God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways
Dear Parishioners,
With confidence in God’s Providence and unshakable hope in the future, I have a significant personal matter to share with you, which I have come to after a long period of prayer and struggling with discernment. Serving as pastor here at Our Lady of Divine Providence Family of Parishes has been a tremendous blessing and honor for me. In many ways, it has been a challenge, and a very fruitful opportunity. I feel like I have grown personally a great deal, and I am very grateful to everyone for their kindness, generosity, and support.
Today I am writing to let you know that I will be stepping away from the role of pastor. I am taking a leave of absence from active ministry, to devote some time and prayer to what comes next. I am doing so voluntarily, and with the Archbishop’s knowledge and blessing. I am not being forced out, and I am not leaving because of disappointment, discouragement, or frustration. Instead, I am answering a surprising and unexpected call, which I have been discerning for some time. After much prayer, I am sure that this is what the Lord is asking me to do.
I believe that it is very important in our lives to hear and respond to the voice of the Lord. Like Abraham, our father in faith, many generations ago, each and every one of us should be ready to set out from our parent’s tents and be inspired by the spirit of adventure. Part of my discernment has been the realization that God wishes to love me, Henry, personally in a new and deeper way. I have devoted my life to the service of others, but I have not always let God love me the way He desires. Letting God love us, I think, is a primary and fundamental responsibility for each individual.
For practical details, my assignment here will end on September 30. The Archbishop has been aware for some time, and he is naming a replacement so there is continuity. I ask that you welcome your new pastor with understanding and grace and much patience.
God’s ways are not our ways, and His timing is not ours. I know that much work remains to be done. We have made a lot of progress together. Though God is calling me to a different place, I want everyone to know that I love our people here and our parishes. I have poured out my heart to working for a new and brighter future for the Catholic Church in the Winton Road and Hamilton Avenue area. I pray that work continues. I am fully confident in the OLODP Family staff, and that confidence gives me great peace. I know that you are in good hands, because the leadership staff are capable and caring. Parish and Finance councils are also leading more now, and I am very happy with the role that the Family Pastoral and Worship councils are playing in the leadership of the new Family. OLODP is an opportunity for you all to join together to build something new: a new Catholic presence, new ministry, a new parish. I call upon you to join together, to unite your efforts, and to come together as one. Over the next several years, I see a new parish rising from our current five, a parish that is vibrant, diverse, unified, strong, and missionary.
As I enter into a time of deeper prayer and communion with God, away from the busyness and distractions of running five parishes and two schools, please be sure of my prayers. I also ask you to continue to pray for me. Our Lady of Divine Providence loves us all, and will always tend to our needs with a mother’s love and with God’s providential power.
Yours in Christ, with Mary,
Fr. Henry Hoffmann
