Thank you to everyone for giving me such a warm welcome my first weekend here at Holy Trinity.  ‘Tis a pleasure being with you and celebrating the masses.  I am very impressed with everything I have seen and eager to get to know you.  Special thanks to our staff and council members who have been so helpful and supportive.  There is a spirit present here that is positive and receptive—obviously the fruit of deep commitment to the Lord and to the parish.   Well done!

   As I mentioned at mass, I have sketched out a homily series I will be presenting over the summer weeks talking about discipleship—based on the readings we will be having from Luke’s Gospel.  I will be framing my homilies about two themes that are strong in these readings:  “Called” & “Sent”.  Both are essential to a complete understanding of discipleship.  To truly internalize what it means to be called—by God--is a lifetime endeavor and one that brings us face to face with mystery, grace, mercy, and trust.  Out of this flows our being sent—to share what we have received, to comfort, encourage, and serve others.  I look forward to opening this up with you over the next 7 weeks!

   If you haven’t taken a look at the new track, you are in for a treat!  Heavy equipment has been at it for the past 10 days with lots of progress.  Summer projects also underway have been the replacement of the breezeway posts, painting of the exterior of the school portable building, continued progress on the KC project, and lots of school and landscape maintenance.  I can tell you, it won’t be a quiet summer here!

   I would like to invite and encourage those who are available to join us for weekday masses, Mon-Fri at 8:15am in the chapel.  Even if you can make it once during the week, give it a try—children included.  Daily masses are short (25 minutes) and make a wonderful way to start the day and participate directly in the powerful prayer ministry of the parish.  All are welcome!

   I can be reached through the office as usual or by email, currently using dagutmann@archdpdx.org.  I welcome your suggestions, comments, and even criticisms (gently please).  Also, I should probably mention that I can be easily bribed—especially with cookies, garden produce, and just about any kind of food.  I might not use much gasoline with my bike commuting, but love to eat!  So, if you have some serious sins to atone for, here’s your chance.