Memorial Day weekend is behind us now.  This weekend we celebrate with Fr. John Baab, who was ordained by Bishop Knestout on Saturday at the Cathedral.  It is a real blessing to have him with us for his “First Mass.” 
 
So, June is here.  In a few weeks, we officially will be in the summer.  While there is still plenty of stuff happening at St. Mikes, I hope we all can take some time to relax and renew ourselves.  Summer vacations are upon us, and as we “vacate” and travel to new places, I hope we all take time to discover new friends—brothers and sisters in Christ—by visiting other churches.
           
While I was in Las Vegas last summer, I had the chance to attend the cathedral there, which was a beautiful church, but it was dwarfed by the extravagant Las Vegas hotels/casinos.  Then there was the cathedral in Salina, Kansas.  I did not even know there was a Diocese of Salina!!!  St. Francis Church in Flagstaff, Arizona, was a beautiful church on top of a hill and provided Mass for the Feast of the Assumption, August 15.
           
Of course, there was the sad story of the church of St Ignatius Loyola in Houston.  I visited when former parishioner Michelle Mason took me there on a Sunday to see this parish she liked.  It is a beautiful and vibrant church.  One week later, Hurricane Harvey put the whole parish under water.  I really could connect with them, because just the week before I was worshiping with them.
           
The point is that I encourage you to discover new churches if you travel this summer.  It is actually a neat experience.  Don’t miss it!