FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK by Fr. Terry Kerner
As many of you heard last weekend, I announced my intended retirement for July 1, 2026. The archdiocese has the policy of retiring pastors when they reach eighty. Last October I did reach that age but was able to talk Archbishop Vigneron into allowing me one more year with you.
Next July first I will have served you for twenty years, a relationship that has been very dear to me. I feel that I have been most fortunate in being able to serve so long considering that I will be approaching eighty-one next summer. Even archbishops are required to resign their administrative duties at age seventy-five! Retirement does not mean not serving as a priest. Though I will not reside here at St. Kateri, I look forward to living with several other Archdiocesan Senior Priests in Livonia. Looking forward to serving 54 years of priestly ordination on February 4th this year I intend to continue functioning as a priest and helping out where needed. I don’t intend to become “shepherd on a shelf”!
I share this news with you and the Dearborn community with gratitude for my time with you and a request for your continual prayerful support. Please note that when speaking with Bishop Monforton he made the point of wanting you to know that St. Kateri WILL NOT close and WILL have a pastor. I will certainly support your new pastor when he is named. I am sure with your proven spirit of generosity you will do the same.
God’s blessings in the new year.
