Change is hard. And I hope this helps to explain why I said yes to the change of parishes assignments.
When I was in seminary my spiritual director, Fr. Vincent, and I would have long conversations about the difficulties facing priests over and over again. It was part of my questioning and his advising and forming my heart to be nearer to the heart of Jesus.
One thing he always reminded me of was that the promise of obedience is such a difficult thing and it is easy to slip into disobedience when our own desires and wants clash with our obedience to God and his holy Church.
When I said yes, to the Bishop’s request to change parishes and leave St. Lucy, it was in obedience in love of our Catholic Church. It was difficult and hard and my heart is broken and filled with sadness but it was my choice to say yes in obedient love.
I know how hard it is for a parish when priests change assignments and especially during this pandemic year it seems even more difficult and yet, we must continue to move and find new ways to serve God in and through our faith and the Church.
I have been surprised often in my assignments, always for the better. I seek to find the positive gifts and the blessings behind each, sometimes mysterious, new challenge of my priesthood.
My first assignment out of seminary was as parochial vicar of St. Martin of Tours. Leading up to my ordination I had been assured by several different priests that I would be assigned to one parish or another but St. Martin never came up in any of our conversations. When I sat with my classmates and opened our appointment letter from the Bishop I was shocked and surprised to see my first assignment, I even did a double take to look and make sure that it was my name at the top of the letter and not mix up with a classmate. I wasn’t disappointed but confused and in the end just happy to be a priest and begin serving God . My three years were filled with so many blessings and in this I became both a better man and priest learning many lessons from both Fr. Jack and Fr. Chris the two pastors I served under and also Fr. Ray Kenny (+) who was retired in residence.
My second assignment to Holy Spirit parish was also expected and was part of my learning experience. My yes was one of difficulty in leaving but also of a new time of learning from Holy Spirit’s pastor Fr. Brendan who shared with me many lessons. My one year at the parish flew by and helped me to understand the needs of communities much better where I, even in this short time, built many friendships that still feed my soul.
The unexpected move to my third assignment, as pastor of St. Catherine of Alexandria, where I had been assigned for my pastoral year, was at one moment inspiring and the next overwhelming. I was just figuring out how to be a priest and was now assigned to lead this wonderful parish. It was there my ministry with Worldwide Marriage Encounter came, my growth in my Spanish language, my understanding of stewardship and the difficulties in leading and caring for a large diverse community came with ups and downs and many bumps in the road.
After six years, when the Bishop asked me to move, there was a great temptation to say “no” for many reasons. I was in the middle of something. I wanted to complete some pastoral projects we had just begun. I was comfortable. I liked being in Morgan Hill. I could list one hundred more…but in the obedient love of the Church and my promise to my Bishop I said yes.
If I had not responded with a yes, perhaps I would not be writing to my St. Lucy family this letter. Perhaps I would never have come to know and love you. Perhaps my life would be less rich now because of a no. If I had said “no” six years ago what other no’s would have begun to fill my ministry as priest. That is the temptation and reality. Saying yes to Jesus is to take up the cross, as difficult and painful as it is in these times, because it always leads to love.
I am extremely happy I said yes six years ago even when it caused so much heartache and sorrow in both my heart but also St. Catherine of Alexandria. My yes to St. Lucy has be so filled with blessings this page cannot contain them.
When I chose to say yes to our Bishop’s request to move to St. Lawrence the Martyr, I knew the heaviness that would fill my heart and the tears that would follow. When the parish school filled my office with cards of blessing for my birthday, I laughed as I cried, knowing this would be the last time. But the sadness is also full of so many fond memories.
I know that this will never fully explain the decisions or take away the sadness, but I trust in the Divine Providence of God’s holy will and the future as we move forward as the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.
God bless
Fr. Mark.
Jewel May 3, 2021
I am thankful and consider myself blessed to have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first communion from you. There will always be a special spot in my heart because of that. May God bless you in your next parish. His Blessings to you, – Jewel
marnzen@dsj.org May 5, 2021
Thank you Jewel.
God bless
Dave Bakke May 4, 2021
I wish you all the best Fr. Mark. I’ll try and catch you before I head back to Montana with another Gift Certificate at The Garret Station… blessings.
marnzen@dsj.org May 5, 2021
Thanks Dave, your gifts of food are always appreciated as are your prayers
Linda (Elle) Bitner McLean May 4, 2021
Oh my word! When I met with you today, I had no idea you were leaving St Lucy. I have only just began to know and cherish you. I am in shock; overwhelmed with sadness. Romans 12:2 comes to my mind, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I will pray for you🙏
😢
marnzen@dsj.org May 5, 2021
Thank you Elle,
God bless
Carolyn Bricmont May 4, 2021
This is so difficult for all of us. I always thought the Pastor was with the parish until retirement. Naive,yes. And while I accept and appreciate your “thought,” it doesn’t mean I like them. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers,
Carol and Tony Schiavone May 4, 2021
Father Mark,
It has been a pleasure knowing you and we are disappointed that you are leaving St Lucy’s. We do understand your duty to say yes to the Bishop and to God’s call. We were parishioners of St Martin of Tours and we felt a calling to change parishes about 7 years also. We have been blessed to be part of the St Lucy’s community…in part due to your leadership. You will be missed.
You are on our prayer list and will continue to be.
Sending Blessings and Prayers,
Carol and Tony Schiavone
marnzen@dsj.org May 5, 2021
Thank you both for your encouraging words.
Anita Manuel May 4, 2021
Dear Fr. Mark,
Thank you for you devotion, service, care and leadership as our pastor. While I and our family are saddened by learning of your leaving, we also send your our love and blessings to continue to follow God’s call to a new assignment. As a parishioner and St. Lucy school parent, I have to share how meaningful it was to see your active engagement with our school and children. We will indeed miss you! With gratitude, Anita, Mike, Amelia (grade 5), and Avery (grade 2).
marnzen@dsj.org May 5, 2021
Thanks Anita, It is emotionally hard to leave and I pray for all of you daily.
Karen Kane-Foempe May 6, 2021
This hurts. I have always appreciated and benefitted from your weekly letters to us in the bulletin. You have shepherded St. Lucy through so much. St. Lawrence The Martyr is so lucky you will be joining them and we are only a car drive or facebook post or email away. Prayers go with you!
marnzen@dsj.org May 19, 2021
Thank you for your continued prayers.