Dear Good People of St. Philip,

After four months at St. Philip I can truly say I no longer feel just like the new kid on the block, though I know I still have a lot to learn and experience here at our Parish. I wanted to take some time to let you know how all is going at the Parish and my experience so far.

St. Philip may appear a smaller Parish, and numbers-wise we certainly are but there is also a lot of vibrancy here. Having seen my first “Yard Sale” and first “St. Philip Food Festival” I was impressed by the number of dedicated volunteers, many of whom come back year after year what a great act service! Despite the rain and a few less customers than normal, we had a large number of people who stayed to eat and socialize in the Newman Room during the Food Festival. The room was full with probably over 100 maybe nearing 150 at some points or parishioners enjoying fellowship during the food festival. Eat, Drink and Be Catholic, I think has also been a great source of life in my time here. I was very grateful to many who came in August when I spoke, and recently we had a very joyous evening with the gregarious and outgoing Fr. John Heisler! This is not to mention the numerous events and retreats that are happening in our Latino community, particularly the Charismatic Prayer Group, Young Adults group, Legion of Mary, Heaven in Your Home and much more. As well, it is worth mentioning that both our English and Spanish speaking OCIA classes are full with adults who are very inquisitive and excited about becoming Catholic or completing their sacraments.

Some of you may also be curious about how the Listening Sessions and Surveys have gone. In general, I have been very pleased with much of your feedback, thoughts and suggestions. I can honestly say they help me very much to understand where the Parish is at and where it has been. Coming to a new Parish is like making a new friend, it is only through time and communication can you come to know the person better. I am also reminded of something Fr. Donahue said to me a couple of months ago when reflecting on being Pastor here, he said, “The Parish really is not ours (the Pastors’), it is the people’s that we are called to lead for a time and then hand it on to another.” I am finding his words to be very true even if a Pastor’s decisions may not be pleasing to everyone, he can only do his best to discern God’s will for the Parish while also listening to the needs and concerns of the people.

Finally, I want to remind everyone of our coming 40 Hours Devotion this November 19-21 (Christ the King weekend)! This year’s theme will be “Could you not stay one hour with me?” inspired by our new American Blessed Archbishop Fulton Sheen. We will have two young and zealous priests whom many of you know, Fr. Ray Goins and Fr. Jordan Evans come and speak to us. I would like to encourage many of you to sign up for at least one hour and if you are brave enough consider coming in the “little hour” of the morning (12:00 am-5:00 am). In fact, you may see me around 2:00 a.m. those nights. I believe this event is also very vital to our Parish life. Thanks to many of you for all the good you do.



In Christ,

Fr. Jeb