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.

Throne of mercy
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Throne of mercy

The Lord wants His lost sheep back and makes very generous and concrete offers of forgiveness.

Read More
Catholicism 101
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Catholicism 101

The study of our Catholic faith even at a basic level is so fascinating!

Read More
Joy ride
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Joy ride

Sixteen years ago, I drove down to the Basilica ( of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception) in DC on a Saturday morning.

Read More
Encounter with God
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Encounter with God

There are many stories to tell about people from our parish having profound experiences with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration this past year.

Read More
Humble pie
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Humble pie

Of all the items on the comeback list, going to Confession is probably the hardest.

Read More
Memorial
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Memorial

Every day in the Church is a memorial day. Every day we have Mass which is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.

Read More
God can speak through technology
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

God can speak through technology

What I’ve learned about podcasts is that they can be very instructive to Catholics who are in different places in their faith and understanding.

Read More
A matter of trust
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

A matter of trust

It’s a matter of trust: if we trust the person with whom we speak, then the door is open to trusting in their beliefs and practices.

Read More
Comeback time
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Comeback time

Here are ten suggestions for making the first step back to Christ and the Church.

Read More
Let the children come to me
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Let the children come to me

It is such an enjoyable and satisfying experience to share faith and life in Christ with young people.

Read More
Soul Kitchen
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Soul Kitchen

First, at the parish, we have been doing much cleaning and bringing in fresh ingredients here the past nine months.

Read More
The days of salvation (Part 2)
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

The days of salvation (Part 2)

We celebrate so much on Easter, but we should especially rejoice that we have a chance to get to Heaven in Christ!

Read More
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.

Read More
Light!
Fr. Gregory Shaffer Fr. Gregory Shaffer

Light!

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

Read More
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.

Read More