Thank You to Maggie

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

I pray that you are blessed. As this virus continues to play havoc with our lives, and even the “new normal” doesn’t seem to be helping much, I hope that you and your loved ones continue to be safe and healthy. I encourage everyone to do all the practical things our medical experts are encouraging us to do, like social distancing and wearing face masks. Beyond that I believe we who place our hope in Dr. Jesus need to continue to pray for God’s protection and guidance.

I know a few priests who come into a new parish and without even getting to know them, fire the entire staff. I even know a few priests who after having been in a parish for several months have most of the staff quit. But even though there is always a bit of turbulence when the pastor is changed, most of the time things remain relatively the same once the dust settles. For me this time, even before I set foot in the state, I was informed that two of my staff would be retiring. Bob was the first and now Maggie has retired. Both of them were here for many years and left their mark on St. Alphonsus parish community.

Maggie has been here for 14 years. As I understand the story, when Pat Reagan became ill she courageously stepped forward to take over the Catechism program and has been running it ever since. Of course, she would insist that I mention Maureen and all of the teachers and assistants who worked with her. While her position had oversight over many programs, it was the Catechism program that was her main focus and of which she was most proud, and for good reason. When I first arrived at the parish I was very pleasantly surprised at the size and scope of this ministry. In most parishes these days, especially when there is a Catholic School in the mix, the Catechism program is usually very small to non-existent. In many places it is just focused on the Sacramental classes of Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. So I am very grateful for what Maggie, Maureen, the teachers, assistants and their predecessors have been able to accomplish. Passing on the faith to our children is so essential and it should be a quality program that is supported by the entire parish. Just one example: I was so delighted to see how eagerly the Confirmation Class, a group of teenagers, helped with the Senior Prom. They not only did it with enthusiasm, but with smiles on their faces.

ATTENTION MAGGIE! - DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH!!!

This past week Maggie had the staff and Redemptorists over to her house. In part, the gathering was a farewell to the seminarians, the first of which left this past Friday, but the staff had alternative plans as well. We also had a parting gift for her on behalf of the entire parish. (Since I am writing this before the party, I cannot say what it is.) We would have preferred to do something with the entire parish, but the social distancing restrictions are preventing us from doing so at the moment. However, we are planning something in the future. Since her ministry revolved primarily around children and teens, we want to be able to involve them in her farewell celebration. One idea on the table is to have an ice cream social in our parking lot, with a drive-by parade for those who do not feel up to joining us face-to-face. We have some other ideas, as well, and are of course open to others. At this point, we are asking anyone who was a student during Maggie’s tenure and who would like to be involved in any way, that they send an email to the office or to Maureen. We are also collecting stories if you have a favorite memory. Maggie is all about others, and so, I think what would be great would be to let her know how she impacted faith journey of so many parishioners here at St. Alphonsus.

In the Redeemer, Fr. Rick