updates on Fr. Michael’s move
March 24, 2023
A few weeks ago, I shared with you the news that, on July 1, I will be moving to another parish, and Saint Thomas the Apostle will be clustered with the Church of Christ the King as two independent parishes served by one pastor who will also serve as canonical administrator for Carondelet Catholic School.
Since that time, many of you have asked where I will be moving and who will be the new pastor here. This week, I can announce that I will be moving to serve as pastor at the Church of Saint Joseph in New Hope.
The new pastor for Saint Thomas the Apostle and Christ the King has not yet been named. I expect that that information will be shared with us about one month from now. Please continue to pray for that person (and for me as well). And, of course, please continue to pray for all the parish communities affected by these upcoming moves.
February 17, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
Father Thomas Kommers and I are writing to both of our parishes today to let you know of some pastoral changes ahead for our community. As you may know, last year Father Thomas was asked to serve Christ the King as an interim Pastor, and now, as I approach the end of my term as Pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle, I have chosen to seek an assignment at a new parish that makes sense for me at this time in my life. With pastoral changes at both parishes, Archbishop Hebda is asking our parishes to become a cluster. The parishes will not be merged; rather, they will remain two independent parishes who are served by one priest as Pastor. The new cluster will become effective with my departure on July 1, 2023.
Clusters are not new in the life of our Archdiocese. As our church has adapted to life with fewer priests, many parishes are now in cluster relationships, and these communities are thriving in ways that wouldn’t have been possible as separate institutions. It is my hope that Christ the King and St. Thomas the Apostle can continue as thriving parishes in this new arrangement that promises to also benefit Carondelet Catholic School which, for the first time ever, will have a Canonical Administrator who is also Pastor of both parishes.
Forming a cluster will mean some changes, and my hope and prayer is that you will be open to how the Holy Spirit may be leading our new cluster in ways grounded in hospitality and welcome, with a focus of mission and service in the name of Jesus Christ. Be assured that parish leadership will be actively involved in these conversations. More information will be forthcoming, including who your new Pastor will be, but I wanted to share this news with you now as we work together towards a seamless transition for the good of all.
Know of my thanks to all of you for your care and support during my ten years here. It has been a great blessing to be a part of this community.
Sincerely,
Fr. Michael Reding