This man is our priest. And, he's leaving.
I hoped this day would never come, but really knew at the back of my mind that it was likely. It has come, and we're a bit sad.
Father came to our tiny little town in 2009, and we were his first parish. He entered the priesthood after a stint with the Marine Corps and a degree from the University of Texas (not every one can be an Aggie). We have never had anyone like him. Not only did he get our finances back in order and fix the heating and cooling in our old church, but he brought Truth to its parishioners.
NFP? Never mentioned before in St. Francis Xavier Parish until he arrived. Now it is being taught. A ministry for the sick? He established one. Latin in our Masses? He introduced it. A reverence for Christ and His Church unlike we've seen before. He epitomized it.
He is real, and his love for his vocation is ever apparent. He was our shepherd, and he brought us into his fold, but not without picking up our crosses. Strict? Yes. But Truthful? Always.
While we go to Mass not for the music or the homily, not for the appearance or "feel good" moments, he was able to enrich our family with an even greater devotion to our faith. Why? Because every thing that came from his mouth in Mass breathed Truth...sometimes difficult to hear...but always embedded with love.
He baptized our children, heard our confessions and challenged us to grow. He supported our desire to homeschool and encouraged our hope for a large family. He was our priest and will forever be our friend and mentor.
In the end, it really is all about Jesus. However, we couldn't have asked for a better messenger. And, I trust our next will be just what we need.
Friday, August 2, 2013
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Aww, I am sad to hear that he is leaving! I met him at a funeral once and really liked him. What a great photo!
ReplyDelete~Tiffany
I'm sorry for you as your shepherd moves on to another flock. I feel fortunate that we have some amazing priests in my area (in my own parish and the one I get to attend daily Mass at) but I always know in the back of my mind that they will have to go on to another parish someday. It's so hard, but I always try to remind myself that there are others who need to be guided and learn from their excellent example. Praying for peace for your parish during this transition.
ReplyDeleteYour priest sounds alot like ours. He's only been with us two years and I hope it will be a long while before he's sent elsewhere because there's so much farther in in thefaith that he wantsto take us (and we want to go). BTW, when are you going to tell your conversion story?
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