St. Pius V Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners of St. Pius the Fifth:

A few weeks ago, I submitted my resignation as the pastor of St. Pius the Fifth Parish and as the superior of the Dominican community here, effective January 1, 2019.  Father Ken Letoile, O.P., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, graciously accepted it.  

Since my terms as pastor and superior were set to expire last February in the middle of our centennial year, I did not think it would be a good time for a transition in leadership.  So, I asked Fr. Ken if I could continue through the end of our celebrations. He granted my request as pastor and obtained a dispensation for me from the Master of the Order to continue as superior.  With the dedication of our memorial plaques this weekend, our centennial events draw to a close (yearbooks and panels are still on the way), and it is time for me to move on.  I hope to go on a sabbatical in January for some months, after which I will await a new assignment.

As far as a new pastor is concerned, I expect a quick process in finding one, and I will fill you in as soon as his identity and status are confirmed.

Almost seven years will have passed since I arrived at 55 Elmhurst Avenue very early on the morning of February 2, 2012.  These have been the most challenging and most rewarding years of my life, and I am most thankful to you for them.  I have come to know so many wonderful people and there is much that I have learned.  I am also grateful to you for your kindness and generosity, which you have shown me in so many ways.

In the changes ahead, all of us, myself included, are being called to a more profound faith and relationship with the Lord.  Big changes in life call us to this.  They teach us greater detachment from the things and persons of this world and summon us to fix our gaze on the Lord and things eternal.  May we not let ourselves be discouraged by such changes and what is beyond our control, for this will only stifle the work the Holy Spirit wants to do in our hearts.

Enough of this for now.  A month and a half remain before my successor steps in, and there is plenty of time to say our goodbyes in person, which is as it should be.  All I ask is that you be gentle with this high-functioning introvert!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Augustine, O.P.

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