This will be my last column for Arkansas Catholic. I remember well the night I wrote the first one, sitting at the desk in my office, not exactly knowing how the column would take shape as the years went by. It has been a pleasure having this weekly chat with you, and I must admit that the discipline of writing has been good for me. I hope and pray that my words have helped you grow closer to God, who loves you more than words can possibly express.
My six years in Arkansas have been the source of many blessings, and as I think of them I quickly realize they are past counting. It seems fitting that I devote this final column to saying thanks.
Thank you, God. You have called me to be your priest and have sent me to serve the people of the Diocese of Little Rock. You teach me something new every day, and You guide my steps, even without my noticing. You sustain me with Your unfailing love. All I have has come from You, and everything I have is Yours. Teach me to be generous and full of love, like You.
Thank you, brother priests of Arkansas. Every day you pour out your life for God and his people. You literally spend yourselves in their service, and you do so fully aware that God works through us despite our unworthiness and ineptitude. You take up Jesus’ cross and minister from the cross. You have dug roots in this state, and your love is deep. Our people are blessed to have you, and I am proud to have been your bishop.
Thank you, deacons and your wives. As ordained ministers of the Church, you deacons serve where and how you are needed, and in a wide variety of ways. You are flexible and kind, and you stand by the bishop and priests as ready helpers. Often you are behind the scenes, quietly watching out for those whose needs are not being met. You wives do more than support your husbands in ministry — you join them in serving God’s people, and your witness of faithful love enriches the parish.
Thank you, religious women and men of the diocese. Your roots in the state are perhaps the deepest of all, because from the beginning your predecessors built a strong foundation and set out to serve Jesus as teachers, nurses, catechists, monks and nuns. Your witness of religious life and your prayer are the heart of the Church, and your desire for holiness points to Someone who calls us all to be holy.
Thank you, staff of the Diocese of Little Rock. You number in the hundreds, and you serve the Church at St. John Center and around the state. You teach our children, and you help make parish life strong and vibrant. You are the Church’s hands outstretched to the poor, the immigrant, the sick, the young and the elderly. Your hard work often goes unnoticed, but you work hard nonetheless, and the Church is made stronger by your faith and devotion to the Lord.
Thank you, people of the diocese, the flock whom God asked me to shepherd these past six years. Over and over again you have inspired me by your search for God, your involvement in the Church, and your sacrificial love for your family and friends. It has been an honor to celebrate the sacraments for you, pray for you and get to know you. The Church in Arkansas is strong, thanks to your witness of the Catholic faith. You have taught me many things I needed to know.
Though I will soon serve another portion of God’s flock as their bishop, all of you will remain in my daily prayers. Together may we grow in holiness and love. Together may we give witness to our faith in Jesus Christ. He has given us everything. May we be no less generous in return.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.
Amen.
Clergy, religious and laity supported me
