A Word of Gratitude

This weekend, with both gratitude and a touch of sadness, our parish community prepares to bid farewell to Fr. Michael, after two and a half years of devoted ministry here at the parish.

We acknowledge and thank Fr. Michael for the indelible mark of his personal and ministerial leadership upon our parish community. We have been profoundly moved by his deep humility and the inspiring ways he has witnessed to the Love of God through his ministries to our community and its mission.

Every priest’s first assignment is a foundational blessing—a pivotal experience that shapes the future of his pastoral outreach and missionary vision. We pray that Fr. Michael's time with us, though brief, has been a source of immense joy and grace, and that his ministry at Lumen Christi will forever be an inspiring and spiritual chapter in his life story.

Fr. Michael, as you embark on your next calling, please accept the overflow of our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering faith, dedication, and kindness you have shared. Your gentle guidance, the wisdom in your homilies, and your genuine care for every soul in the pews have helped us grow stronger as one community of believers. Thank you for walking with us in our faith journey. 

Though we will miss your presence and ministry at the parish immensely, we send you forth with our constant prayers and best wishes.

May God bless your new assignment with abundant grace, renewed joy, and continued fruitfulness in your priesthood. May the Holy Spirit guide you; Christ sustain you, and Our Lady watch over you and intercede for you always.

Fr. Matthew & the Lumen Christi Community