An Open Letter to Father Jerry Kaywell from the People of Sacred Heart

Dear Father Jerry,

We wish we could find the words to express the depth of our emotions and convey the profound significance of your return to us at Sacred Heart after your exile. Words seem inadequate, unable to fully encapsulate the magnitude of your homecoming after such a challenging time. Please forgive us if we falter, if silence takes over when we gaze at you. There are no words rich enough, complete enough, or loving enough to express the enormity of what your return means to us. Allow us to convey what we feel with the love in our eyes, the touch of our hand, a quiet pause, and our fumbling words.

Father Jerry, the lessons you taught us carried us through these dark days of uncertainty and pain. Remembering your homilies was a beacon of hope when we experienced such profound pain in our hearts and spirits. Please know we brought you daily and weekly to our Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart and placed you into the heart of our Lord, asking Him to hold you near. As we looked into the eyes of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we knew that however difficult the time, he held both you and us as close as possible to His heart. Over and again throughout the years, you pointed to our mural and reminded us, “It is all about Him.” Remembering that carried us through the darkest days.

We welcome you home. Your presence is our joy. You will again stand as we know you best, as our pastor—our “in persona Christi.” You baptize our children, bring us healing through the forgiveness of sin, and gently calm our grief when we place those we love in the arms of God. But most significantly, we see you in persona Christi when we gather for Eucharist; you break open the Word, inspire us with your preaching, and consecrate our humble gifts of bread and wine, giving us the Body and Blood of Christ our Savior and then, you bless us on our way.

This Lent, you were forced to walk a difficult road. You were innocent, facing an unfounded accusation, heartache, and no doubt many pain-filled days. We hope you recognized us beside you as you journeyed to your own Calvary. We were there. We were the women you met on the road. We were Simon of Cyrene. We were Veronica, the disciple you loved, and your Mother. Even though we could not physically stand beside you. On your most challenging days, we were always there, loving you, supporting you, and believing in your goodness.

What a Holy Week this will be. Our family is together to journey with the Lord through His passion and death to the glory of His resurrection. Perhaps we will know the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice in a way we have never known. Stand beside us this Holy Week, and lead us down this road of faith. We want to walk it with you. And we want to stand beside you as we witness the power of the resurrection together on Easter Sunday.

Father Jerry, words are inadequate. Please forgive the limitation of language. Our parish has never been about the building; it is only about the people. You are ours, and we are yours. We together are the people. We together are the family of God. 

Your return to us is God’s blessing raining down on us. We love you, faithful shepherd, warm-hearted pastor, and dear friend. We bless you this day with the words you often used to bless us. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He let His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May He look on you with kindness this day and every day. May He shower you with His peace.  

Welcome home,

Your Sacred Heart Family