My priest is leaving!

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JoyToTheWhirled

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I am rather glum today. Our assistant priest has officially announced he is leaving. I knew some months ago, but there’s something about an official announcement that puts feelings into stark relief.
He’s going to his first parish as priest-in-charge, and I am, of course, happy for him. He is a good priest and I’m sure they will find him a blessing.
But I am so sorry to see him go! He was a big factor in my returning to RCIA a second time and completing the course, and he taught me such a lot. He gave me Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time at the Easter Vigil, something I had waited for years for. I didn’t really understand until I was well into the RCIA process just how much it was possible to deeply respect a priest - and it’s a lesson I shall take forward with whoever replaces him, because I know that the basis of that respect is because priests are truly gifts to God’s people.
I’m thinking I might write him a letter of thanks, assuring him of my ongoing prayers for his ministry. Would that be a weird thing to do? I’m not sure of the etiquette.
 
I’m sure he would be thrilled to receive a letter of thanks, AND to receive your prayers.
It might boost his spirits since so often the good things priests do are just taken for granted. And I’ve never met a priest who wasn’t happy to be prayed for. They all need it.
I think it is a very nice thought for you to do that.
 
A year or so ago, our Associate Pastor left to be Pastor of another parish. I was sad to see him go; he was well liked. I was thrilled to see him get his own parish.

He made a guest appearance back, asking for help to upgrade his own parish. He got the biggest collection ever. He deserved it.

Maybe the same will happen to your priest.

Blessings,
 
I agree…he would love a letter or card! It would be such an encouragement to him.
Keep praying for him…that in itself will be a huge blessing to him.

And I understand how you feel about him leaving…it’s hard to say goodbye when you get attached to a priest. 😥
 
That was a cool angle to read -
I’m sure he will miss you also…
I think a letter is fitting too, but don’t pour it on too thick - lol
But I’d have to say, Priest long - to make such an impact on their flock.
Me…I’m more of a secret admirer…
I do sometimes put Priests on my prayer list…,
And after a month or so - focus on others…
I hear that Priest have great guardian angels 😇
The Pope - has Michael - the arch angel - as a guardian !
 
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I understand, our parochial vicar was just reassigned to another parish. I’ll miss him, but this is all part of his mission from God which is more important than personal relationships. Plus our new vicar is a young and orthodox priest fresh out of seminary.
 
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No, writing a letter wouldn’t be a weird thing to do. He would probably really appreciate it.
 
Our pastor (“priest-in-charge”) is also transferring out of the parish, so I can sympathize. This is the nature of things for a diocesan priest, however, and in Fr. B’s case it is necessary for health reasons. I would rather see him go and continue to serve the Church in another capacity than stay and die here—the workload is far too heavy for someone in such a fragile state.

Go ahead and write that letter, @JoyToTheWhirled. He’ll appreciate it more than you might imagine. There’s absolutely nothing weird about it. :+1:t3:
 
I just wrote a letter to our young parochial vicar who was leaving us, transferred after 3 years of service in our parish. To do so is no odd at all - he mentioned in his last homily that he’d received a number of notes and cards.

I made sure to keep the letter to one page so that I would stay on point and not rattle on. I really love the guy, he’s very special, and he’s one priest I will keep in my prayers for the rest of my life.
 
Ask some of your friends at the parish to sign up to pray for your priest on different days of the week so that there will always be someone who prays for him. Find a beautiful flower picture or card and ask people to sign their names and day that they are praying and give it to your priest.

It is hard when a dear priest and good confessor leaves.
 
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