From the Pastor’s desk— April 14, 2024

This Sunday’s Gospel mentions, “They were startled and frightened.” So often our Scriptures really do speak to us.  Last week I shared the news of the Claretian Missionaries’ departure from Sacred Heart and the diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.  I realize that shock was the most common response to this news, I was shocked when I received the news from my provincial.  For this reason, I wish to speak to the reality we find ourselves in a little more.

There are two dates I wish to put before you, The first is on April 20 at 515pm in the church, we will have a Town Hall to let you ask any questions you may have about our departure and transition of the parish back to the diocese.  I may not have all the answers but will speak to whatever I can to help you with questions that you may have.  The second is June 22^nd.  This will be a date to have for a Mass of Farewell/Thanksgiving for the 40 plus years the Claretians have served here at Sacred Heart.  It is my hope to be here until mid-July but this farewell is for the Claretian Community of myself, Br Manolo, Fr Jose, and br David before we all go our separate ways.

With that being said, our departure after almost 45 years will be more difficult for some than others.  You may in the coming weeks feel a wide spectrum of feelings from sadness to anger to depression.  The famous psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote how these are all normal phases of grieving and our departure may spark this off for you.  Even though I know none of my assignments are forever, I certainly had hoped to be here longer, to watch your families grow up, to continue building up our growing parish, and finish some of the projects we were just getting started, especially with our youth.  If I have learned anything about God in my 60 years is that if you want to make Him laugh, make plans.  

In light of our departure, a member or two has mentioned leaving Sacred Heart, but I would remind you, Sacred Heart is you and that part is not changing.  We still have a relatively small parish and it depends on each of you.  I hope no one forgets that we come here to be with Jesus and to serve Jesus and He will need you now more than ever. 

If our Claretian family is able to leave any footprint on your heart it is bringing the Word of God to life.  Let that Word hold you in these days ahead, especially the part that say, “I am with you” and when I am not, God, our only constant in this world, will be.

 

 

   

 

 

 

                     

 

With a heart for Mission,
Fr. Ray