St. Vivian Online Discussion Forum: Father Paul

Thread initiated by Nancy Glassmeyer on 8/10/04.

I'm sure I'm not the only parishioner who is elated by Father Paul's wonderful announcement. His speech during the homily on Sunday brought tears to my eyes. When Father Jack passed away, I had prayed long and hard that Father Paul would take over as Pastor of St. Vivian. When that didn't happen immediately, I felt like my prayers hadn't been heard. I will never doubt the power of prayer again. Everything happens in God's time, not mine.

There has been a lot of interest in the opinions of my husband and me about Father Paul's decision to come back to St. Vivian. We've been called, e-mailed, and approached by fellow parishioners wanting to know if, "we're alright with the decision". YES! I have an immense amount of respect for Father Paul. I am completely happy, and yes, a little surprised that he's chosen to come back. With that said, I would have been, at least, content with any decision that the Archdiocese would have made concerning our church.

Since Steve and I don't share a brain, I won't speak for him. But, as far as I'm concerned, Father Paul IS the right person for our church and school. I couldn't be happier!

Nancy Glassmeyer

Ditto everything Nancy said - although, "elated" is perhaps an understatement. Super-elated, hyper-elated - those may be closer to how I felt to hear Father Paul's announcement.

I too had tears in my eyes during the Sunday homily.

Welcome back, Father Paul! As Nancy expresses, you are the right person for St. Vivian. We are blessed to have you.

Jane Browe

by Jane Browe on 8/10/04 at 10:51 PM

Yes, it is an answer to prayer that Fr. Paul decided to return as our pastor. While we have a wonderful staff and excellent Parish Council, it is still a daunting job ahead. I know I speak for all of us when I pledge to help in every way possible to lighten his and the staff's burden.

I'd like to take a moment while I'm writing to share some of the positives I've already seen from what we've come through in the recent months. I, and I'm sure others as well, have gotten to know more parishioners. Also, people seem to be making a special effort to extend greetings to one another. These things would be wonderful in themselves; however, it is truly a sign of the good coming out of something bad at this particular time.

We were truly blessed also to have Fr. Kenan among us throughout our struggle and especially after Ft. Kroeger's resignation. It was a gift to have someone who knew us well and who cared enough to address our needs in his homilies.

I am truly glad to have been a member of St. Vivian's for these 25 years and very proud to be one at this time as we demonstrate that we are truly a family, respecting each one's feelings, and pulling together for the common good.

by Lori Zenk on 8/11/04 at 01:32 PM

As I heard someone say at the parish meeting on September 1st, "thank you Father Paul for wanting us".

by Kim Neltner on 9/9/04 at 04:43 PM

I really like the idea of a discussion forum

by Friend of the Parish on 9/20/04 at 3:25 PM

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