Dear Friends,

I have been writing this blog for almost two years now. I have tried, in my own weak way, to offer a thoughtful contribution to the conversation taking place in our Church and in our country over the varied issues we face in these difficult times. I hope I’ve succeeded in some small way.

The reality is, however, that this blog requires a certain measure of attention in order to keep in relevant and meaningful. Some may have noticed that I’m not posting near as often as I used to. There are two big reasons for that: first, I am working many more days than I did in the past. When I was working in the hospital, I would work three or four shifts in any given week. Now, I am working at least five and sometimes six days out of the week and, while I’m working fewer hours each shift, the weight of working so many consecutive days in any given week takes its toll. The second reason I’m not posting as much is that I am having to do a lot of extra reading and writing as an aspirant in the diaconate program for the Diocese of Knoxville. In fact, one of the reasons I started this blog, really the main reason, is because I didn’t think I would be able to join the program training men for the diaconate. I wanted to make a contribution, so I thought a blog would be something I could do at the time. I’m glad I did it, but the amount of time and energy I am dedicating to my new job and to the diaconate program requires that something give, and I’m afraid the blog is what has to give.

I’ve paid for the blog through the end of the year. My main concern is finishing my reflections on Lumen Gentium, so that is what I’m going to dedicate the rest of the year to. Hopefully, I’ll get it done. I may add a thought or two on other matters, but I’m not going to hold myself to it. My last post will be December 31, 2018.

I really hope you’ve enjoyed reading my thoughts as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing them. I’m not entirely leaving the stage, though. For those interested, I will have a column in the East Tennessee Catholic, the news magazine for the Diocese of Knoxville. It comes out every two months and my first column will be in the December, 2018 issue.

God bless and keep you all in His tender care.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.