Graduation Celebration

This Sunday was Graduation Day at the University of Portland. Although I wasn't able to go because of obligations here at Holy Redeemer, I heard that my classmate, Fr. Jim Gallagher gave the Invocation and did such a good job that Archbishop Vlazny mentioned him twice in his own remarks! Peggy Noonan gave the Commencement Address and Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was given an honorary degree. But the real reason for celebration was that our good friend Brenda Greiner graduated with her Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry. (Here's Brenda and me on St. Patrick's Day at the big celebrations at Kell's Irish Pub.)

In the midst of getting ready for my last teen Confirmation class Sunday evening, I was glad to be able to sneak out and attend a lovely graduation party that Ken and Julie Hallenius threw for Brenda. Miraculously, the weather cooperated perfectly and it was just a lovely afternoon all around. Congratulations to Brenda and all the Pilot graduates!!