During our annual Priest Days convocation this year we heard talks by two of our brother priests from Africa and two others from Vietnam.  The face of the Church of the Northwest is changing.  An increasing number of many in our churches were born beyond the borders of the US.  Microsoft has been a major influence in bringing in folks especially from India, Ireland and the Balkans.  With this diversity comes a richness as the breadth of our Catholicism ‘universalism’ becomes evident in the outlooks, talents and faith traditions evident in the lives of those from various parts of the globe.  Also, relatively soon after transitioning from a country of pastors as missionaries from various lands, especially Ireland, to developing a more indigenous priesthood, we are becoming increasingly reliant on priests from Africa, the Orient and the Polynesian Pacific.  It is not uncommon to hear Northwest Catholics express difficulty understanding some of newly arrived priests.  Vocations and Catholic practice are both linked to an economic trend, as wealth an ease increase the practice of the faith tends to decrease.  It is important for folks of all lands and brands of Catholicism to recognize our trust and reliance on a good and gracious God; God’s concrete presence through rich sacramental encounter, and the hope available though life in Jesus’ Spirit.

Blessings,

Fr. Dave Rogerson