Farewell and Thank You!

05-23-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. Chad King

As I announced last weekend, Bishop Olmsted has asked me to become the pastor at St. Gabriel’s in Cave Creek, and unfortunately, this weekend is my last weekend here. Throughout this past week I have been trying to wrap my head and my heart around this transition, as it will be very difficult for me to leave Corpus Christi. I share this because I want each of you to know how much I have loved being your Pastor.

You might wonder why so sudden of a move, and why I was selected. St. Gabriel’s is in a time of growth. They are in the process of building a new parish building and school building. The money has been raised and construction has just started. Bishop Olmsted needs a new pastor there who can immediately see to the construction while shepherding the faith of the community as they grow in making use of the new buildings. He has chosen me, not only because I am familiar with the community (I was the associate pastor there prior to being assigned here), but also because I have a love for evangelization – helping each person draw closer to God. So, I am honored that the bishop thinks that I am the right pastor to lead the flock up there.

Unfortunately, I don’t know who your new pastor will be or when he’ll be named, but I have full confidence in Bishop Olmsted’s prayerful discernment and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God will provide! I do know that Fr. Rey will continue to serve you, which means you are in great hands. Time and time again, this parish has outdone itself in generosity and zeal. As you continue to seek the Lord’s will, and support your new pastor, God will continue to guide this parish and cause you to grow and flourish even more.

I have truly been blessed serving as your pastor. I have been spoiled with an amazing staff whom I so thoroughly enjoyed working alongside these past six years. I have also had the pleasure of working with dedicated men and women on our Parish and Finance Councils, and all the ministries here. I have felt so supported and loved by each of you. I have grown so much, not only as a priest, but also as a first-time pastor, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have a deeper understanding of who I am, the gifts God has given me, as well as the many areas in which I can grow. 

As I have been praying this last week, I have read several Scripture verses which have brought me consolation. This is the one that has touched me most deeply, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and have appointed you to go forth and bear fruit, and your fruit will remain” (Jn 15:16).  I want you to know that “you are the fruit of my ministry” and I thank God so much for allowing me to witness the spiritual growth and fruit in so many of you. Seeing you grow into the disciples we are all called to be, is so encouraging and inspiring for me as your shepherd, so I sincerely thank you. 

Be assured of my prayers. Thank you again and know that I will miss you and will keep you all in my prayers. I look forward to when I can come back to formally say good-bye and thank you when we are able to gather without restrictions again.

Through Him, with Him, in Him,
Fr. Chad King