It is official: I have been your pastor for one year! What a wonderful year it has been. In that year, as you can imagine, I have experienced many things. I have met many new people and families. I have celebrated Masses, weddings, funerals, Baptisms, anointings, and heard confessions. I have witnessed the good work of the many groups here in the parish such as the Knights of Columbus, Scouts, Seniors, SPRED, Knitters, Cheerleaders, and so on. I have been able to witness and support the good work of our parish school and religious education programs forming the next generation. We have celebrated the great feasts and solemnities like Christmas and Easter together. So many memories in just one year.
Naturally, when I first arrived here at St. Teresa Parish last July, I was both excited and nervous. Having been a priest for six years already, I was eager to serve God as a pastor. My previous assignment had prepared me well. At the same time, I knew that there would be many things to learn, and difficulties to overcome. One important lesson I have learned this past year is that a pastor does not do the work alone. He would never be able to do it all! Parishioners, school families, members of parish groups, volunteers, and especially the staff here have all helped to make this a thriving parish.
As I reflect, one part of my work this past year I have enjoyed is organizing and maintaining things around the parish. That could include parish accounts or sacristy drawers, old blueprints or historical documents, liturgical vestments or chalices. I don’t mind a bit of handiwork as well, even if it means going on roofs! Many parishioners enjoyed seeing the pictures on the roof of the church that I took when I went to examine the air conditioning units.
Thank you for your support, patience, prayers, and encouragement. I look forward to the years ahead. Together, with God’s help, we will grow in holiness, spread the Gospel, help the poor, inspire others, and continue to live as followers of Christ.
I wish everyone a happy and restful Fourth of July weekend.