Thank You from Fr. Michael

     Having been assigned to St. Joseph Parish as my first assignment as a priest, I have been graced with so many first experiences over the past two years here.  Some unique first moments stand out for me: celebrating my first Christmas midnight mass with an empty church, reading the Passion Narrative and encountering this Scripture so profoundly with you, and preaching the depths of forgiveness through the symbol of foot-washing on Holy Thursday.  Thanks be to God for being able to share in your spiritual journey.

     And even more, my first experiences being invited into so many joys, struggles and sufferings of my first parish family (birthdays, anniversaries, blessings, interviews, sacramental preparation, Baptisms, first Holy Communion, Confessions, Confirmation, Marriages, Ordination, ministry gatherings, family struggles, illnesses, Anointings, funerals and deaths).  Thanks be to God for being able to take part in this family journey.

     My first experiences would not be complete without such supportive coworkers in the vineyard.  To Fr. Paul, Dcn. Lionel and Dcn. George, your friendship was invaluable throughout this pandemic.  To all the staff, ministers, liturgical volunteers and hospitality volunteers, your support and encouragement made all the difference in being able to serve our family well through changing conditions.  To all the ministries, your passion was contagious.  Thanks be to God for being able to share in your charity and service.

     Priests have often told me that your first parish family is like your first love.  You never forget them.  I usually respond that I have a bad memory (this is meant to be a joke for those who didn't get it).  But if you could do me a favour so that I can remember to take you into my prayers, I'd greatly appreciate it:

• Firstly, if you happen to give me a card, could you please include a printed photo of you and your family (without masks), and also write all your names on the back of the photo, as well as your home address?
• Or secondly, could you please email me at fathercorpus@gmail.com with a photo of you and your family and please include all your names?

     Many thanks to all of you for your prayers, gifts and cards over the past two years, they are much appreciated.   

     Please pray for me as I pray for you.             ~ Fr. Michael Corpus