This has been a very busy week. The exciting news is that I have been accepted to begin the road to the priesthood. I decided to put my letter to the congregation in this journal in lieu of an entry.

A Bittersweet Farewell Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: This is a thank you letter to the congregation that has nurtured my spiritual growth and helped me to discern my call to the priesthood. It is also a love letter of sorts to tell you that I will always be grateful for the twenty-six years I have worshipped with you. You have picked me up when I've fallen, have surrounded me with love and care in the dark times, and have rejoiced with me in the good times. God's love and the Holy Spirit are alive and well at St. Luke's. As excited as I am to be embarking on the next leg of my journey, it is a bittersweet time because these steps take me away from the very people who have created the sanctuary in which I heard God's call. I will be starting my internship very soon at St. Peter's in Westfield, which means I will have to become part of that congregation. It will be very difficult for me to leave all of you; the good news is that I will be learning under the tutelage of Fr. Ed. The Commission on Ministry has granted me permission to begin the internship and to plan to attend seminary in the fall. Bexley Hall, in Rochester, is my seminary of choice, so I won't be too far away. Some of you I will be able to see at Deanery or Diocesan doings. All of you I will carry in my heart. So, thank you again for helping me grow closer to God. Thanks especially to the men and women who prayed with me through the discernment process. Thanks to the Vestry for their support. Thanks to the Thursday group that has cheered me on. Thanks to Fr. Eric for saying, "Let's go for it." And thank you particularly to the children of St. Luke's who have made me laugh and cry, and who have overwhelmed me with their insight, steadfastness and faith. I learned far more from you than I ever taught you. And I have loved every minute of it. God's peace and blessings to all of you. You will be in my thoughts and my prayers as I embark on this part of my journey.

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