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Once again, I thank all who helped with Vacation Bible School. Well over a hundred children each day. It was also great to see so many young people helping the adults with the activities. Lots of energy throughout the week…
Fr. Anthony offered a Mass of Thanksgiving this past weekend at the 10:30am liturgy. He was received well and many offered him a warm welcome. It is my hope that parishioners of both Holy Trinity and St. Stephen will appreciate the gifts that he will bring to our community’s of faith, and that we will be patient as he begins his first parish assignments. I recall my first parish assignments and how that experience was important in my continuing priestly pastoral formation. A welcome hosted by St. Ann’s is being planned for Saturday, July 6th after the 5pm liturgy and Sunday, July 17th after the eight and ten-thirty liturgies. I hope that you will help him feel welcome.
Fr. Anthony will be moving into the rectory at St. Stephen as he can. Fr. Joe continues to pack and move to Trenton. Lots of coordination and collaboration surround moves and transfers. I will be moving to St. Stephen rectory toward the end of July. I appreciate so much the generosity of the Kassly’s to Fr. Long and me for rental use of the “Blue House” as a residence. I have enjoyed so much its spaciousness, outdoor areas and the many ‘critters’ that inhabit the nearby wooded areas (even though they would often help themselves to plants and flowers that I would attempt to grow). I will truly miss its re- treat-like space. It will take a bit of adjustment to living in a busy rectory again, but, if anything, I have learned flexibility in my years as a priest.
Beginning the weekend of July 16 and 17, Fr. Anthony and I will begin a new liturgy schedule. After giving careful consideration to both parishes past schedules, very little will change except the ‘who’ of the presider. Obviously, a rotation with some regularity is desirable. Fr. Anthony’s office will be at St. Stephen, but he will have ‘space’ at Holy Trinity to call his own. I will continue to have my office at Holy Trinity with ‘space’ at St. Stephen for ‘homework’ and meetings. I ask your prayers as we prepare for the transition.
I hope that the summer months are offering opportunities for vacations, an occasional get-away, much needed rest and relaxation. I would be neglecting my pastoral responsibilities if I didn’t mention keeping your contributions and envelopes current. We need your continued support.
