A new column

I hope to regularly fill in "From Allen's Desk" with liturgical nuggets but this week a pastoral reminder and encouragement. All of us need "spiritual friends" who can, from time to time, lend a listening ear, provide space to ponder questions of meaning and direction, and, if need be, offer spiritual support in a variety of ways. Part of our heritage that goes back at least as far as the Levites in ancient Israel, is the role of priest-as-spiritual-friend. I certainly have spiritual friends, some of them priests, whom I lean on from time to time to great benefit.

If you have questions about your spiritual path or simply need someone to listen or pray with, please know that I set aside some time for that on each of my working days, this includes Tuesdays which are my "work from home" days. On Tuesdays, I'm available by phone (236-508-2928) or by Zoom, Facetime, or another virtual meeting app of your choosing. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I am available for in-person visits as well as the ways mentioned. It is my great privilege to serve the parishioners of St. Philip in this way and I hope you'll take advantage of it in the months and years to come.