Fr. Ken is Reassigned

I am sure that most of you were surprised by my announcement at Mass last weekend. In case you didn’t hear it, or didn’t fully understand, I will repeat it here with some additions.

At the recent PIME Assembly in the USA, I was elected as the Regional Superior. This is the same job that I held before I came to St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy in 2016. It is a full time job. It was a surprise and shock to me, as I’m sure it was to all of you. I had planned to stay here as pastor for as long as I could. I know that the parish needed stability from the pastor. My term begins on April 1 and is for four years. I will remain as pastor here until June 30, while the Archdiocese begins its search for a new pastor. On last Sunday afternoon, March 17, an email went out from the Archdiocese to all priests listing the parishes that are looking for a pastor. St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy was one of the three listed.

In addition, due to my new position, I will have to attend the PIME General Assembly (commonly called “Chapter”) in Rome from April 24 – May 24. During that time, other PIME priests in the Detroit area will be assisting for liturgies in the parish. So basically, I will be here from now until just after Easter, and then again from the end of May until June 30.

This was not something that I expected nor did I look for it. I feel that we have built a strong parish community in these past three years, and ask you to continue to support the new pastor as much as you supported me. We have a great leadership team and staff that will continue to make sure that the parish moves forward.

This position entails many facets: Relating with the PIME priests here in the United States and with the Bishops where we minister, overseeing the mission center in Detroit where we do fundraising and promotion, keeping up to date on the latest trends and issues of the American Church (which includes the current abuse scandal). Our headquarters is presently in Detroit, near the University of Detroit Mercy, just north of 6 Mile Road near Livernois. That building is too large for our present needs and a move in the future in probable.

Please continue to pray for our parish, especially during this transition period, and the new pastor. I promise my prayers as well. I ask that you pray for me and for PIME as well.
Fr. Ken