Dear Parishioners,
I think that you are probably wondering why I am being
transferred after only three years as pastor at Holy Angels Parish. Let me fill you in with the details.
Approximately three weeks ago, Bishop Sullivan requested me to come and meet with him at his residence. When I talked with him, he asked me to become pastor at St. Thomas More Church in
Cherry Hill, NJ. Needless to say, I was
shocked. I had not requested a
change or put in for a transfer. I was
in the midst of a number of projects, including the move to a new parish office
building across the street from St. Patrick Church and the rectory.
I asked Bishop Sullivan if I could pray about the situation he
had proposed and I would then present any objections that I could think of for
his consideration. This I did. He then asked if he could take my objections
and concerns to prayer himself. When we
met again, he still requested that I make the move.
One of the bishop’s major concerns was my health and
well-being. He knew that I had a heart
attack a few months after arriving here.
Moreover, there is considerable responsibility (and stress) attached to
this parish, including three worship locations and eight Masses each weekend,
the operation of a school, numerous facilities for the elderly, etc. He said the assignment I would be going to
would reduce the stress in my life. He
thought that it was in my best interest to go.
That night, I went before the Blessed Sacrament
telling the Lord that I wanted to do whatever He wants. Obviously, I was going to be changed and if
He did not want this to happen, then He would have to do something to prevent
it from happening.
Initially, I was upset by the sudden change. Again, I did not ask for it nor did I expect
it. However, I am at peace knowing that
I took it to prayer and told the Lord that I would do whatever He wanted.
You have heard me preach about the brevity of our lives here
on this earth. While I genuinely love
and grow fond of the people whom I am asked to be a pastor over, I know that
nothing lasts forever in this world.
Change comes to us all at one time or another. I am simply grateful for the time (albeit brief)
that I have been given at Holy Angels Parish.
For the next few weeks, I will try to absorb and reflect on
the many blessings I have received while I was here. Hopefully, I contributed a little to your
spiritual growth and well-being. I know
my experience here has had a profound impact on my life as a priest. I am most grateful to God and to you for my
time here.
May we continue to pray for each other and support one
another.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Well Father you will be missed. You brought talent, intelligence and creativity to our parish. You as captain of this ship steered us trough troubled waters. Thank you so much for what you accomplished.
ReplyDeleteVivat Jesus,
Gerald O’Hare GK
Council 1994
Fr. Ed, you will be sorely missed. When we informed that we were going to have a new pastor, we prayed for a shepherd who showed a deep love for the Lord and a teacher. We certainly received a wonderful answer! You will continued to be in my prayers and lucky are your new sheep! Keep us in prayer along with Fr. Joe and the remaining crew!
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