I often speak about how we need to be grateful for all that we receive. I need to make sure I practice what I preach and express gratitude for this last weekend celebration of my 10th Anniversary of priesthood. In the homily last weekend I spoke about some of the joys of the last 10 years. I would have had you here all day if I had listed them all.

I had a couple of days of celebrating. On Friday morning the Mass was for my intention, it was not that way in the bulletin, however, Mary and Vince Lenk who had the Mass set up asked me to change it. To them I say Thank You. The opening prayer for that Mass was, “O God, who never ceases to bestow the glory of holiness on the faithful servants you raise up for your self, graciously grant that the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that fire with which he wonderfully filled the heart of Saint Philip Neri.” I prayed that I may by that ‘servant’.

Later that day, I was at the home of a family thatis very dear to my heart. The gift they gave me was a cross made out of wood (with thebark still on it), words are scratched into the front of the cross. It starts, “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus…” Of course they know of my fondness for that picture in the Roger’s rectory. Little did I know at that time that the road to Emmaus would come up again that weekend.

Friday night, the day of my Anniversary, I had dinner with my 7 classmates I was ordained with. We spoke about how fast the last 10 years has gone and the joys of our ministry. One of my classmates, who is currently teaching at the major seminary pointed out that the class he got his lowest grade in (a B+), is the course he is now teaching. There were many laughs andstories shared that night. I am grateful for my brother priests.

I was surprised and taken a little off guard on Saturday night to come out and see the road to Emmaus.  It did not hit me right away that this was for me. I was very touched to see the cake provided by the KC’s as well, Thank you my brother Knights.

I would like to say Thank you to all of you for your kind words and well wishes. I must say Thank You to Theresa and Ray Sawicky,Theresa had a lot to do with getting the painting.  Her and Ray do a lot here at St Luke’s. I can’t forget to say Thank You to Sue Miller, our new administrator. Sue was here at all the Masses last weekend and she has been such a joy to work
with.

And all of you who contributed to the expense of the painting and framing, I do not know who all of you are, but know I am truly grateful for each of you. My plan is to hang the painting on the back wall of my office, that way it will be able to be enjoyed by anyone who comes to see me.

As I said at the Masses last weekend, the best gift you can give me is to pray that I will be able to celebrate my 20th Anniversary here at St Luke’s. May the Lord Bless all of you and may I be the same gift to you as you have been to me.

Fr Backer