After two months as the pastoral administrator I am coming to appreciate just how much many of you feel caught up in a whirlwind of change.  That is normal for grieving people.  Fr. Chris’ death was the most jarring in a series of changes for each of the three parishes of the Region.  That makes me even more cautious about major changes during this time.  I can certainly understand the need for    stability.  On the other hand, two of the three parishes were in the midst of major processes that  had already gained momentum. It would be unwise to try to halt these processes.
St. James of the Valley is faced with the question of what to do with the old rectory in the middle of the parking lot.  OLR has been talking about capital repair, and improvements to the church and school for some years.  Fr. Chris opened up a conversation with San Carlos about a possible “marriage” between OLR and them. In none of these cases have decisions been reached.  I’ve been in parishes too long to think that just because I say that, everyone will believe it.  Because these three faith communities are so important in your lives, you speculate about them and their future, just like a parent wonders about and frets about the future of a loved one.  People’s speculation, whether about one   of these issues or about the future pastor, will be expressed to others.  Some of the speculation will be informally awarded the rank of “probability” and be  so communicated to others.
I can only say to you, “Do not accept anything as truth unless you see it in print in this bulletin  or in some other official communication of the WWPR.”  But this is not the era of “pray, pay, and obey.”  You have both the right and the obligation to make your concerns and ideas known.  For that reason we will soon be rolling out a renewed communication policy:
· A clearer designation of who among the staff is  responsible for what
· An easier way to communicate with the Parish Pastoral Councils
· A “question & answer” of the week in the bulletin
Finally, I want to express my appreciation  especially to Fr. Lambert whose place in the bulletin I have taken this weekend.  After I leave February 1,  he will continue, along with the deacons, the pastoral staff, and the new Pastor to give pastoral care to all of you.  That is why you will only see an occasional message from me.  In the interim, I will do my best to support all of them through administrative care and all of you through prayer and concern.