the sooner I am allowed to return to active ministry and parish life the better.  For as I said again tonight, I have no intention of retiring now at age 55, when priests, especially native born, locally grown vocations are needed more than ever............Fr.  Troy

A WONDERFUL SUNDAY VISIT FROM TRUE PENTECOST PEOPLE............

On this Pentecost Sunday, the culmination of the 50 Glorious Days of Easter, Catholic-Christians commemorate the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, following the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus.  Christ's Gift of the Holy Spirit not only fulfilled His promise not to leave us and all Believers on our own, but rather imbued with the charisms, strength, and sustenance, God's Spirit brings.  The unusualness of this Pentecost Sunday for me being detached from public ministry and liturgical celebration other my my own private prayers and Mass, I happily welcomed the visit Ted And Irene Dahlberg made to me this afternoon.  Spending time with them made today more than just another day to be passed sitting on the sidelines, filling time.  The Dahlbergs faith, friendship, support, and generous presence, like that of a number of parishioners, personal friends, and a good group of brother priests, whose unconditional care and concern for me remains unconditional, is making a real difference to me during this travail.  At the one decade mark of dealing with the physical limitations my health challenges have exacted upon me and my priestly ministry, I am deeply grateful to all of you who have stood faithfully with me through these ten years, not distancing yourselves or discounting me as a person and a priest; affirming, not marginalizing, my ordained ministry; providing friendship, fraternity, and support; not because you have to, but because you truly want to, furthers my perseverance not to give up, or give in, to the disappointing conditional indifference and lack if understanding, others who have every reason to be supportive and affirming, choose not to provide.  My personal and vocationally dedicated prayer this Easter-Pentecost Day is that God's Spirit of Love and Dignity for the Human Person can and will be achieved everyone in the World and the Church, by every person to every person, so that inclusion and empowerment, not physical or imposed limitations, will prevail in all our lives............Fr.  Troy

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER HOLIDAY RESPITE............

In yesterday's blog column about the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee / now Music Festival, I mentioned that on Monday it includes a 'Salute To Service'.  That Salute is at the core of the meaning and purpose for the reason Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday in the United States.  Holidays are rightfully days of rest, recreation, and renewal, but with a focus and intention we should be aware of, and remember to incorporate into our observance of the holiday.  Commemorating the men and women in our families, neighborhoods, communities, and throughout the nation, who have served in the American military and passed on is the reason for the past century and a half we observe Memorial Day.  Following the American Civil War Between the States, 1861-1865, it became customary for loved ones to go to the cemeteries where there loved ones are buried to decorate their graves with flags and flowers.  That tradition continues in cemeteries throughout the country.  In addition ro decorating the graves, crypts, and monuments, memorializing departed military personnel, Liturgies and Remembrance Services are conducted in burial grounds almost everywhere.  So as we observe this three day weekend, make and take time to commemorate the departed and  fallen who have patriotically served in times of war and peace, that freedom, liberty, and opportunity, continue to flourish for all............Fr.  Troy

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND JAZZ JUBILEE BECOMES SACRAMENTO MUSIC FESTIVAL............

Since 1974, the Memorial Day holiday weekend in Sacramento has been the occasion for the annual Jazz Jubilee, a third day spectacular of musical concerts of multiple styles and varieties.  This 39th year event has been renamed the Sacramento Music Festival, and is offering an even bigger Party of Music in Old Sacramento and in the downtown area hotel ballrooms, and will include a Saturday morning 'Parade' at 10 a.m., and dancing in the streets, sure to please all the members of the family.  In addition to the various facets of jazz, from traditional Dixieland to Ragtime, along with many others; the Music Festival will offer, swing, blues, zydeco, rockabilly, country, blueglass, latino, mariachi, big band, orchestras, marching bands, youth bands, and banjo concerts.  Also, a 'Salute to Service' Memorial Day presentation will take place on Monday afternoon.  After nearly four decades, the old becomes new again, as this  kickoff to summer Sacramento tradition renews, expands, and continues.  The Jazz Jubilee, now rechristened Sacramento Music Festival, is once again an inviting option for personal and family entertainment as we observe this three day holiday day weekend............Fr.  Troy

A SILVER JUBILEE GIFT TAKES ME FROM LAPTOP TO I-PAD............

From 1990, when I learned to use a desktop computer / wordprocesser, to 2007, when I finally bought a laptop, and began to expand my daily use of a pc, enjoying the portability, accessibility, and convenience, of having and traveling with a computer wherever I may be, I have often wondered why I waited so long to embrace laptops.  For the past year or longer I I have been encouraged by others to transition to an i-pad, especially when traveling.  Thanks to the gift for my 25th anniversary of Priesthood, from the Pennington-Shepherd Family, in OLOL Parish, I now have an I-Pad.  Mary Lou and Jack Pennington came by to see me this morning and helped me set up and begin to use the i-pad, which is going to be an exciting new horizon in blogging, interneting, social networking.  The convenience and portability of traveling with an i-pad has been underscored for me in the past four weeks and the journey from Sacramento to San Francisco, Monterey/Carmel, South Lake Tahoe/Reno, Napa Valley, Newark, NJ, and New York City, and back, I made with my Irish friends.  Carrying and getting it through airport security, which as an amputee is already extra challenging; and using my pc inflight, will also be easier with an i-pad than it has been with a standard laptop.  I am ptofoundly grateful to the Pennington-Shepherd Family for their gift.  They are one family among many, whose unconditional love and support for me as a priest, pastor, and friend, solidifies my good faith in others during this most challenging and frustrating time in my life and priestly vocation.  Learning to i-pad is the next chapter of success in my personal book of life of facing physical and technological challenges, which in the immediate future includes independently walking and driving with my prosthetic right leg............Fr.  Troy

EGYPT'S FIRST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTER LAST YEAR'S "ARAB SPRING" REVOLT............

Egyptians are voting today and tomorrow, to begin the electoral process of choosing a new President, more than a year after the "Arab Spring" demonstrations revolt, led to the downfall of thirty year President Hosni Mubarak.  As CNN reports thirteen candidates are on the ballot in the first round this week, and should no one amass more than fifty percent of the vote, which is highly unlikely, the top two finishers will face off in a run-off election next month.  The five major candidates are Islanists, dominated by the notorious Muslim Brotherhood; and Secularists, in the mold of Mubarak.  This presidential contest is the opening gambit in the a historic, landmark, election in Egypt where the outcome will be more than just a foregone conclusion.  IT will fall to the popularly elected new President to oversee and bring about creation of a National Constitution.  What role the Egyptian Military who have governed since Mubarak's ouster will play in a newly constituted, democratic, government, and who will preside over Egypt will significantly impact the country's role in the Middle East and World Affairs.  Initial indications today show large lines of voters are turning out to participate in the election............Fr.  Troy

THREE LATEST PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN POLLS SHOW THE RACE NIP AND TUCK............

The May CBS News-New York Times Poll, the Washington Post-ABC News Poll, and the NBC News-Wall Street Journal Poll, all show a nip ant tuck, tight race now that the presidential nominees are all but decided, between President Barack Obama, and Governor Mitt Romney.  Last week's CBS News-New York Times Presidential Poll shows the current preference to be a three point lead for Romney over Obama - 46% for Romney;  43% for Obama; within the margin of error which is 4%.  That is a change from a 46%-46% tie in the same poll in April.  The Washington Post-ABC News May Poll released this morning has the race at a three point lead in reverse, for Obama.  It has Obama at 49%; Romney with 46%; also within the margin of error.  With 83% of the respondents to the WP-ABC Poll stating the Country is Going in the Wrong Direction, surprisingly the poll finds that the registered voters they surveyed are evenly split as to which candidate will Best Handle the Economy, with Romney and Obama tied at 47%-47%.  Tonight's published NBC News- Wall Street Journal Poll shows the preference for President at 47% for Obama; 43% for Romney; within the margin of error, which is 3%.  It also finds the cuttrnt Presidential Approval Rating at 48%; and support for his Handling of the Economy at 43%.  Romney is rated strongest for his Business background, with 59% saying it will be an advantage in addressing the Economy, while 16% say it will not.
The NBC-WSJ Poll also finds that President Obama's announced support two weeks ago may be a politically voting draw, with 62% of respondents saying It Will Have No Affect on their Vote for him; 17% saying It Will Make Them Somewhat, or Strongly More Likely to Vote for Obama; and 20% stating It Will Make Them Somewhat, or Strongly More Likely to Vote for Romney.  This Poll also shows 54% of the respondents say they would support a law in their State to legalize same sex marriage.  The NBC-WSJ Poll virtually mirror the May 2004 Poll in President George W. Bush's re-election campaign against Senator John Kerry, when the preference, approval, and economic record, numbers in the incumbent's regard were virtually the same as now............Fr.  Troy

WILL "DANCING WITH THE STARS" PROVE "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" WITH HUGH LAURIE IN THE "HOUSE" ONE FINAL TIME ?............

With my tongue in my cheek, I apologize for the punning teasing title of today's blog title.  But with the season 14 finale of, "Dancing With The Stars", (DWTS) on the ABC television network tonight pitted against week two of, "America's Got Talent", (AGT) season 7, on NBC-TV; and the series finale of the drama, "House", on the FOX network, concluding after eight seasons, a ratings jaggernaut is in the making for tonight's viewing.  NBC is touting viewership of 32 million persons last week for Howard Stern's premiere as an AGT judge, succeeding Piers Morgan; which includes numbers from weekend rebroadcasts and airings on other NBC affiliated cable outlets.  Live, head to head, ABC / NBC match-ups last Monday and Tuesday nights in Nielsen Ratings show DWTS prevailing with 28.54 million total viewers, compared to 20.71 million total viewers for AGT.  Cleverly, DWTS included a videotaped cameo appearance by Piers Morgan, speaking about dancer semi-finalist Catherine Jenkins, who will be competing as a finalist this week.  Tonight, AGT and DWTS, will air opposite each other during the 8-9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific; 7-8 p.m. Central and Mountain; time zones, along with the first hour of the two hour "House" series finale.  So it will be very telling to see what progress AGT can make in viewers against a highly competitive finalist trio on DWTS.  In addition to Welsh classical singer Catherine Jenkins, football player and Super Bowl champion, Donald Driver, and Cuban born  former model and Latino novella actor, William Levy, are the finalists in the dance-off for the mirror ball trophy.  As good as AGT can be, second week auditions, will hardly outrate a very closely contested final three competition on DWTS.  What percentage of the viewing audience Hugh Laurie and the House finale will take from the other two, may well put a dent in tonight's ratings for one or both of the other two.  It promises to be a very entertaining night of television viewing.  For those not dance, talent, or dramatically, attuned; the CBS network will offer their Monday night comedy bloc, mostly reruns for your enjoyment............Fr.  Troy

RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN............

Catholic-Christians believe that Jesus The Christ, after Rising from the Dead in the Paschal Mystery denoting the Eternal Easter in God's Kingdom; Ascended to the right hand of the Heavenly Father.  In our Faith Tradition the Ascension of the Risen Lord Jesus is thought to have occurred on the 40th Day after His Resurrection.  Whatever dimension of the biblical number forty it was, that Jesus came from time immemorial from God the Father's right hand to be born into the world, suffer, die, rise, and ascend again to His rightful place in Heaven, affirms Christianity's Belief in the magnificent splendor and completeness of the Paschal Mystery.  As we affirm our personal and communal Faith in the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, of Jesus as the Christ of our Salvation may the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on this 7th Sunday of Easter bring us ever closer to meriting a share in the Eternal Easter of God's Abundant, Everlasting, Love............Fr.  Troy

FALL SHOWS SCHEDULES ROLL-OUT WEEK @ NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS,............

The four major television networks rolled out their fall schedules for advertisers and the public this week, in anticipation of the 2012-13 viewing season.  NBC, went first as it continues to seriously struggle in offering a ratings popular schedule of shows.  Eleven new shows are on their primetime schedule for fall and winter premieres, including a new comedy with Matthew Perry, and two new dramas, one by JJ Abrahms, the other by Dick Wolf.  FOX, is adding five new shows - three comedies and two dramas.  ABC is also introducing five new shows, three dramas and two comedies to its line-up.  While the continuing primetime ratings leader during the past decade, CBS - will be adding four new shows, one comedy and three dramas, as well as packaging drama reruns under the banner, "Crimetime Saturday", moving "Two And A Half Men", to Thursdays behind "The Big Bang Theory", and "The Mentalist", to Sundays, following, "The Good Wife".   With 25 new freshmen shows set to premiere on the ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, which ones will become breakout and bonafided hits will be left to the viewing audience, as the greatest number tend to miss rather than become hits............Fr.  Troy

EXCITEMENT OVER THE FACEBOOK IPO............

Eight years after creating a social networking phenomenon in his Harvard University dorm room, Mark Zuckerberg took the 900 million member Facebook public today on NASDAQ, in public trading of stocks, that may potentially lead it to be valued at more than $100 billion.  Zuckerberg himself is expected to garner $19-28 billion as a result of today's action and the Facebook insiders are projected to receive an average of $2.9 million.  This first day on the NASDAQ Facebook stock started selling at $38.00 per share of stock, advanced to $45.00 a share during the trading day, but not soar or close as high as many had expected, but dropped back to close at $38.23 at the final bell.  Whether it will accomplish a Google like stature in value, or under perform as it did today and remain static, will be determined as trading goes forward into the future.    What today does prove is that in less than a decade Facebook has become a dominant means of social communication and is more than a phenomenon, it is now a potentially major player in the financial affairs of American and potentially international markets............Fr.  Troy

MY 12 HOUR DAY IN NORTH AND SOUTH SACRAMENTO............

In addition to attending and concelebrating this morning's 10 a.m. Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Del Paso Heights for Jeanette Winstead, my very dear friend Curtis Richards' grandmother and my OLOL parishioner the past twenty two and a half and a half months; I also taxied from there to St. Rose's Church in South Sacramento for this evening's Confirmation Mass.  I concelebrated Jeanette's Funeral Mass with Fathers O'Reilly and Traynor and concelebrated the Confirmation Mass, at which Bishop Soto conferred the Sacrament on 105 confirmndi, including 2 special needs children;  with the Bishop and Monsignors Kavanagh and Church.  A truly meaningful, wonderful, and invigorating, day of priestly ministry it has been.  I am grateful for the invitations and the opportunities to take part.  I am especially proud of Curtis for the words of remembrance and the message of memories about his grandmother he delivered at the Funeral Mass.  My prayers for him, his mother, and entire family, as well as for his grandmother will continue; and it is my hope the friends he and I we mutually share will join me in sympathies and prayers for the Richards-Winstead Family............Fr.  Troy

ATTENDING FUNERAL RITES FOR ANNA JEANETTE WINSTEAD............

Tonight and tomorrow, I will attend the liturgical funeral rites for my close friend Curtis Richards grandmother, Jeanette, who passed on last Saturday at 93.  Thirty four year friends with the Richards-Winstead Family, in 2010 they became my parishioners in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where Jeanette, her daughter Jerri; granddaughter Judy; and great grandson Matthew, were and are active parishioners.  A woman of devout Catholic-Christian Faith, she was one of the first lay ministers to the sick in St. Patrick's Parish, Grass Valley, CA, thirty years ago.  In celebration and commemoration of her life I will be attending the Rosary Vigil Service this evening at 7 p.m., in the North Sacramento Funeral Home at 725 El Camino Avenue, and her Funeral Mass tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., in Oir Lady of Lourdes Church, 1951 North Avenue.  My prayer as I remember and commend Anna Jeanette's body and soul to the Lord is that her welcoming, winsome smile will continue to shine in God's Kingdom, which her fidelity as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, neighbor, and parishioner, she has truly merited.  Eternal Life Grant Unto Her Soul O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her,  Alleluia Amen !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr.  Troy

TRANSITIONS IN TIME............

At the request of the Bishop's Office, I resign today as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Sacramento.  I am grateful for the brief opportunity to serve and lead the fine parishioners of Del Paso Heights, Rio Linda, Elverta, Robla.  I have no intention of retiring from active ministry in the forseeable future and look forward to returning to full time priestly, pastoral, parish, ministry very soon.  Thank you for your prayers, confidence, support, and understanding............Reverend Father Troy David Powers

GOVERNOR JERRY BROWN'S MAY BUDGET REVISION TO CLOSE A NOW $16 BILLION DEFICIT............

The current shortfall in the California Budget which was projected in January to be $9 billion, turns out to actually be $16 billion, and in his May Budget Revision released today Governor Brown proposed cuts, taxes, transfers, and deferments.  Proposed cuts in State services of $8.3 billion; including $3 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services, primary cuts in assistance to the poor, elderly; and the disabled. take the brunt of today's revised budget plan.  The Governor also proposes an additional $5.9 billion in tax increases and $2.5 billion in budget transfers and deferments in budgeted expenditures to close the $16 billion deficit.  State workers also are being asked to take a 5% pay cut, a savings of $402 million.  Governor Brown also vehemently asserted that the failure of his Tax Initiative on the November ballot, will mean mean even more drastic cuts to Education in California, that will adversely impact the University of California and California State University campuses, as well as school districts statewide.  It is a tragedy that the economic well being of the most vulnerable of our citizens, the impoverished, senior citizens, and the disabled,  be caused to bear half the burden of this deficit dilemma, like they have before in recent years,  The acuteness and immediacy of responding to this fiscal crisis requires a plan.  The Governor has offered his revised budget plan and it is up to the Legislature to negotiate in good faith the enactment of this plan, or provide an acceptable and sufficient alternative.  It is the right and responsibility of California's citizens to hold our elected representatives accountable for getting the job done and holding them to serving the common good not the special interests in addressing the resolution of this budgetary challenge............Fr.  Troy

MOTHER'S DAY AND THE WOMEN OF FAITH, LOVE, AND SUPPORT, IN OUR LIVES............

On this Mother's Day Sunday in the United States, we take time to focus in a very special way on our Moms, the women who birthed us, adopted us, or raised us; mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters, who are, and have been the anchors of faith, love, and support, in our lives. Their affection and caring concern for us, deserves ongoing appreciation and affirmation throughout the year,  But on this second Sunday of May each year, we particularly recognize and express our gratitude for Mothers living and dead, for their significant roles in shaping and supporting us.  Here at MMT, family members will join the residents for a Mother's Day Brunch.  As we celebrate Mother's Day today let us commemorate all Mom with our prayers and remembrance............Fr.  Troy

AN AWESOME TWO WEEKS TOURING WITH MY IRISH FRIENDS IT WAS............

Back since Midnight Friday morning from my two week adventure with my visitors from Ireland, Geraldine and Kevin Butler, and Father Oliver Maher, an enjoyable and successful series of journeys it was for me and for them seeing the sights of of California, Nevada, New York, and New Jersey.  From their arrival Thursday April 26th, at San Francisco International Airport, and our two days in the City cruising the San Francisco Bay, riding the cable cars, enjoying the attractions of Fisherman's Wharf, and visiting Union Square and the Civic Center; to our three days and nights in New York City, experiencing the observatory point atop the Empire State Building, taking the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island, to viewing Rockefeller Center and standing and strolling through Times Square; from my wheelchair I was able to take part in all these experiences.  It was striking that the wheelchair was not only welcomed but acknowledged by workers and tourists at the attractions we visited, and allowed my foursome to move through lines without waiting as an acceptable accomodation.  All in all, during our two weeks we were in San Francisco; Monterey; Carmel; Santa Cruz; Half Moon Bay; Sacramento; South Lake Tahoe; Reno; Napa; Callistoga; St. Helena; Newark; and New York City, I succeeded in keeping pace with my guests and participating fully in the activities and events brought by our two weeks of touring.  Thirteen cities, four states, in fourteen days, with no adverse affect on me and underscoring my long held claim, wheelchairs are an empowerment, not a disablement.  I strongly encourage others, whether you are in a wheelchair, or not; when given the opportunity, to take the elevator ride to the top of the Empire State Building, or see New York City from atop 30 Rock.  These past two weeks renewed my confidence, that despite the challenges and struggles I am contending with, that I can, and will continue to do, what I set my heart and mind on accomplishing, and not be vanquished by the limitations imposed upon me............Fr.  Troy

JEANETTE WINSTEAD, REST IN PEACE............

Jeanette Winstead, the grandmother of my close friend Curtis Richards, passed on to eternal life this morning, a fervent woman of faith well into her 90's at her death.  A very active member of St. Patrick's Parish in Grass Valley, CA; in the latter years of her life she moved to Rio Linda, living in a house next door to her daughter and son-inlaw, Jerri and Bill Richards, and was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, along with her daughter, granddaughter, and greatgrandson, and my parishioners as their Pastor the past two years.  Funeral Services for Jeanette will be scheduled in coming days.  To Winstead-Richards Family, my parishioners and longtime friends, I extend my prayers, sympathies and assure them of my presence in celebrating her life and commending her soul to the Eternal Embrace of the Holy Trinity in God's Kingdom............Jesus Christ Be Her Light, the Resurrection and the Life !!!  Alleluia Amen !!!   Fr.  Troy

WAITING ON THE CHECKED BAG THAT TRAVELED BEHIND ME FROM NEWARK, N.J. ............

Whereas my flights home from New York City and Newark Liberty Airport yesterday went smoothly, and returned me to Mercy McMahon Terrace at 12:30 a.m., on schedule - the one bag I checked did not end up on the flight from Newark to San Francisco with me, thus I am still awaiting its arrival more than sixteen hours after my return to Sacramento.  It is supposed to be delivered by 6 p.m. .  I have spent the day resting and regrouping after my two weeks away.  I have returned to a warm welcome back and to more cards and messages from parishioners and friends marking my 25th anniversary of Priesthood.  I am awaiting a return telephone call from Curtis Richards, who is in Sacramento on a visit with his family.  We are hoping to get together while he is in town.  Tomorrow, Scott McKenna, another Sacramento State Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother alumnus, will be passing through Sacramento coming from Reno, and plans to stop by to see me.  Due to work and distance he had to miss coming as planned on May 2nd, I look forward to visiting with him Saturday afternoon............Fr.  Troy

BIDDING THE BUTLERS FAREWELL AS THEY CONCLUDE THEIR SILVER JUBILEE VISIT............

As Day 3 in New York City begins we are making a leisurely start to our morning, as we prepare to depart for Kilkenny and California.  It has been a fantastic two week adventure celebrating with Geraldine, Kevin, and Fr. Oliver, as well as showing the Butlers their first look experiences of California and New York.  We will have Brunch together and then in mid-afternoon depart for Newark Liberty Airport for flights to Ireland and California.  It has been an awesome two weeks introducing my dear Irish friends to USA, after twenty two and a half years since first inviting them to visit me in the Golden State.  My flights home depart less than an hour before theirs, but by the time I arrive in Sacramento, Kev, Ger, and Ollie, will be back in Ireland.  I am glad we had this time together celebrating our mutual silver jubilees and for having Oliver deliver a truly outstanding Jubilee Homily, at my 25th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving last Wednesday.  I also extend my thanks to my friends, family, and parishioners, who so warmly welcomed them and helped make the Butlers American holiday, a vacation they will always remember with fond memories.  Slan, my cherished friends, until we meet up again soon in, "Ye Faire Citie", of Kilkenny !!!!!!!!!!!!............Troy David Powers

HEADING TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND...........

On our second day in New York City we went by ferry to the Statue of Liberty and then a tour of Ellis Island, and the immigration history center it houses.  We walked through the substantial exhibits there and viewed a film by Charles Guggenheim on those who immigrated to the United States entering through Ellis Island.  Upon our return to Battery Park we walked to the 911 Memorial and the World Trade Center where the new Freedom Towers are still under construction.  There we viewed the waterfall fountains that bear the names of the 2,983 persons killed there by on September 11, 2001.  Ger and Kev were going to take the Uptown Gray Line bus tour after we had lunch.  Tomorrow morning we will got to the original Macy's and on to Bloomingdale's for a walkabout, before returning to Newark, and our respective flights to Ireland and California, and conclude these two weeks of silver jubilee celebration together............Fr.  Troy

DAY 1 IN NEW YORK CITY WITH MY VISITING IRISH FRIENDS............

After checking in and breakfasting in our NYC hotel this morning circa 10 o'oclock, we arranged a preliminary Gray Line tour of Downtown New York City, that started with the Empire State Building and ended in Times Square. Ger and Kev took seats in the open air atop the bus and seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing as well as seeing the twenty one locations included on this particular sightseeing tour.  Especially the Observatory Point on the 86th Floor of the Empire State Building, and having an all American hot dog in the center of Times Square.  It has been another very memorable day in their fourteen day first experience of the United States, and both the West and East Coast............Fr.  Troy

ONE MORE SAN FRANCISCO MONDAY WITH KEV & GER............

With our mutual flight to Newark Liberty Airport tonight for 3 days and 2 mights to complete the Butlers first visit to the USA, after eleven days in California and Nevada, we spent the day in SanFrancisco on Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, as they rode the cable cars (trams) they enjoyed so well on their first day, a week ago Friday in the City by the Bay.  After lunch on Pier 39, we strolled back to our hotel and shuttled to SFO for the flight eastward.  After boarding our plane, a hydraulic problem needed repair so we were deplaned and put on another, which will depart more than two hours late.  However, in such good company the time will fly and our now truly red eye flight should have us in our New York City hotel by 10 a.m., in time for breakfast followed by a morning and afternoon of sightseeing.  After twenty two and a half years I am so very happy Geraldine and Kevin Butler have at last visited me in California, and celebrated in tandem our Silver Jubilees of Marriage and Priesthood............Fr.  Troy

A SOUTH SACRAMENTO / NAPA VALLEY / SAN FRANCISCO / SUNDAY............

Awakening in South Sacramento were we attended Ger and Kev Butler attended, and Fr. Oliver and I, concelebrated 5th Sunday of Easter Mass with Rev. Fr. William Dinelli; we drove to the Napa Valley to see and tour some of the vineyards and wineries between Napa, Callistoga, and St. Helena.  Hagafen, Berlinger,  the old Christian Brothers Mont LaSalle winery, home to the Culinary Academy of America, and the Robert Mondavi Winery, were our stops today.  From there we returned to San Francisco to wrap things up in California tomorrow and fly to New York where we see the sights for three days and then return to Kilkenny and Sacramento respectively.  Kev and Ger have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the portion of California and Nevada we have covered in just eleven days and I am thrilled with Ollie's help to have had the chance to introduce it to them.  A special thanks to all my friends, parishioners, and family, they met along the way of these days............Fr.  Troy

FROM TAHOE TO RENO AND BACK TO SACRAMENTO............

Waking up in South Lake Tahoe, after Ger Butler takes her anticipated 12 minute helicopter ride over Emerald Bay, we will go on to Reno, via Carson City, which Kevin is eager to experience.  Then we head back to Sacramento, for a qyuick overnight stay and Sunday Mass, after dining in the Curtis Park home of Joseph Patrick and Deborah MCNamara tonight.  Tomorrow we go to the Napa Valley to show the Butlers some of the vineyards and wineries............Fr.  Troy

THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF FRIDAY IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE............

After breakfast this morning at Harvey's Hotel Casino, my Kilkenny guests and I, made our way to the Marina, where we boarded the Tahoe Queen for a boat cruise of the Lake.  Having been greeted by the Captain upon boarding the boat, Kev and Ger were invited halfway through the cruise - to join him at the ship's wheel, and assist in steering the boat across the water.  Disembarking, we had lunch and returned to our accomodations for a few hours of leisurely rest and recreation, before dinner this evening and sussing out tomorrow's events...........Hailing Captain and First Mate Butler !!!!!!!!!!!!   Fr.  Troy

......Again our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Ben DeLeon, for hosting us to such a fine and hospitable dinner last night......tdp/odm/kgb

WHAT A JUBILEE NIGHT IT WAS !!!!!.....ONWARD, TO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE / RENO TODAY ON THE BUTLERS' FIRST VISIT TO CAL.NEVA............

I am personally and pastorally grateful to the 150 or so persons who turned out last night for my Silver Jubilee Mass, concelebrated by Msgrs. Edward Kavanagh and James Church, Fathers Benedict DeLeon and Oliver Maher, who was also the homilist.  Victor Herrera was the Acolyte; Msgr. Church and Mary Carson, the Lectors; Noe Perez and Geraldine Butler, read the General Intercessions; the Dressing of the Altar and Presentation of the Gifts was done by Roger and Karin Geach, Ted Dahlberg, Paul and Sharon Friedrich; and Music Ministry led by Ray Riehle.  A Jubilee Dinner followed in Original Pete's Restaurant in Elk Grove, owned by Rodd and Karla Geach; which was attended by approximately 60 persons.  Joe Gibson was the Mater of Ceremonies / Toastmaster; and the Dinner Speakers were Father Benedict DeLeon; City Councilmember Sandy Sheedy; Teres Mugnaini; Patricia Hornback; Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh; and J.Patrick McNamara; who presented a video he produced with a surprise special guest :  Sacramento Bishop Emeritus Francis Anthony Quinn, who ordained me a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Sacramento, on May 2, 1987.  A meaningful, memorable, magnificent, night it was celkebrating this milestone in ministry  and sharing my celebration of silver jubilee with the pertinent People of God, who have shaped it..... Onward !!!!!  As today I escort my Irish visitors to South Lake Tahoe and Reno............Fr.  Troy

JUBILEE 25 !!!!! IS HERE....."THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD"; ALLELUIA !!!!!............

Twenty five years ago this morning, I awoke in the rectory of St. Rose's Church in South Sacramento, to meet the day of my Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, with Paul Schloeder and Eduino Silviera, for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento by Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn.  We three, were the Centennial Ordinands in the history of the Church of Sacramento, and I became only the 40th native born, locally grown, priestly vocation produced in the Sacramento Diocese.  Today, as we celebrate our Silver Jubilees as priests, I have awoken in downtown Sacramento, giving Glory, Thanks, and Praise, to God for my Life, Faith, Vocation, Family, Parishioners, and Friends, who have shared in this quarter of a century of priestly, pastoral, ministry with me in ten parishes in the twenty counties of the Diocese of Sacramento, I have been privileged to serve thus far.  To the People, Deacons, Religious, Priests, I have been blessed to be a servant leader to, and with, I express my lasting appreciation and gratitude.  On this date two and a half decades ago, I was in my eleventh month as Transitional Deacon in St. Joseph's Parish, Auburn.  To them, and the parishes of Holy Family, Citrus Heights; St. John the Baptist, Folsom; Holy Rosary, Woodland; St. Joseph's, Yreka; St. Thomas the Apostle, Oroville; St. Rose's, South Sacramento; Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Arden; St. Philomene's, Arden/Arcade; Sacred Heart, East Sacramento; and my current and fourth pastorate of, Our Lady of Lourdes, Del Paso Heights/Rio Linda/Elverta/Robla;  I say Thank You and God Bless, for being such an indispensable part of the very reason I answered and have maintained my Vocation as a Catholic Priest for twenty five today; despite and beyond, the multiple physical health challenges of the past decade.  You have shown superb support and solidarity with me for which I am ever grateful.  My intention as I celebrate this milestone in ministry is to push forward and continue serving as an active priest and pastor, God willing, for many more years to come.  To Reverend Fathers Eduino Silviera, Paul Schloeder, Daniel Donohoo, David Mercer, Oliver Maher, and all my other seminary ordination classmates, including Bishop Thomas Daly; I express congratulations and prayerful blessings, in words renewed we heard upon our Ordinations, "Ad Multos Annos"............Reverend Father Troy David Powers,  Pastor;  OLOL Parish,  Sacramento.

MAY DAY IN SACRAMENTO WITH KEVIN AND GERALDINE BUTLER ON MY SILVER JUBILEE EVE............

After breakfast we headed out today for a look about Sacramento, as I set out to show Kevin and Geraldine Butler, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the California Ste Capitol, Citrus Heights, Sunrise Mall, and South Sacramento and St. Rose's Church, as we paid a courtesy call on Msgr. Kavanagh.  Joe Gibson and I met this evening to firm up tomorrow night's festivities.  Ger has wanted to have some good California Pizza, which we had for dinner tonight.  Tomorrow we will have lunch with my Sacramento Ordination contest Fr. Eduino Silviera............Fr.  Troy