Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday’s Gospel is a magnificent moment in the life of Peter who had betrayed Jesus. Before Simon was able to even apologize, Jesus called him to himself and asked him three times if he loved him. Each time, Simon said, yes, thus restoring him and his relationship with our Lord since Simon’s three denials. With each affirmation, Jesus then commissioned him to feed his lambs, tend his sheep, and feed his sheep. Then he shared with Simon that in his coming ministry, Simon would suffer and ultimately die for the glory of God.
This episode was not just for Simon. It is for us as well. We are all being called to lay down our lives in order to tend to the poor and the downcast, to feed the young and old with the saving message of the Gospel. We often might cringe at such a prospect, especially knowing how obstinate our culture is to the Christian Faith. But, it is the path that we are all called to walk.
For me, I receive the words of our Lord in the context of my coming departure and reassignment. I am dedicated to the mission here at St. Anne until the last moment of my ministry here, and yet I know that I am being called to leave, something that brings sadness to my heart. I have spent much time in prayer and thought about this coming transition, and I trust that my own “death” to my role as your pastor is part of God’s plan, part of what will give him glory. I have heard from many of you, of your mutual sadness and desire for me to stay. Thank you for your love and care in this regard. Please pray that I will be able to fulfill the new calling I have received.
It was critical to Christ’s mission that he sent out his Apostles, and by extension, us, into the world so that others may come to know him. In time, you will receive a new pastor. I can only imagine the stress he must be feeling knowing that he is being called to move from his current parish. One thing that he does not know, but I believe he will discover very quickly, is how welcoming and loving you all are. So, just as I am being sent away, he is being sent here. Please pray for him, though we know not his name at this writing. Pray that God will prepare you to welcome him as we would Christ (Benedictine motto).
I know how much you love the Lord, and I am excited for whomever the new pastor will be, because he will encounter you whom I love so much. May we all take to heart the commission that Simon received as our own. May we pray for all our priests who will be moving next month. Let us all cast our nets, metaphorically speaking, to receive the amazing gifts that God has in store for us here as well as in heaven.
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor