. . . I appoint you as Parochial Vicar for St. Sebastian Parish. . .At the same time, I relieve you of your assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Benedict the Abbot Parish, McMurray.
With these official words from Bishop Zubik, my life changes course once again. Believe me, such changes do not happen easily. It was not easy, for instance, to read that second sentence. Though I’d known all this before the letter arrived, there was something so final about seeing it in black and white.
I dare not try to elaborate on all that I’ll miss about St. Benedict Parish. Given every page of this bulletin, it still would not allow me the space to fully express my thanks to all of you. As I move on to embrace my new assignment—my new family—know that all of your remain in my heart and in my prayers.
I’m grateful to all of you who have made a special effort to express your best wishes, often adding a memory from our time together. It’s always wonderfully encouraging to know that something I’ve said or done has been meaningful and helpful in someone’s life. It reminds me as well that it’s often the simple day-to-day living out of one’s life and vocation in Christ that has the most lasting effect.
There’s a Jewish proverb I often quote: “Words are so powerful they should only be used to bless, to heal, and to prosper.” I hope some of my words have had those effects. I promise you that I have been blessed and healed by your kind words, and I know they will help me to prosper as I move on.
I’d be unforgivingly foolish to assume I’ve never hurt, upset, or angered anyone in my time here. I suppose the blessing in all of this is that I’ve not been here so long as to cause extensive harm. But I beg you to believe that I’ve never done anything from malice. I’ve tried not to act or react from anger or frustration, and to give everyone a hearing when we’ve disagreed. Though leaving is difficult, it’s easier to do so feeling no animosity. I hope you feel the same.
Space forbids any attempt to offer individual thanks to those who fully deserve them. Nevertheless, I can’t help but express special gratitude to the entire staff at St. Benedict, including, of course, Fr. Bob. It has been a privilege to work with such committed professionals who so clearly see that their primary role is to proclaim Christ. It’s been a joy to share that mission with them. Please, remember to thank them from time to time, and to offer them your prayerful support.
And so, thank for all you’ve been to me, thank you for allowing me to travel at least a short part of this journey with you. God bless you and keep you in his love all the days of your life. Amen
