A Message from Father Buehler

Dear St. Francis Borgia Parish,
 
You may be wondering: “Where is the new priest?”  Rest assured, I am very much looking forward to joining all of you in Washington in the near future.  Already, I’ve had the joy of visiting twice since I knew of the transfer, and I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and going to work with you in the Lord’s vineyard. 

It seems everyone I talk to about the new assignment has exceptional things to say about the parish and the area.  I can only hope to keep up with such a glowing reputation, and by the grace of God serve you well as your priest!
 
So, “where is the new priest?”  Almost a year ago, before a transfer was even on the radar, I asked the Archbishop if I could make the 30-day Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola… something that’s been on my heart to do ever since I made the 8-day version back in 2009.  The purpose?  Not to become a Jesuit, but in the words of St. Ignatius:
 

The Spiritual Exercises “have as their purpose the conquest of self and the regulation of one’s life in such a way that no decision is made under the influence of any inordinate attachment.” 

 
Translation: to live entirely for Christ in the whole of one’s life with nothing held back.  In the words of a good friend, it’s to move one from being a spiritual ‘foot soldier’ to being an ‘Army Ranger’ for Christ.…just don’t expect me to glow in the dark afterwards.
 
I look forward to joining you all August 1 ^st, and know of my prayers for you while I’m away. Please keep me in yours!
 
May God bless you,