July 12, 2026 – My Final Bulletin Column

For my final bulletin column, I wanted to say three things:

1) A word of Apology: you all have received me as a new, inexperienced, immature priest.  In reflecting back on my nine years of priesthood so far, all with you, I know I certainly have not said or done everything perfectly.  I apologize for times when I have perhaps said or done insensitive things, or been short-tempered or impatient.  I apologize if I failed to respond to your needs in a helpful way, or if I failed to respond at all.  Or if I failed to be present to you as a priest in your need, whether figuratively or literally. I apologize for rash or imprudent decisions I have made that have negatively impacted you or your family or our parish community.  All this being said, I also have to say

2) A word of Gratitude: for bearing with me and being patient with me over these years.  You all have been so gracious with me, even in my shortcomings and failures.  And allowing me that grace, you have allowed me to grow, to learn how to be a priest, and how to be a better priest: as a shepherd, a leader, a spiritual father.  I reflect and see ways that I have grown and matured. I appreciate you bearing with me, and, as I walked with you and strove to help you grow, I appreciate all the ways that you walked with me and helped me grow.  And all the ways that you all have blessed me or been extremely generous with me, I thank you.  I’m sorry if I have failed to thank you individually or personally.  But I do thank you now.

3) A word of Encouragement: Finally, a word of encouragement.  I hope that my nine years have deepened and strengthened your faith.  I know there is for many concern and fear for what is to come.  My word of encouragement is to go to the Lord.  Especially in His Eucharistic Presence, which is His very Heart and Self present to us.  And, you know, what? It’s all going to be ok!  Yes, there are always challenges in change and transition.  But Jesus Christ is still here, He is still Lord.  His Divine Love is still actively at work to transform the world.  Seek intimate communion with that very Divine Love.  Place it all in His Most Sacred Heart.  And let His Most Sacred Heart be present within your own.  I will conclude with a line from one of my favorite hymns of all time, “Be thou my vision.”  It is a prayer for the Lord to be with us in all things in all ways, and help us to see all through His Heart.  And the last line is a prayer that always reminds me that whatever life brings, no matter how hard it gets, to simply look to the Lord, and all will be well. “Heart of my own heart, whatever befall;  Still be my vision, oh Ruler of all.”

All will be well.

Peace of Christ

-Fr. Kevin