While we have time, let us do good!

St Francis is attributed with saying: “while we have time, let us do good!” I would hope that almost six years after arriving here in Above Rocks, we have been able to “some good?” Everything comes full circle. On the evening of August 16^th, 2005 we gathered here to celebrate Eucharist. Present at that “first mass” were: Fr Mike, Scheppy, Marc, Miss Lewis, Sr Claudette, Patrick Murphy, Mama “G”, Sr Jude, Fr Joe, Vernon, Mrs Brown, Chrisma and myself . . . today we gather around this same altar, to celebrate Eucharist, with the faith communities of: Holy Family, Cassava River, Our Lady of Lourdes, Rock Hall, St Mary’s, Above Rocks, and Sacred Hearts, Pinto.

When we arrived Msgr Albert gave us two charges: give the people good Liturgy and take back those schools. In his initial directives he went on: (1) stop the hand out mentality and preach stewardship and (2) encourage evangelization and catechesis.

We, the Friars: here present and those who have come and gone, committed ourselves to good liturgy, taking back the schools, mechanisms for charity, evangelization and catechesis. For the past six years we have made it a point to have this church open daily, and that the Sunday celebration of Eucharist is central to the life of the Mission. We have committed our selves to weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for over five years – and this past Tuesday we gathered one last time for praise and worship, evening prayer and benediction.

We, the friars, have committed ourselves to taking back the schools – a return to some sense of order, good principals, weekly Mass and regular participation in school devotions, meetings and functions. We have made strides, BUT, we are far from finished in this area.

We, the friars, have tried to bring order to chaos and dignity to charity. We have preached, encouraged and participated in every evangelization effort that the vicariate or archdiocese has offered. We have supported, re tooled, and tried many avenues for effective Sunday School and sacramental catechesis.

I bring up these few points not to pat ourselves on our backs, but to encourage you . . . let you hear what the objectives were, and let the long term effects be the evaluation of our six years here.

Yes it breaks our hearts to be leaving – but as a seasoned missionary shared with me: the six years have prepared you for something Michael, and at the same time it has prepared the people of God for something. I don’t know what it is . . . You may or may not know what it is . . . and only time will tell.

Today after we depart – actually as of now, Tennessee Lewis, our own 10-A-C, is the Parish Manager. Tennessee will be the day-to-day, go to man until a permanent pastor or archdiocesan administrator is appointed. Tennessee will serve as the link with the chancery – but please, please do not take advantage of his nice side: he has no authority to give land, allow use of, lend out, etc… yes, he will make sure the auditorium is available: opened and closed when necessary. But that’s about it.

Lest we be remiss, and at the danger of omitting someone by name, suffice to say we owe a debt of thanks to many people who “while we have had time” have helped us to do good. Each of you know in your heart who you are – to each of you we say thanks! To those who have been somehow slighted or hurt – lest anyone have a heavy heart – we offer apologies and beg your forgiveness.

As we said from the first time we announced our departure – please do not honor us with gifts and praises, but honor us with continuing the charge that we have tried to do these past six years: work for good Sunday Celebrations . . . keep the schools under the Archdiocese – Catholic! . . . offer charity to those who are in need. . . continue to evangelize. . . and re-start Sunday School come September.

This is the gift we desire, a gift that keeps on giving. For as St Francis ends his testament: “I have done my part; may the Lord teach you yours!” AMEN!