Dear People of Ascension,
Two matters for your special attention today ...
First, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, sent a pastoral letter by email this morning, announcing plans for his retirement in August 2020.
The Bishop's letter,
which you can read by clicking here, seems thorough and clear enough without my elaboration, conjecture or comment. Please keep Bishop Lee, his wife Lisa, and our diocese in prayer as we
anticipate a time of significant transition.
Second, I failed to mention in yesterday's newsletter and want you to know ...
Father Richard Daly and his wife Diana will be with us this coming Sunday, February 17,
for the last time prior to a big move.
I hope that those of you who are regular members will make a special effort to be here Sunday.
Father Daly has recently retired from his service as an Officer with the Chicago Police Department (alongside of which he has also pursuing graduate studies in pastoral care at Loyola University, Chicago). He's now been called to return to parish ministry and to serve as a Parochial Vicar at St. James' Church, Texarkana, Texas.
Father Daly, ordained Deacon in 1990 and Priest in 1991, has had a longtime affinity with Ascension and has served as an assisting priest here over the years when time and proximity allowed. He was, in fact, preacher on the Sunday I first (re)visited Ascension in January 2016, immediately prior to starting my own ministry here. I'm personally grateful for Father Daly and Diana and for their kindness and prayers.
Please join me in prayers for the Dalys, their household and friends they'll be leaving behind (in the snow) here, at St. Paul's, Riverside, and throughout the Chicago area.
