Transitions

1 Jul

“A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.” ~ Nikki Giovanni

This is a “big” weekend for several of the priests in our diocese as this is the weekend that begins assignment changes. Yesterday, Saturday, June 30th, Fr. Jordan celebrated the 8:30 a.m. Mass, his last Mass at the parish. After that, his assignment at St. Thomas More was officially completed and he left for his parents home as he awaits his move to the novitiate with the Dominicans.  Kindly keep him in your prayers.

Today, Sunday, July 1st, begins the assignment for our resident priest, Fr. Andrew Corona.  He was the pastor of Nativity of Our Savior in Portage when he had to take time off due to medical issues.  Now that he is “on the mend,” he is able to return to somewhat limited duty.  He has been assigned to our parish as a resident and will be responsible for sacramental help.  He will be taking daily and weekend Masses and, beyond that, helping out as his schedule and his health allows.  Kindly keep him in your prayers as he continues his journey to health.

In many ways, our “young pup”, Fr. Jordan, and our “seasoned traveler”, Fr. Andrew, are going through the exact same thing: a transition.  They are leaving behind something that was very predictable and moving forward into the unpredictable.  They both know that the changes they are making will require the grace that comes from God.

In our lives, we make many moves, many changes.  When we do so, we find that our entire lives become affected by those changes.  We might find our prayer life affected and that can rattle us.  We might find our relationships with others affected and that can throw us off kilter.  Yet, with every step we make into our new lives, we become more confident and secure.  Until the next change.  And the next.

Yes, life is full of changes.  Without change, life would be incredibly boring.  The changes may cause a bit of tension or even distress.  But, as we go through the changes, we find new depth, new dimension in our lives.  Embrace the change that comes to us.  It is a means of growth.

FAITH ACTION:  Please pray for all the priests of the Diocese of Gary who begin their new assignments this weekend.