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Father Daniel Griffith has announced that Father David Haschka S.J. will be stepping down from parish ministry effective December 31, 2019. He shares his gratitude for Father Haschka's excellent service in the letter that follows, as well this letter from Father Haschka. During Father Griffith's sabbatical, Father Bryce Evans will continue to serve as our parochial vicar and he and Father Al Backmann will preside at our weekend Masses here at Lourdes.
We will have a number of opportunities to thank Father David and wish him well over the next several weeks. Join us for a Thank You Reception for Father David, Sunday, December 29th at 9:45 am in Hofstede Hall!
December 7, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Fr. David Haschka, SJ for his excellent service to Our Lady of Lourdes these past eighteen months. Fr. David’s priestly ministry here has been marked by hard work, generosity of spirit, thoughtfulness and the earthiness of the Gospel. Fr. David’s legacy in this Archdiocese is impressive: founding President of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis; Dean of the Minneapolis Deanery of Parishes; Chaplain to Carlton and Gustavus Aldophos Colleges; and Pastor of St. Luke in St. Paul.
It was at St. Luke in St. Paul (now St. Thomas More) where I first benefited from Fr. David’s gifts. When I was a college student at the University of St. Thomas (and minoring in Theology) I often attended Sunday Mass with my brother, Christine and family; and I was keenly focused on and fed by Fr. David’s intelligent preaching. When Fr. David preached beautifully last February on our Patronal Feast Day, I remarked at the end of Mass that this was the excellent preaching I remembered as a young lad – preaching that continues to inspire us on our journey of faith.
I join you in praying for Fr. David as he discerns where the Lord is calling him to next offer his gifts and as he enjoys a welcome and well deserved break from laboring in the Vineyard of the Lord. You will have a number of opportunities to thank Fr. David and wish him well over the next several weeks. The parish will host a Thank You Reception for Fr. David – Sunday, December 29, at 9:45 a.m. in Hofstede Hall.
During my sabbatical, we will benefit from the continued presence of Fr. Bryce Evans, our parochial vicar and Fr. Al Backmann who, along with Fr. Evans, will preside at our weekend Masses in my absence. Fr. Al is now a retired priest who entered seminary a number of years ago after his wife passed away. Fr. Al is a father and grandfather who brings much warmth and insight to his preaching and priestly ministry. I am confident that Fr. Al and Fr. Evans will serve this community well. Fr. Evans and Professor Susan Stabile will share the RCIA duties as our Catechumens and Candidates continue to benefit from excellent formation in the Catholic faith.
I wish all of you well and pledge my daily prayers for you as we continue our Advent journey and prepare our hearts to celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! May we be open to God’s word and your son, as you were, in faith.
In Christ,
Rev. Daniel Griffith