Saying goodbye to clergy is hard!

[hrmjustin]

Yesterday we had a goodbye party for one of our priests and it was moving and very emotional. He stayed longer than he anticipated but felt the time was right to try something new. He and his husband, an Episcopal priest himself, have decided to travel the country for a period of time before starting new jobs at different parishes.

Life is change and it is hard but with clergy like my priest it is made easier. To be a Christian requires you to give yourself to help others at all times. Not only those you care for but those you don't know and don't like as well. His life is an example of true Christian virtue. I reminded him when he first came that I said to him priests come and go but the spirit of our parish will endure. He has left his mark on my parish and on my life, and I am eternally grateful.

Do any of you have stories about clergy that you were sad to see leave your house of worship?

[upaloopa]

1. Not me and church but my brother is a priest

in El Cajon, CA and when I visit him he always has lots of friends in the community. Some parishioners have followed him from his last parish.
I am not religious myself but I can see how you could get connected to some spiritual leader.

[Freddie]

2. Will soon

Our pastor told church council he is retiring in 5 years; we've been truly blessed to have him since 1992. A wise, calm, patient man, a true Christian in the old-fashioned way, a leader without being a dictator. He's also politically very liberal but will not discuss politics from the pulpit. I only hope we can find a pastor half as good after he retires.

[Rowdyboy]

3. Our Episcopal priest retired after 16 years...he taught my Inquirers Class and I referred to him as

"the only man in this backwoods town more liberal than I am". He left June 1st of last year though he and his wife live only a few blocks from us and we see them from time to time.

His replacement is a delightful lady who I've come to adore just as much but in different ways. Attendance is up and the church is thriving so I guess its all good.

Best of luck on your transition.