A Message from Fr. Joe

Fr. Joe Campion | PASTOR

I am very happy to be assigned to St. Edmond Church as the new pastor. Even through these tumultuous times of COVID-19, it is apparent that St. Edmond Church is well organized and its members have a sincere understanding of their mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The corner of Mercy and Love (West Congress and Ambassador Caffery) has been a beacon of light for decades.

I would like to take a moment to thank Fr. Gil Dutel for his 50+ years of priestly service. For the last ten years he has been a dedicated pastor to all of you. His love for his parishioners and his charism of preaching has been a tremendous investment in the lives of all families here.
I know Fr. Gil still has a great reserve of energy for ministry. He is not going to easily yield to “retirement”. I am looking forward to his returning frequently to assist with weekend Masses. St. Edmond Church will always have its doors and hearts open to Fr. Gil.

Please keep me, Fr. Gil and all priests in your prayers. Also, know that our prayers and Mass intentions are constantly offered for the parishioners here and those who have gone before us to be with Jesus.

Yours in St. Edmond, 
Fr. Joe Campion, Pastor

The issue of whether to wear a mask or not wear a mask in public is obviously a very hot topic. Running, heated exchanges of words can be found virtually all over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any other types of social communication. Invariably, the issue centers around arguments of “freedom”, effectiveness, government overreach and double standards.

It has become quite obvious that there is a double standard when it comes to mandating and enforcing the wearing of a mask. It’s insulting when some politicians tell people they can’t go to restaurants, athletic clubs and church worship (and if you do, you can’t sing) without a mask, but turn a blind eye to rioters, protesters, looters and malicious people. It is maddening to see the blatant inconsistencies. So yes, the wearing of masks can, and has been, politicized.

I also know, after having spent two years in two Catholic Hospitals in Nashville, TN, that this virus is real and the pandemic is real. I have experienced the death of COVID patients. I have spoken to COVID patients by way of phone because I was not permitted to enter the room. I spoke to family members who had to stay at home and could not visit their loved ones. I was screened twice a day and wore the mask at all times unless I was in my office. It is not fun. It is a nuisance. It is a sacrifice. It is effective in flattening the curve. It is an act of love toward those who are vulnerable.

After 9/11, none of us liked the burdensome and intrusive screening at the airport. We felt like our freedoms were being undermined. But we had to adjust to the malicious intentions of oth- er people. It was for the public good. It is incumbent on us to fight against the virus, think of others, and trust that the Lord is hearing our prayers and will soon provide us with a vaccine. Think about. Pray about it. Be prudent.

In St. Edmond,
Fr. Joe Campion
August 2, 2020