Gwen Announces Her Retirement
After much prayer and reflection, I have decided that my last day ministering at Sacred Heart will be May 15. It is not easy to step away from a community I love so deeply, but I do so with immense gratitude.
Working among you—the people of God—has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. In your faith, generosity, struggles, and hope, I have truly felt as though I was looking into the eyes of God. You have taught me more about discipleship than I could ever teach in return.
I am equally thankful for the staff I have served with. They are exceptional people: dedicated, wise, compassionate, and steadfast in their love for this parish. Working alongside them has been a true gift.
Now, it is time for me to begin a new season called retirement—one rooted more deeply in prayer, contemplation, and, I hope, some nourishing volunteer work where God will continue to surprise me. I do not know exactly where the Lord will lead next, but I trust the One who has always been faithful.
I am attending the parish cruise to England, leaving April 19 and returning on May 1. Thank you for allowing me to walk this stretch of my journey with you. You will stay in my heart and in my prayers always.
—Gwen
Gwen, Thank you. You have strengthened me with your loving presence and wisdom and your great faith. Your letters in the Sunday Bulletin quite frequently said what our priests overlooked or deliberately chose not to say from the pulpit. You very lovingly yet pointedly shine light on the darkness that shadows us and you confront us with Jesus’ truth and challenge us in our often stagnant faith comfort zones.
Your letter on the Feast of the Good Shepherd gave me great solice and relief. I know exactly what you meant by the impossibility of serving two masters and the need to be willing to follow the one true voice. Unfortunately, politics and good versus evil is now dividing our country, our parish and our families. Sanctioned cruelty, walls, racism, mass deportation, intolerance, unjust wars and greed are now the law of our land. What we used to suppress is now shouted and championed. Our division is real and squashes our better angel. All this angst is because many of us choose to follow the lies of the wrong master. As a result, I have been told by practicing Catholic blood relatives that eternal damnation is mine because I voted for the “Abortion Party” candidates and I have weathered other aspersions. I, like you, observed that, to many in my social circles the Beatitudes and Matt 25:40 are extant only in the “Sunday Box”. I forgive them, but I can’t forget and I find myself struggling with animosity toward them. It saddens and drains me daily and I try, unsuccessfully sometimes, to avoid flipping tables and causing more division. Please offer a prayer that my family may be put back together after being torn apart by the “Gospel versus MAGA Spiritual Conflict.” I surmised that this conflict was the point of your letter. I hope I didn’t misenterpret. If I did please let me know.
Let me conclude by saying thank you for your letter of April 26 as it reinforced what I know to be true. Now I must replace disdain for those with whom I disagree with love. That’s the hard part. Thank you also for the hundreds of other messages you penned. If I could have one selfish wish it would be for you to continue your letters, but your retirement is well earned. Enjoy. Your words have “touched me in the exact spot where God knows I need it the most,” – Jerry Kaywell quote. Thank you. Yours, George Kachmar 35 year parishioner, Former Life Teen Catechist, guitarist and singer in the Sacred Heart Band. Peace. I hope to see you Sunday at the First Holy Communion Mass. Love you, Gwen. Thanks for reading this.
As new members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since moving into the area, we want to sincerely thank you for the warm welcome and support you have shown us.
I am especially grateful for your help in setting me up to serve as an usher—it has helped me feel more connected and at home in the parish. We also truly appreciate your guidance in assisting my husband through the process of becoming Catholic and being there to help him along the way.
As you step into retirement from your role at the church, we want to express our deep appreciation for your faithful service and the many ways you have cared for and supported the parish community. Your presence and kindness have truly blessed our family.
May God bless you richly in this new chapter of life and continue to guide and keep you in His peace.
Gwen,
You leave an immense void. Your legacy in this Parish will be echoed for years to come. Your compassion, generosity, and love abound. May God bless you as you venture on. Unfortunately, there is no rest for the weary. Keep the faith. Love the Grace. I will join you in continuing to be grateful for the ability to serve and honor the Father.