Over the past few months, Bishop Iffert has asked me to take on some additional responsibilities. As you know, I am now pastor of Our Savior Parish in East Covington. (Visit us some Sunday at 9:30 am.) I will continue to say Mass there every third Sunday, and now I will be in charge of other pastoral and financial matters. I do have several people working with me to make sure that all goes as it should. We are on 10th Street, next to the Licking River floodwall.
   
In addition to that, the bishop has asked me to be dean of the Covington Deanery, which includes Ludlow, Taylor Mill, Newport, Bellevue, and Dayton. The priests of the deanery meet quarterly, as does the Deanery Pastoral Council, and the Diocesan Pastoral Council. I am in charge of the deanery and the Deanery Pastoral Council, and I participate in the Diocesan Pastoral Council. In addition, the deans of the diocese meet with Bishop Iffert as needed to discuss concerns in the diocese and to discuss new appointments of priests and deacons. The dean is also to meet individually with each of the priests and deacons within his deanery, checking to see if each is doing well or if they need some kind of support or assistance.
   
As you can tell, this will add a significant number of things to my schedule, as well as time needed to organize and plan for those things. To be honest with you. right now, I am feeling quite overwhelmed as I move into these responsibilities. I ask for your prayers and your patience.
   
Because of these new jobs, I have decided to take a break from giving any series of talks right now. I may give an individual talk here or there, but no series for a few months. The Chosen will be shown on Thursdays for the next several weeks. You can also view some of my previous talk series on our website.