Two Difficult Announcements

Our collaborative parishes have enjoyed a relatively long period of stability in the priests assigned here, especially compared with the multiple changes each parish had in prior years. When Fr. Bill Schmidt arrived here in November of 2012, he was the fourth pastor in five years at St. Mary Parish, and the fifth pastor in five years at St. Martha Parish. He made it clear that he wanted to stop that rapid turnover because he knew it was hurting both parishes. When I first arrived, there was a possibility it would be a short assignment for me before becoming pastor elsewhere. To protect our parishes from yet another transition so soon after the others, Fr. Bill took the extraordinary step of asking the archdiocese to allow him and me to trade roles, thus avoiding further priest transfers for several years. Regrettably, that stretch is ending.

Having been true to his word in serving St. Martha Parish and St. Mary Parish faithfully for over six years, Fr. Bill’s time with us will soon be coming to an end. Like most of the priests who are transferring this spring, he is not sure where his next assignment will be, but it is important for us to tell you now that it will be happening. Likewise, we do not know for certain when we might get another full-time priest, but I am hopeful that one may be assigned on or around June 1st. Meanwhile our weekend assistant, Fr. Bernie Baris, MS, and other priests from the La Salette Shrine are ready to assist us in any way they can.

Speaking of La Salette, the other sad news this week was the passing of a good friend of our parishes, Father Dennis Loomis, MS (as we announced by email* and our website). Prior to Fr. Bernie, Fr. Dennis was our regular weekend assistant in both parishes for almost four years. (Please see separate article about his passing.)

By God’s grace, He can bring blessings even out of losses like these. In God’s mercy, Fr. Dennis’ illness and difficulties have come to an end, and we pray he will rise again with Christ. In light of Fr. Bill’s time and ministry here, we reflected at a recent staff meeting how his leadership has brought a welcome transition in our parishes from loss and uncertainty to healing and stability. It was he who brought Fr. Dennis onboard five years ago, and he who welcomed me and recommended me to be his successor as pastor. With his typical generosity, he has shared his many gifts with the people of St. Martha and St. Mary, including his love of the Catholic Church and history, strengthening or restarting our St. Vincent de Paul Societies, improving the buildings in both of our parishes, and living the good example of his often-mentioned goal: “To get to heaven, and to take as many people as I can with me!”

We will keep you informed as we learn a date for Fr. Bill’s move. With Holy Week and Easter almost upon us, I am hoping he will be with us long enough after Easter to have a reception in his honor. Meanwhile, you can use cards or emails to express your appreciation for his leadership, ministry, and generosity in loving and serving our parishes.


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