A Message from Father Joe

            Since September 11, 2011, I have written a letter to you each week. Sometimes they were spiritual in nature; other times they were “new-sy”; still other times they were exhortations while others were just fun. There have been times that I’ve had “writer’s block” and many others that just flowed.

            This letter of June 5, 2019 is very different. It’s a conglomerate of spiritual, personal, news, exhortative—and it’s coming to you in the middle of the week, not in the Sunday bulletin. I owe you both an explanation and an apology in this letter and hope that charity will prevail.

            So, I need to get the very purpose of this letter out of the way. As of noon today, Bishop Libasci has given me permission to step away from my duties as the pastor of Saint Kathryn Parish. There have been some issues at home that require me to be present. For many years, other siblings have taken responsibility when issues have arisen, but this time, rather than try to “direct” from New Hampshire, I have to be in closer proximity to them.

            Bishop has graciously given me permission to take this leave for a period of three months that can be renegotiated as necessary. With that said, I do not know what the future will be. In order for the Bishop to appoint a new pastor for you, it is required that I tender a letter of resignation. It is very important for you to be served by a pastor quickly. Our parish is vibrant. There are so many aspects of parish life that need a pastor, that the only fair thing to do was to tender my resignation. In this way, he is free to appoint a new pastor who can serve you as you deserve. Whether he will or can do that at this time is still uncertain, but he will have the freedom to make this appointment as soon as it is possible.

            Bishop and I spoke following the Confirmation liturgies on May 15^th. I opted not to tell you until today simply because I feared a three-week-long funeral. Unfortunately, I don’t do goodbyes well which precipitated what appears to be a sudden move. In the event that you think that the staff knew about this in advance, the fact is they were only told yesterday. They might have surmised something was happening, but they did not know for certain.

While I realize that some of you would want to say goodbye, I’m hoping that it’s not a real goodbye, but only “till we meet again.” It is my expectation that once the home concerns are resolved, I’ll be back to New Hampshire and back in ministry.

For those families who have significant celebrations in the near future, I apologize as well that I will not be with you. The celebrations will continue as planned, just with a different officiant. I have been assured that the upcoming weddings and funerals in particular will be covered appropriately.

If I may offer a word of hope, Saint Kathryn’s community is rooted in Jesus Christ. He, who is the same, “yesterday, today, and forever” will continue to be the leader of this community. The moment a community identifies itself according to the priest, it is a community doomed to failure. A new priest will come; he will bring different talents; he will use them to build up the community of faith. He will give new perspectives on the Christian life; he will have new ideas; he will do things differently. I beg you to accept him joyfully. Comparisons aren’t necessary. Celebrate the gifts that he brings and welcome him warmly in Christ’s name.

On a final note, I ask that you keep me in your prayers. These next few months will be a tremendous change. Pray too for “the clan” at home. We’ve had our challenges before, and with God’s help, rose above them. I have no doubt that the same will be true. God is faithful, and we’re relying on His continued fidelity.

Please know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. If circumstances were different, I would certainly remain with you. But, God seems to be inviting me to be about other work for the time being. Pray that I can always say, “Thy will be done.”