There is only one promise that I twice made: one the day I was ordained a deacon, and, on the day, I was ordained a priest. Holding my hands in his, Bishop DuMaine asked: “
Do you promise respect and obedience to me and to my successors?”
I have been your Pastor for 8 years, and in obedience, I move on to shepherd another flock.
I have been truly blessed to have served 10 of my 27 years as a priest in the parish of St. Thomas Aquinas: Parochial Vicar (1996-1998); Pastor (2010-2018). I’m fairly certain that 10 years is the longest time any priest has ministered here since “the merger” in 1987. In fact, all three of my cats have spent time with me at St. Albert the Great Rectory.
We’ve done some good work together, and I am confident I leave behind a strong faith community. I will miss the diversity of our worship sites. I am very thankful for the guidance and support of all our committees. I am pleased with the improvements we’ve made to our churches, schools, and other buildings.
What gives me the greatest joy is how many of you have told me that you will “miss my homilies.” Preaching is what a priest does more than anything else. It is a gift that I have cultivated over the years, and I truly hope it has given you a greater appreciation for the Scriptures; has helped you to live a more fulfilling life, as well as deepening your relationship with the Lord.
It’s time to turn another chapter in both my life and the life of our parish. Change is good because it brings new opportunities for growth.
Being a pastor is not easy. My job is to be in the breach between the flock and what would prey on them. My place is where Christ placed Himself. I have done the best I could, and I woke up each new day trying to do better, so that I might lead us to where Christ would have us go.
You know I love great quotes as a way of bringing a homily to an end, so here goes…
Now my hair's a little grayer, my wrinkles are a little deeper, but with the same optimism and hope I brought to the work I love 2,920 days ago, I want you to know my heart is filled with gratitude.
As someone once said: “May you be proud of the work you do; the person you are; and the difference you make. Thank you all for a wonderful 8 years!