Fr. Pastor asked me to write a letter to our parishioners to be included in this weekend's bulletin. Here it is:
Dear Parishioners,
Last fall the Order asked me to consider applying to Boston College to pursue the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology. I made the application, have been accepted, and will begin studies there this fall. Over the course of the month of July I will be making the transition back to full-time study and my new home at St. Francis Friary in Boston. I hope that in my last couple of months with you I have the chance to thank each of you personally for your encouragement and support these past three years. It was a special privilege to be ordained priest in the course of my assignment here, and my priesthood will always belong to you in a special way. As I enter into this transition and a new set of challenges, I will take encouragement from the knowledge of the prayers and good example of the people of Sacred Heart who have been so good to me.
Best wishes to you as you undertake your studies!
ReplyDeletebest wishes from me, too, Fr. C! we'll miss you at Sacred Heart. i can't speak for anyone else in the parish but myself, but i'm sure i'm not alone in saying that you have been an inspiration and very encouraging to us and a great example. it has been an honor to serve at Masses with you. it has been fun to share in so many parish celebrations and events with you. even though you will be greatly missed, the Capuchins have a special charism and i know that we will have someone who will be good for the parish. no one can ever "replace" you, Fr. C, but i will warmly welcome whoever comes after you leave - it's a transition for the Friar who will come to the parish, too, so it's important to be welcoming and encouraging to anyone who is new to the parish, so matter who it is. PAX! ~tara t~
ReplyDeleteWishing you well and may God continue to bless you abundantly! Cathy
ReplyDeleteMore studies...aggg..beter you than me brother, but I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeletegood luck with that brother! Hope you do well!
ReplyDeleteMichael King
Congratulations for the honor.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your obedient acceptance is pleasing to God and reminds me of St. maximilian Kobe's words in the breviary for his feast.
In any case, if I may I be so presumptuous, I'd recommend that you begin now by immersing yourself in St. Bonaventure or Bl. John Duns Scotus. I fear many courses at BC will not square with sound doctrine. If you already have a reputation of being "conservative," they may be intolerant. However, dissenters are often more amicable to those who know well a particular theologian's argumentation on particular issues.
Thank you, everyone, for your kind wishes and confidence!
ReplyDeleteViator: The best parts of my licentiate were from St. Bonaventure, so I hope to continue in that direction.