Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”

As I write this last letter in the bulletin, I cannot help but think about St. Paul’s remarks to
the people of Miletus in the Acts of the Apostles. He speaks about his preaching to them. He encourages them to be bold and to stay focused on Jesus Christ. He also warns them about the work of the evil one should they waiver in their commitment to the teachings of the Gospel.

I also remember the words Fr. Joe Murphy gave to me when I began my first pastorate: “Love the people you serve.” That advice was truly a Godsend. How true they were! I have followed his advice as much as I humanly could. I believe it resonated in me so profoundly because of a rich devotion for the Sacred Heart that so shaped my priesthood. I took them to heart and attempted to make those sage words the motto from which I chose to serve the people I was given to shepherd.

From the 3 Creeks around Lowell, to the Shores of Lake Michigan and now to the Lakes of Four Seasons and across the plains of southern Porter County my priestly journey begins a new phase. Much like Fr. Ian’s letter last week about thresholds and transitions, I am transitioning into the mystery of retirement. As a Senior Priest, I start a new chapter in the story of my life and my priesthood. Transitions can be scary for they inherently contain the unknown. Transitions importantly also offer fresh starts and intriguing insights. There is a wonderful opportunity for growth and gaining wisdom that are available only to those who cross into the threshold of transition. (We have done it so often in our lifetimes from infant to toddler, from pre-teen to teenager, from single to marriage or consecrated life, from parents to empty nesters and finally from life on this earth to the life promised in the Eternal Kingdom.) As such, I now venture into the wonder of priestly Senior status.

I quoted St. Paul above (in the header) from the Acts of the Apostles 20:20. It seems to be the best way for me to say not so much goodbye but “until we meet again.” Yes, I wish you Happy Trails but more importantly I would hope that you could recognize that I have also entrusted to you the truth as Holy Mother the Church has passed it down over the ages, “the whole purpose of the Gospel.” Namely, “God so loved the world, he sent his only Son…” That love of the Father in the person of Jesus demonstrated how much he loves each of us. “No greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” So as Christ offers himself on the cross we might come to know the meaning of his command, “I give you a new commandment, love one another as I have loved you.” My whole priesthood for 45 years has been based on these truths. I stand by them and offer them to you.

Our paths have crossed and will likely cross again until then, go and love another!

Fr. Tom