A Time of Transition and Gratitude

Last weekend several parishes in our Diocese heard their priests announce they had received a new assignment. Among the priests making such an announcement was our own Father Dan Tracy. Father Dan has been appointed parochial administrator (for all practical purposes this is akin to being pastor) for the parishes of St. Joseph in Rice Lake, Our Lady of Lourdes in Dobie, Holy Trinity in Haugen, and St. John the Evangelist in Birchwood. He will begin his new assignment on July 1st. 

It was also announced that at the same time when Father Dan is leaving his time of service to our parish, we will be welcoming Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara as our new parochial vicar or associate pastor. Fr. Shaji is originally from India and has been a priest since 2002. He is a priest of our Diocese. Most recently he has served as pastor for the parishes in Park Falls, Butternut, and Fifield. He and I have been in a prayer group together for several years. I look forward to working with him. A few years ago, in an article for our Diocesan newspaper, Father Shaji offered, “My parents were the first teachers of the faith, and devotion to our mother Mary was a great part of our faith.” We will certainly learn more about him in the weeks and months to come. 

Meanwhile, we are grateful for the service Father Dan has given to Saint Patrick Parish. He will be going on to lead a significantly large and vibrant parish, school, and three smaller parishes. He will be working with an associate pastor. Here at Saint Patrick Parish, we will continue to serve the Newman Center in River Falls, providing ministry to students at UW River Falls. 

I ask that you pray for all the priests making transitions to new assignments in the weeks and months ahead, along with praying for the parishes, parishioners, and staff. We also pray for our Bishop. Assessing parish needs, priests’ gifts, and making assignments is one of his more difficult responsibilities. I know he relies on God to give guidance and wisdom.