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We began this Advent Season with the announcement that the newest priest of the diocese, Fr. Clever was coming to Saint Vincent de Paul Parish and Father Berhorst would be leaving us after the first of the year. This brings us a tension to hold; sad that Fr. Berhorst is leaving for the tremendous amount of good he has done for so many in such a short time and excitement, hope and forward thinking about the newest priest, Fr. Clever, coming with great enthusiasm, ideas, and energy. Yes, it is ok to hold the tension; neither Fr. Berhorst nor Fr. Clever are slighted when Fr. Berhorst is missed and/or have excitement about what Fr. Clever will bring. It is normal, natural and, yes, healthy. It was good to be able to have Fr Clever celebrate all the Mass times (minus school mass) while Fr. Berhorst was here and at the same time have Fr. Berhorst celebrate all of the Mass times including the last all school mass of the semester. It was as if everyone could say “hello” and “good-bye” during the month. It was a joy filled Christmas Holy Day, Octave of Christmas and Mary Mother of God Holy Day to have three priests here to celebrate. Then, with an enthusiastic welcome reception for Fr. Clever, several Masses and events of giving words of thanks and encouragement to Fr. Berhorst, we were called to a quieter leaving of Fr. Berhorst than we planned. And, since Fr. Berhorst is not going to another parish, but will be serving the entire diocese as Judicial Vicar and Bishop’s Master of Ceremonies, we can look at it as God’s nod that yes, the chancery (headquarters of the diocese, if you will) knows, cares about and loves St Vincent de Paul and St Vincent de Paul knows, cares about and loves the chancery.

Within the same timeframe of the priest transition, I gave four presentations and our president of the Pastoral Council, Gianfranco Guevara gave one presentation in Spanish on the finances and future of St. Vincent de Paul. The Bishop’s team at the chancery and we as parishioners will need to be even closer in relationship to pull off what is asked of us in the presentation given. Soon, a survey, encompassing all aspects of the parish will come to you to help determine where the parish is on the life of the parish including the finance and future plan that was shared. If you were unable to attend one of the five sessions, please click the link to watch a recording of the presentation. Knowing the material of the presentation will be important for the survey you will receive in mid-January. We pray for faith and we ask the Lord to help us be answers for others’ prayers as we move forward sad of Fr. Berhorst’s leave; filled with excitement for Fr. Clever’s arrival and that we all go where the Lord is calling us to go as a parish.