Between the Hearts with Fr. Craig
What a beautiful first week of getting to know everyone at both wonderful parishes of ours. Parish ministry offers so much and I’m starting to remember all the many things I use to do as a pastor for the five years I was at St. Ephrem. I’m excited to be in this position and look forward to the many Sacraments, celebrations, and events that will be taking place throughout the year. When I gave talks about vocations, people would ask me what I liked best about being a priest. I would always say that it was how people would open their hearts to us priests. I consider it a great privilege and responsibility to be entrusted with taking care of you as a father and to serve with the Heart of Jesus. I truly mean this and I know it is going to take time for me to prove that to you.
I would like to honor the two pastors that Sacred Heart and St. Kateri had for so many years. Fr. Ken and Fr. Terry dedicated their entire lives to serving the people of God. I’m sure that you loved them very much and I can see why, they are good priests. It is painful to say goodbye to the people we know and the familiar that comes along with their presence. There is a true feeling of loss, and it is OK to feel that way, we all go through it. Even when change is good, like a child going away to college, there is still that initial feeling of being uncomfortable with the unfamiliar. Let us honor and pray for these good men and keep them continually in our hearts.
Please know that I continually pray for you and that I am available if you need anything. Even if you just need to ask questions, feel free to call or email, I will get back with you. Again, please reach out to me. I’m different than what you are used to, I know that, but I have no agenda other than leading us to heaven. As I said in the first article, we are going to have to figure this out together, because change is already upon us. Change can be difficult, but when we unite in prayer, keep an open and honest dialog, Jesus will lead us down the right path. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that He is looking back at us with Love.
In Christ,
Fr. Craig
