Today it is so clear that the Holy Spirit is moving us in a new direction as an Archdiocese, as parishes, and as individuals! Let’s
just look at the last three years. In 2014 the entire Archdiocese began to pray for a new Pentecost. In 2015-2016 there were missions
held all over the AOD in order to help folks encounter Jesus in a new, more profound way. In April 2016, representatives from all 3 parishes in our cluster attended the Amazing Parish Conference at the Ren Cen. In November, there was Synod 16, a historic event which gathered
clergy and laity to pray, listen, and speak about the new life God wants for us. Let’s not forget what happened to us personally.
Three parishes became one and St. Moses the Black was created. Our Lady of the Rosary joined the cluster, and then less than 2 years
ago I became your pastor.
Whew! The Holy Spirit has truly had us moving and shaking. Often our first reaction to any sort of change can be resistance and
even anger. To help us, let’s not forget that the Holy Spirit’s goal for us is nothing less than a radical overhaul of the Church in Detroit. As
the Archbishop puts it, “a complete reversal of our focus from being an inward, maintenance-focused church to an outward, missionfocused
church.”
Two weeks ago at St. Moses, we had a wonderful town hall gathering. We decided to CHANGE! We collectively decided that no
matter what the challenges we face, we will thrive and be active. We will not sit back and wait, but embrace our role as Disciples of Jesus.
We decided that we are going to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. We are going to grow in hospitality, invite people to join us in our mission, and
actively call upon and listen to the Holy Spirit. There are NO bystanders. We are survivors and we are fighters. Jesus is real and the
Church He guides is real. Our plan is the Holy Spirit’s plan.
Change continues and it is happening this weekend. I have to say goodbye to pastoring at Our Lady of the Rosary. You at OLR
are asked to embrace the change, to thrive and be active. I want to thank all of you from OLR who welcomed me and challenged me.
You challenged me to change, thrive and be active in new ways! I have grown as a priest and pastor as I journeyed with you these last
two years. Being in a cluster means having to divide my time and energy, so I was not able to accomplish all that I wanted. Regardless, I
hope that my gifts had a positive impact on you as a parish and as individuals. Please know that I tried my best and I ask you to forgive
me for my mistakes I made. Please pray for me and Fr. Patrick, and come visit us! Be assured of our continued prayers for all of you.
As you welcome the Oratory and a new pastor, I would bet that the Holy Spirit will continue to stretch you. Please welcome
these good men; PRAY, PRAY, PRAY; and follow the plan of the Holy Spirit. Following the will of God isn’t always easy, but He will always
be with us and He will always bless us!
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.