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A Word From the Associate&
Thank You!
With both sadness and great joy, I announce to you that Archbishop Harry Flynn has asked me to take on a new role as Pastor of St. Michael's Catholic Church in St. Michael, Minnesota. The transition will probably take place sometime between June 18th and early July. I will be grieving the loss of established relationships here at St. John's . . . as well as my new office space and furniture (smile). I thank you with all my heart, for the love, encouragement and patience you shown me over the past three years. I am indebted to all of you, for giving me the space and time to grow in my priestly ministry. Many have commented how they have enjoyed seeing me loosen up and progress in homiletic delivery and liturgical presidency, since I arrived. During my stint as Associate Pastor at St. John's, I can honestly say that I have learned a lot, and received countless blessings. And you are all a huge part of that! Thank you! Generally, a newly ordained priest spends about three years in a parish before moving on to another associate position, or to a pastorate. It is my time to do so, and I feel ready for the challenge.
I am especially grateful to Fr. Bill Murtaugh for his "Yes" to Jesus as a priest and pastor, through whom I learned many good things, most notably that while other diocesan ministries are wonderful and worthy of our time, it is the local parish community who is our family and deserving of our most heartfelt attention. I also want to praise our hard working secretary, Teri Shea, and thank her for bringing joy to each day. It has been a pleasure to work with Jay Hunstiger, Cheri Sykes, Deacons Joe Kenney, Rod Palmer and Tom Quayle and a host of parish volunteers with the liturgy. Sr. Gwendolin has always received my greatest respect and admiration, and has truly made it a joy to get involved with school activities. I cannot help but appreciate the leadership of Bob Mike our business administrator, and the association I've had with the rest of the pastoral, administrative, and maintenance staff: Anne Marie Bartlett, Mary Ann Bennek, Mary Ann Zervas, Mary Jasicki, Mary Walus, Miki Sebesta, Pat Keyes, Sandy Wadzink, Shelli Nelson, Teresa Neuman, Ellen Stanslaski , Deb Ludowese, Terri Blasiak, Steve Pudlick, Dave Blegen, Kevin Asher and Justin Hanson. And two other staff volunteers I'd like to mention, for whom I have great affection, are Judy Quayle and Loretta Witkowski. Both have been a delight to work with regarding those preparing for marriage and funeral luncheons. There are countless parishioners whom I could also mention, but have not the space here. I simply say, Thank you for being Christ to me!
As I am a member of a newly erected diocesan community of priests, called, "The Companions of Christ," I am happy for the opportunity to continue to live in community. At present, we have priests in both Albertville and Dayton, Minnesota, and so I will be able to live with them, sharing prayer, meals, and fraternal life, as I minister to God's people in St. Michael. Please pray for me on this continuing journey into God's Kingdom, as I will for you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Michael Becker
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