A letter from Fr. Dennis to all the members of our wonderful parish family of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
My dear friends,
For some time now I have been aware of the gradual deterioration of the vision in my right eye due to advanced glaucoma (I lost the sight in the left eye two years ago.) This, coupled with increasing mobility problems (among others) compelled me to face a reality that I knew was coming, I just didn’t see it coming so fast. No one ever does. Lol.
Two weeks ago I was able to meet with Bishop Olson and the Diocesan health care representative for priests, at which time these challenges were thoroughly discussed and, with my total acquiescence, it was decided that I would be allowed to step back from the exercise of my public ministry.
As you may imagine, after nearly 48 years of priestly ministry, this was a very difficult decision, but one which was inevitable. The evening that everything was decided upon, I realized that it was the eve of the Feast of St. (Padre) Pio to whom I’ve had a long and ardent devotion. When I offered Mass the next morning, I was filled with a most incredible peace of heart, mind, and spirit – a peace that has remained with me to this very moment.
Let me say that I have been unbelievably blessed to have been a part of the life of this parish family (and our incomparable school) for almost half of my priesthood, and watched it grow from a little country parish to one of the largest and most active and vibrant communities in the Diocese of Fort Worth. I will be eternally grateful for the genuine kindness and fraternal esteem shown to me by Father Flynn and the other pastors under whose leadership I have had the honor of serving you along side of some remarkable young priests. As for our extraordinary deacons, they are the unsung heroes of this community, most of them holding down full-time jobs, dealing with the challenges of family life, and yet always ready and willing to put their ministry into action whenever asked.
As a side note, I have specifically asked Father Flynn that no “going away celebration” be given for me. For one reason I’m not going away, I’m merely stepping back, so I’m sure that I’ll be seeing many of you around and about; and secondly just three years ago I was given a most lavish reception to honor my 45th anniversary of ordination. The cards and notes from that occasion are among my most cherished possessions.
In closing, I would remind you how you have often heard me bring my homilies to a close with the words, “my beloved good people.” Well, please know that that is no mere empty phrase, for each and every one of you is truly beloved to me, and I will continue to pray for you, and I ask only that you continue to pray for me.
With my love, prayers, and blessings in the hearts of Jesus, Mary & Joseph,