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Dear St. Christopher’s Family,
Today I will be a little more personal with you than I normally am in this space. As many of you know, my mother has been very ill for the last month. On Monday of this week, she left the Church Militant and entered the Church Triumphant. It was a privilege to care for her for the last month, but it was only this week that both Connie and I were able to feel the toll it took on us.
The labor wasn't physical. The nurses, techs, and physicians all provided excellent care. Our struggle was with the unknown and the sense that we were making decisions without being able to see a clear outcome. We started with the idea of her moving from her independent living apartment into assisted living. As she got sicker, we thought skilled nursing would be our only option; finally, as she began dialysis and found that it was not working, she made the decision to start hospice care. I know many of you have travelled the same road we have just completed, and understand that weariness. She is at peace and we are finally in a place this week where we feel like we can rest.
I am grateful to the parish and school leadership, our vestry, and to all of you who have held our family in your prayers. To be sure there are things at a parish that only clergy can do, namely teaching, leading worship, and making sure there is access to the sacraments. But while that is the bulk of parish life, it is only a small part of being the Church. The Church comes together not around a priest, but around Jesus. And they come together with each other. I always remind myself of Augustine's admonition in his sermon de Pastoribus (on Pastors), that I am first a Christian with you, and only after that am I a pastor for you.
As we move into fall, let's remember above all to hold close to each other as our earthly journeys converge for this moment. Blessings to you all, and many thanks. A
As details are finalized for her service, we will let you know.
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