“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24). This verse is a big theme for Easter. Easter is our day! The Lord rises and makes a new day, a new world, by conquering the powers of sin and death. And we rejoice! We are Easter people!
Speaking of new things, as you likely already have heard, our Archdiocese has a new Archbishop appointed—Bishop Shawn McKnight. He will be installed on May 27th. We are so grateful to Archbishop Joseph Naumann for his 20 years of faithful service to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please pray for them both. Shepherding 200,000 Catholics and over 100 priests is a huge responsibility.
In addition, the appointments for priests were issued and announced this past weekend. Prince of Peace gets several new appointments. I, Fr. Greg, will remain as pastor and have been granted some time for a sabbatical, July 23rd to January 23rd. Fr. Francis is staying here (and remaining primarily in his duties as the minister to priests) and is appointed as interim parochial administrator during my sabbatical. Fr. Andrew also remains here as your parochial vicar. In addition, we will receive an additional priest to serve POP here for the next year, which will be a big help while I’m away.
This is all good news! In explanation of my appointment, a sabbatical is granted for studies, formation, and spiritual renewal for priests after 10 years of service. I am now at 18 years of priesthood, and have a bit over 20 years before I would consider retiring, so this middle point is a good time for me to do this. After my sabbatical time, I am returning to Prince of Peace, and I fully intend to stay here as long as I can—hopefully many years!
My plans for my time include a 30-Day Silent Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Retreat (something on my bucket list so this is time to do this!). A month of studies in Rome with the Institute of Continuing Theological Education (part of the Pontifical North American College in Rome). I intend to do a Marian Pilgrimage and walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage. I also intend to have time to be with and help my 86-year-old mother (my dad passed away last year). In the spaces between these things, I will have some time for self-study, reading, and maybe even some time to rest and run another marathon too. My goal is to experience a great renewal so I can continue to serve you even better in the years to come!
I am super excited, but a bit anxious to leave you for six months. You will be in good hands, and you will not be far from my thoughts and prayers. Be assured, everything in the parish is still on track. Our capital campaign is drawing close to goal and the renovation plans are still in place. I should be able to finish designs before I go and then be back well in advance to oversee the construction. All carries on as usual! I’m not going anywhere, until the sabbatical, so I’m here for any questions.
Easter is the time of good news! Jesus is risen. He went away for 3 days, but came back better than ever! It has always been on my heart as a priest to follow Jesus, and I know this time for spiritual and pastoral renewal will be a great blessing for me and for you as well. I pray you also will receive from the Lord many graces this Easter for renewal and life. May Jesus rise in our hearts and fill us with the peace and joy that is beyond all comprehension.
Peace,
Fr. Greg