At this point most people are aware that I am to be moved from Our Lady of Joy and reassigned to St John Neumann as of Nov 24. Many people have been shocked by the sudden change, but many are suppportive, and that is what is called for.
I look forward to the possibilities of a new parish, but it never lessens the feelings of loss and grief over leaving a parish that has loved and cared for me. I realize that many of you look at it and only see something bad. Well, maybe you need to read this:
Good or Bad?
When the farmer's horse ran away, his neighbor came to console him. "That was a bad thing that happened to you!" he said. But the farmer's answer was, "Who knows what is good or bad?" The next day the horse returned, but not alone; he brought with him a whole herd of wild horses. And the neighbor hurried this time to congratulate his friend. "This is a good thing that happened to you!" Again he answered, "Who knows what is good or bad?" The next day, the farmer's son mounted one of the wild horses to break it in, but he was promptly thrown and broke his leg. Again the neighbor came, this time to say, "That was a bad thing that happened to you!" And again the answer was, "Who knows what is good or bad?" The fourth day after the accident, the imperial army came to recruit his son for the army, but after seeing his injury they did not take him. Again came the neighbor with congratulations, and again the farmer's answer, "Who knows what is good or bad?"
I leave but do not really go that far. I would appreciate your prayers for both Our Lady of Joy and St John Neumann. Nobody is fond of change, yet daily we are thrust into new situations, and we are challenged to focus on the possibilities of New Life: Resurrection!
