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I was recently informed by
Bishop Clark that he would like me to assume the pastorate of
the Cathedral parish at the end of June. As you can imagine,
this came to me as an utter shock and stunning development,
totally unanticipated. I had thought that I would be finishing
my term here at St. Cecilia's in 2012, with the clustering of
St. Cecilia's with the other parishes in our planning group.
Sometimes the Lord goes to great and surprising lengths to shake
us from our complacency!
Needless to say, this will
not be an easy change (I HATE change!) It will be difficult to
leave a great staff and supportive parish community. It will,
however, be a return to my home parish (Sacred Heart Cathedral)
which has quite dramatically changed since I attended Sacred
Heart Cathedral School. The newly renovated Cathedral is
unrecognizable from my youthful days attending Mass there. |
Three parishes (Sacred
Heart, Holy Rosary and Most Precious Blood) will be merged soon
into one parish community. I will also have responsibility for
on of the few remaining city Catholic schools, now located at
the Holy Rosary campus.
I have been told that a
new pastor (or pastoral administrator) will be appointed to take
the parish through to the 2012 clustering. In the meantime, I
ask for your prayerful support and your usual cooperation as we
as a parish transition through this new and unexpected
development. I will keep you informed as our transition
proceeds.
(February 17, 2008) |
