WALLY MCMAHON - Since I saw most of you last in 1969, I completed my education at St. Patrick's Seminary. In those days theology was only three full years with deaconate year off campus with occasional study weeks. Theology years were liberating. The years spent at Mountain View campus are a faint memory, thank God. I never thought it was real life.

After the deacon year, assigned to St. Elizabeth, San Francisco, I was ordained for the archdiocese along with four others on May 19, 1973. Henry Trainor is an active priest in SF; both Leo Rooney and Leonel Noia have passed away. Juan Meno from Guam left the ministry soon after returning home.

My travels along the ministry have taken me to some interesting assignments: 1978 at St. Joseph of Cupertino where I had the privilege of living as fellow associates with Jack Olivier (heard numerous stories of professors' side of seminary life). Worked many times with Bill O'Keefe (even took his place in first San Jose assignment). Earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from JSTB. Transferred in '78 to St. Andrew's, Daly City. In June 1981, I became part of the new diocese of San Jose and was assigned to Church of the Transfiguration. I did not really see eye to eye with the pastor and the balance of his team; hence, I left in November 1983 to begin a wonderful assignment with Tom Murray at Holy Spirit in Almaden area of San Jose. (I spent two years along with Leo Rooney at Holy Spirit for pastoral experience through the seminary courses.) In 1990 I finally became an omnipotent pastor at St. Thomas of Canterbury (west San Jose, Campbell area). Learned that no one really wants to get close to the pastor in the same way as with a parochial vicar (associate). More criticism befalls a pastor than praise. The salary is the same. My term ended after the maximum 12 years. So, in July 2002, I returned to the Church of the Transfiguration. It is a small parish. If you are in the neighborhood of Almaden and Blossom Hill, drop by.

I play golf weekly. My handicap is 7. I play with three retired "captains of industry" in Carmel Valley. Senior rate is $25 per round. What a deal. Made first hole in one on 9-1-04. Most of my vacation time is spent chasing golf balls throughout Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California. I did have the drive to travel to Europe a number of times before my 40th birthday.

wmmfore@comcast.net