Feelings of loss at the priests’ retreat

Last month, I was able to attend the annual retreat for priests in the Diocese of Albany. This retreat is held every year at the YMCA Conference Center in Silver Bay. The center is at the northern tip of Lake George and is a beautiful setting for prayer, meditation, fellowship among priests and some relaxation. Bishop Mark spoke to us several times during the retreat and was present throughout the entire four days. The retreat-master, Father John McInnis, did a superb job guiding the group through the four days we had together.

It was wonderful to be among the 50 or so priests who attended. If you were in attendance, you would have seen the deep devotion and love that Albany priests have for the Church, for their parishes and for each of you. Though the number of priests is smaller now, I still had the sense that the Church of Albany is in good hands with these men at your service.  And, it was so good to see the newly-ordained priests there along with older and retired priests — all priests of Jesus Christ, united in the love for Christ and the Church, ever willing and ready to serve God’s people in our 14-county Diocese.

Unexpectedly, our group experienced a tragedy during the third day of the retreat. We got news that Deacon Paul LeBlanc, who had worked hard at organizing the retreat, had died suddenly.  Deacon Paul opened the retreat just a few days before. Most of us spoke to him on opening day and he seemed in good health. Deacon Paul, was 62 years old, a husband, father and grandfather as well as a permanent deacon in our Diocese. He held many important positions in our Diocese and was well-known as a dedicated and talented asset to the clergy and people of the Diocese. He was particularly dedicated to assisting priests and deacons in the clergy-wellness programs, being a friend and support to those in need of special care. His passing is a great loss for us all. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and especially by his brother deacons and priests.

One of the many themes, often discussed during a retreat, is a reflection on the shortness of this life and being ready for the eternal life to come. Retreats usually remind retreatants to root out sin, to grow in love for Christ, and to imitate Him in this life so as to be ready to enter the joys of heaven. Losing Deacon Paul, in the way we did, certainly reminded us all — in an unexpected and tragic way — of this sobering truth. So besides the many other lessons of this retreat, I was forced to be reminded once again of that perennial theme: Let us always be ready, as the Scriptures tell us, ready to meet the Lord — whenever, and wherever, we may be.

Father Morrette is pastor at The Catholic Community of Our Lady of Victory in Troy, Our Lady of the Snow Mission in Grafton and Christ Sun of Justice Parish in Troy.