Dear Sisters and Brothers in Faith:
If you have received an advance copy of this bulletin, or if you are reading this message after having cele-
brated Mass this week-end, you know that I am nearing the end of my service to you and the parish of St.
Vincent de Paul in Shepherd, Michigan. More than 2 1/2 years ago Joanne and I arrived in a new assign-
ment as Deacon/Pastoral Administrator and his wife. We have loved being here and making a lot of new
acquaintances, and renewing quite a few old ones, too. It has been a wonderful opportunity to share the
fellowship based on a love of Christ and Mary, his mother, with everyone here.
When we arrived, I told everyone that the assignment was for three years and that it would be re-evaluated
at the end of that time. Then, in late December of 2015 Bishop Cistone emailed all the Pastors and Pastoral
Administrators asking if a change of assignment was desired for the coming year. I paused, prayed, reflect-
ed, prayed some more, and came to the conclusion that the time had come for me to step down as Pastoral
Administrator. There are a number of reasons that center on my health and well-being. As some of you may
remember, I will be turning 75 years of age during the first week of July this year, and reaching that mile-
stone in life brings with it all the usual aches and pains of advancing age. Those of you who are already at
that age and beyond know what I’m talking about — arthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hearing
loss, forgetfulness, etc., etc., etc.
Then, there are the purely selfish reasons such as our retirement home on Lake of the Hills in Weidman.
We think it is a beautiful spot on the water. We have a pontoon boat which we love to cruise around on.
Joanne used to have some lovely flower gardens that she would like to revitalize after three years of ne-
glect. During our time here in Shepherd we have been able to do some traveling, but it is our wish to do a
little more while we are still able to do so.
In the meantime, we still have the Lent/Easter Season to celebrate, as well as Ordinary Time until June 30.
I shall be on duty as your P.A. right through until then. The Diocese and the Bishop’s personnel committee
will be seeking to find someone to replace me in your midst. I do not know if the next person will be a Priest,
another Deacon, a Sister, or a lay person. Elsewhere in this bulletin you will see a notice regarding the
search for new Pastoral Administrators in our Diocese. It well behooves us to continue fervent prayer for
vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, and to pastoral administration.
I hope you have a Christ-filled week!
St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us!
May the Holy Spirit always be with you.
Deacon Mike