There were certain unbreakable rules growing up in my home, as I imagine there are in virtually every home around the world. Two of them that come to mind from my dad were to never walk around with just socks on (Dad did the laundry and he did not appreciate the extra work) and to always let other people off the elevator before you exited. The one that my mom taught me that has been on my mind recently is the importance of thank you notes and expressing gratitude.

Since I’ve moved into the rectory this past week, I have been overwhelmed by everything that is being done to make this place into a real home. I’m still discovering things from the house-warming registry that have been tucked away in drawers, and there was even a team in charge of opening and placing all the gifts of towels and such that came in from generous parishioners. Moreover, it seems that whenever I walk through the house during daylight hours there is someone, or even a group of someone's in there working on paint or flooring or heaven knows what else. So, as I sit down to finish all my thank you notes, which I say because I know my mom reads this column and I want to get ahead of that conversation (Hi mom), I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you.

If I miss anyone, I assure you that it is only because we couldn’t tell who it came from, or the card was removed in the shuffle, not because I am ungrateful or unaware of your generosity.

I consider myself incredibly blessed to have been placed here with such caring parishioners who look after me in so many ways. I appreciate all the hard work by my wonderful staff and all the great people of the region who are doing whatever they can to make the transition as smooth as possible so that we can all focus on what our real purpose is: growing together in holiness so that we can go out into the world and preach the Gospel to those in need.

You all remain in my prayers daily, and I offered a Mass last week specifically for the intentions of those who have so generously helped, donated, prayed, or assisted in any way in the work of getting me settled in the rectory and in the parish. May God bless you all, and please keep me, Fr. Lambert, the deacons, staff and seminarians in your prayers as well.

Prayers always,
Fr. McCullough