There is a trail in Minnesota that extends for 18 miles from St. Paul to Stillwater called the Gateway Trail. It is called the Gateway Trail because it allows many modes of travel and opens a way from the city to the country and back again. It is a gateway because it connects with other paths, parks and nature. Gateways do that. They are entryways that connect people to other paths and opportunities. The whole path is a gate.
Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic locked us down and disrupted much of our lives. We can still see the effects it has had on the social fabric of our communities and wonder what it means going forward.
One of my main ministries at my parish is serving Communion. This ministry includes serving Communion at Mass, but it also extends to people in our parish community who are unable to join us because of age, infirmity or other obstacles. In these cases, I bring Communion to them.
When I left home to join the Air Force, I went with a lot of questions. I was searching, doubting and wondering what was important. After I arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, I met Father Sam, the new Catholic chaplain. There was something different about him. There was something about the way he led Mass, the way he noticed people and saw beauty in so many places.
I remember the months leading up to the year 2000 as being an anxious time. Some people were anxious because they feared the end of the 20th century may also be the end of the world.
The first retreat I ever attended was called Cursillo. It was three days of being immersed in Christian life through teachings, faith sharing, prayer and fellowship. At the end of the third day, we were told: “Tomorrow, you begin the fourth day — which is the rest of your life.” We were called to bring home the gifts of faith we had received and shared.
Look for hope