Welcome to the homeland of the Blues!!!

So here I am in Cleveland, MS, sitting in the student union of Delta State University. I have finished my second day (first full day) at Our Lady of Victories Parish, and I still don't know exactly what I will be doing. But, I do know that I will be here learning a lot about being a parish priest, especially in the setting of "small-town Mississippi." So far, I have been absolutely amazed at the dedication and hardwork of Fr Tom Lalor, my mentor and the Pastor of OLV. He is also the only priest in Bolivar County!

As of yet, two people have died suddenly. One was a brother Knight of Columbus in Starkville, but grew up here and will be buried here on Saturday. The other was a Hurricane Katrina migrant who has suddenly left her ederly mother behind. Both funerals will be small, and will be attended by many Protestants. Nonetheless, we will have a Mass for each one of them, as that is the best we have to offer!

I don't know how often I will be able to update this with reflections, but I hope to be able to atleast once or twice a week. The problem--dialup internet service at the Parish which is slow slow slow... So I plan to periodically come over to DSU to use their free wireless, as long as my schedule permits.

God bless, and thanks for the prayers! I need them!!

Scott