Dear Friends at Saint Joseph’s
As many of you know, I spent the better part of June at our Dominican Provincial Chapter. Held once every four years, this is the gathering where we elect our Prior Provincial, discern the needs of the Province, and write the legislation that helps to govern our Dominican life. It’s also a time when many of us are asked to take on new responsibilities and ministries within the Province. And so I’m writing you today with the unhappy news that I am receiving a new assignment.
Given the important mission needs of Providence College at this time, the Provincial and the College’s leadership decided that it was necessary to ask me to leave St Joseph’s and return to PC. I’ve been appointed Vice President for Mission and Ministry and it’ll be my responsibility to oversee the preservation and enhancement of the distinctive Catholic and Dominican heritage in all facets of the academic and social life of the College community.
Unfortunately, this means that I’ll be concluding my service here at Saint Joseph’s on Sunday, July 22. I recognize that this is a very short time for a transition, but that date was chosen in light of the rapidly approaching school year and the need to have a couple of weeks of preparation for my new ministry.
There are a few things that I want to note here concerning this reassignment. First, please know that my heart is torn in two by this news. While this new ministry is not something that I sought and will surely be exceptionally difficult, I’m nevertheless looking forward to the challenge and excited for the opportunity to contribute to the life of my alma mater where I fell in love with the Lord and first heard Him saying, “Follow me.” But I’m also deeply saddened to be called away from this community that I have grown to love over the past two-and-a-half years. Saint Joseph’s is a special place and I’m grateful to God for the time that I’ve spent here and for the good people I’ve come to know and love.
Second, adding to my sadness is the recognition that this is a pretty lousy time to leave Saint Joseph’s. As we all know, it takes time for a pastor to settle into a parish community. You’ve made an investment in getting to know me and allowing me the privilege of getting to know you and your families over these last few years and now our time together is ending in an abrupt and unanticipated way. Please accept my heartfelt apologies for whatever disturbance my move might cause in the life of the parish.
Third, I want to let you know that our Prior Provincial knows and appreciates what an extraordinary community Saint Joseph’s is. He’s currently engaged in discussions with Cardinal Dolan to identify a wonderful new pastor for the parish and it’s our strong hope that the appointment will be made very soon.
Finally, while I hope to have a chance to speak to many of you personally over the next couple of weeks, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. It’s been an honor to serve as your pastor, however briefly. I will cherish the memory of these years at Saint Joseph’s in my heart and promise to keep you in my prayers during this time of transition and in all the months and years to come. Please pray for me too.
In Christ,
Father James
As many of you know, I spent the better part of June at our Dominican Provincial Chapter. Held once every four years, this is the gathering where we elect our Prior Provincial, discern the needs of the Province, and write the legislation that helps to govern our Dominican life. It’s also a time when many of us are asked to take on new responsibilities and ministries within the Province. And so I’m writing you today with the unhappy news that I am receiving a new assignment.
Given the important mission needs of Providence College at this time, the Provincial and the College’s leadership decided that it was necessary to ask me to leave St Joseph’s and return to PC. I’ve been appointed Vice President for Mission and Ministry and it’ll be my responsibility to oversee the preservation and enhancement of the distinctive Catholic and Dominican heritage in all facets of the academic and social life of the College community.
Unfortunately, this means that I’ll be concluding my service here at Saint Joseph’s on Sunday, July 22. I recognize that this is a very short time for a transition, but that date was chosen in light of the rapidly approaching school year and the need to have a couple of weeks of preparation for my new ministry.
There are a few things that I want to note here concerning this reassignment. First, please know that my heart is torn in two by this news. While this new ministry is not something that I sought and will surely be exceptionally difficult, I’m nevertheless looking forward to the challenge and excited for the opportunity to contribute to the life of my alma mater where I fell in love with the Lord and first heard Him saying, “Follow me.” But I’m also deeply saddened to be called away from this community that I have grown to love over the past two-and-a-half years. Saint Joseph’s is a special place and I’m grateful to God for the time that I’ve spent here and for the good people I’ve come to know and love.
Second, adding to my sadness is the recognition that this is a pretty lousy time to leave Saint Joseph’s. As we all know, it takes time for a pastor to settle into a parish community. You’ve made an investment in getting to know me and allowing me the privilege of getting to know you and your families over these last few years and now our time together is ending in an abrupt and unanticipated way. Please accept my heartfelt apologies for whatever disturbance my move might cause in the life of the parish.
Third, I want to let you know that our Prior Provincial knows and appreciates what an extraordinary community Saint Joseph’s is. He’s currently engaged in discussions with Cardinal Dolan to identify a wonderful new pastor for the parish and it’s our strong hope that the appointment will be made very soon.
Finally, while I hope to have a chance to speak to many of you personally over the next couple of weeks, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. It’s been an honor to serve as your pastor, however briefly. I will cherish the memory of these years at Saint Joseph’s in my heart and promise to keep you in my prayers during this time of transition and in all the months and years to come. Please pray for me too.
In Christ,
Father James