Farewell from Fr. Henry

Dear Parishioners,

It is hard to believe that this will be my final bulletin column. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Being your pastor has been a tremendous privilege, and I am grateful for the outpouring of support I have received. I am also happy that Fr. Haft has accepted the responsibility of running the ship until a new pastor arrives on December 1.

My decision wasn’t easy, or hasty. Though I know it came as a surprise, this decision was not made lightly, and I discerned it over the course of time. But due to many moving parts behind the scenes, I had to wait to make the announcement public.

My heart is full during this time; everything I want to say can be expressed simply, remembering the promise that God offers to us, beautifully expressed in Jeremiah 29:11:

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

I would encourage you all to respond generously to God’s call, to support your churches, to build a new parish out of our current five locations, and to always grow in faith and in relationship with God.

Your prayers mean very much, and I am able to enter the future with confidence because of them. Know of my prayers for you all as well.

Yours in Christ, with Mary,
Fr. Henry Hoffmann