Thankfully, as I have done since June 22nd 2002 in the beginning of the American sexual abuse crisis, I trust in the Archbishop's statement that my own feelings of inadequacy are reminders that being a priest really isn't about me. I didn't choose to become a priest, God chose me. To put it in the words of the ordination liturgy, "Remember that you are chosen from among God's people and appointed to act for them in relation to God. Do your part in the word of Christ the Priest with genuine joy and love, and attend to the concerns of Christ before your own."
Friday, April 16, 2010
To go boldly where men have gone before...
The Archbishop of Dubuque has appointed me to a new assignment. In July, I will become pastor for St. Patrick Parish, Britt; St. Patrick Parish, Buffalo Center; St. Wenceslaus Parish, Duncan; St. James Parish, Forest City; St. Boniface Parish, Garner; and St. Patrick Parish, Lake Mills. If you're not sure where any of those towns are, look at most northern and central two counties of the state of Iowa and you'll find all of them. I'm very excited by the prospect of becoming pastor and a little overwhelmed by the Archbishop's confidence in me. I'll have the responsibility of pastoring six parishes and helping a brother priest (my associate pastor) continue his formation to become a pastor. There's a part of me that wonders if the Archbishop has made a mistake. I mean, I still make mistakes and say stupid things. Lieutenant Riker was still second-in-command to Jean-Luc Picard after like 20 years on the Enterprise. And, trust me, I'm no William T. Riker.
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3 comments:
Congratulations, Father! That's quite a load- 6 parishes? I am pretty sure that's the biggest cluster I've heard of. You'll do great! You will be greatly missed in Ames. I can't wait to hear how the transition goes.
Greetings Father Dennis! I am from St. Patrick's in Britt and did meet you at the 13 Hours in Forest City a month ago. Fr. Huber told me that you blog too and that I should google you and find you. It came as quite a shock to all of us to find that we are losing both of our priests and we will miss them but realize that change is a good thing and I am looking forward to getting to know you. Only listen to the good things Fr. Huber has said about us (knowing him that may be few -- LOL) and believe only half of the bad things.
Father D,
Congrats... You are going to be a great pastor! Not only, because you are an amazing priest, but also (and most primarily) because Christ is the greatest pastor of all... and He will be with you always! I'll be tracking you down before you move... Congrats, again. You'll be in my prayers...
Cheers,
Your spiritual son
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