From the Pastor’s Desk:

The transfer of priests next month was front page news in the mirror. I hope people can see and understand how few of us there are and how stretched we have become. I know this is God’s Church and He has asked us to pray that the harvest master would send more for the harvest. It is not good for a priest to celebrate multiple, multiple Masses and that comes from Canon Law as well as from my own experience. When I celebrate the 3rd mass in a row without a clear break it becomes very draining physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. As celebrant I put my whole self into leading the congregation in worship. I do not want to be a robot going through the motions.

Since the Mirror came I have been having questions concerning the titles of the different priests, so I will try and explain the three different titles. A Parochial Administrator is a priest that has the Administrative Authority in the parish. He is not a pastor, he is only the administrator. He has the same duties and authority as a pastor, however the bishop may place him under a neighboring pastor as he becomes accustomed to the dioceses and parish life. (Many of our foreign priests have been parochial administrators and have been named pastor this year).

Fr. Allen is a Parochial Victor. He is assigned to St. Agnes as my co-worker with all the sacramental authority under my guidance. In our Diocese newly ordained priests are usually given two assignments under the direction of two different pastors to experience two different styles of ministry.

It is hard emotionally and spiritually for priests to transfer to a different parish. After years of service, getting to know people, building a support group; a priest leaves all behind to begin all over again. It is hard for a parish to watch their pastor move to a different parish. Transfers take place to meet the needs of parishes and of the diocese.

I ask that you please keep all of the priests of our Diocese, along with our Bishop in prayer as we strive to meet the Sacramental needs of the people and still take the time to care for our own spiritual and physical needs. Masses of convenience, or parishes with masses of low attendance need to be consolidated to better meet the needs of all the people as well as presenting the best liturgies as possible without burning priests out.