From the Pastor’s Desk: Reflections on My Move

Reflections on my Move

This article is intended for those who were not at Masses celebrated by Fr. Umberg over the weekend of August 31-September 1.

I am still getting used to last week’s news about my reassignment to St. Ignatius. I imagine that many of you are doing the same. We all (including the Archbishop and me) intended for me to stay for a full five years (or more) until the decisions were made and implemented, uniting our parishes into one entity and selecting the main worship campus (and possible satellite worship campuses). Circumstances beyond our control sometimes change things. Two large parishes lost their pastors this summer and needed new pastors, and it would have been unwise to put an inexperienced pastor at either of them. Now the decision has been made, and it affects my life and yours.

I would like to address some emotions some of you may have about this sudden change (and some of my own thoughts and emotions):

Surprise: This announcement came as a complete surprise, maybe even a shock for many of you. It was not a shock for me, but it was a surprise. I knew that they probably were going to have to move two experienced pastors, and do so quickly, by this Fall. I knew that I was being considered for both. A priest friend of mine who serves on the Priests’ Personnel Board asked me if I would be willing to move to one of these two huge parishes. I also knew that I had spoken about the possibility of me becoming pastor of one of these two parishes a few times over the last ten years. Two years ago, when I was assigned to our family of parishes, the thought of moving never occurred to me. I never was “planning my escape,” because I had no intention of leaving. On the day of the Priests’ Personnel Board meeting (last Wednesday), I would not have bet $5 that I would be chosen for either. Then the phone call came at lunch time…
Disappointment: For those who thought I was doing a good job, or appreciated whatever gifts I might have, this move is probably a disappointment. I am also disappointed; I poured myself into this assignment and have made many efforts to get us on course. I hope that these efforts prove helpful. I sincerely thank those of you who have reached out to me to encourage and support me by kind words to me (or about me), and those who have sent greeting cards or gifts along the way. They meant a lot to me, and you helped me in my work here by your kindness.
Anger: Some of you might be angry that I am leaving after all your efforts of getting used to me and the changes I have made here. (I realize that some of you may also be relieved that I am going). All I can say is that I did make a sincere commitment. I did not know that these parishes would be needing pastors, and that some experienced pastors would have to be moved to fill these positions.
Fear: The unknown is scary. Even for people who did not care much for the way I did things, the unknown can still be troubling. Now what? I am glad that you will have Fr. Haft, a man who knows you and loves you, a man that is familiar with the Beacons of Light Planning as it has unfolded so far, as the temporary administrator of this family of parishes. He will be assisted by a fine young priest who has been ordained several years as a vicar (I had mentioned to the Director of Priest’s personnel that, if they decided to move me, it was essential that they give our family a vicar, and this was honored.) So, you are in good hands.

I will be with you here until about October 11. Meanwhile, I will try to sew up loose ends here while I continue to familiarize myself with the people and institutions of St. Ignatius Parish. We will have some small “Good-bye” receptions after my last weekend Masses at various churches. Please pray for all involved in this time of transition.

—Fr. Umberg