Important News from Fr. Mike

May 16th, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

It has been several weeks now since we have been able to celebrate Mass together and I find myself missing you and I know you are missing Christ in the Eucharist and the gathering community as well.  Know that you have remained in my prayers – especially as I celebrate the Mass daily here in the chapel.  I am hopeful we will soon be able to open our church doors again to celebrate with one another.

Today – I need to share the difficult news that I will be leaving this assignment as Pastor of Nativity parish and will begin a new assignment effective Monday, August 3rd of this year.  I will remain the pastor of Nativity until that time.

I am grateful for the three years that I have spent here at Nativity.  As I am completing 29 years of priesthood – and having served as pastor in many parishes within or Diocese – one of the greatest blessings remains the many wonderful people I have met along the way in ministry - and Nativity is no exception.

Bishop Ricken has appointed me as the next pastor of St. Mary and St Francis Xavier Parishes in De Pere.  As a diocesan priest – I serve at the will of the bishop and accept the decision he has made – I hope you are able to as well.

On Monday, August 3rd Fr. Matt Simonar will become your next pastor.  I hope you will welcome him aboard as open-heartedly as you did three years ago when I arrived.  While transitions are never easy for priests or parishes – please know that I personally respect Fr. Simonar as a fine priest.  You will do well under his leadership.

We still have several weeks together before I leave, and I look forward to whatever the opportunities may be to express my gratitude to you in a more personal way.  Until then - please know that you will remain in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Fr. Mike