Welcome to our Lost Sheep Blog. I’m so glad you found us here. I am Fr. Greg, a former lost sheep, who is now the shepherd (pastor) of the flock at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish in Darnestown, MD. This is a site for those who have been away from the Church or our parish, or who just feel lost in the world. It’s good to connect even if it’s just virtually here, and to know you are not alone.

The days of salvation
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

The days of salvation

These three days are the days of our salvation: from the evening of Holy Thursday through the evening of Easter Sunday.

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Light!
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Light!

Working with the youth group was the turning point in my life.

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Providence steps in
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Providence steps in

As a lost 21 year old enveloped in darkness and despair, I received an unexpected light and hope.

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California dreaming
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

California dreaming

My light at the time was California. It was my hope. I had always dreamed of going there. I was actually speaking regularly with a friend in San Diego who was inviting me to move out there. All of a sudden, my bags were packed and I was actually going to start a new life out West.

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Enveloped in darkness
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Enveloped in darkness

I went for the moment. I chose the short-cut to happiness. I wanted a quick fix for my pain. I was in for the short game, not the long game.

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Lost in the world
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Lost in the world

Life has certainly gotten more challenging in recent years, and we are all struggling more than before.

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