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

Today as I write this letter it is the Feast of St. Polycarp, a martyr and a disciple of St. John the Apostle. He was martyred because he stood up to the heretics that denied the faith and demanded that he worship a different god. He refused and gave up his life to defend the faith he so revered. He gave witness to Christ who gave these words when tempted in the desert, “The Lord your God, you shall worship and him alone should you serve.”

Before St. Polycarp was put to that test, he was alerted that those pursuing him were approaching. It was reported that he cried out, ” The will of God be done!” So, when I read that description of him, I immediately thought of the announcement that will be made this (past) weekend at all the Masses.

The results of the decision discerned with the help of the Holy Spirit by Bishop McClory will be revealed this (past) weekend at all Masses. I urge you to receive it in charity and compassion. Be kind and understanding for we all need to take to heart St. Polycarp’s cry, “The Will of God be done.”

The reality of the shortage of priests, the necessity to revitalize the faithful across the whole Diocese, and overabundance of Masses being said throughout Northwest Indiana would necessitate some difficult decisions. There would be hurt feelings. Parishioners would feel left behind or even abandoned. Humanly speaking it would be painful.

God’s will is hardly ever easy. Jesus would face the agony of his cross. Mary would have her heart pierced as predicted by Simeon back at the Temple during the presentation of Jesus. The disciples would temporarily be dispersed in confusion and hurt. It would be a dark time even back then. But! Jesus would soon rise. The gloom gave way to joy. Fear turned into encouragement. Confusion would reach clarity and hurt would be healed by love.

Meanwhile, on the way to the meeting with Bishop McClory I turned into the Hallow App and began praying the rosary. It was Monday so we were mindful of the Joyful Mysteries. The very first mystery is the Annunciation by the Angel Gabriel to which our Blessed Mother responds, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.” Mary says yes to a very difficult situation. There would be confusion, some hurt feelings by those who didn’t understand, and much uncertainty. Sound familiar? People will react in a variety if ways to the news. The key is recognizing God’s Will in the middle of the messaging. Let us all pray for charity and understanding like Mary did.

Fr. Tom