Dear friends,

Peace be with you! I hope that this message finds you well.

I would prefer to be able to communicate this news to you in person at our weekend Masses as is typically done, but unfortunately with all of the current challenges that we are still working through and the need to let you know about this in a timely manner I am having to write to you instead. That said, I want to let you know that because of the needs of the entire diocese of Madison, and at the request of Bishop Hying, I will be leaving Blessed Trinity to begin a new assignment that will take effect the weekend of July 11/12 (my last weekend at Blessed Trinity will be July 4/5).

Most likely this news is not what you were expecting today, and I am sad to be leaving you. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Dane and Lodi, and Blessed Trinity – you! – will always hold a special place in my heart with this being my first pastorate. I am grateful to God for the past four years and for the many kindnesses that you have shown to me, for the ways that you have responded to my leadership, and for the love of Jesus Christ and His Church that I have been privileged to watch grow in your lives. Truly, I am thankful to God for all of you and for the many blessings of being here, and it will be difficult to say goodbye!

At the same time, however, I am also very happy for you! The priest who will be replacing me as your new pastor – Fr. Joseph Baker – is both a friend and a very good brother priest! Fr. Baker has been serving as Parochial Vicar of St. John Vianney Parish in Janesville for the past few years while also finishing up a program in bioethics. I spoke with Fr. Baker earlier this week and he expressed to me his excitement and enthusiasm at being assigned here. I am confident that Fr. Baker will do an excellent job – probably better than I have done, in fact! – and will continue to build upon all that is good here while also bringing his own gifts, talents, and insights to bear on the way that the good news of the Jesus Christ is lived and celebrated at Blessed Trinity!

In terms of my new assignment, I will become the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cross Plains. I will be replacing Fr. Thomas Kelley, who has served in this position for many years and who leaves very large shoes to fill. And so although I am sad to be leaving Blessed Trinity I am excited to meet the new staff and parishioners of St. Francis Xavier and I look forward to working with them, as I have with you, to continue to proclaim the hope and joy of Jesus’ resurrection to a world that desperately needs the Gospel!

I am sure that I will have much more to say about all of this in the days and weeks ahead. And, God-willing, we will have ample time to say goodbye to one another in person as we begin to open things back up. But, for now, I simply ask you to please pray for me and for Fr. Baker (and for all of the priests and parishes who will be experiencing a transition in the next few months!) and please continue to pursue holiness in your daily lives. This is the greatest gift that you can give to me…as well as to my successor!

Lastly, in very special way I want to thank all of our parish and school staff. Words cannot express how grateful I am to God for each and every one of you. Thank you for the ways that you have helped me over these past few years and thank you in advance for the ways that you will assist Fr. Baker going forward. You are each a blessing!

Let us continue to trust in God’s mysterious but unfailing providence. And may we always entrust ourselves to the love and mercy of Jesus, through Mary:

With my sincere affection and appreciation,

Fr. Scott