A Note From Our Pastor: November 2, 2025

I trust that you’ve seen or heard mention of the parish pilgrimage we’ve planned for September 2026. I’ll offer a few words here about it.

First, a few words about spiritual pilgrimages. Some of you attended my presentation on spiritual pilgrimages back on July 3rd. I spoke of how spiritual pilgrimages can be done in many ways, but a spiritual pilgrimage differs from a vacation. It’s meant to be an endeavor in which a person (or group) intentionally invites God to accompany them, and further that they seek God within the experiences in the pilgrimage.

I’ve been asked through the years, to serve as a priest-chaplain pilgrimages, but I’ve said no, unless it’s a pilgrimage that is planned primarily for my parishioners. And so, I said yes to this one, with the plan that it will be with you all.

In considering where I wanted to go, I chose Fatima and Lourdes, because for a long time, I’ve wanted to visit these sites, having never done so. Spain, which I’ve visited on pilgrimage, is wonderful, and happens to be the connection between Fatima and Lourdes. But I also wanted to include Rome. The last time I visited Rome was in 2014. While little has changed in Rome, there’s so much to see that I believe it worth re-visiting, including a general audience with Pope Leo (day 10).

If you look at the itinerary (accessible through the QR code shown here), you can see that each day is full. Most of us have so few opportunities to visit and experience these beautiful and sacred sites, therefore, see and experience as much as you can. As you can see, there is a lot of great stuff included in this pilgrimage, including Mass every day.

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Based on my experience, I’ve appreciated being part of pilgrimages where there are two priests. Therefore, I asked my good friend, Father Jerry Burns if he would like to go and to also invite the faithful of his parishes. He liked the idea and so this pilgrimage is foremost, for the parishioners of St. Thomas, St. Philomena, St. Andrew (Sumner) and Holy Family (Auburn). I am sure that people in surrounding parishes will hear about it, and some will also want to join.

The pricing is based upon the belief that we will have a minimum of 30 people going with us. We are capping it at a maximum of 40, to avoid the need for two coach-busses.

Almost everything is included in the cost (e.g. airfare, meals). I’m excited already, and I hope you’ll consider joining me. If questions, please reach out.

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange