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	To Care or Not to Care... Father Lasch [United States] July 9, 2007 http://fatherlasch.com/ There are times when I am overwhelmed with sadness. It comes like a wave and throws me off balance. I experience a sense of hopelessness in the core of my being and I want to cry out, "Is anyone out there?" I know there are lots of folks 'out there' because I hear from so many of them every day. Former parishioners from 'everywhere.' I am probably one of the most 'affirmed' priests in the world! Really! Then why am I sad? I think I'm still grieving the loss of a vision I thought was shared by our shepherds. No, not all of them but I thought most of them had 'caught the spirit' of Vatican II or at least inherited it from others who did catch the spirit. Yes, I realize fully that, to use Bishop Casey's phrase, "we stripped a few gears" in our attempts to bring our Church up to date after the Council but weren't they good days! It was exciting to be 'Catholic' There was no 'shame in the name.' Yes, I was one of the 'young turks' who thought I knew it all and I'm embarrassed to confess now that I didn't know it all and never will, but I gave it my best shot! Little did we know that some of our shepherds were not with their flocks and that others among them were up to no good with some of their flock. I suppose the negative learning is that we can no longer depend on our shepherds to lead us but must turn to one another 'in virtue of our baptism.' Yes, indeed, there are many pastors among us—ordained and not ordained—who are committed to reform and renewal and I think of them in my low moments. Here are a couple of reflections that I received from two priest friends who have been true spiritual guides for me. The first comes from Father Pat Collins, retired pastor living in Minnesota. He directed the parish retreat at St. Virgil's earlier this year. The second article is from my faithful mentor and long time friend, George Wilson, SJ ("Jesuit but nice!"). I hope they give you a little hope too! Father Lasch
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