Associate Pastor’s Letter – June 25th

Friends,
Fr. Marc is taking a few days off to attend the International Serra Club Convention in Thailand.  Since he’s already on the other side of the world, he was going to visit his mother.  I encouraged him to do that.  The day will come when he won’t have parents to visit. Priests are in a unique situation that since we don’t have a spouse or children, and with special demands of the nature of the priesthood, it can be tough when we do lose a parent, especially when the majority of your family lives on the other side of the word.  I told him take the time; I wish I had parents I could visit occasionally.

I did want to give a “thank you” to the community of MOQ.  I was here from 1987-1990.  Some people remember me as an associate, some were in school here, married and moved back to raise their family, and some I’m meeting for the first time.  Overwhelmingly, though, I have felt the warmth of the parish.

The day is soon that we will be joined with St. John Vianney as the two parishes join in sharing a pastor.  Most people of the parishes I talk to are excited to come together and share resources and support.  I very much am excited and looking forward to participate with the family of SJV.  My hope, and that of Frs. Marc and Richard, is that you will not notice a disruption in the ministry of either parish.

Both parishes have much to offer, both parishes will become stronger. We have great employees, strong volunteers, and a deep love of God.  I look forward to it.  It’s an exciting time for our church both in our parish, our Archdiocese, the nation and the world. I realize that we live in rapidly changing and politically charged times.  We need to remember God’s in charge.  I know we might lose a battle here and there, but in the end God wins the war.  I want to be on the winning team, don’t you?

Have a great weekend.

Fr. Tom