Celebrating One Year at Sacred Heart
Dear Parishioners,
On June 10th I will celebrate my one year anniversary at Sacred Heart. It has been a busy year. A number of people have asked me similar questions in my time here. One thing people ask is, "Do you feel at home at Sacred Heart yet?" Another query is whether I am "happy here or not."
My answer to the first of these questions is that I have moved six times in my priestly life and have never really felt settled wherever I have found myself. I have not had the luxury of staying in one location in my ministry. Throughout the years I have found a soul mate in St. Paul who was an itinerant preacher who moved from place to place strengthening the Christian communities where he found them by helping them to grow and to be closer to Christ. He wanted to leave each church that he served better than he found it. Wherever he went he encountered brothers and sisters who shared his faith, who helped him and supported him.
My answer to the second question is that I have been happy wherever I have been as a priest. Each new assignment has stretched me in new and different ways. I never thought I would be a campus minister nor did I dream that I would pastor a large suburban parish for fourteen years. I did not think that I would run capital campaigns and oversee construction projects. I did not picture myself here at Sacred Heart. Life is about adapting. As one priest I know said about his ministry, "My existence is lived in constantly moving waters." Such has been the nature of my life. All of the work I have done has been guided by the Spirit. The Lord has provided at every turn.
I think there are many wonderful aspects to Sacred Heart. A lot of people love this parish immensely and give of themselves every day to make things happen. As we move forward in the next few years I pray that we can add to the rich history of Sacred Heart. I am anxious to have the strategic plan for the parish completed this summer and anticipate moving ahead with the goals that come out of that process. Let's pray earnestly for the future of our parish.
As we move into this second summer together, let's continue to get to know each other. What will give me satisfaction is that I be able to say at the end of my time at Sacred Heart, "The people here have grown spiritually and they are stronger in their faith because of the ministry that has happened in this parish while I have been pastor here." We have much to do before that day ever arrives. Let's ask the Lord to guide our hearts and minds and efforts in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark