I am overwhelmed with an experience of gratitude as I recall a “mile marker” of my ministry … 15 years a priest. The last four years as Pastor of St. Joseph Parish reminds me of what we read in Acts 8. The Holy Spirit has directed me to serve at Wessington Springs; and, trusting Him, I now cooperate with the Spirit of the Lord to be carried away south to serve the People of God. This time has been a delight, ministering together with the dedicated joyful staff and volunteers of our parish: a source of joy, fulfillment and great moments of laughter.
The Wessington Springs community truly grasps the meaning of what it means to be “church;” the local caring community where people know and care for one another and the community that acknowledges the brokenness of the larger world and reaches out in compassion and service.
The children and youth of the community fill me with great hope and encouragement for the future as I see them respond in faith and generosity in so many ways.
In spite of the struggle of leaving, I am so very thankful for the relationships I have formed here and the many ways people have helped me to grow in my relationship with God.
My heart is truly filled with joy. A quote I remember in moments like this goes: 'The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy that makes us grateful: it is gratitude which makes us joyful.'
I would like to close with one of my favorite Scripture (Philippians: 1:3-6, 9-11) I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.