Saturday, December 01, 2012

Father Jim

just heard that Father Jim passed away.

overlooking Wild Goose Island on Saint Mary Lake

Father Jim was the pastor at St. Mary's in Rhinelander when I was a teenager. I was not a very social boy. However, the activities that the new St. Mary's youth group would be involved in - trips to the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in Montana, Glacier National Park and Fr. Jim's cabin on the Flambeau River - motivated me to join.





Fr. Jim saying Mass
at Kintla Lake campground,
Glacier National Park 





Father Jim was consistent - a trait I appreciated. He was caring and inclusive. I could relate to his homilies. I remember being fascinated that a priest would talk about his understanding of The Moody Blues' music. In Philipsburg, Montana, he said Mass for us in a ghost town in the mountains. We carried the Blessed Sacrament up the trail. And using a huge boulder as an altar, we overlooked the valley, breaking bread as the sun sank low in the August haze.

I know he is at peace...

admiring the view with his crew.