Finish Line # 30 and 31

I actually finished my 31 runs several days ago...........just been "running" to much to report in.

The Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul is coming along well. We are still gathering pledges and thanks to the generosity and sacrifice of so many we are getting there. The next couple of weeks we are really trying to close the gap on our needed $1,600,000 more in pledges...........we are just over half way there.

We are asking all Cathedral parishioners to make a pledge if they possibly can. If you are reading this and want to make a pledge WE ACCEPT!!!!!!!!! Just send your pledge to.............

Msgr. Joseph Strickland
Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul Pledge Drive
1015 ESE Loop 323
Tyler, Texas 75701

God bless.

# 27, 28 and 29 A Highway Runs through it

Had some good runs this week in an area that used to be wilderness. If you are familiar with Tyler it is along the Grande Extension recently completed. I ran between Paluxy and Troup Highway. They've put in a sidewalk along the highway with about a yard of grass in between the road and the sidewalk. It makes a great running path for me.

The earth moving that I mentioned in my last post went very well. I think you'll enjoy the picture.

#26 I feel the earth move

The picture of course honors Mary the Mother of God and as we honor Jesus Christ's own mother we honor all of our mothers. Let us pray that Mary will intercede for all mothers and for all of us before throne of Almighty God.



Great run and an exciting day. I ran around the perimeter of the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul this afternoon and later today at 4 PM the Catholic Community of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will gather on the site for a historic "earth moving event". Today we will "move some dirt" as we begin the initial site work for the Chapel.

The symbolic event this afternoon will be followed shortly by real construction workers beginning the site work for the chapel.

We are right in the middle of our "9th Inning Lap" to raise the pledges necessary to cover the 1.6 million we still need for the chapel to be fully funded. Great generosity and excitment has already been expressed by so many and we are asking everyone to join us as we build the first new Catholic Church in the city of Tyler in more than 70 years.

We plan to have a formal groundbreaking with our shepherd Most Reverend Alvaro Corrada, S.J., Bishop of Tyler presiding as soon as we have the pledges and are ready to begin building the chapel.

As you can imagine with all of these exciting plans to reflect on my run went by in a flash this afternoon.

As I sign off..........a special prayer of blessing for all mothers living and deceased on this Mother's Day 2010.

#23, 24 and 25

Hey Gang.

A bit more "on track".........all puns intended.........these last few days. It is warming up but not terribly humid yet so the runs have been good. Actually ran on our Bishop Gorman Catholic High School track at noon today. I don't usually run on tracks but it wasn't bad for a change.

If you are reading this in the Tyler area join us on Sunday, May 9, at 4 PM for some "dirt moving fun" as we launch the site prep for the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul. If all goes well we will be starting the actual building construction after the site prep work is done.

If you wish to make a donation to the Chapel.........WE ACCEPT.......just give me "the running priest....AKA.......Msgr. Joseph Strickland.......Fr. Joe.........a call!!!!!!!!!

#21 and 22 May Days

Slow going with lots of interference in the schedule but managed to log two more runs
in the last couple of days.

I'll have to post a picture of the roses that the St. Gregory faculty planted in my back yard when I moved in. They are blooming beautifully. Appropriate for these beautiful may days.

I'll keep trying to get those runs in................promise not to "stop and smell the roses" until AFTER the run.

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING WITH THE CHAPEL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

I spoke at all the masses last weekend and the people were very kind and receptive. We need 1.6 million in pledges in order to get the Chapel fully pledged. We want to get as close to that as possible before signing a contract for the construction but we do have a firm bid in hand.............so please get those pledges in. All parishioners at the Cathedral in Tyler will be receiving pledge cards and information in the next few days.

I realize with the wonder of the internet you may be reading this and not be a part of the Cathedral parish in Tyler, Texas. If you want to help with the Chapel.......YOU ARE MOST WELCOME!!!!!!!!! Just give me a call at 903 534 1077.

We had a great gathering last night as the first of several with our generous donors. They had some great ideas that we will pursue. Things like getting the students involved and reaching out to Alumni. The enthusiasm is a great blessing.

This Sunday, May 9, at 4 PM on the Gorman campus on the site of the Chapel at the corner of Loop 323 and Easy Street we will be celebrating the beginning of initial site work and "moving some dirt" all are welcome. You'll even have the chance to take home some "chapel dirt" as a momento.

By the way...........blessings to all mothers this Mother's Day.........bring mom out for the "dirt moving celebration" and we'll have a special remembrance for her.

CATHEDRAL PARISH.............LET'S BUILD THIS CHAPEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!