My dear brothers and sisters of St. Joan and St. Louise,

I write to share some news with you which may be somewhat surprising, as it has been to me.  Yesterday, Bishop Zubik appointed me to be his Regional Vicar for the newly established South Vicariate of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, effective July 1.  At the same time, I will be relieved of my responsibilities as our Parish Grouping Administrator (Pastor of St. Louise and Administrator of St. Joan).

I am very happy to announce that Bishop Zubik has appointed Fr. Daniel Maurer, currently our senior parochial vicar, as the next Administrator of the St. Joan of Arc and St. Louise de Marillac Parish Grouping, effective July 1.  Most of you have already gotten to know Fr. Dan over the past year and a half, since his joining our parish clergy.  He will continue to serve this community with the devotion, love and wisdom he has already shown us, just as he has previously as pastor of three other parishes.  I trust that Fr. Dan will very capably lead St. Joan and St. Louise as you continue to grow together and found a new, united parish over the next several months and beyond.  I will certainly work to ensure a smooth transition in parish leadership over the next 5 to 6 weeks, and will remain available to him to offer whatever support I can.  I am also very happy to assure you that Fr. Jon Brzek and Deacon Bill Strathmann will continue to serve our parish grouping, together with our wonderful and dedicated staff.

I have a great many mixed emotions at this time: sadness over leaving my role as pastor and administrator, and the relationship which I so much value with the faithful people of St. Joan and St. Louise; but also tremendous gratitude.  I am thankful for your support and collaboration, for your friendship and encouragement.  I recognize how much these last 7 years have continued to form me as a priest and pastor, and I will always take that with me.  I approach my new duties with some pause and excitement; but if my time at St. Joan and St Louise has taught me anything, it is that I can trust in the Lord’s presence, in His abiding gift of the Holy Spirit, and in the goodness of the people of our Church.  This allows me to look forward to growing into my next priestly assignment with joy and peace, and with a sense of hope that I will follow the way in which the Lord intends me to serve the clergy and the faithful of the 27 parishes and groupings in the Southern half of our diocese.

Counting on your prayers for me and for Fr. Dan, and promising mine for you all, I am,