I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith…The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed…(2 Tim 4).

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, we hear from St. Paul.  These words of farewell can’t help but make me think of this week.  This week is bookended by farewells.  Last weekend, Fr. Fred Pausche, my pastor from my first assignment at St. Gabriel’s in Concord, retired.  He served as pastor there for 35 years and has served as a priest for 48 years.  He had a beautiful farewell celebration Saturday evening and preached a wonderful homily at every Mass.  Fr. Fred was always kind, gentle and hands-off in the sense that he wanted to empower you and not hinder you in your work of building up the kingdom of God.  They say you become like your first pastor.  If I can live his kindness and gentleness, I will be blessed indeed!  Thank you, Fr. Fred!

This coming weekend, I will be attending the retirement celebration and Mass of farewell for my uncle, Fr. David Merzweiler, who is the pastor of St. Mary and Joseph in Newton Falls as well as Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, which is comprised of St. Catherine in Lake Milton and St. James in North Jackson.  He has served there since 1989 and has been a priest for 48 years.  I am very grateful for my uncle Father who baptized me, gave me my First Communion, vested me at ordination, and supported me along the way.  Thank you, Uncle Fr. Dave!

I share all of this for two reasons.  Pray for these two pastors as they enter retirement.  But also use this as a time to stop and reflect on where you are at in life.  If you are retiring or moving into a new phase of life, remember the words of our Bishop Malesic in his pastoral letter…“I would like each and every Catholic in the Diocese of Cleveland to be able to identify his or her mission of service in the world…Each of you must identify a concrete mission, a place where you have been commissioned by the Lord to take His love through service to those in need.”  Be open to what God is calling you do to today and in the days to come.

Peace,
Fr. Jeremy

PS There is a golf outing this year!  July 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Mayfair Country Club.  Check the website or bulletin and support our school’s Athletic Department.  Thanks!