Dear Families,

This is a year and a time that most of us could never have predicted. I think that we have made a successful beginning, with some fits and starts, but learning as we go.

In the midst of the change in platforms, I realize that it is time to make some changes in my own life.  I've come to the decision that I will retire at the end of 2020.

There are a number of reasons why I am choosing to take this step.  At the top of the list is the reality that it is almost impossible to do ministry in isolation. For the sake of my own health, I need to limit face-to-face interactions.  We are working remotely, of course, but even the limited exposure I have as I work is not advisable for me. Retirement was on the horizon, but Covid accelerated my timetable.

I don't take this step lightly.  I've been engaged in some sort of catechetical ministry since 1974.  Then, as a college sophomore, I supervised my first (very small) religious ed program for children and organized the events for adults at the UCLA Newman Center. I am glad to say that I have learned a great deal since then. Over the decades, I have worked at eleven parishes and schools in three states with the last 35 years here in the Archdiocese of Chicago. 

Being committed to ministry, to helping others grow in faith, has taken up my entire adult life.  As I leave this formal role, I am both sad and grateful.

I am especially grateful for the families and children in these two parishes who I have gotten to know over the years.  It has been a joy. I feel privileged to watch your children grow in so many ways. I have been very fortunate to share my work with an extremely dedicated group of catechists, who are committed to share their faith with your kids, and who work harder at it than you might realize.

It is a weird time to say good bye. It certainly is not quite the retirement I would have envisioned a year ago, to say the least. I am not stopping entirely.  I hope to devote more time to the ministry of spiritual direction and to continue teaching online for the STEP program at the University of Notre Dame. I am sure that I will find a project or two to occupy me.

I will also continue to pray for and with all of you.  May you keep growing in and exploring your relationship to the Lord and his church. I'll treasure the next weeks of work with you and cherish those memories.