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

What great joy it is to finally be with you! I’ve been praying for you for a long time, and now I can finally begin putting faces and names to my prayers. I’ve enjoyed my time studying in Detroit. It has certainly been a time of great grace, encouragement, and learning for me, but especially this past week, I’ve been chomping at the bit to come back to you and begin this next chapter of our journey together.

In a special way, I’d like to thank Fr. Mick Kopil who has, in my absence, served as the temporary administrator of our parish. Taking on this responsibility in addition to the responsibilities of his own parish has undoubtedly been no small task, so I’m deeply grateful for his generosity and assistance during this time of transition.

I’d also like to thank my brother priests who have been such a blessing by stepping in to celebrate Masses during my absence: Fr. Ian Williams, Fr. Jerry Schweitzer, Fr. Mick Kopil, Fr. Jeff Burton, and Fr. Greg Holicky. I greatly appreciate your willingness to help “bridge the gap” while I completed my summer studies in Detroit.

I am very much looking forward to meeting you, learning your names, hearing about your families, listening to your stories, and hearing about the ways that Jesus has been at work in your lives. One of the greatest joys of being a priest is getting to know the people the Lord has entrusted to his care, and I look forward to getting to know you in the weeks an months ahead.

As we begin this new chapter together, I simply ask for your prayers, especially for the grace to be a good and faithful priest for you, the spiritual gifts of wisdom and understanding, and a heart that is forever convicted of the delight of the Father for me. Please know that you can count on my prayers for you each day, and I ask that you keep me in yours as well.

Peace, Father Steven Caraher