Remarks before the Dismissal
August 30, 2003
Christ our King and Savior, Greensboro
Dear Friends in Christ,
St. Paul teaches us, in his first letter to the Corinthians, that our God "is a God of peace, and not disorder."
I know that for many of you, the past few years here at Christ the King and Savior have at times seemed a little disorderly, especially considering the number of pastors you have had in just a few years. With all my heart, I understand and regret what you have been through, but in a church that is growing so fast, filled with the dynamic energy brought by the Holy Spirit to North Georgia, it has not always been possible for me to leave men in place for long periods.
But I would ask today that you remember two things especially:
First, that this type of sacrifice is something that God has asked not just of you, but of good parishioners all over the Archdiocese. It is not easy to learn to love a pastor, and then to see him sent elsewhere. But here in Georgia, we are still in many ways, a missionary country, and I must often make moves, not based on what I would like to do, but based on numerical necessity – a very difficult process of spreading the numbers of priests I have, which is very limited, among an ever-growing Catholic population;
And the second thing I ask you to remember is this – no matter who I must send from place to place, I am completely trustful and confident that the priests who serve us here in the Archdiocese, are all generous of heart, and tireless in what they desire to give to the People of God, to the Church.
This is certainly true of Father Fernando, who comes to you with every hope of being a good pastor and a good friend, and of being able to take care of your spiritual needs. He does this, firmly believing in his own vocation, firmly believing, that through his ministry, Christ will lead and teach, comfort and console, and inspire you all.
I ask that in return for what Father Fernando brings, you return to him all the support of which I know you are capable, support which has been shown time and time again in the accomplishments of this parish since its establishment in 1996, and in the help which you have given to each of your former pastors.
Dear friends, may the Holy Spirit give us all guidance, so that our hearts will be filled with His love, for one another, and especially for those who serve us as parish priests. And may the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ, our King and our Savior, teach us all those virtues she lived perfectly – patience, obedience, and undying hope.
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