This Sunday marks the beginning of my 5th year as Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas. As I look back, I must say it has been an interesting journey— never a dull moment! After each proud accomplishment, I always say; “what’s next?” And yet, I believe we have made some very good progress. Let me just mention a few...
• In my first year, I focused a lot of energy on the liturgical life of our parish. Collaborating with Nora Lundin, our Liturgy Board, and all of our volunteers, I wanted to blend together my own vision and experience of Liturgy with the diverse worshipping communities of our parish.
• In my second year, I was able to introduce Life Teen & EDGE into our Youth Ministry program spearheaded by the enthusiastic leadership of Alley White, along with the beginnings of our new 6pm Youth Mass. The baton has been passed on to our new Youth Minister, Michael Sullivan who will bring his own talents and gifts as an advocate for the youth of our parish.
• In my third year, I engaged the challenge of renewing and re-energizing all of our ministries for children. I am so proud of the leadership of Susan Olsen who has worked to refresh and inject a new vitality into the process of faith formation for the youngest members of our parish and their families.
• In my fourth year, circumstances led to a year of catechesis on the stewardship of treasure. Difficult financial struggles made it necessary to encourage all of us to reflect on the blessings and gifts from God that we are called to share in support of the mission of the parish. All of you responded with great generosity, as we re-established our parish on a firm and healthy financial foundation.
Of course none of this would be possible without our parish leaders, volunteers, generous and supportive parishioners, and our talented and dedicated staff. Each and every day, I thank God for all of you. It is because of you that I wake up each day, ready and willing to provide the leadership and vision necessary to help our parish be true and faithful to its mission.
I continue to ask for your prayers, so that God will give me the strength to be a healthy, holy, and happy priest in service to the Church for many more years.