An Open Letter from an Open and Grateful Heart to the Parishioners of St Jude’s Catholic Church
Dear Ones,
I start this letter using the word “dear” to express your value and significance in a world which
is good at making its’ people feel unimportant and replaceable. Nothing is further from the truth, as you all matter in wonderful and amazing ways, and you do not hear it enough.
The fact is though, we all have what we need in Jesus, in His Body and Blood, His servants, and in each other. We serve as we can and when we can, and for many of YOU when you are tired and when it is not convenient. This makes your gifts of time and treasure more worthy and genuine.
For the last 7+ years I have been blessed to serve as a Deacon at St Jude’s alongside Deacon Nick Scholz, a true St Jude’s treasure. It is time though for me and my family to move on.
I am moving to Pennsylvania to a wonderful home and a place where I can gather my children and grandchildren for visits, and be prepared for sharing it with my father, alternating with my sister, when he cannot care for himself. This change while positive and the right thing to do, is tinged with sorrow that I will not be with you. This last year has been a real challenge, but in Masses I have been able to serve this year, I still see Holy faces, and a resolve that brings joy to me when I watch you during Mass.
The same thing can be said about the Novena family, and you are INDEED a family. When conditions are less than perfect you are there. You ask St Jude to intercede for you, and for others, and your prayers are a joy to God despite the circumstances. I will miss you and the many servers who have helped along the way to serve this community during these last 7+ years. Please continue to attend and bring others as this is a gift to our Diocese and those in need of prayer. We have room for more, always!
I will miss also the Baptismal community which I have preached on often, and the classes I
have been blessed to participate in. This Sacrament is vital to our faith, the church, and the lives of each of those Baptized. As Father Lee says, St Jude’s is the Beacon on the Hill, and Baptism is the starting point and anchor for a journey rich in grace and the promise Heaven. You cannot approach the Beacon without taking the first step. For those who have taken the class…remember the 2nd Birthday party!! Make sure you have all your paperwork for Jane! J
Finally dear ones, I take with me the gifts of each of you, our conversations, and moments of shared challenge. There have been some difficult times, but you have shared them with me freely. I have shared with you the birth of my grandchildren, the loss of my mother, and more. This is what we do as community, family, and the body of Christ. Most importantly remember your value lies in being children of God, imperfect and flawed, but loved beyond comprehension.
Bishop Robert Baron recently shared this as part of a reflection from Erasmo Leiva-Lerikakis, “The deepest meaning of Christian discipleship is not to work for Jesus but to be with Jesus.” Jesus is clearly here at St Jude’s and I pray He is with you intimately always.
I leave you finally with my 2 favorites lines in scripture:
Jn 3:30 “He must increase; I must decrease”
1 Jn 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”