We are all familiar with the scripture from Ecclesiastes:  there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven (3:1). This and the verses that follow are about change. Well, it is a time of change for me. I am going to retire – again. 

I was already living a retired life when Fr. Ritche called and asked if I would join his staff. At that time I never thought I’d come out of retirement, but a call to use my discipleship serving our Holy Spirit community was something I couldn’t say no to. Now, I hear a different call, one that says it is time to take care of Dan and myself and open the opportunity for someone else to step in.

I have truly loved what I’ve done here at Holy Spirit for the last 2 ½ years. Passing on our faith to our children in Faith Formation, the Christmas Pageant and Vacation Bible School was challenging, fun, and full of energy. Chances to chat with their parents allowed me to get to know families in our parish. Preparing for sacraments in Domestic Church and RCIA was special beyond words. Any of you who were at the Easter Vigil last April heard me whooping and clapping for each Catechumen as they were baptized into the body of Christ. Lastly, helping families with funeral mass arrangements, giving respect to their loved one as they say goodbye, was an honor.

These last few weeks are bittersweet for me as I approach December 31st, my last day. While my time on the parish staff comes to an end, my discipleship does not. I will continue serving our community as the Baptism Coordinator; working with families to arrange and prepare for the baptisms of their children.

I wish you all a merry Christmas and a new year full of God’s continued blessings. Please keep Dan, me, and all the parish staff in your prayers as we go through this transition.

In Christ’s love,

Jane