As many of you know, an appointment was not going to be made until next year, but I asked Bishop Lopes if he could possibly move it forward, and he was able to do that. This means that Fr. Lewis will be able to begin much sooner in using his many gifts to lead our parish on as Our Lady of the Atonement takes its place as the newest parish in the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.
Pray for Fr. Lewis and his family, and for the good people of St. Luke's. And pray for our own parish as we continue to grow and move forward, that we may in all things give glory to God!
Fr. Lewis and I have been able to talk about his move here, and I will, of course, be available to assist him in any way he chooses. Also, I will be making visits to other Ordinariate communities as the bishop might decide. I will continue giving spiritual direction, offering Mass for the Poor Clare nuns, and generally giving priestly help whenever and wherever needed.
After nearly thirty-four years as pastor of a wonderful parish, overseeing five major building projects, witnessing growth from eighteen people into thousands, and having the privilege of assisting countless numbers of people discover the joy of entering into full Catholic communion, I am looking forward to continuing the adventure!