Dear Parishioners,

As my final days wind down as pastor of our wonderful parish of St. Nicholas & St. William, and St. Nicholas School, I want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kind, uplifting, and heartfelt words that I have received from so many; be it by cards, emails, or your personal words after Mass, as well as the cherished comments on the Kudo Board.

These heartfelt comments had the effect of an emotional tsunami as I was flooded with many vivid memories of all the spiritual experiences that we have shared together as a faith community during the past 8 years of my pastorship. There are memories of those on our Parish Council and Finance Council, and all who helped make it possible to merge two amazing parish communities into one. And memories of all who helped us get through the crazy unprecedented times of the pandemic. I will cherish memories of all the joyful celebrations of Baptisms, Reconciliations, Holy Communions, Confirmations, and Weddings.

Some of my favorite memories are of watching the St. Nicholas School children and the Parish Faith Formation children grow and mature as I’ve seen many graduate from 8th Grade, High School, and College. Along with these fond memories, I will never forget walking with families during their difficult moments in life. Grieving the unexpected passing of a loved one, or experiencing the health decline of a family member, and being there to prepare them for eternal life with the powerful Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

I could go on and on with the inexhaustible list of memories, but the bottom line is that all of these memories, the good, the bad and the ugly, have created a special bond of friendship in Christ with each one of you that will be forever forged in my heart.

Please be sure to keep me and Fr. Robain in your prayers as we begin a new chapter as coworkers with God in building up the Kingdom of God.

Blessings and Prayers,
Fr. John