The sudden tragic loss of our pastor is bound to raise questions about what happens next in our region. During this transition to a new pastor, Parochial Vicar Fr. Lambert Ulinzwenimana will continue to celebrate Mass and sacraments and minister to WWPR parishioners with deacons Dominic Hoang Vu, Walt Hucke, Steve Ryan and Matt Skinner. We are also counting on additional priests to help us maintain our weekly and daily Mass schedule.

Staff met with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Binzer on Monday to discuss interim plans for the community. Until a new pastor can be appointed, a pastoral administrator will be assigned. According to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati website, “a pastoral administrator provides pastoral leadership for implementing the mission of the parish(s) assigned to her/him, including the areas of liturgy, pastoral care and administration. The pastoral administrator assists the canonical pastor for the pastoral region in his function of liaison between the parish(s) and the Archdiocese, local church and community.” Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region will be included in the open list of parishes in the Archdiocese seeking pastors in February. Assignments will be determined in mid-March and announced April 1. New assignments will go into effect July 1.

In the meantime, take comfort in this verse from our Gospel reading from last Sunday—Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” How blessed we are to have a God who comforts us in our sorrow. Please let’s pray for one another during this time of grief for our friend and Pastor, Fr. Chris.