Shortly after our ordination in May of 1964, the late Bishop Floyd Begin called my classmates Fr. Jim Schexnayder and Fr. Bill Macchi, and me into his office which was then located on West Grand Avenue in Oakland. He gave us various instructions on what we were to do as priests. I'm sure he told us to say our prayers and obey our pastors and do our work well. But the only thing I remember is that he told us to "be faithful to your day off."

Each priest in the diocese of Oakland is given one day off a week. It is supposed to last for 24 hours, so that the priest can go away overnight, if he wishes and has a place to go. Not many priests take the full 24 hours weekly, but most of us try to get away during the day, to take recreation, to be with other priests, and to visit family and friends.

Each priest in the diocese of Oakland, in addition to an annual retreat, is also able to take some days after Christmas and Easter, and to have a vacation of four weeks (three weekends) - either at one time, or spaced out through the year. I have found that I need to take the month altogether, in order to get truly rested. My vacation begins this week.

My vacation will include, as usual, visits with family, something musical, and as much recreation as I can fit in. This year it will include automobile travel to the Midwest, where my mother's two remaining siblings reside. I ask your prayers for a safe journey.

Pope John Paul II famously took vacations in the Italian Alps. Pope Benedict XVI has done likewise. We know now that Pope John Paul II used to sneak away at other times to go skiing. If Pope Benedict sneaks away, it is probably to play the piano. Rest is important for all of us. That is why God gave the Sabbath to the Chosen People.

Vacations and outings are important for families. It is sad when families are so busy that they seldom do anything together - even sit down to have a meal. Fr. Peyton gave us the slogan: The family that prays together stays together. Perhaps we should add: The family that plays together stays together. In our wonderful Bay Area, we do not have to look far to find things to do together. Our parks, our Bay trail, our museums, and our historical places are within easy reach. If your family has never been to the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, or Mission San Jose in Fremont, our diocese's own mission, this summer would be a good time to make a visit.

Vacation does not mean vacation from church. Remember to remain faithful to weekend Mass, wherever you may roam.