A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

A Note from Deacon Denny: One of the things that seems to be lacking in our lives is the time to see all the good things around us, the people & God’s creation. We seem to focus on  what lies ahead: where do I want to be in the future, what’s best for me. The gospel for this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary time might be calling us to take a different take on life. Someone once said that “humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”  In other words, “let go & let God” guide our thoughts & actions. We humans are so convinced that we are the change everyone is looking for. True change can ONLY come from giving ourselves completely to the will of God, emulating the life of his Son.  Jesus’ mission on earth was to show us the love of his Father, unconditional as it is, is to be passed on through our example, our ministry to one another. We are called to humbly put others first. The theme for PSR at Ss. Mary & Joseph this year is JOY. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our tri-parish community would adopt that theme & look for the joy in serving each other?

New beginnings come & go on our life’s journey. Each chapter connects with the previous one.  And there is such beauty to behold with the turning of each page. The main focus of my 50+ years of ministry over the years had been through youth ministry & catechesis.  I probably should have experienced burnout long ago but it has brought me such joy to work alongside young people! That’s what probably jump-started me when I considered entering the diaconate.  That venture was not without its struggles though.  There were challenges with illness, studies & balancing ministry with family life.  As usual, God was the one with the plan. Through the support of family, friends, & clergy, we have come to this new chapter, a new beginning. The support, also, from parishioners, has been phenomenal.  I want to particularly recognize the folks at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit (Mt. Zion) & St. Isidore (Bethany) who gave me the initial boost following ordination.  The wonder of God’s love I have experienced in witnessing marriages, celebrating baptisms, preparing loved ones for funerals, visiting those who are ill or homebound, & a myriad of other experiences, have woven a fabric of my life that my wildest of dreams could never have imagined. I thank God every day for this AND I thank God every day for each & every one of YOU! My biggest supporter, Kathy, & I are moving geographically, but you all will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers.  We ask you to pray for us & our family. This tri-parish faith community will forever be in our hearts. 

And, REMEMBER ALWAYS THAT GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME.