My stomach was messy. By the end of the day there would certainly be the expected and violent reaction of my innards. I’d better stay close to my bathroom.
Yesterday I was waiting for a call from the bishop.
Fourteen pastors are being appointed to take up new assignments this summer. Since I am retiring at the end of June, one of them is to be assigned here to St. Andrew. Someone else will live in the house that has been mine for fourteen years. Someone else will sit in the presider’s chair at church where I have sat during Mass all these years.
Why was my stomach messing with me? I am not the one being re-assigned. I have chosen to leave.
I was told to be accessible by phone from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. The call would come from the bishop sometime within those five hours.
Getting testy and snippy with a couple people in our office, as I do when I am frustrated or when something is in my charge but out of my control, I went to church. Yes, taking my cell phone with me.
My ringtone, named “Bulletin” on my new iPhone, sounded. It was from “Chancery Archdiocese.” I did not have to ask whose voice that was on the other end.
The bishop gave me the name of the priest who will be coming to the parish, asked me not to tell the staff for several days, suggested that I make an announcement at all Masses this Sunday, and requested that I call the priest. Repeat: keep the name to myself for several days, in order to let all the people of the parish hear the message at about the very same time, hence the reason for waiting until Sunday Masses.
I really, really, really want to tell my staff who their new pastor (their new boss) will be. But I will follow the protocol given to me by the bishop.
My leaving is all the more real for me now, knowing the name of the priest who will have his future in Milford and at St. Andrew. Maybe that is why my stomach was messing with me. I am actually leaving. And I do not usually keep things from my staff that are significant to their work and their working relationships in the parish. Maybe that is why my stomach was messing with me.
A week from now this will not feel so big. But for now …
my stomach is messing with me.
With Open Doors 
I guess “Tums” won’t work! It’s a secret that is good and sorta good/sad at the same time. One that sharing would make us feel slightly better. One we know we can’t.
Hi Father Rob. Have i told you lately how much the Nitz family loves you? So, so, so very much. I am excited for your retirement and sad for your family at St Andrew’s. As i sit here this morning my prayers will be for them and their new pastor (You are always in my prayers.) much love from my prayer seat.
This makes me sad. I am very happy for you ,you have worked long and hard and you’ve been so dedicated, but I sure am sad for myself ,St. Andrews , and for Milford. You will be dearly missed!!!
Sent from my iPhone
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Hang in there, Father Rob. You are a dear person and a very special priest. The Church needs you. So many people love you. You’ve certainly made a big difference in my life as my pastor.
Obedience is huge! It’s a virtue! How pleasing to God that you are being obedient to the Archbishop, as of course you should, but how pleasing to Him that you not give into the temptation. 🙂
This is a sad time, yet an exciting time too for you and all of us! Change is good…for you and us! The one I am most nervous for is the new pastor! Now my stomach is messing with me! God bless our new pastor and may his stomach be calm. 😉
JoAnne Lacey