This week, Fr. Peter and Fr. Sam are leaving for their new assignments at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California. With heartfelt appreciation for the ways they've enriched our lives, we wish them well in their new ministry, where Fr. Peter will be actively retired, and Fr. Sam will be an associate in the parish church. Below, they share their farewell sentiments with the community:
Someone once said, “never say good-bye just say so-long” or my favorite, “till we meet again." Yes, my time of departure is approaching and trying to prepare for it is an amazing experience. It’s a challenge to “pack my poverty!" Therein lies the gift of letting go and re-gifting. That’s for the stuff in my life, but most treasured are the relationships shared as the journey continues with each person adding to the fullness of life. I have been blessed to receive an abundance of these treasures, and now I have the opportunity to share them on the journey. For this I am grateful that I have had this time here. Thank you for blessing me and enriching my life and ministry. Till we meet again.
Pace e bene,
Fr. Peter
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I am leaving the Casa with a heavy heart. It has been a great blessing to be able to minister to you and with you, to have you walked with me on my journey as a deacon and a new priest, to have you witness Bishop Olmsted imposing his hands on me and calling on the Holy Spirit to anoint me as a priest of Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful for the kindness and love you have shown me, and your welcoming me as part of this community. I will miss all of you and I will cherish all the good memories that I have here.
Although my heart is heavy, I’m not worried about leaving. If my almost two years ministering here has taught me anything, it’s that you have a loving community. You are always ready to help and support one another. So many of you have been gifted by God with wonderful talents and experiences that have strengthened this community. I’m always amazed when I hear you have had successful careers or how you’ve done so much for the poor and the marginalized in our society. I want to commend you for enriching our Church with your gifts and for your collaboration in our mission. You have seriously taken on your unique role as laity in our Church, sharing in Christ’s office as priest, prophet, and king. Even without me, I have no doubt that you will continue to be a strong community that you always are.
At the Casa, our mission is to be a place for spiritual growth, healing and transformation, and service to others. I have heard countless of stories about how the Casa has helped you grow and heal spiritually. You have found the Casa to be a safe space where all are welcome. After a tumultuous experience, it is good to stay awhile and take a deep breath. My hope is that we don’t stop there.
So here’s my challenge.
After the pandemic is over and it is safe to be out again,
I urge you to find ways to take more seriously that third part of our mission: service to others. I dare you to go outside of our safe and comfortable Casa community to pay it forward by helping others grow and heal, by bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ that you have yourself first experienced to others. If you live in Paradise Valley or Scottsdale like me, we are so privileged to have everything we need in our neighborhood. There is almost no need to venture to other parts of Phoenix. If you are able, I encourage you to make an effort to encounter those who live in the margins of our society, more than just leaving excess foods or old clothes in our donation bins or other supplies during our various drives. Instead, go meet them, see their faces, hear their stories, and embrace them with love.
Pope Francis once said that he prefers a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.
I pray that the Holy Spirit keeps renewing the Casa, the Franciscan RENEWAL Center with the zeal and courage to do its mission in our world. I pray that each and every one of you are given the peace of Christ, but never forgetting the plight of our brothers and sisters who are still struggling for peace. And I ask for your prayers always as I, too, pray for all of you and give you my blessing.
Goodbye and until we meet again,
Fr. Sam
Welcome Fr. Daniel and Fr. Vincent!
