I love my Church - it is my place of refuge and haven of peace. I was married there, Christened my son there, sent him to it's Parochial School and he received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation there. I lead Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops affiliated with St. Banabas and currently teach fourth grade Catechism there. It is so intertwined in my life, I really cannot separate it from my being.
It is quite majestic, as seen in this post and it's beauty is attibuted to one glorious man, Father Peter Dooley (Father Peter as he is affectionatley called). He lead our Church for the last sixteen years. In that time he has brought me back into my religion like never before. My Parish was no longer stuffy or righteous. It allowed me to worship and belong with no qualms or inhibitions. It was like he opened a window and allowed a fresh breeze to blow through it.
He took all of us to his heart, he loved our school and loved his people.
Sadly, he was recently reassigned to another Church, as is the policy of the Diocese (we were lucky he stayed as long as he did - he received several "reprieves" and was able to stay on several times). His time was up and it was a sad day for my Parish. He will be greatly missed.
God Speed Father Peter.
1 comment:
Hi there Grace,
Thank you for visiting my blog. I see we're sisters with gray hair! *smile*
It sounds like Father Pete is a wonderful man and I know you'll miss him, but I also believe will bring another wonderful priest to your church.
Blessings!
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