Dear Parishioners,

It feels like just yesterday that I was arriving here as a transitional deacon on June 1, 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, a bit anxious about the future, and eagerly waiting to find out when I would be ordained a priest. Since those early days and my subsequent ordination to the sacred priesthood on August 22, 2020, it has been such an immense joy and privilege to serve you—and alongside you—as one of your parish priests.

When I arrived here less than two years ago, I encountered the love of Jesus Christ in some of the kindest, generous, and most welcoming people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Each one of you, in your own way, has made this assignment uniquely special. It was a time of great growth for me, and “thank you” seems inadequate for the kindness you have shown this young priest over these past 23 months. I am also grateful to our pastor, Fr. Bill, to Deacon Paul and Deacon John, and to the parish and St. Thomas School staffs for their generosity, patience, and love. This beautiful community of faith will forever be a cherished part of my life, and my heart is grateful and heavy as I prepare to say farewell.

Preaching at an ordination to the priesthood in 2006, Pope Benedict XVI said, “Day after day it is necessary to learn that I do not possess my life for myself. Day by day I must learn to abandon myself; to keep myself available for whatever He, the Lord, needs of me at a given moment, even if other things seem more appealing and more important to me: this means giving life, not taking it.” This has served as my “job description,” if you will, during my time here. It has been uniquely humbling, grace-filled, and challenging, and I have become more acutely aware of my own shortcomings. Yet, I have found such joy and peace in abandoning myself to God’s invitation to say “Fiat!—Yes!” each and every day. I have been greatly humbled and edified by your deep devotion to living the Christian life, and particularly your love of the Eucharist and the sacrament of penance. Especially in these profound and beautiful sacramental moments, you have truly taught me how to be a priest. This is something that I have not taken for granted and will forever cherish.

We hear Jesus tell Simon Peter in today’s Gospel reading from Saint John, “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep…” Caring for the People of God is what I have desired to do ever since I first sensed an inkling of a vocation to the priesthood as a young child. This parish “flock” has been such a joy to minister to, particularly through the sacraments and by walking alongside you during times of joy, sadness, and everything in between.

In our Gospel reading today, we also hear Jesus say to Simon Peter, “Follow me.” Please continue to pray for the young people of this parish, that they might joyfully and humbly discern where and how the Lord is calling them. I would also humbly ask that you please also pray for me, that I may always remain faithful to the voice and call of Jesus Christ, the High Priest and Good Shepherd.

Know that I pray for you daily and will certainly continue to do so moving forward. May the Lord give you His peace!

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Matthew, pray for us!

Peace and all good,
Fr. Alexander Boucher