Dear Parish Family,
This weekend I begin my ministry as Pastor of our family. While I wish I could be at all four parishes this weekend, that is not a miracle I capable of performing, yet! I promise to work at that but until then I ask for you to be patient with me. Patience! That is a virtue which is going be very necessary for all of us, especially me. We need to be patient with each other, patient with the Road to Renewal team, and patient with the Road to Renewal process.
I am very excited to be finally starting my ministry here in Akron/Clarence. It seems like forever since I was first asked to consider coming to this family back in late April. Like Fr. Luke, who loved his time at St. Mary’s, I loved my assignment at Infant of Prague and was very sad to be giving it up. I will miss all the wonderful people in Cheektowaga with whom I journeyed through the pandemic. At the same time, I am happy and excited about meeting all the wonderful people in our four parishes.
The months of May and June have been filled with uncertainty and many unknowns. But I promise, we will face these uncertain times together with faith, courage, and patience. We are the Roman Catholic Church. Our ancestors overcame all adversity to promote and carry on the faith. We will do the same.
You probably have many questions about the Road to Renewal. So do I! Together we will find answers to our questions and a path forward for our parishes, our diocese, and our family. Hopefully all will become clearer. The Road to Renewal team promises me answers and clarity, and I plan on holding them to it.
At this point you are probably wondering about who I am. Well, this article isn’t meant to cover that, but I thought I’d share some low hanging fruit about me. My favorite food is Tater Tots. I prefer hamburgers and hot dogs, to steak and lobster. But if I’m forced to, I will eat steak and lobster. Some say I’m a picky eater, I prefer to see myself as a simple eater. Think of it this way: I graduated kindergarten, but my taste palette did not or so I am told.
Perhaps a comparison will help. One of my favorite childhood stories is Winnie the Pooh. I seem to be able to identify with many of the characters. I used to be like dysthymic (low energy) Eeyore, now, at times, I am effulgent Tigger, but mostly I am pensive Winnie the Pooh concerned about running low on honey.
Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank God the Father, for giving me the gift of sharing in His Son’s priesthood and for giving me the opportunity to journey with you, the People of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, through this life.
“The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”
St Mary, pray for us! St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us! All holy men and women, pray for us!
AMDG,
Fr. Tom