Sunday, June 21, 2020: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: A time for Farewell
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The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “there is a time for every purpose under heaven.” This means that there is a time for coming and going, staying and leaving and a time for hello and a time to say farewell. Today is my time to say “farewell.” After a little over two years as your pastor, I am returning to campus ministry at La Roche University. This was not my choice as I longed to stay with you and finish the work we had begun, but this was not to be. And so, we have to say, “Goodbye.”
I want you to know that each and every parishioner here at our grouping of Saint John Capistran and Saint Thomas More, were and still are, a beautiful blessing and treasure in my life. As brief as it was, I will recall my time here with only the fondest and happiest of memories. I know I was not everyone’s cup of tea, but we walked together, in spite of differences, with the faith, hope and love of true disciples. If I hurt anyone, please know that it was not intentional and I humbly ask your forgiveness. You are a wonderful community of people who witness to the love of God in both word and deed. Your generosity is amazing and I shall always appreciate the gift of you in my heart and my life. For the musical, “Once on this Island,” lyricist Lynn Ahrens described the love of the human heart in terms of, “the courage of a dreamer, the innocence of youth and the hopes that make us happy, all the love there ever was.” I see all of these things in you and I know you will do great things in the future.
You will be in good hands with Fr. Mark Eckman who is an outstanding leader and exceptional and holy priest. With him as your shepherd, you will build on the wonderful legacy of faith on which you have built this community. I wish you only the best in your future and I promise all of you my prayers, love and support. You have a bright, holy and happy future in front of you and I know you are up to the adventure.
So as King Arthur instructed his page to tell the story of Camelot as “one brief shining moment”, I thank you for this all too brief but shining moment in my priesthood. I love you with all my heart and I will never forget you.
With all my love, prayers and gratitude,
Fr. Peter