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January 20, 2006        

My dear friends in Christ,

Several weeks have passed since I last wrote. For a while my e-mail was down. For another period of time I was in the hospital and just didn't have the energy to get it done. Though I haven't been writing please know that you have never been far from my thoughts and daily in my prayers.

Right now things are going good. My "counts" have begun to rebound. A good sign I'm told by all who are in the know. This Monday I meet with my lead doctor to make plans for my return to Memphis and my continuing treatment by my oncologist there. I haven't had any of the reactions to the "donor lymphocyte infusion" that they're looking for - graft versus host disease - but I am assured that it will probably still come. That becomes the hard part of all this: Just waiting. Keep me in your prayers.

Each Sunday I've been up here I've had the joy of celebrating Mass - either in the hospital or in our little apartment - with members of my family. Though we were small in numbers, the celebration of the Eucharist and it's unifying power brought home to me the wonderful truth of our unity. Though a thousand miles away I was still with you, and you with me, in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup. I know I could not walk this path alone - I know I can walk this path with all of you at my side.

Last Sunday the Word of God focused on the call to service that God makes to all of us. As I listened to my sisters proclaim that word it struck me very powerfully that God calls us to serve right where we are. You there at St. Paul - me, whether here in Baltimore or there with you. He only asks that we respond, as Samuel did: "Here I am Lord, you called me."

Keep me in your prayers. I miss you all.

Peace

Fr. Rick