Search
-
Dear Friends in Christ, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on a number of developments that pertain to the life of faith we share at Our Lady of Lourdes.
First, Archbishop Hebda recently appointed me to another term as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes. As I was approaching the completion of my sixth year as pastor, I was asked to write a letter to Archbishop either asking for a different parish assignment or reappointment as pastor. In my letter to Archbishop Hebda, I stated that I believed another term as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes was good for the broader local Church, was good for Our Lady of Lourdes, and was good for me, personally. I informed the Archbishop that the last six years, while not without challenge, were the happiest and most fulfilling years of my priesthood. I love this parish and, of course, all of you – the holy people of God who have chosen to call this wonderful parish your home. With you, I look forward to following God’s guiding Spirit and relying on God’s abundant grace as we continue our work together building up our parish and the community of which we are a part. I am thankful to Archbishop Hebda for giving me the opportunity to continue my pastoral work at Lourdes.
Second, as Lourdes is a parish that continues to grow and as I continue to minister in multiple assignments, I requested of the Archdiocese additional priestly support to help serve our parish and all of you. I am happy to announce that Archbishop Hebda recently appointed Fr. David Haschka, S.J. to Our Lady of Lourdes as part time senior associate. Fr. Haschka is a Jesuit priest who grew up in South Minneapolis and has served in multiple priestly assignments throughout the Midwest. Here in the Twin Cities, Fr. Haschka served as pastor of St. Luke in St. Paul (now St. Thomas More), was founding president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis and is currently serving as senior associate of St. Olaf, downtown Minneapolis. Fr. Haschka’s appointment at Lourdes is effective July 1, 2018 but he will not be with us until mid July, after he takes needed vacation and a retreat. Fr. Haschka will share more about himself in an upcoming bulletin article. Please warmly welcome Fr. Haschka when he begins his service to Lourdes this summer!
Third, regarding our parish staff, I would also like to announce a few changes and developments. Sue Osgood retires this month as parish secretary. Sue is a wonderful woman of faith who has brought light to our staff and parish. I thank Sue for her good work and look forward to continuing to interface with her as a parishioner. Patrice Stegbauer, who is one of the most versatile staff members I have ever worked with, will shift to the new position of Director or Parish Life. Patrice will be in the office Monday – Friday and will serve in a number of capacities, including communicating with volunteers, pastoral care, liturgical support and administration, and assisting me. Patrice possesses smarts, experience, institutional memory, and compassion - and the parish will be able to benefit greatly from all of these gifts in her new role. In addition, Our Lady of Lourdes recently posted a new part time job opening – Director of Adult Formation. This new positon will support our Marriage and Baptismal ministries, as well as our RCIA Program and Adult Faith Formation on Sundays.
Finally, I would like to briefly update you on the sale of the parish rectory and a few important parish events. The parish put its Northeast home up for sale the Thursday after Easter. The home sold in one day for a price over the asking price. Upon the closing of the sale of the NE rectory May 24, we will pay off the mortgage and also realize a healthy financial gain from just 3 and ½ years owning the home. We continue to discern a long term clergy housing solution but, in the meantime, I happily reside at the new apartment adjacent to Lourdes.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for another successful Gala which raised considerable financial resources for our Matthew 25 Fund. Make sure to put the Mass for the City (June 10) and the 5th Annual Lourdes Block Party (July 21) on your calendars!
Please know of my prayers for you, your families, and for Notre Dame de Lourdes!
Father Dan Griffith