From Young People at the Parish:
Hello everyone.
We have been asked to say a few words on behalf of the young people of the parish.
As Catholics we are taught the authority of bishops, the vow of obedience and of course the power of God’s will; but that doesn’t change how sad we feel when we lose a great pastor, and Father Joseph, we are sad to hear you have to go.
For some parishes, changing the priest who offers Sunday mass might not be that noticeable. But for us it will be, because you weren’t just around at church on Sunday mornings. We have seen you at the church, the hospital, the retirement and nursing homes, in our schools, and even making time to attend our own community and family functions. You have played an integral part in the growth and spiritual lives of many including our own family, in ways which will not be forgotten. For the young in our community, you have been an incredible example of what it means to give your life to something completely.
You stood outside St. Mary’s elementary school each morning and welcomed the children before school, tried to get to know them and their families, and talked with them. You came in and prayed for the children and gave them a blessing before each of their first communion classes. You constantly put in an effort to build a sense of community amongst the young families and to get people together, whether formally, or even informally. You are the one who introduced us to numerous other young people and families we did not know in the parish, and passed along the contact information of some we will be friends with for days to come. You made sure that our homes are blessed, that we know one another, and that we have access to the sacraments. You prayed for us. You are someone we can ask anything to, and you have become a part of our families.
I remember in one of your homilies you spoke about the 4 types of people that you consider to be the heroes of the Catholic Church today… there were the young parents trying to raise children in the faith, the individuals with same-sex attraction who choose chastity, the prayer warriors, and then certain priests. The priests you said are heroes are those who are committed to their vocation and faithful to Church teaching. They increase access to the sacraments, and they preach and teach what is dogma, doctrine and the teachings of the Catechism without compromise, even when it is unpopular.
We would like to thank you, Father Joseph, on behalf of the young people of the parish, because we would certainly consider you one of those priests who are heroes.
Please keep the young people of St. Mary’s in your prayers, and we will keep you in ours.
Thank you