Blog Journal

Here are some of my latest musings about life, ministry, and things that aren’t really my hobbies and amusements.

  • Chaplain’s Article for Fall 2021 Sun & Balance
    As I’m approaching my fourth month at Rensselaer, I’m honestly overwhelmed by the warm, generous welcome I’ve received. I’ve settled into the chaplain’s residence; the leadership at the Rensselaer Newman Foundation has made sure that house– after being mostly unoccupied for two years– is refreshed and comfortable. Moving is never easy, but this relocation has been smooth, even in the midst of the pandemic.In my previous …
  • Rensselaer Convocation Benediction
    [Because of a minor mix-up in the program, I didn’t get to actually pray this prayer at the convocation. Nevertheless, here’s my prayer for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute tonight. – LAR] God, all merciful and most generous, At the beginning of this academic year we come together as a diverse and curious people, aware of our differences but united by the challenges we face together. We …
  • So, What’s Next?
    In recent weeks lots of people have been asking me what’s next, after I depart the University Catholic Center on June 30th. This is a complicated and unstable time for all of us, and plans can change on very short notice, but here’s what I know right now. On July 1, we will turn over pastoral care of the University Catholic Center to Fr. Jonathan …
  • Thoughts on Live-streamed Mass
    Yesterday, Sunday, the University Catholic Center live-streamed our first Sunday Mass. We’ve cobbled together a simple way of streaming to Facebook, basically using just an iPhone. Over the next few days we’ll be looking at ways to improve the quality of the audio and video. What we’re doing now is basic and workable. While Fr. Jimmy was preaching and presiding, I was monitoring the camera …
  • Spiritual Communion From My Side of the Altar
    Before this week, I can remember only one time I presided at a Mass with no congregation. I was on retreat at a very nice resort in California (long story), and there were Mass intentions assigned for the days I was there. On day one, no one else showed up. What to do? They were clearly expecting a Mass for the people listed in the …
  • This is What Ministry Looks Like Today
    This was a busy day of ministry at the University Catholic Center, and I never saw anyone (apart from our skeleton-crew staff) all day. With the coming of the corona virus pandemic, we’re basically shut down. But not really. The bishop has asked us to keep the building open for prayer, but no more than 10 people can be in our (600 seat) chapel at …