Dear Saint Bernadette Parishioners,
I have an important announcement concerning my military ministry.
As you know I serve in the Kentucky Air Guard as a chaplain for our military. It is an honor to do so, and I am grateful to Archbishop Kurtz and the Saint Bernadette community for affording me the opportunity. Since my arrival as your pastor three years ago I have been preparing our parish structures, staff, and procedures to accommodate the possibility of my being tasked by the military for extended tours of active duty. Such a tasking is now upon us, but we are ready.
I am being activated to serve as a replacement for an active-duty priest serving in England who himself has gotten orders for a tour of duty elsewhere in our war efforts. My orders will have me serving from mid-August 2019 till mid-January 2020 (five months).
To assist Fr. Brandon in his pastoral care of our mission and services in my absence I have secured the assistance of Fr. Pepper Elliott, the newly retired pastor of St. Dominic in Springfield, KY. Fr. Pepper will assist Fr. Brandon with his wisdom and experience as he takes up residence in my rectory quarters during my deployment. Fr. Brandon will also be assisted by our excellent staff who will continue to bring their talents to bear in their various areas of service. Because of all of this I foresee no change in our parish mission or its spiritual rhythm during my military service.
Our Kentucky Guard members regularly are called upon to support the larger mission of our military around the world, and their families and employers share this burden. My orders will now join Saint Bernadette in this sacrifice so as to support our troops in harm’s way. I ask for your continued prayers and know of mine for you.
Sincerely, Fr. Jeff