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A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Thank You "Little Flock"
My Dear Parishioners - Little Flock,
While I was at St. Peter's Church in Carencro on May 29, 2019, Bishop Deshotel called me to inform me that he was appointing me Pastor of St. Bernadette Church in Bayou Vista. Since I was not even sure where Bayou Vista was located within the Diocese, I asked him where it was. He explained that it was in the southern region, near Morgan City. Surprised by the distance, I asked, "Why are you sending me so far away?" With a smile in his voice, he replied, "You will like the place because you have a nice rectory there!"
Indeed, for the past seven years-less than a month-I have enjoyed a comfortable and peaceful life in this beautiful rectory. I must especially thank Fr. Rogalla, who did an excellent job maintaining and improving the rectory.
I lovingly call you my "Little Flock" because, though small in number, you have witnessed your faith in a truly marvelous way.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, some parishioners stopped coming to church, while others moved to different parishes. Honestly, that period tested my pastoral spirit deeply. We upgraded the speakers and microphones, and I even began distributing printed copies of my sermons. Yet attendance at our three Sunday Masses never rose beyond 220 people, whereas it had been over 300 when I first arrived.
Still, you remained faithful to St. Bernadette Church. Thank you, my Little Flock.
You generously shared from your fixed incomes to support many important projects: repairing the roofs of the church and hall, replacing the church flooring, improving the air-conditioning units, renovating adoration chapel, and meeting many other needs. Over time, many of you encouraged me by saying, "Father, the people who are here week after week-the ones who love you and support this church-are the ones who truly matter. Be assured that they care about you, want you to be happy here, and appreciate all that you do. Please do not worry about those who are no longer here."
Eventually, I realized how true those words were. Thank you, my Little Flock.
As time passed, some of you became very close to me. You asked about my family and my life, and I too became deeply attached to many of you, especially some of our senior parishioners. It was very difficult for me to celebrate their funerals. I truly felt as though I was burying members of my own family.
That is the beauty of the Catholic Church: wherever a priest serves, the parish community becomes his own people. Thank you, my Little Flock, for this precious emotional bond that I have cherished so deeply.
Out of pastoral zeal, whenever I noticed someone who had stopped coming to church, I would reach out and ask why. Later, I understood that some may have felt I was interfering in their personal worship life. I would like to apologize if I offended anyone in this regard.
Throughout my 41 years of priestly ministry, my mission has always been to encourage active participation in the Church. I have reached out to those who had drifted away from the faith. I have helped couples regularize their marriages in the Church. I have guided people back to Holy Communion. Above all, I have worked to bring souls closer to Christ.
In fact, my doctoral dissertation was on the theme of a "Participatory Church." To the many of you who cooperated with me in this mission, I offer my heartfelt thanks.
Faith formation is a lifelong journey. During these years, we conducted 55 Bible quizzes, published many faith-centered articles in the bulletin, and occasionally organized classes and spiritual programs. Thank you, my Little Flock, for your support and participation in these efforts.
Thank you also for your many kind compliments regarding my writings, sermons, availability to listen, and visits to the sick in hospitals and to the homebound. I will carry with me all these beautiful memories-both the ones expressed in words and the countless others too deep to put into writing. You shall always remain in my heart.
I would also like to thank all those who, directly or indirectly, supported and assisted in the smooth administration of the parish, the celebration of the Church liturgy, and the many programs and activities we were able to carry out together. Your generosity, dedication, and willingness to serve have been a great blessing to our parish community.
Let us continue to remember one another in prayer and lift each other up before the Lord.
You are always welcome to stay in touch with me through email at thainese1958@gmail.com or through WhatsApp at my India number:
+91 90959 26002.
You may also read my sermons on my weblog: www.thaisprings.info
In the Service of the Lord,
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