Last fall my buddy Fr. Kevin Christofferson, pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Polson, MT and Sacred Heart mission in Ronan, MT, asked if I'd come give a parish mission. After a bit of prayer and consultation, I agreed. Well, the time arrived, and I held up my end of the deal and drove to Flathead Lake in the Northwest corner of Montana.
Beautiful trip across the center of the state. Definitely spring time.
My first stop was to visit my uncle in Helena. He's always up to something.
Then, before I left town, I had lunch with my old friend Fr. Tom O'Donnell. Fr. Tom played an important role in getting me into seminary. Thanks partner.
When I arrived in Polson, I preached the weekend Masses. This little church in Ronan is where the mission would take place.
Beautiful and simple old church.
The first night started out with a dinner followed my my first talk.
In between, Fr. Kevin took pretty good care of me.
For the next two nights, I gave a talk in the evening followed by a nice reception.
Mission accomplished. I had been preparing for this since the first of the year. But giving three 45min talks was no walk in the park. The first one was rough. So I toned it down and just spoke from the heart on the next two. In the end I was pleased. But I'm not sure if this cowboy is meant to give long talks. My mo is generally short and sweet. This was definitely good practice and a wonderful opportunity to meet some great folks. Thanks Fr. Kevin for the easing me into these waters. On to the next one!
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