Stepping Away from Ministry
This post is one that is very difficult for me. I’m sharing something my parish has known for the last couple of months. The time of my public ministry is quickly coming to an end, at least for now. I’m taking time away to work on myself: mental, physical, and spiritual health. The stress of running the largest Catholic parish in the state — even though I have indeed loved it and loved the people — did not allow me to care for me, or at least I didn’t know how to do both. It’s not easy to step away from something that has been so wonderful, but sometimes wonderful can be stressful too. And I know and trust that God has something wonderful in store for the future. So please pray for me and know that I will be praying for you.
Without further ado, here is the letter I wrote to the parish and read to them at each Mass one weekend.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to let you know about a change that is happening for me.
After a great deal of prayer and discernment, I am going to step out of ministry. That means I will not be functioning as a priest. The reason for this is that, for a long time now, I have not been healthy in body or mind or spirit, and I feel strongly called to take some time to deal with that, and to attend to my health. With the support of Bishop Hicks, I will have that opportunity.
Bishop wanted me to make it clear that this is not the result of any kind of impropriety with a minor, or even a financial impropriety, and this is being done at my own request.
I am grateful for my time here at Saint Mary’s, and for the relationships I have formed and for what we have been able to accomplish together for the Kingdom of God. I am looking forward to what God has in store for me in the future, and I would ask you to accompany me with your prayers.
Please know of my ongoing prayers for all of you, as well.
I will be here at Saint Mary’s until June 30, and a new pastor search is currently being undertaken by the diocesan personnel board, and that pastor will begin here on July 1.
Thank you for all that you have done for me, and for your ongoing prayers.
Yours in Christ and His Blessed Mother,
Father Pat
Father, I’ve been with you since WW, I have followed you for your personal and spiritual posts. I am happy you are taking time for yourself. I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you! I appreciate that!