Dear Staff Members, Parish Collaborators, and Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Greetings to all of you as we come close to the celebration of the great Feast of Easter and the highest point of our liturgical year. It is a time of light and hope and a renewal of our commitment to give the Gospel new expression in an ever evolving and changing world. For ourselves, as for society and for the world around us, change is necessary and essential for growth. Everything living and alive is constantly changing and growing. This is most certainly true of Blessed Sacrament Parish where each one of you strives to be truly the disciples of Jesus, disciples whose only authentic hallmark is the love you have for each other and for the stranger. But we are human and subject to all the limitations of the human condition including illness and ageing.
For many years Fr. Rick has laboured tirelessly, full of caring, compassion and zeal in his ministry as Pastor. This ministry which previously, for too many years to remember was carried out in an extraordinary way by Fr. Jim Gordon who continues despite old age and infirmity to hold each one of you, before the Lord, in prayer. Now, some health concerns, and advancing years are making it more difficult for Fr. Rick to continue in the role of Pastor. Rather than allow him to continue to the point of doing serious harm to his health I have asked him to step aside as pastor and to take on the role of pastoral vicar, a role which still involves plenty of work but without the stress or onerous responsibilties of pastor. With his usual affability and generosity he has aquiesced to my request.
Have no fear, I am not leaving you without a Pastor. Fr. Bibbin who has been ministering to your needs for some time, has very graciously agreed to take on the office and responsibilities of Pastor. Pope Francis has a great desire for the Church to become more synodal in how it reaches decisions and functions. While the word synodal might be a recent expression the concept and practise of synodality are not, especially so in this parish. For many years there has always been cooperation and involvement of the laity and staff in planning and decision making. I am entirely confident that this will continue to be the case. Knowing Fr. Bibbin as I do, he will serve you and love you with all his energy and soul. He is a young man who, at great personal cost and sacrifice, has left his family and country to come to labour in this section of God’s vineyard. I know you will support him and love him in return.
I am further delighted to announce the addition of another pastoral vicar, Fr. Joseph O’Reilly, whose appointment has been approved by Bishop Parkes and who will take up his role in early September. Fr. Joe has just completed his term as our Provincial and is now looking forward to pastoral ministry in your parish.
St. Paul tells us that in every christian community: “There are a variety of gifts, but always given by the same Spirit, each one given for the building up of the body of Christ.” Please continue to offer your gifts and talents to each other. All are necessary, not one is superfluous. Without you the parish is incomplete and lacking.
Allow me to take this opportunity to thank our staff, our collaborators, and yourselves for your love and support of Fr. Jim Gordon, Fr. Rick, and Fr. Bibbin. The life of a priest can be lonely, and there are times when problems can seem unsurmountable but knowing and feeling your love and support makes everything possible, and life always worth living.
Wishing each one of you, as you begin a new chapter in the life of your parish, the fullness of God’s love and the blessings and joys of Easter
Fr. James M. Browne I.C
Provincial Irish-American Province
Institute of Charity
