Dear Parish Families of Holy Family and St. John

As I prepare to begin a new chapter in my ministry, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings God has given me through my years of service among you. For the past eleven years at Holy Family Parish and nearly three years at St. John Parish, I have had the privilege of walking with you in faith, prayer, joy, and sometimes sorrow. Serving as your deacon has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Together, we have celebrated the most important moments of life and faith. I have been honored to stand beside families as they brought their children to the waters of Baptism, witnessing the beginning of their journey as sons and daughters of God. What a joy it has been to watch many of those same children grow through the years, receiving the sacraments, serving at the altar, and becoming young men and women of faith. Seeing altar servers mature into wonderful, dedicated servants of the Church has been a blessing beyond words.

Another blessing that will always remain close to my heart is accompanying so many individuals on their journey into the Catholic faith through OCIA. Each year, I was inspired by those who answered God's call and courageously took steps toward a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. One of the most moving moments for me was the Easter Vigil. There is something truly beautiful about watching those who have prayed, studied, discerned, and prepared finally enter into full communion with the Church. Seeing the joy on their faces, witnessing their excitement, and knowing the faith journey that lies ahead of them never failed to touch my heart. Their witness reminded all of us that faith is alive, that God continues to call His people, and that the Church continues to grow through the work of the Holy Spirit.

I have watched these parish communities grow not only in numbers but, more importantly, in faith. Your love for God, your commitment to one another, and your desire to serve Christ continue to strengthen our parish families. You have shown me what it means to be the Body of Christ a community that supports one another, prays together, and reaches out with compassion to those in need.

As I leave, I encourage each of you to continue nourishing your faith every day. Trust always in God's grace. Seek His wisdom, His knowledge, and His understanding in all that you do. Life will bring challenges, disappointments, and moments of darkness, but never forget that God is always present. Even when His voice seems distant, He is there. Open your heart, be still, and listen closely to the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you, strengthen you, and lead you forward.

I also encourage you to embrace the beautiful gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. God's mercy is limitless, and His forgiveness is always waiting for us. This sacrament is one of the greatest treasures of our Catholic faith. Through it, we encounter Christ's healing grace and experience the peace that only He can give. Use it often and allow God's mercy to renew your heart.

While it is difficult to say goodbye, I understand that as a deacon I am called to serve wherever the Church needs me. Through the guidance of our bishop, I have been called to serve another parish    community in need. Although my assignment is changing, the love and memories I carry from Holy Family and St. John will remain with me forever.

Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this new ministry. Know that I will be praying for each of you as well. I will pray that God continues to bless your families, strengthen your faith, and fill your hearts with His peace and joy.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and your witness of faith. Thank you for every conversation, every prayer shared, every smile, every word of encouragement, and every opportunity to serve you. Most of all, thank you for helping me become a better deacon through your example of love for God and His Church.

May God bless you always, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary keep you close to her Son. May the Lord continue to guide Holy Family and St. John, helping each of you grow ever deeper in faith, hope, and love.

Blessings,

Deacon Mike