“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!”
This responsorial psalm speaks to my hope as I say good-bye to you. The year has gone very quickly, yet we have formed a strong friendship. God has certainly surprised me with the blessings I received at St. Francis Solanus.
I hope you know how much I have loved being with you in the parish and the school. From the day of my arrival, I have been made to feel welcome. Now as I take my leave, I know that you are sending me with your prayers and well wishes, and I thank you!
Special thanks to 7 Sisters ministry that has someone volunteering to pray for each priest daily – all day. Thank you Fr. Arisman for bringing me to St. Francis and for allowing me to cover during your illness. May God bless you as you continue to pastor this wonderful parish.
I also thank Fr. Ken for his willingness to work with me, as we were both new to parish life and shepherding the people of God. To Deacons Wayne and Dennis, I express my gratitude in being able to work with you in your ministry as Deacons. You have both been a great help to me in my first year as a priest, and I am thankful for your eagerness to serve the church.
To all the staff of the parish and school – you are the best! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the team and to provide the best for our parishioners and students.
To all the organizations: Austin’s Army, Food Pantry, Ladies of St. Francis, Holy Name Society, Quilters, Knights of Columbus, Funeral Dinner, as well as the many prayer groups, OCIA, PSR, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, secular Carmelites and Franciscans, and everyone who comes to this beautiful church to pray – may God continue to bless all of your efforts to live out the message of the Gospel.
I hope that those reading this will be inspired to find a group to join on their journey of faith.
Last but certainly not least is everyone who makes this such a beautiful place of worship: our servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers, choir, along with the liturgy committee, pastoral committee, and finance committee – you are the backbone of this parish. Often unnoticed, but your support and diligence makes it all possible.
THANK YOU ALL!
As I move to Holy Family in Decatur, I take the experience and confidence that you have given me. I ask for your continued prayers, and know that I will be praying for you. Please feel welcome to stop by and see the parish, which has had some renovations made over the past few months.
My address will be 2400 S. Franklin Street Rd., Decatur, IL 62521.
As you know, my wife’s name was Joy, so let us all cry out to God with joy!
In Christ,
Fr. Scott
