Dear Parishioners,
On May 16, 2010 I celebrated my 23rd anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. It has given me the opportunity to reflect on the Ministerial Priesthood, on my current assignments and on the many people who have touched my life in the process.
On the underside of my personal chalice I had the following inscribed: Lord bless all those who have brought me to and keep me at your altar. Every day when I approach the altar I bring my people (you!) to it.
The Letter to the Hebrews tells us: “Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. . .” (Heb. 8:3) As I offer the sacrifice of the Mass each day I realize that I am not worthy of this great gift that was bestowed upon me. I ponder constantly why God called me, why did He place me where I am right now, and why are certain people in my life right now. I trust that God in his infinite wisdom knows the answers.
I shared with a brother priest not long ago that if I had to do it all over again I would. I love being a priest and I will be eternally grateful to God for this magnificent gift.
Have there been difficulties? Most certainly there have been and still are. Yet I will attempt to stick to this principle until the day I die: The relationship is always more important than any issue.
Yet when I reflect on the many good, holy people who try to be Christ-like and charitable, loving and kind, merciful and forgiving, these far outweigh all others.
Thank you for your continued prayers and loving support. In my human weakness with all of my sins, faults and failings, as a priest who acts in persona Christi, I promise to continue to love you, my spouse, the Church.
Thank you for loving me.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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