Dear Parishioners,
At the beginning of our journey in this next phase of life as Parish and Pastor, I want to reflect on what is in my heart concerning: Transition—Change—Challenges—Trust—Divine Providence. Just a few weeks ago it seemed that I would live out my days as a priest in Forks. I was surprised when Archbishop Sartain informed me that will I be made pastor of St. Anne and St. Thomas and also of the Catholic Parishes of Western Grays Harbor.
This is challenging and perhaps presents a crisis in faith in our relationship with the Church. After receiving the news, my heart was unquiet. The only person I could talk to was my mentor Fr. Jim Lee of St. Michael’s in Olympia. I could not reach him on his day off. So, I did what any guy does in a difficult moment: I went to Cabela’s to “shop” just walking around looking at stuff and the animals. I didn’t go to spend money, but to look around, as my emotions settled. I talked with Fr. Jim about feeling inadequate and how it will work to provide pastoral care for seven communities with two priests to assist me.
I know when unexpected change comes the way forward is cloudy, our emotions and faith are put to the test. A few days later, I was thinking about what it must have been like for the teenage Virgin Mary to hear unexpected news and how she responded. Like any of us, she was confused and then gave her consent trusting in God and his goodness. That is my experience, when I cannot see the way forward and have to trust God’s plan is for my good and the good of our parishes.
All of us are going through the emotional upset of unexpected change. I invite you to join me in prayer as we go through the process of transition. We must place our faith and trust in the only source of peace and joy: the knowledge that God loves us and provides the grace we need. We may be tempted to feel angry, to lose hope, and to doubt the love of God and our Church for our communities on the fringes of the archdiocese. Open your hearts in trust to Jesus, the Divine Mercy, who is asking us to expand our hearts, our trust, and our love. I am in daily prayer for each of you as we walk this path. Be assured of my prayers and my love. I will be coming to St. Anne and St. Thomas monthly. Please consider how you may be called to greater participation in this new pastoral plan.
Your servant in Christ, Fr. Paul