Week Of September 24th

My message this week is by way of being an announcement.

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you of the resignation of Kelly McLoughlin our DRE who is taking up an appointment to be the new Coordinator of Youth Services for Santa Barbara Region of the Archdiocese of LA. I say mixed emotions because Kelly has worked here at the parish since 2005, firstly as Youth officer and then as DRE. Furthermore Kelly has lived here in the parish since she was a teenager. So we are seeing one of our own home grown talents move on and this is always sad. However we are also very happy for Kelly that she has been able to make such a positive career move and is still working at the “chalk-face” of the Church’s Mission. This move takes effect on October 8^th. No doubt we will be seeing her in her new capacity from time to time and SLdM will continue to be her home parish with her family.

So now begins the very important task of finding a new DRE. May I assure all parents of children in RE and Catechetical programs and the whole parish that we will continue to provide the very best faith formation experience for them. There is a strong team. I will be playing a more hands on approach until we appoint a new person so that all runs as smoothly and productively as possible. For now, please pray in thanksgiving for all Kelly has done for us and pray that the Holy Spirit moves the right person to come and join us. I will be working with the Diocese to appoint the new DRE.