Dear Father Shea,

Before you take over shepherding the flock that is in the Northwest Valley, I wanted to share with you who your new flock is. I’m sure as it was with me, they will work their way into your heart very quickly.

The first thing to know is that there are “year-rounders”, who thrive in any kind of weather and “fair-weather friends”, called such because they thrive here in the nice weather and smartly evacuate when the temperature hits triple digits.

I admit it was a little disconcerting my first year, when all the fair-weather friends departed. Was it something I said? But they assured me they would return. And they did! You’ll probably feel the same the first year but then you adjust, and it gives a very nice rhythm to the year.

These are also parishioners who have the wisdom of experience. Most, but not all, are cradle Catholics and they have been coming to Mass their entire lives and are not going to stop now. Because of that they are very well informed about the teachings of the Church and what the practice of the faith looks like. They are also Catholics who helped build the parishes and schools in their hometowns. They have a vested interest in the Church and understand what it means to be Church and the sacrifices it requires. In fact, their giving habits are the best I have ever seen. One thing that weighs heavy on their hearts is that so many of their children no longer practice the faith. Maybe you can help them with that since you are part of their children’s generation.

Even though many of them are content and happy at their stage in life, it doesn’t mean they have lived a charmed lives! They have had their share of the challenges and heartbreaks that life too often brings: sickness, an uninvited divorce, the death of a child, business and career losses, disappointments, and frustrations. Yet they have learned the lessons that only suffering can teach and the power of the Cross to transform suffering into wisdom and strength. From that you can draw on their wisdom and experience. You have a flock that is not just mature in years but in faith as well.

As with all things, gravity has its effect. The aging process happens. But you will not find them complainers or whiners. They know what time of life it is for them and plan to live out their years with gratitude and serenity. This does mean, however, that there will be lots of anointings of the sick. For me, it has allowed me to appreciate better than I had, the beauty, compassion, and the gift that the sacrament is for us.

Also, you should remember that here in Sun City West, this is an active adult community. Which means you will have no shortage of ministry helpers and volunteers. So, this is not a crowd that sits at home watching TV and sipping diet soda. They seem to live by the theme: “ain’t dead yet” and most of them probably run circles around their children and peers. And at least one of your parishioners gets a hole-in-one, every week! Well, almost.

Then, as Jesus told his apostles, “I have another flock of which you do not know…” For you that will be the Mission in Vistancia/North Peoria/Lake Pleasant area. There you will find a large group of parishioners who are enthusiastic and energetic, ready to build the next new Parish in the Diocese. The plan is all laid out for you, and I will be a willing consultant. These projects move slower than we like but don’t underestimate how God works on the unseen plan, preparing things in a way that will surprise you. Sunday Mass in the elementary school requires a lot of hands to make it happen but there is something unique in having Church-in- a- Box that very few priests get to experience. As Jesus said, “blessed is the steward who brings forth from his store house both the old and the new”. You will have both in your ministry here.

My heart breaks to leave this wonderful flock. But I leave with a heart overflowing with gratitude and joy. So, Father, always remember, “God’s flock is in your midst. Give it a shepherd’s care.”

Love, Fr. John B.

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