Priest-in-Charge of two parishes!
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
Dear Faithful of Grace-Saint Paul’s Parish,
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:2
Saint Paul opens several of his letters to various churches with these words, that I have adapted to the opening of our announcements at the beginning of services each week. This simple sentence conveys a vital centering on recognizing God’s presence in our lives individually, and for also hoping for God’s grace to become more palpable in the reader’s life.
God’s grace has been at work at Grace-Saint Paul’s. The Vestry has worked with me as your priest to find ways to support our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in Christ, in nearby congregations as they endure lengthy transition processes. Transitions are periods of time when one priest retires or leaves their position and a vacancy of leadership ensues. There are unique challenges. Since February of 2023, I have been supporting St. Luke’s in Ewing. From September of 2023, I have also been supporting St. Michael’s in Trenton. On occasion, I have aided St. Andrew’s in Lambertville as well. St. Luke’s continues in their transition process and St. Michael’s has found another priest to supply for Sundays. My heart aches for where struggles arise to find solid ground amidst the transition processes for these other congregations.
In addition, Holy Apostles in Yardville has also been in transition since The Rev. Canon Art Powell retired in Summer of 2023. By the grace of God, the Vestries of Grace-Saint Paul’s and Holy Apostles have found common ground to share me as their priest. I have already been part-time with Grace-St. Paul’s, and remain as such. I will also become the part-time Priest-in-Charge of Holy Apostles effective October 1st.
For now, I do not expect any changes to our Sunday schedule. I hope to persist in praying the Rosary at 8:15am (except 1st Sundays), and begin our Mass (Holy Eucharist) at 9am. I will be more mindful to leave sooner after our Mass to have enough time to travel to Holy Apostles for what will become their 10:30am Mass. I am filled with gratitude for their flexibility to move their service time just as much as I am grateful that Grace-Saint Paul’s has adjusted their service times last year to make it feasible for me to support the various congregations in our convocation in advance of a potential clergy-sharing relationship.
I engage in what seems like a new path, but many of my clergy predecessors lived this same way of supporting multiple parishes. I find great hope in realizing a path that can broaden our perception of who the Church (the people of Christ) is and how we can be more deeply connected with the praise of God and ministry to God’s people.
Saint Paul writes to the Thessalonians:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18]
In this same light, may I add the request to please keep me in prayer as I commence my new role serving both parishes. Please also continue to pray for the stability of our neighboring congregations. Finally, pray for one another amidst your own parish and between our two parishes that now endeavor to deepen our connection, in faith and ministry, between each other.
“we, who are many, are one body in Christ,
and individually we are members one of another.”
Romans 12:5
In faithful service of Christ’s mission, in gratitude for the people of God whom I serve, and with joy for this new era ahead together,
Fr. Michael
