A warm welcome to all of the guests who are joining us this week for our Strawberry Festival. Thank you for your support. Enjoy!
This is my last weekend at St. Isidore as my retirement begins this Tuesday. When Msgr. Mike Hrydziuszko announced, in August of 2012, that he was accepting a new assignment, my two sisters and a few cousins who have been longtime members of the parish encouraged me to “put in” to come here. They love our parish and knew that I would too. They were correct! These last fourteen years have been wonderful blessings for me.
I am very grateful to our parish staff, countless volunteers, ministry leaders, and everyone who shared their time and gifts so selflessly. Thank you for your support, your encouragement, your patience, and your prayers. You have blessed me in countless ways. Your faith, generosity, kindness, and willingness to serve have made this community a beautiful reflection of Christ. Together, we have accomplished much, but every success has been the result of many hands, generous hearts, and God’s abundant grace.
Priests in our archdiocese can retire at age 70. I stayed on for five additional years because of my love for this parish and for parish ministry. It is very difficult leaving the parish, but it’s time. I cannot keep up anymore.
I am confident that St. Isidore will continue to be a welcoming, vital parish, continuing strong outreach to those in need and joyful worship. I am confident that you will be very well ministered to by Fr. John Bettin. He is a great fit for our parish, as he is very down to earth, friendly, and a very good preacher. Please give him a warm welcome!
My ministry won’t be ending, just slowing down. I will be living in an apartment owned by St. Joan of Arc Parish in St. Clair Shores and helping them when needed.
Let’s continue to pray for each other!
Love you!
