I wanted to let you know that I have sent a letter to Archbishop Hebda requesting my retirement from the Diaconate effective December 31, 2024. There is never a perfect time for such things, but I feel that this is a good time. With Fr John continuing at St Pascal's for another 6 years there will be a nice continuity for a new Deacon to transition into the flow of this wonderful community. My decision to retire has been something I have been feeling God calling me to for a couple of years, and until now something was holding me back.
This decision has its basis in many areas, and it has been apparent as Julie and I move deeper into retired life (family, travel, winters away, and downsizing) it gets harder and harder to dedicate the time and commit to longer-term ministry opportunities. The community of St Pascal’s deserves to have a Deacon who can commit more time to serving the community. When I felt God's call to the Diaconate it was serving the poor and homeless that stirred that call. Over the last few years, I have felt the call to serve the homeless come back strongly, but have felt God's prompting in prayer that I need to let go of parish ministry to venture out. My 22 years of parish ministry have been a source of blessing, and the support I received over those years from the communities of St Pascal's and St Thomas the Apostle (Blessed Sacrament) has been wonderful. The staff at both parishes have been a joy to work with and another blessing. Starting with Fr Tony Andrade and continuing with Fr Michael Byron and Fr John the priests I have worked with over the years have been very supportive of Diaconate ministry and another source of joy and blessing.
From my retirement experience at 3M, it is the appropriate time when you push the button or send the letter for retirement and you feel at peace with the decision. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me in the future because as we know one is never done being a disciple of Jesus.
It has been a joy and privilege to serve the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis and most especially the people of God who have taught me so much about being a servant of Christ. Thank you!!!!
Peace, Love, and Blessings
Deacon Richard
Comments
Marge ArneyPosted on 8/04/24
Thank you for your many years of service at St. Pascals, Rich! I wish you the best going forward with all your future plans. God will show you the way, as always, to continue to share your many talents and skills. I hope to continue seeing you and Julie in the pew at 4:30 Masses most weekends.
Jeanette TeetersPosted on 7/26/24
Thank you Rich for all you have done at St. Thomas and St. Pascals. It has always been great to have you and Julie at masses. Your homilies have always been instructive. We will miss you but have a wonderful retirement.
Toni & Dennis BehlingPosted on 7/25/24
Deacon Rich, we have been abundantly blessed through your ministry! Your homilies are thought provoking, and what a good thing that is. You lead by example. You always walk the talk. Many have benefited from your
22 yrs of dedicated service. We are so blessed to have your presence in our lives.
Enjoy more time with Julie doing the things that bring you joy. And keep listening to God's whisper of new places to share your talents, gifts and faith among those who need you.
Thank you and God bless. Toni & Dennis
Sue KrebsbachPosted on 7/25/24
Thank you, Rich, for all you have done!
Mary HuettlPosted on 7/25/24
Oh no!!!!! I am so happy for you and so sad for us (me in particular). I think you are absolutely wonderful and don’t believe we could find anyone to take your place. Thank you for all you have done, all you have been and God bless you in your decision