For some of us of a certain generation, we watched and remember the Carol Burnett show. At the end of her show she sang “I’m so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh and sing a song.” That’s what I feel as I say good bye to you, my community of 20 years. Our time together was filled with too many moments, celebrations, and seasons to recount them all—though they fill my thoughts at the most unsuspected times and will visit me from my memories often. In that time together, you let me into your lives in so many ways, all of them privileged times—Sunday worship, laughs and sorrows, your homes, and your hearts. Thank you for entrusting me with your liturgy, a gift from the Church that I hope sustains you, and that you find peace with God and unexplainable joy in receiving Jesus.
We sang a song for sure—many in praise and thanksgiving. With this same gratitude, I thank you for all you have done for me, often times without being aware of what your prayers and presence meant at the time. I have experienced joys and trials in ministry and in my family with you to share and lift me up. My dear friend in faith reminded me that God tells us in scripture to rejoice in all things. I responded, of course I do, for God has given me many blessings of joy. She looked at me lovingly and said, “no, not just your joys, but your trials, too.”
Again, that’s how I leave you, the people of St. Hubert, with joy and sadness—those I know well, those I know without even knowing your name. Every one of you has mattered in my ministry and shaped me in serving God in this part of the vineyard. I hold precious my departed coworkers, yet who have left a lasting mark on my life and ministry: Deacon Tom Hayden,
Lila Hayden, Linda Wittich, Mary Scheiber, Pat Jaeger. I pray you are enjoying the heavenly banquet.
A lesser known verse of Carol’s song is a lyric of the second verse “a time you put aside for dreamin’ and a time for things you have to do.” It is time for new beginnings, for me and for you. I am retiring with my husband, Kelly, to our home in Florida. Though a very different way of living, I look forward to whatever God has in store for us, ready to give thanks for both joys and trials together. We have wonderful neighbors and a good parish, St. John XXIII…how’s that parish name for a liturgist! I have been assured by another friend of faith that “God and good people are everywhere.”
You, too, my dear friends, are facing changes—a new pastor, principal and assistant, and eventually a new liturgy coordinator. All will be well for I have witnessed you navigate the curved path God has given you in the past 20 years. Be assured of my prayers for you and pray for me.
If you find yourself recalling a moment in time we had together or want me to pray for your need, I welcome your notes and email messages. Here is my email:
ycassa0223@yahoo.com