HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH TO CARMEL AND THEN NORTH TO SACRAMENTO............

We wrap up our two days on the Monterey Pennisula this afternoon, going to Carmel and a visit to the  California Mission San Carlos Borromeo, before traveling north to Sacramento, as the Butlers silver jubilee first visit to the Golden State continues.  These first three and a half days in the Bay Area have been wonderful, and I am confident are the foundational warm-up to Wednesday night's Celebration and the rest of Kev and Ger's west coast / east coast to the USA.  I am very much looking forward to sharing with them and all in my circle of family, friends, parishioners, and brother priests, my gratitude for  God's gift of twenty years of ordained Priesthood in Jesus Christ............Fr.  Troy

SILVER JUBILEE FRIENDSHIP TOUR MONTEREY CA............

After attending the half ten a.m. Mass as the Irish say, in San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, the oldest Cathedral in California, dating back to 1770, our silver jubilee touring today took us to the Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row of Monterey, where Ger and Kev were not only enamored with the views of the harbor, beaches, and ocean, but captivated by the quaintness of the shops.  Then we proceeded to taking the breathtakingly scenic, 17 Mile Drive off Highway 1 South to Pebble Beach.  Tomorrow we will head to Carmel, and after lunch drive to Sacramento, to take in the local sights and prepare for Wednesday night's festivities as my 25th Anniversary of Priesthood is joined to their Silver Wedding Anniversary.  As we wind up day 3, Ger said it best this afternoon, how each day is topping the other for being a fantastic holiday experience............Fr.  Troy

A SUPER SATURDAY IN SAN FRAN, MUIR WOODS, AND SAUSILITO............

Day 2 of the Butlers 25th Anniversary visit out to me was brilliant, from a tour by bus to the Muir Woods and the city of Susalito, before finishing up with lunch in San Francisco and heading south to our next stop, of Monterey / Carmel.  A silver anniversary dinner feting Kev and Ger tonight was the top off to a perfect day for all of us.  I assure Neil and Katie, and our mutual Kilkenny friends, that ma and da, our beloved friends are having a great holiday in sunny California, even as we prepare to head to my hometown of Sacramento next for my 25th year of priesthood jubilee celebration this coming Wednesday night.  I cannot be more chuffed that they are here spending this time with me............Fr.  Troy

THE BUTLERS FIRST DAY IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH OLIVER AND I............

An early enough morning with yours truly the last to breakfast and then off to Fisherman's Wharf where we boarded a Red and White boat line Golden Gate Bridge / Alcatraz Island cruise, first of the two San Francisco attractions Geraldine and Kevin wanted to especially experience.  Then they took a cable car ride down Powell Street to Union Square, where after lunch in the 1950's decor atmosphere of Lori's Diner, a little retail therapy was completed by the Butler's at Macy's.  After a brief respite back at our rooms in the Holiday Inn, we headed to the Franciscan Restaurant on Pier 39 for dinner.  All in all, it was by Kev and Ger's account, as well as Ollie and me, as trult fabulous day with bright sunny weather.  Tomorrow we take a tour of Muir Woods and then head to Monterey, the next stop on this journey of friendship and jubilee............Fr.  Troy

A MUTUALLY PLEASING FIRST NIGHT IN CALIFORNIA - SAN FRANCISCAN STYLE............

Their flight from Ireland via Newark, New Jersey arriving thirty four minutes ahead of schedule at SFO's Gate 87, Geraldine and Kevin Butler deplaned with Fr. Oliver Maher looking no worse from wear, after twenty three hours after rising in Kilkenny, Ireland and were a sight to behold, as we gather in California after anticipating and waiting for them to come to California USA.  A Lincoln Navigator SUV, one of Ollie's very desired vehicles, was at curbside to meet us and drove us to our hotel, the Holiday Inn in the Civic Center; and then took us to dinner at Alioto's #8, on Fisherman's Wharf.  We are making this an early night after their 27 hour day from the time they arose in Kilkenny Thursday morning.  Tomorrow we will take the City by the Bay, by storm, from cable cars to a bay cruise, including going to Alcatraz Island, which they have asked to see.  After twenty two years of wanting them to come on this visit, we will muutally savor the experiences of the Golden State / USA.  California, Here You Are - Mr. and Mrs. Butler, after 25 Years + 8 Months of Marriage, and 30 Years of Friendship with Ollie and me.  I;m So Very Happy to have You Here as we Silver Jubilee Together............Troy

A LONG AWAITED ARRIVAL DAY IN THE GOLDEN STATE............

At this hour my Silver Jubilee visitors from Kilkenny, Ireland - Geraldine and Kevin Butler, traveling with Father Oliver Maher have arrived on the east coast of the United States and are awaiting their flight westward at Newark Liberty Airport, in New Jersey.  In just over an hour from now they will takeoff for San Francisco, where I will welcome them this evening and begin our two week trek, the Butlers' first time in California USA, celebrating our thirty year friendships and their 25th Wedding Anniversary last September, and my Silver Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood next week.  The drill for me this morning is to get packed, go to the bank, and then take a taxi AT 1 p.m., to the Sacramento Airport for a puddlejumper flight to SFO.  Waking to wetness in Sacramento, I'm hoping it will be decent weather in San Francisco this evening, as the last thing Irish travelers need on a holiday is rain !  Excited to be welcoming these cherished friends to California, after looking forward to it for more than twenty years............Kev, Ger, and Ollie, California 2012, Here You Come !!!!!!!!!!!!   Troy

ROMNEY'S STANDBEARER STYLE VICTORY SPEECH LAST NIGHT............

Mainstream news coverage and political analysis and punditry is almost unanimous in praise for Mitt Romney's victory speech last night in New Hampshire, following his wins in the 5 Primaries yesterday in Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.  He won all five states by double digitial margins, of as much as thirty points.  Romney's speech was tailored to present him as the 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee, who after 43 primaries and caucuses has won the right to be the GOP's standardbearer in opposing President Obama, in the General Election on November 6th; even though he remains more than 300 delegates short of the required number of delegate votes to win the nomination.  It is expected Romney will have secured the necessary number by the end of the primary caucus season in mid June.  Last night, Romney focused his message on the Economy and what he strongly excoriated as Barack Obama's failed leadership during the past three and a half years.  He dimissed any effort to divert or distract the voters focus on the Obama re-election campaign  summarizing his remarks by stating, "It's still the Economy, and we are not Stupid", hearkening back to the now famous 1992 Bill Clinton presidential campaign mantra.  Convincing the electorate that he Romney is the superior and acceptable choice as an alternative to the incumbent President Obama, now becomes one of Romney's major electoral challenges.  His selection of a vice presidential running mate will be the first concrete indication, and although a number of possibilities are being floated, presently it is Ohio U.S. Senator Rob Portman, a former Congressman, U.S. Trade Representative, and Federal Budget Director, who is thought to be a likely pick............Fr.  Troy

THE PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY DAY SHOWDOWN THAT ISN'T............

Five States with a total of 231 Delegates hold Republican Presidential Primaries today.  Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, voters will go to the polls today to cast ballots in a race they all but ended when former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum suspended his campaign for the presidential nomination two weeks ago.  Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the expected GOP nominee is expected to sweep all five primaries today, and accumulate the bulk of the delegates in those states, as he zeroes in on the 1,144 Delegates needed for the Republican Presidential Nomination.  Romney with no credible competition left for the nomination, has begun pivoting to his General Election strategy and is expected to make a cumulative primary season victory speech in an oration titled, "A Better America Begins Tonight".  Romney will be speaking from New Hampshire tonight, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has scheduled a speech tonight in North Carolina, stating a victory for him in the Delaware Primary will keep him in this nominating contest to the Republican National Convention.  Meantime, although he has suspended his campaign Santorum has not yet met, or endorsed Romney; and no immediate endorsement or meeting between the candidates is scheduled.  Santorum's role at the Convention, specifically whether he will be given the opportunity to address the Convention, is seemingly developing as a bone of contention.  Romney's campaign may be wary, recalling the now infamous 1992 Convention in Houston, in which the vanquished competitor Patrick Buchanan delivered a scorched earth speech, that overshadowed the  celebration and the renomination of President George Herbert Walker Bush, becoming another nail in his re-election coffin............Fr.  Troy

WALKING TALL AND INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE MODERATE ASSISTANCE OF MY ORTHOPEDIC CANE............

In the past few minutes taking the orthopedic cane in hand, I have successfully stood from a seated position, and walked forward fully about my quarters with only moderate assistance from the cane and taking several steps with balance and stability independently, successfully moving with my prosthetic leg.  This accomplishment coming six weeks after my release from Rehab, and with no physical therapy since March 8th, so done under my own daily efforts.  The same progress I would be making in the rectory were I there instead of here.  With my jubilee visitors from Kilkenny arriving this Thursday, the timing of my progress will make it an even more enjoyable and reinvigorating two weeks sharing and celebrating with them and the circle of friends and parishioners who have been the reason and the focus of these past twenty five years of priestly ministry.  I again extend an invitation to the parishioners in Citrus Heights, Folsom, Woodland, Yreka, Oroville, South Sacramento, Arden, Arden / Arcade, and Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla, to join me for my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving on Wednesday May 2, 2012, at 6 pm in St. Rose's Church, 5961 Franklin Boulevard, in South Sacramento.  To all of you with whom I have ministered to and with; and who have stood in solidarity with me during this current situation and previous health challenges over the past ten years, I express my gratitude for your constant prayers, unconditional support, and encouragement.  Looking forward to seeing you there a week from Wednesday............Prayers + Peace in Jesus the Redeemer and Good Shepherd,   Fr.  Troy

THIS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER UNDERSCORES CONVERSION INVOLVES WITNESSING............

Our Sunday Scriptures as we begin the third week of this Paschal Season of the New and Risen Life of Jesus The Christ, is a call to all who hear the message of God's Word as preached by the Apostles in today's Readings and embrace Repentance and Conversion. The Paschal Mystery of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, has conquered humankind's enslavement to sin and empowers us with God's Grace to truly change and reform our lives as Catholic-Christian Disciples in our relationships with the Risen Jesus and the Community of Believers.  Essential to carrying out the Call to Conversion is our ability and willingness to authentically Witness to the affect the Resurrection has in living our lives on a daily basis. The definitive signs of our adherence to the New and Risen Life of Christ Jesus being our practice of Gospel Values, doing what Jesus would do, with charity and compassion, as Faithful Witnesses to Him as the Lord of Life, the God of Salvation............Alleluia !!!  Jesus Christ Is Risen !!!  Christ Jesus Is Truly Risen !!!  Amen.,   Fr.  Troy

THE THIRD SATURDAY OF APRIL - 26 YEARS AFTER THE ONE THAT CONCRETIZED MY LIFE'S VOCATION............

Each year since April 19, 1986 and May 2, 1987, this thirteen day period has marked the anniversaries of diaconal and priestly ordination, of Fr. Eduino Silveira, Fr. Paul Schloeder, and myself.  It was on Saturday morning April 19, 1986, that the three of us joined with our classmates from other dioceses from St. Patrick's Seminary, in Menlo Park, California; were ordained to the transitional Diaconate by Archbishop John Raphael Quinn of San Francisco, in St. Pius X Church, in Redwood City.  Families and Friends filled the church for the 9:30 a.m. Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate Mass, to which more than forty of my relatives, parishioners, and friends, traveled by chartered bus, given the distance from Sacramento and the hour of the liturgy.  It was on that day, in that ordination ceremony that we made our primary commitment to serve God and the Church Jesus founded, by publicly and solemnly committing to being Gospel servants of God's People.  One year and thirteen days later, after deacon internship years serving in St. Joseph's Parish, Auburn; (Troy) Presentation Parish, Sacramento; (Eduino) and St. Joseph's Parish, Marysville; (Paul), we became the Centennial Ordinands to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ of the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento; at the hands of Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn, at an 11 a.m. Ordination Mass in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in downtown Sacramento, on Saturday May 2, 1987.  During these two weeks this year commemorating the twenty-sixth and twenty-fifth years of our having received and celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the three of us continue to minister as priests, despite the changes and challenges the passage of years have brought.  For me that has included a decade of multiple health concerns to which I have had to adapt, but that I will not allow the desire, intention, or commitment, to which in answering God's Call I dedicated my life to more than twenty five years to destruct despite the hardships being endured............In Gratitude To The Risen Lord Jesus, Whose Resurrection Is Our Life And Salvation,   Fr.  Troy

ROGER AND ELMER COME TO VISIT ............

Roger Geach returned today with my small power chair which he took home yesterday to check out for my use.  With him was his neighbor Elmer, who I have gotten to know through Roger and Karin in recent years.  Their visit was a welcome ray of interpersonal sunshine on another same 'ol, same 'ol, pass the day away existence in this round peg in a square hole experience I am having to endure.  Ted Dahlberg, and Jack Pennington, also both phoned today checking in all these contacts, like the visit with Roger yesterday, and Joe Gibson, Ruth Rosenberg, and Patricia Hornback, earlier in the week and an e-mail from Ramona Bugatto, helped to round out the socialization that is my norm.  As I finalize preparations for my Silver Jubilee activities beginning next Thursday with the arrival of Father Oliver Maher, Geraldine, and Kevin, Butler from my second home Kilkenny, it will be necessary to get my orthopedic cane, portable ramp, and suitcase, from OLOL rectory to facilitate the progress I am making physically and to carry out the  journeys Ollie, Kev, Ger, and I, will be making during their two weeks in California and New York............Thanking God for Faithful Friends Who are an UnConditional Presence in Season and out of Season,   Fr.  Troy

WILL THE 2012 PRESIDENTIAL HORSERACE COME DOWN TO LIKEABILITY VERSUS THE ECONOMY ?............

The CNN-Opinion Research Center Poll published Monday, shows the 2012 Presidential Race between the incumbent President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, may not only be a very finish on Election Day November 6th, but is shaping up pronouncedly as a decision on the part of American voters between their likeability for the candidates and the state of the economy.  The latest NBC News-Wall Street Journal Poll today reflects the same findings.  So as the focus of Campaign 2012 turns from competitive primaries and caucuses to one on one Democrat versus Republican Presidential candidate choice, the ultimate outcome in choosing the next President may loom over the strength of the economy by the first Tuesday of November, as both these polls indicate President Obama is preferred as the more likeable and most able to empathize with average citizens, choice of the potential electorate, while Governor Romney's one current strength as the preferred candidate is on gis ability to manage economic affairs.  Six and a half months to go, the current read is a snapshot that will chane more than a few times in the two hundred days plus yet to unfold in updating and determing the result of Preside4ntial Election 2012............Fr.  Troy

DICK CLARK, "AMERICA'S OLDEST TEENAGER" AND MASTER OF NEW YEAR'S EVE, DIES AT 82............

News of the hour is that Dick Clark, one of the most beloved and recognized American celebrities, known fondly as, "America's oldest teenager", for his stewardship of the, "American Bandstand", has died today of a heart attack at age 82.  Dick Clark became a radio disc jockey as a teenager, and parlayed his ability onto the national and world stage, becoming the second host of the daily rock n roll dance show on television in 1956, that continued on the ABC Television network as a weekly staple until the early 1990's.  In 1972, he created and began hosting, "New Year's Rock'in Eve", succeeding Guy Lombardo, as Mr. New Year's Eve, and becoming a forty year December 31st broadcast tradition.  Creator of the "American Music Awards", as a competitor to the Grammys in 1974, his Dick Clark Productions is also responsible for producing the Golden Globes Awards, and the Country Music Awards, as well as, hosting the $10,000, $25,000, $100,000, Pyramid game show programs, and the 1980's , "Bloopers And Practical Jokes", tv show with Ed McMahon.  Suffering a stroke in 2004, from 2005 - 2011, he continued working behind the scenes with his wife and the management team of Dick Clark Productions, and made brief annual appearances on New Year's Rock'in Eve, although his speech was permanently impeded by the stroke he suffered seven and a half years ago.  Unbowed, and true to his life's calling, Dick Clark entertained millions worldwide for six and a half decades and will is greatly remembered for it.  I join with oh so many of my generation and the generations before and after us, in expressing appreciation to him, as an entertainment icon, for the prodigious professionalism of the performances and productions he brought into our lives.  "So Long", as you now mount the 'Heavenly Bandstand Dick Clark............Fr.  Troy

AN INTERESTING ECUMENICAL INQUIRY REGARDING CATHOLICISM, ANGLICANISM, AND PROTESTANTISM............

An inquiry over the weekend from my friend and fraternity brother, Scott McKenna posed a question about where Anglicanism (known also in the United States as Episcopalism) stands in regards to Protestantism.  Whether the Worldwide Anglican Communion can be regarded as Protestantism along with other Christian denominations, separated from Roman Catholicism, or instead, "via media", being something in between Catholicism and Protestantism.  I responded that given historically, and religiously, King Henry VIII's split with the Pope and the Catholic Church came at the time of the major Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century, along with Lutheranism and Calvinism, and other divisions, Anglicanism can indeed be said to be a part of Protestantism.  But that from a cultural and political perspective as the British have always placed themselves atop, if not above the rest of the nations of Europe, an argument for Anglicanism as something between the Roman and Reformed traditions of Christianity can be made.  Whichever view or practice of the Christian Faith we profess, nearly five hundred years after the Protestant Reformation and Catholic counter Reformation, our efforts and focuses in relationship to the Lord Jesus, the Christian Community, and the People of God universally, the foremost priority in uniting and underscoring our togetherness should be a commitment to Ecumenism, building on our common held beliefs in the, "One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism", we share as Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox, Catholics............Fr.  Troy

POPE BENEDICT XVI CELEBRATES HIS 85TH BIRTHDAY AND 7TH ANNIVERSARY AS HOLY FATHER............

Joseph Alois Ratzinger, the 265th Successor of St. Peter, the current Roman Pontiff, Pope Bebedict XVI, is celebrating his 85th Birthday today, Monday April 16th, and on Thursday April 19th, will commemorate the 7th Anniversary of his Election to the Chair of Peter.  Benedict XVI, is now the oldest Pope since Leo XIII, who lived to be 93, in 1903; and the current Holy Father is also only the sixth Pontiff in five hundred years to serve at age 85 or older.  Born on Holy Saturday 1927, in Germany,   Pope Benedict spent his birthday in, "a very Bavarian way", with a Bavarian band a number of his native citizens in the Vatican, including his brother Georg, who flew to Rome to be with him today.  Although well worn after the extensive Holy Week and Easter Liturgies, and a papal visit to Mexico and Cuba, all during the past three weeks; Pope Benedict XVI seems resolute as he enters the eighth year of his  pontificate to fulfill his responsibilities as Universal Shepherd of the Catholic-Christian Church.  As he himself said to former Cuban President Fidel Castro, in their meeting in Havana in late March, "Yes, I may be old, but I am still able to carry out my duties".  A sentiment and feeling, nearly thirty years the Pope's junior, I as a person strongly concur with during this indefinite pause in my ministry as a parish priest; believing age or health, do not diminish the the dignity, and integrity, of the human person or even the ability to adapt and carry out the duties of one's vocation............Praying with and for Pope Benedict XVI on his Birthday and Anniversary this week, Fr.  Troy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FATHER OLIVER !!!!!!!!!!!!............

This year the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, is the Birthday of my beloved Kilkenny friend, colleague, and brother, Reverend Father Oliver Maher.  In eleven days time we will be together again, as he travels to California, with Geraldine and Kevin Butler, to help celebrate my Silver Jubilee a priest.  It will also be an extended celebration of his birthday and their 25th wedding anniversary, as I remain true to what Kevin said some years ago should be included in my name, the word - "Celebrate"............Fr.  Troy

TAKING BACK CONTROL OF MY OWN MEDICATIONS............

In mid-morning the nurse brought me my medications supply, which as of today I am taking back responsibility for administering as I was until late January.  This will bring a bit of normality to the fish out of water experience being here.  Allowing me to do what I am able to do for myself without unnecessary additional layers of monitoring; and decreasing the number of daily room visits from the staff, to do what I have been doing for myself for nearly a decade.  My thanks to the supervising nurse coordinator Kristin, for making the arrangements vis a vis Dr. Reddy...........Fr.  Troy

A COUPLE HOURS OUT AND ABOUT SOCIALIZING THANKS TO JOE AND RUTH............

Joe Gibson and Ruth Rosenberg came by at 4 p.m. and took me down the street to Peet's for coffee and conversation, breaking up the monotony of filling another day of being sidelined.  Fortunately, starting tomorrow afternoon, I will resume personally responsibility and control over my medications, with Dr. Reddy's approval, doing what I have done during the past decade outside all periods of hospitalization.  Friends like Ruth and Joe are invaluable in bringing some normalcy to this frustrating time of involuntary exile from doing the Lord's work in parish life............Fr.  Troy

NOE PEREZ COMES ON A NOON TIME VISIT WITH LUNCH FROM "LA ROSA BLANCA"............

Noe Perez, my friend from St. Philomene's Parish came by at the Noon hour to see me, and brought lunch from La Rosa Blanca Mexican Restaurant.  It was great to see him and have the opportunity to catch up in person.  He shared news about his plans to start law school in September.  Noe's visit was a nice addition to my day, in the same 'ol. same 'ol, uneventfulness of this holding pattern, detached from parish life............Fr.  Troy

IN A WHEELCHAIR - FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT WAS A VERY EFFECTIVE PRESIDENT............

Sixty seven years ago today, April 12, 1945 - Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States died in Warm Springs, Georgia; as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage.  At age 39 Roosevelt contracted polio, and for the following twenty four years lived with its aftermath, which put him in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.  Yet FDR did not surrender to his disability, instead he embraced it, rehabilitated himself, and successfully served during the four years he was Governor of New York, and a record setting 12 years, 1 month, 8 days, as President, being elected to four terms in The White House.  The physical limitations and the dependence on a wheelchair President Roosevelt endured, did not impair his intellectual, political, governing, or master communications skill, to be then, and continue to be considered now, one of the great American Presidents.  Therefore, I know my health challenges and physical limitations, do not preclude me from continuing and carrying out the priestly, pastoral, parish, ministries I was ordained to provide in the Diocese of Sacramento.  Now as I learn to walk with my new prosthetic leg, I have been told that being in a wheelchair is a problem and makes me unsuitable for parish ministry.  That is an erroneous and false argument, as I have successfully and productively  celebrated Masses and Sacraments and presided over the ministries of preaching the Gospel  and teaching the Catholic Christian Faith, during four periods in a wheelchair over the past ten years.  Like President Roosevelt, Father Powers has no intention of allowing physical disability vanquish the ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of his calling.  Thus, as we commemorate the legacy of FDR, disabled persons and all persons committed to our calling in this life, can derive inspiration from the effectiveness of the man in a wheelchair he was for sixteen years in governing New York State and then, the United States of America............Fr.  Troy

PRAYING FOR THE SOUL AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PRAXEDES DELEON............

The thunder and lightning during the night has a sizable rain storm following it this morning, as I awake and get started in readiness to attend the Funeral Mass of Praxedes DeLeon, mother of Reverend Father Benedict DeLeon.  I will join my brother diocesan priests in concelebrating with Father Ben, the rites of commendation and farewell for his beloved mother, at a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Paul's Church in Florin, the DeLeon Family's home parish.  My plan to ride to the funeral with Msgr. Ed Kavanagh has fallen by the wayside, as he has a parish funeral at St. Rose's Church this morning himself, so I will instead be traveling to Florin  by taxi at 9 a.m.  In gratitude for Praxedes life of faithfulness to God, and fidelity to the Church, for the love she shared with her Family, and the outstanding example of Catholic-Christian Discipleship she lived in raising stellar children that includes a native born, locally grown, vocation to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in Fr. Ben, who is truly one of the outstanding priests of our generation; we lift our hearts and minds to the Lord in praying, Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her Soul o Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her...Alleluia !  Amen !!   Fr.  Troy    

MAKING PLANS AND PREPARATIONS FOR MY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MASS AND SILVER JUBILEE KILKENNY VISITORS............

With my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ just three weeks from today. Wednesday May 2, 2012; finalizing preparations for the Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving  . and planning for the two week visit of my thirty year friends from Kilkenny, Ireland - Reverend Father Oliver Maher, and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Geraldine Butler, is gladly occupying much of my time during this period I am in a holding pattern at MMT.  I am pleased that many of the pertinent persons who have shared in the past quarter of a century of my priestly ministry in the Church of the Sacramento Diocese, will be present and take part in the Silver Jubilee celebration, as liturgical ministers and speakers.  And in addition to the 25th Anniversary night festivities, Oliver, Geraldine, and Kevin, will be here celebrating with me for two weeks, as this is the Butlers' first visit here and comes just eight months after their own 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary !!!!!!!!!!!!  A positive reprieve and very welcomed hiatus from the abnormality and frustration the past three months have wrought..........Persevering in the Easter Faith of the Risen Jesus The Christ of Salvation,   Fr.  Troy

RICK SANTORUM ON THE GETTYSBURG STAGE............

A somber looking Rick Santorum surrounded by his family on stage in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is speaking about his presidential campaign, referring to his ill daughter Bella, and the discussions with his family about what's happening in America today; he is chronicling the primary and caucus campaign he has experienced to date poignantly, emotionally, but speaking with a strong voice, even as his face expresses the obvious pain of bringing his presidential bid to a close.  Lightheartedly, he refers to the role of the sweater-vest in his campaign, he is stating his campaign has not been just his voice, but the people's voice; he calls his campaign for President, "improbable", thanking God, and speaks of campaigning on the hopes not the fears of Americans.  Referring to his victories in eleven states, he is saying that this presidential race is over for him and he is suspending his campaign, but will continue to fight for those things he believes in and stand for the values that make America the shining city on the hill............Fr.  Troy

SANTORUM SUSPENDING HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ?............

Rick Santorum is suspending his 2012 Presidential campaign for the Republican nomination.  His loss in last Tuesday's Wisconsin Primary to Mitt Romney, and the continuing deteriorization in his three year old daughter Bella's health this week, set the stage for orizationSantorum's decision.  It also means he avoids a major personal, political, embarrassment were he to lose his home state's Pennsylvania Primary to Romney, an increasing likelihood even had he stayed in the race, two weeks from today.  More details and insights as news of this development unfolds............Fr.  Troy

LIFE IN A FACILITY LIKE THIS MEANS A LACK OF PRIVACY............

One of the other residents of MMT, who returned here was asked in the dining room this morning if he has settled in yet, after several days back.  His response was, "Not yet".  Not yet, if ever, is my own response to that question for a number of reasons.  One of the most grievous to me is the lack of privacy being in an assisted living, retirement community, facility like this requires enduring.  Even in my own quarters staff are constantly at the door knocking, or using their keys to come in, throughout the day and night, including once or twice between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., seven days a week.  I am fully capable of looking after myself and have been the past four weeks, without requiring or requesting assistance to function physically in my room and in transporting myself to the nurses station down the hall, the dining room downstairs, or to get myself to and from the entrance of the building, when visitors, or appointments outside the facility require me to.  And yet being prematurely treated as though I am a person much older than I am, my privacy, my prerogatives, my right to live as independently, and free from being incessantly monitored, is being abridged, because this is where I am indefinitely made to be.  Doing everything possible to resume my vocational responsibilities in the parochial communities of parish life, I pray this too will pass, sooner than later, please God............Seeking to excelerate the reality of the New and Risen Life of Jesus The Christ,   Fr.  Troy

WHO WILL BE.....WILL BE............

Under the changed circumstances of my unexpected  re-location and shift in date of the celebration of my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood, not everyone I would like to have present and participating are available to attend or carry out the role I anticipated they would play.  That's the price of having a weeknight versus weekend celebration, and alas, as I am having to do overall at present, I will adapt for who will be there, will be there, and it will be as memorable as it can be at this stage in my priestly, pastoral, ministry.  I look forward to sharing the concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving with my brother priests, parishioners during the last quarter of a century who will be present, and those personal friends who can come on Wednesday May 2, 2012, at  6 p.m., to St. Rose's Church, 5961 Franklin Boulevard, in South Sacramento............Fr.  Troy

A VERY GOOD FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH DR. LAIDLAW............

Bobby my taxi man took to me to my 2 p.m. first appointment with my new diabetes specialist, Dr. Michael K. Laidlaw, in Rocklin.  The appointment went well and I feel a very good sense of connection with him.  Dr. Laidlaw has known Dr. McMonagle, with whom he shares Scotish-American heritage for the past six years, giving me a further feeling the transition will be a smooth and successful one with him as my new Endocrinologist......I am continuing to take free standing steps a few at a time with my prosthetic leg unassisted, as I have been able to do since this morning.  I will continue doing so into the evening until I go to bed............Fr.  Troy

SHORT STEPS......BUT REAL PROGRESS............

Now more than one month since my last physical therapy session and after four weeks today of self improvement in resuming my mobility and stability on my own, I was able this morning to stand and walk a few steps at a time in my quarters without the use of the walker.  I was balanced and stable in both standing freely and walking a half dozen steps at a time unassisted, indicating real progress in my physical condition.  Please God, this is a sign that I will continue to increase in my ability to stand and walk independently and return to my priestly, parish, ministry sooner than the indefinite holding pattern portends............Praise God, for the Strength And Grace to Progress, and to The People Of God Whose Prayers And Support For Me, is a Source of Sustenance as I Push Forward,   Fr.  Troy

EASTER MONDAY MEANS MOVING ON WITH MY NEW DIABETES DOCTOR SPECIALIST............

As I arise on this Easter Monday morning, a day that in many countries is celebrated as a holiday, I am still attempting to arrange a driver to my afternoon appointment to see my new Endocrinologist, Dr. Michael K. Laidlaw, the specialist who is now managing my diabetes.  I have a 145 p.m. appointment with him in his office off of Rocklin Road.  Please contact me before 12 noon, if you have availability to provide me a ride to my appointment today............Fr.  Troy

EASTER SUNDAY COFFEE DOWN THE STREET WITH JOE AND RUTH............

Easter Sunday breakfast at MMT was limited to muffins, oatmeal/cold cereal, juice, milk, and coffee, no hot food, because of the Brunch.  I had breakfast, but passed on the brunch, being a single in a sea of residents with family member guests, and choosing instead to accept an invitation from Joe Gibson and Ruth Rosenberg, at the conclusion of their morning walk, to join them for coffee at Peet's up the street.  The buzz of the morning has been the Sacramento Bee story this morning on Bishop Quinn's continuing ministry here at MMT, which I am a part of, because of his request to have administer me the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to him on Holy Thursday, which I did in the presence of Fathers Jack Folmer and Steve Avella, and Randy Pench, a Sacramento Bee photographer, whose presence came as a surprise to me !  It is very thoughtful of Bishop Quinn to have included me in this story of his ongoing senior ministry.  As I await Easter Sunday Dinner and then taking a taxi to South Sacramento to concelebrate the 7:30 pm Mass with Msgr. Kavanagh, I am spending a quiet afternoon in my quarters, making further preparations for my Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary celebration on May 2nd............Happy Easter Sunday To Everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr.  Troy

ALLEULUIA !!! ALLELUIA !!! ALLELUIA !!! JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY !!! ALLELUIA !!!!!!!!!!!!............

As I awake and begin the day on this Easter Sunday morning and Passover weekend, like Catholic Christians globally, I am praying in praise of the Living and True God of Creation for the gift of Glorious Salvation and the assurances of Faith in Everlasting Life we have gained through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus The Christ.  I am still savoring the magnificent splendor of the Easter Vigil Service Liturgy I concelebrated with Reverend Monsignor Robert P. Walton, Father Vincent Juan, Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn, and the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, here in East Sacramento / Midtown, last night.  It was a truly beautiful and profoundly celebrated Liturgy of Light, Word, Initiation, and Eucharist, which included the Baptism of three adults and one infant; the Profession of Faith and Reception of seven other adults; and the Confirmation and First Eucharist of all ten adults, who are members of this year's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) at Sacred Heart under the dedicated direction of Rita Spillane and the Catechumenate Team.   Msgr. Walton delivered a superb homily on the Amazing Astonishment of Christ's Resurrection to the Jewish Women who came to the Tomb to complete His Burial rites; and of all Catholic-Christian Believers from that time forward, as we encounter the New and Risen Life of Jesus and God's Grace in our lives.  Tonight I will continue the liturgical celebration of this Easter Sunday by journeying to St. Rose's Church, to concelebrate the 7:30 p.m. Mass with Msgr. Edward J. Kavanagh, presiding over his sixty-fourth year of Easter liturgies on Franklin Boulevard in South Sacramento.  Being I am not presiding / celebrating this Easter Sunday in my parish as Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes; then the parish of my birth and upbringing, where my priestly vocation was nurtured and developed, is the next best place to fulfill my Easter duty as a Priest of Jesus the Risen Christ in celebrating the Paschal Eucharist............A Blessed Easter and Happy Passover To You,   Fr.  Troy

VERIFYING MY MEDICATIONS ARE ACCURATELY ADMINISTERED............

Four times in the past four weeks, I have had to question the improper dose of my kidney transplant anti rejection drug being provided to me due to confusion on the nurses part as to how many miligrams the capsules in my prescription bottles are.  Other than the nine days I spent in Bruceville Terrace last year, where for nine days they failed to give me all my proper medications, until now administering them and taking them daily on my own, I have had no problem taking all my medications in their proper dosage at the scheduled times.  From the outset of my diabetes ten years ago, through all my subsequent health challenges, thanks to Mary Ann Pujals, the retired registered nurse who was my parishioner at Holy Family Church in Citrus Heights and who served as my original nurse during my initial rehabilitation and convalescence and first secondary infection, from 2002-2004; I was proficiently trained to monitor and administer all my medications to myself, without difficulty.  Now however, despite retaining the ability to  handle my meds and insulins myself - because I have been placed in a facility where it is controlled and monitored, errors such as I have already experienced here are occurring.  Furthermore, during the unevenness of transitioning from being in a parish rectory into an assisted living, retirement community, where I am neither requiring assistance, nor retired; questions about prescription refills are bounced back to me, though I do not retain personal possession   or access to the prescriptrions myself.  The refills for the anti rejection drugs from the Mayo Clinic Speciality Pharmacy continue to be confirmed with me for delivery.  However, a problem with changing the delivery address to MMT, and not to OLOL rectory, has resulted in another delay in receiving my medication refills in a timely manner.  It seems the first order placed after my arrival was delivered to OLOL as before, and has not yet been brought to me here at MMT.  The nursing supervisor is working with me in attempting to get them delivered here from the parish today, a further frustration as well as potential endangerment for me,  that were I still in total control of my meds would not be occurring.  I can only  continue to pray for the patience and perseverance to stay on top of my care in proper order and strive to return to independently carrying out my responsibilities as a competent and capable person and priest, not having to surrender or compromise my prerogatives and privacy, as presently this involuntary exile is imposing upon me.  With prayers, empathy, and profound feelings, for all who endure similar and greater limits on your personal abilities...........Fr.  Troy

QUIET WAITING ON THIS HOLY SATURDAY FOR THE GREATEST OF ALL VIGILS............

With the dawning of the sun on this Holy Saturday morning, Catholic-Christian Disciples of the Crucified Cross quietly wait through this day on which Jesus laid in the tomb after his harrowing Passion and Death on Calvary, anticipating the nightwatch of the Resurrection, that is known as the greatest of all vigils in the history of the Church.  As it is the day before Easter Sunday, the central Christian Feast, it is also the preparation day for Catholic-Christian families as we get ready to celebrate Easter Sunday meals with loved ones and friends with special festivity.  Here at Mercy McMahon Terrace, today is a usual Saturday, with Sunday Mass at it's usual weekly time of 4 p.m., whereas outside settings such as this there are no Masses allowed in parishes on Holy Saturday before the Easter Vigil Service, which cannot begin before 8:15 p.m., sufficiently after sunset.  To regularize my experience of the Easter Vigil, I hope to make my way across the street for the 8:15 p.m. Easter Vigil Liturgy, in Sacred Heart Church, as I strive not to surrender to my currently abnormal circumstances............Fr.  Troy

35 RESIDENTS ATTEND GOOD FRIDAY LITURGICAL SERVICE @ MMT............

The half hour, 2 p.m. Good Friday Liturgical Service conducted by the Mercy McMahon Chaplain Sister Augustine, RSM had thirty five persons present this afternoon. It included the Stations of the Cross, the First and Second Readings and Responsorial Psalm for Good Friday, the part General Intercessions prayed annually on this day of the Easter Triduum, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.  Interludes of organ music were also included.  The Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated as usual each week, tomorrow at 4 p.m., who the presider will be is not yet announced............Fr.  Troy

WHY DO CATHOLIC-CHRISTIANS CALL THIS SORROWFUL FRI-DAY, GOOD ?............

There will be a 2 p.m. Good Friday Liturgical Service in the MMT Chapel, just as congregations of the faithful will gather for the second  movement of this Sacred Triduum of Liturgy, today's commemoration focused on the Passion and Death of Jesus The Christ.  The Liturgical Service here will start with the Stations of the Cross followed by the prescribed rites of the Liturgy of the Word anchored in the proclamation of Christ's Passion; expanded General Intercessions, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. Despite the somber and solemn tone the sufferings and Crucifuxion of Jesus causes us to feel on this day of sorrowful unfolding in salvation history, it is called "Good Friday", in acknowledgement that the goodness and grace of Redemption has been gained for those who believe in the Paschal Mystery of God's Co-Eternal Son, the Christ of All Creation.  May you, your families, and all our fellow disciples in Jesus The Christ, take time today to acknowledge and honor in prayerful presence our gratitude for the Passion, Death, and Resurrection, of Jesus that we may experience the abundance of Everlasting Life in God's Kingdom............Fr.  Troy

A FRATERNAL, FRIENDS CENTERED, LITURGICAL HOLY THURSDAY............

A fraternal Holy Thursday morning visit on this day that denotes the institution of the Priesthood, as well as the Eucharist, by the Lord Jesus Christ, brought two very welcome brother priests to see me, Reverend Father John Folmer and Reverend Father Steven Avella.  After having a wonderful conversation in my room, we gathered together with Bishop Emeritus Francis Quinn, at his invitation in his quarters to celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  Bishop Quinn asked me to anoint him, and then in turn anointed us.  What a gracious way to begin this sacred first day of the Easter Triduum.  My South Sacramento, St. Rose Church parishioner friend, Ted Dahlberg,  then arrived to drive me to an appointment with my new primary care physician, Dr. Jakiddi Reddy, M.D.  I am very impressed with him and am glad to be adding him to my medical team.  After meeting with Joe Gibson and Ruth Rosenberg, for coffee at Peets up the street, Marti Geiger, from Sacred Heart Church came to escort me across the street to concelebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper, with Reverend Father Vincent Juan, the Principal Celebrant and Bishop Quinn, solemnly presiding; Deacons William Riehl, and Gil Parra, assisting; and seminarian Rene as Acolyte.  I was greeted and welcomed bacxk by many of those present, including my former Confirmation student and friend, Tony Clark, who was in attendance at the Mass with his wife and youngest daughter, and was one of the twelve parishioners who had his feet washed in tonight's mandatum liturgical rite.  I am grateful to Marti, for facilitating my presence and to Msgr. Bob Walton, Fr. Vincent Juan, and the people of Sacred Heart Parish, for including me in their Holy Week festivities............Fr.  Troy

THE EUCHARISTIC AND PRIESTHOOD INSTITUTIONS OF HOLY "MAUNDY" THURSDAY............

As our Catholic-Christian Lenten journey of Repentance and Reconciliation with Jesus and others concludes on this Holy Thursday and we enter the solemnity of these most sacred and substantial days in history of Creation and our Salvation through the Paschal Mystery of Christ; our prayerful and liturgical focus this evening is upon the mandatum of  His instituting the Holy Eucharist and the ordained Priesthood of Jesus.  As the faithful gather tonight to Do n Memory of Jesus the Christ, the New Covenant of Love that the traditional Passover Seder being celebrated with the Apostles Jesus transformed into the Christian Sacrament of Thanksgiving,  commemorating and renewing the Passion,Death, and Resurrection of the Lord, may you and your families share the holy meal of the Mass of the Lord's Supper with your local Community of Believers.   I will spend time today through the mid-morning visiting with some of my brother priest friends, and then Ted Dahlberg is coming to drive me to my introductory appointment with my new primary care physician, Dr, Reddy.  Then tonight at 7 p.m., I will head across the street to Sacred Heart Church for the Mass of the Lord's Supper............Fr.  Troy

SHIFTING PLANS AND PREPARATIONS FOR SILVER JUBILEE 2012 INTO HIGH GEAR............

Bobby, my taxi man of the past year, came to take me to my 1:30 p.m. appointment with Dr. Cookson, in his office on Sunrise Boulevard near Cirby Way in Roseville, my orthopedic surgeon and doctor for the past decade.  He is pleased with how well my stump looks and that the all but permanent prostheses is working out.  Dr. Cookson wrote me a therapy prescription for Mercy General Rehab, allowing me to resume physical therapy standing and walking with the prosthetic leg immediately, until such time as I am able to return to the auspices of Quinn McArthur, for ongoing and continuing physical therapy.  I am happy to have received a visit this morning from Marva and Charles Glover, and her sister Diane.  The Glovers are 51 year parishioners at OLOL, ani in addition to their delightful presence brought me a beautiful Easter Lily and Mass card.  Msgr. Kavanagh just stopped in for a chat, and after returning to MMT from Dr. Cookson's office, I also spoke to Msgr. Jim Church about celebrating my Silver Jubilee of Priesthood Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Rose's Church in South Sacramento, four weeks from tonight, Wednesday May 2, at 6 p.m.; the parish in which I was born, baptized, confirmed, and ministered as a boy and young man, as well as the parish community where my priestly vocation was fostered and developed; and the site twenty five years ago of presiding at my very First Mass of Thanksgiving as a Priest of Jesus Christ.  Given the involuntary upheaval and relocation I am enduring presently; celebrating this milestone in ordained ministry in my native parish, where my family were founding members 70 years ago, makes good sense and takes some of the sting out of the awkwardness current circumstances and requirements, are causing me in carrying out the priestly, parish, ministry that are at the heart of my vocation............Fr.  Troy

IN SEARCH OF AN EASTER MONDAY RIDE TO SEE MY NEW DIABETES SPECIALIST............

Dt. Michael K. Laidlaw, my new Endocrinologist, diabetes specialist, has scheduled my first appointment with him for next Monday Aptil 9th, at 2 p.m., in his office in Rocklin.  I am in need of a driver to and from the appointment, or will otherwise have to take a taxi.  If anyone in my circle of friends has the availability to provide transportation to this appointment, please contact me as soon as possible, to square away the arrangements.   I appreciate whomever of you can assist me in this way for considering and answering my request.  Be assured of my Gratitude and Prayers as I continue striving to strengthen my  ability to resume my priestly and personal duties............Fr.  Troy  

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK AND AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. COOKSON............

Wednesday of Holy Week today, which is the first Wednesday of April is usually the day of the month when Bishop Quinn and the priests residing at MMT, meet together for an hour or so of sharing and fraternity.  However, we will not be meeting until next week, due to a change in Bishop Quinn's schedule today.  He kindly came up and knocked at my door last night to inform me of the shift in meeting date.  Having received no response to my Monday blog announcement seeking a driver to my appointment with Dr. Cookson this afternoon, I will take a taxi at 12:45 p.m., to get there in time for the 1:30 p.m. appointment.  Given the prescription for my permanent prosthetic leg is the reason for today's appointment and as my team of doctors and physical therapist are beyond the transportation radius provided by MMT, until I am able to drive again, arranging rides, or taking taxis to my medical appointments will be necessary.  Time to go to the nurses station for my a.m. blood glucose check and then downstairs to breakfast as another day begins at my involuntary, indefinitely, temporary residence in this assisted living retirement community as an unretired priest............Fr.  Troy

A MEETING THIS MORNING WITH BISHOP SOTO............

At my request Bishop Soto agreed to meet with me this morning to discuss my current situation and status.  It looks like for the time being I will be residing here at Mercy McMahon Terrace assisted living retirement community, although on medical leave, not retired; nor planning to anytime in the forseeable future.  The Bishop is asking me to resign as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and will consider returning me to parish ministry, when he and his office decide my health has stabilized to his satisfaction.  My faculties to celebrate Mass, Sacraments, et al; remain intact; thus I am able to preside, preach, and participate, presently and for the six months or longer it will take to be reassigned to a parish, as invited by pastors / priests, and ministries to do so, and as transportation and accessibility allow me to;  with my ability to drive, stand, and walk, with my prostheses being the criteria, as of now for my return to fulltime active ministry in parish life...........Praying for the Patience, Perseverance, and God's Healing Grace, to Endure this Involuntary Exile,   Fr.  Troy

with 22% OF THE WISCONSIN PRIMARY VOTE COUNTED ROMNEY LEADS BY FOUR PERCENT............

Romney 42%; to Santorum 38%;, is the current vote count in Wisconsin with twenty two percent of the precincts reporting.  Claiming victory tonight Romney is declaring he will create jobs and restore free enterprise, while combatting union bosses.  He is calling President Obama an, "out of touch liberal", who does not know and has failed to create jobs.  Thus all but ignoring his continuing nomination battle with Santorum who pledged himself to continuing the fight vigorously in the second half of the primary season, Romney is giving another General Election type speech tonight, promising to restore the hopes of  Americans and asking Americans to join him taking another step everyday until November 6th, to victory............

ROMNEY MOUNTS THE STAGE IN MILWAUKEE TONIGHT............

Romney has just taken the stage before his supporters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin thanking Rep. Paul Ryan a great leader, but no competition for Ann Romney as an introducer.  He speaks of today's three victories as a great step forward and is going on direct attack against President Obama and his record............

THE WISCONSIN PRIMARY CALLED FOR ROMNEY BY CNN, MSNBC, AND FOX NEWS............

Within the past ten minutes based on the early vote count and exit polls, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News, have declared Romney the winner of the Wisconsin Primary today, making it three for three victories for him in today's Republican contests.  Santorum has spoken already tonight calling it halftime and making his argument for nominating a conservative not a moderate, in order to defeat President Obama in November.  House Budget Committee Chairman Representative Paul Ryan, is now introducing Romney to his supporters in Milwaukee tonight............

ROMNEY THE PROJECTED WINNER IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, D.C. ............

With ten percent of the vote counted in today's Maryland Republican Presidential Primary Mitt Romney is leading with 53% to 27% for Rick Santorum.  Romney is the projected winner tonight in Maryland and in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., which also held their Primary today.  Voting has also closed in the Wisconsin and with 1% of the vote counted Santorum is leading Romney 44% - 37%, but Romney who has been leading in the polls there in recent days could be the winner when all the vcotes are counted.  Rick Santorum is speaking tonight from southwestern Pennsylvania, his home state which he represented for two terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the United States Senate, where the next major Republican contest, three weeks from today, April 24th will take place............Fr.  Troy

HOLY WEEK DINNER, PENANCE SERVICE AND CONFESSIONS @ SACRED HEART CHURCH............

Having spent four hours this morning and early afternoon at St. Rose's Church and St. Mary's Cemetery, for the Funeral Mass and Burial of Msgr. Gerard Schons, I hve just returned from three hours across the street at Sacred Heart Church, for dinner with Msgr. Walton and Fr. Vincent Juan, Fr. Jason Clark, L.C., and seminarian Rene, followed by the Parish Holy Week Penance Service and Individual Confessions.  I am grateful for the fraternal invitation to assist, and heard a dozen Confessions tonight.  Sacred Heart parishioner and my former fellow Diocesan School Board member Marti, also came up and offered to assist me on Thursday evening in going over to Sacred Heart Church for the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, which I eagerly agrecd to do, and look forward to being present for.  I have learned within the past hour that Fr. Benedict DeLeon's mother has passed away, for which my prayers for her soul and fraternal solicitude for Fr. Ben and his family go out in solidarity and support......Fr.  Troy

DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS TRANSPORTATION THIS WEEK............

As I wait to find out at breakfast if the MMT transporter will be able to drive me to St. Rose's Church in South Sacranento, for the concelebration of Msgr. Schons Funeral Mass, starting at 10 a.m., or take a taxi; there are doctor's appointments this Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.m with Dr. Cookson and Thursday at 11:15 a.m., with Dr. Reddy, for which I will need rides.  Being located here in East Sacramento / Midtown, puts me outside the MMT shuttle radius for transportation to my medical appointments, so arranging rides for them is essential.  Time to head downstairs............Enjoy your Monday of Holy Week,   Fr.  Troy

A PALM SUNDAY J STREET OUTING THANKS TO JOE AND RUTH............

Joe Gibson phoned me this afternoon and asked if I would like to join Ruth Rosenberg, his significant other and himself, for coffee at Peet's down the street here from Mercy McMahon, which I gladly accepted.  It was great to get outdoors in the sunshine of this Palm Sunday afternoon and take a break from the routine of the facility, biding time until dinner.  After our wonderful coffee chat outing, I was back in time to belatedly have dinner, which was half a cornish game hen and rice pilaf, with a green salad and italian dressing.  Bishop Quinn dropped by my table on his way out ogf the dining room to remind of the priests support group meeting on Wednesday morning and we had a nice chat. `Now to watch 60 Minutes and some Sunday night television............Fr.  Troy

A MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK PRIESTLY INVITATION............

Monsignor Robert Walton, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church graciously came by to see me this afternoon and invited me to come and assist with the Parish Penance Service tomorrow night at 7 p.m.  I am grateful for his gracious consideration and for the opportunity to help with the Holy Week / Easter Confessions.  Monday morning I will go to St. Rose's Church to concelebrate the Funeral Mass for Monsignor Gerard Schons, in Kavanagh Hall............Fr.  Troy

ONLY AN ARMCHAIR OBSERVER ON PALM SUNDAY ............

Although Dr. Martin has stated I am currently able to celebrate two Masses daily, here I sit in my temporary quarters on this Palm Sunday morning caused to watch the Catholic Passion Sunday Liturgy proceedings on television, instead of presiding/concelebrating them in the parish, even though I am eighty five percent back to where I was in mid December and am making real progress each day in increasing my mobility, without the assistance of nursing staff.  Despite the physical limitations that shape my personal reality, my intellectual and communicative skills are unaffected by the challenges I am dealing with.  Yet here I sit on the sidelines, supposedly because I am in a wheelchair and cannot presently drive, denied the opportunity to liturgically and sacramentally function, underserving the People of God, as a priest I am ordained to minister to; and at fifty five years old, I have no intention of retiring from.  As frustrating as this currently is, I remain hopeful that a discussion with Bishop Soto this Tuesday will lead to clarifying my status and determining how soon my desire to resume priestly, pastoral, ministry will begin again, as I continue to stabilize and proceed in successfully adapting to walking with my permanent prosthetic leg.  Just as my childhood disability and twelve year, orthopedic left leg brace did not vanquish me, or prevent me from becoming a priest; Neither will my current physical limitations conquer me, or pre-empt my ability to function as a priest in a parish, for that is what I believe and know God wants me to be and to do, in ministry to and with, the People of God of in the Church of Sacramento.  To all persons who are encountering the frustration and reality of physical limitations and restrictions imposed upon you, be assured of my solidarity, advocacy, and prayers, as we stand united in realizing the empowerment and inclusion - the dignity, every human person deserves and has an inherent, God given right to experience............May You Be Blessed As Holy Week Proceeds,   Fr. Troy