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Dear  Friends,
I write this letter with certain sadness. After much prayer and dialogue with my superiors, I have determined to resign my position as part time pastoral associate at St. Joe’s. It will be effective as of October 1.

This decision comes after a growing realization that my health remains precarious and unpredictable,. The kidney transplant is going very well, but some of the other health issues are limiting me more and more. In addition, as my arthritis continues to progress, my doctors are encouraging me to spend more time in a warm climate during the winter months. (This is a directive of the doctors that I just might obey!) It is not fair to Father Larry that he may not be able to depend on me on a regular basis in the future.

The past six years at St. Joe’s have been a blessing for me. Your love, friendship, support and prayers over this time have been beyond ones expectations or dreams. Your spirit of friendliness, warmth and your down-to-earth attitude is contagious and a great Christian witness? This is what makes it so hard to leave the ministry at the parish. I do hope to keep in touch with you, even though I will not be working at the parish.

My future is simple. My residence will remain in Appleton. I will continue helping in parishes in the area, but on a more week-to-week determination. My work in the finance office of our province will continue. I will continue to do spiritual direction and counseling as folks call on me. That would include any members of St. Joe’s. In addition, of course, Florida will be on my agenda after the first of the year?

The most important part of this letter is my expression of gratitude. I can never verbalize adequately how grateful I am for the prayer, letters, email and thoughts that came to me during my transplant experience. It was overwhelming and just deepened my love for you. The continued support I receive each weekend has been so helpful and spiritually enriching. I know that I have received a hundredfold from you. Thank you? Thank you?

I will miss you. Please keep up the great spirit of St. Joe’s. You have great leader in Father Larry and even though his jokes are bad, he is a good servant of the parish. Continue to support him and one another so that the parish continues to stand out as the best in the Valley? God bless you for who you are. You will always be in my thoughts and prayer. See you at Pick and Save or Culver’s?

Gratefully,
Fr. Ken