It was announced some time ago through this bulletin that Father Matt was asked and he generously accepted to become the new pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose. Nevertheless it was never annouced either verbally at Mass or in this bulletin who is going to be the new pastor. It was shared only in the e-Bulletin but many of you may not suscribe to that e-mail list. I still come accross many of you who don't know or are recently learning that Bishop McGrath asked me to become the new pastor of our lovely Parish of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
To me, it was an unexpected surprise for which I didn't ask either. When Msgr. Cilia (Vicar General & Vicar for Clergy) called me I instinctively asked him "so where are you sending me?" I asked this without letting him even say anything because he called in March when it is the time that all priests know that the personnel board is working in the rotation and new assignments of the priests of the diocese. After having completed 4 years here it wouldn't be strange to be moved as a vicar. Usually parochial vicars stay around three years on average in the same parish. But his answer surprised me: "You are staying." So I thought to myself "so why are you calling me, you don't call me to just check in on how I am doing." And he continued, "as the pastor, do you accept?" With no chance to breathe and reflect, he said "great, thank you!" It was all sealed.
Now that I have had time to reflect and recieve lots of support from those of you who already know about my new role in the parish, effective July 1st, I just want to thank God for this nice opportunity to stay in a com- munity that I learned to love, admire and respect. A nice opportunity to learn after 13 years of being a parochial vicar (four here with you in Palo Alto)where I had the chance to grow as a human being and also as a priest. I would like to ask you to help me during this time where I'll have to learn lots of new things. Please be patient, pray for me, communicate with me. I'm super open to dialogue and to the exchange of ideas. I'm also very confident about my talents and the gifts that God gave me. Christ is my priority and you in Christ. I want to work with great humility for the Glory of God and the good of his people. I want to echo Saint Paul's words to the Corinthians 'I am more than glad to spend what I have and to be spent for the sake of your souls. Is it because I love you so much...'(2Cor, 14-15)