One of my most memorable experiences with Gehl came from an event I covered in 2008 that took place far from the parish grounds. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ annual Religious Education Congress was taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center.
I was attending in a totally different capacity, not on assignment, and was roaming the halls of the convention center when I happened upon an announcement that St. Bede Church was having a dinner in one of the downstairs dining rooms.
Apparently, St. Bede had taken a contingent of parishioners on a trip to the Congress, which draws about 40,000 people annually. Knowing that this would be worth reporting, I hunted down the group of about 90 people.
Gehl was gracious enough to take the time to answer a few of my questions, an interview conducted on absolutely zero notice. I knew he was busy, but I also knew that he would have time for me, because that’s just the kind of person he is.
“First, the parish community is energized by this opportunity; second, there is a ton of celebration and prayer; and third, this is an opportunity for fellowship,” Gehl said, enthusiastically speaking of his parish’s involvement in the Religious Education Congress.
Other experiences have come and gone, but this is the one I remember most. He will take you aside and explain to you things that you want to know, even when he’s seconds away from celebrating Mass.
I look forward to speaking with Gehl in the weeks ahead as he prepares to leave St. Bede. And I look forward to speaking to St. Bede’s new pastor, Cacciapuoti, on his vision for St. Bede as he takes on his second assignment as pastor this summer.
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