One of the hardest things to do is say goodbye. We often find ourselves lingering on at front doors, on lawns, outside of cars as we take leave of those we have been visiting. It is almost as if, within our DNA, we have an aversion to moving away from relationship. This Friday letter has been on my mind for many weeks as I have lingered at our parish saying goodbye to many people and taking leave of a community that has become a home. But now it is time.

This past week I have been packing in earnest and going through the many things that we have shared together. It has been hard. I see pictures of Baptisms, Confirmations and First Holy Communions. I have photos of weddings and holy cards for the funerals we have celebrated. I have rediscovered so many of the blessings that we have shared that were forgotten and now remembered in the rush of daily ministry. I have shed tears and laughed at the memories formed and blessed in our relationship as disciples of our Lord Jesus.

And now it is time. Yesterday I put away my small prayer chapel. I lovingly wrapped my icons, carefully placed the statues and crosses in bubble wrap and packed up the prayer books and cards to be reopened and replaced when I move into my rooms at St. Lucy. This morning when I sat in the chair in which I have prayed for many hours there was only a simple crucifix on the wall. This was a clear and wonderful reminder of true blessing of who we are as sons and daughters of the living God. As St. Paul reminds us again and again, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.“ (1 Cor 2:2)

If we do this, then once more from St. Paul, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Rom 8:35)

It is time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and acts of kindness throughout the past six years. Your blessings are a gift beyond all measure.

Thank you and God Bless

Fr. Mark