Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since I made the announcement two weeks ago about my new assignment as Vicar for Young Adults in the Diocese of Bridgeport, I have been on the receiving end of so many very kind notes, emails, and congratulatory messages. Please know of my gratitude for each and every one of them. In conversations with many people, I’ve also started to realize that it might be helpful for me to provide a little bit more information. So here are a few answers to the questions I have most frequently answered.

• I do not know where I am going to live. In the Diocese of Bridgeport, we have a policy that when a pastor’s term ends, he moves out of the parish. This gives the new pastor, the parish, and the former pastor needed space to grow and adjust. It’s a very sensible rule. I promise that as soon as I know my new residence – which will be in Fairfield County – I will share it with you.
• Yes, my dog Duke will come with me. Don’t worry.
• The scope of my new ministry is the spectrum of young adult years and experiences, starting with our college-aged young men and women, and accompanying them through their early careers, vocational discernment, marriage preparation, and early married and family life.
• Bishop Caggiano asked me to consider this role in December, and very graciously gave me time to discern it in prayer. That period of discernment convinced me that the Bishop’s request was both a wise idea for the immediate and future needs of the Diocese and a manifestation of God’s will for me personally.
• I am excited about the new role, as it presents many opportunities for creative ministry and missionary activity.
• I am immensely sad to leave St. Pius X this summer. Seeing those words typed out does not adequately convey the depth of feeling I have, but for now it will have to suffice.

In the time leading up to my departure – call it my Lame Duck Era – and at the risk of turning the parish bulletin into my own personal gratitude journal, I would like to use this space to reflect on the years that I have spent here, the gift that this parish has been to me, the areas of parish life where I have been edified to see growth, the things we have accomplished together, and the things still to be done which will be left in Fr. Brendan’s very capable hands. I will also share my hopes for the future of the parish and offer some ideas about making the transition in a way that respects our shared history, maintains the relationships we have formed, and allows us to say goodbye the right way. For now, I hope that what I have shared above is helpful. I am happy to tell you more and answer any questions you have. And most of all, I am profoundly grateful to God for the privilege of being pastor to this beautiful parish.

Peace,

Fr. Sam