Farewell from Sr. Kathleen Mullin

In the third week of February, I will travel to Dubuque, IA, to enter a new life phase, active retirement.

Decades ago I journeyed from San Francisco to Sacred Heart, Moline. Getting to know you and how to serve with you was a big transition. You welcomed me and helped me, giving me a sense of belonging. I got to be on the parish Welcoming Committee and welcome newcomers. Through the Christian Initiation process for Adults, we team members and parish sponsors have welcomed hundreds of seekers into the Catholic Church and parish life. In previous parish articles you can read about some of the other ministries in which I served.

The reality of my life; relationships, service, and journey challenges with you would take a book to describe. I am forever grateful for the ways we have worked together, celebrated little and big miracles, shared stories, personal experiences, longings and needs with trust, and accepted outcomes—or sought alternatives. You have helped deepen my faith and its practices and expanded my views. Your goodness and generosity of heart, your efforts to be authentic, accepting yourself and others, are impressive. The community experiences which have developed are enriching and treasured.

I am especially thankful for the pastors and parish staff with whom I have collaborated over the years. It has been a privilege to have ministered with competent and caring people for the good of you in our parish and those in our region. It is hopeful that our new parish committee of Sacred Justice can extend our connections with our neighbors and work together on issues.

Community is a significant theme in my long life. I experienced it growing up with family, classmates, neighbors. I committed to living in a religious community when I entered the BVM congregation in Dubuque. The sisterhood continues to be full of blessings and adventures for me. I am retiring now to join my BVM sisters in new ventures at our headquarters, Mt. Carmel Bluffs, where I began my journey so long ago. I go with mixed emotions. Leaving you at Sacred Heart demands letting go—and trusting that you will create and carry through relating and ministering in spirited ways.

I take you in my heart to my new life.

~ Sister Kathleen