Monday, April 23, 2018

A Word from Your Pastor April 15


Last week at all the parish Masses on Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Bill Faustner announced his retirement from active priestly ministry, effective March 31, 2018.  Fr. Bill reached the age of 70 in January, the usual retirement age for priests in the Diocese of Columbus.  He was most recently active as chaplain to several area hospitals, with residence at St. Timothy.  We are grateful to him for the assistance he offered in the parish during the past 8 years of residence.

Fr. Bill let us know that he is moving into what he called “the St. Timothy Annex,” that is, the Forum at Knightsbridge.  Our diocese does not have a retirement home for priests, so each priest is free to find his own place to live.  Knowing that many of our parishioners are happy at the Forum – and that many Catholics at the Forum have found St. Timothy as a welcoming place for Mass on the weekends – Fr. Bill knew he would find a welcoming community there.  He will be among the youngest residents there and he has maintained his dark hair color (unlike your Pastor!), so it will be a place where he can feel young again.

As he described the upcoming move, Fr. Bill showed a sense of humor and got a laugh at all the Masses when he explained that his new residence will be on the first floor and that it has a straight shot to the dining room.  He promises that he will be around to assist with Masses and that he will continue to attend all the St. Timothy social events.  After 40+ years of ministry in the Diocese of Columbus, he is certainly ready for a rest.  We pray that he will experience the next phase of his journey as truly “Golden Years.”

The celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday last weekend was a real joy.  So many came forward for Anointing of the Sick at all the Masses and the Divine Mercy Devotion was well attended in the afternoon.  God’s Love and Mercy were poured out in abundance.

May we continue our Easter journey with joy.  Remember that the Easter Season lasts a full 50 days, all the way to Pentecost.


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