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FATHER MATHEW C. GEORGE
MY LIFE AS A PRIEST

This week I thought I would express my gratitude to the staff of St. Thomas, who have been part of my daily life here. We have a group of highly dedicated people working here, giving their whole life for the service of God’s people. You may see only a few people on ‘stage’ most of the time, but everything we do here is the result of the relentless efforts of a team - many of whom act behind the scenes. Everyone working here has a sense of family which makes this church a beautiful place to work. I am indebted to them for their support in my priestly ministry here. If I tried to express my gratitude to them the way I wanted, it would take up too much of the bulletin. I will just follow the order as they are listed in the website to have a basic order of staff.

Debbie Miller’s dedicated service to this Church is commendable. She touches most every area of ministry here, especially those who need care and spiritual support the most – the sick and the elderly. Dr. Patricia Danks, with her knowledge and professionalism, brings healing and comfort to many families of our parish. Laura Broyles’ energy and enthusiasm have made significant contributions to the adult faith formation ministry in our church. Stephanie Tierney has positively changed the lives of a generation here with her youth ministry. Keri Connelly also works as a service to the youth, helping Stephanie whenever she needs help. Dave Nowicki makes sure we show full responsibility of our financial sacrifices to the church with his excellent expertise in financial management. Rick St. Peter might be the best man you could find in coordinating maintenance work here, and has personally helped me several times with various needs. Mike Gorzen knows more stories than anybody around here and he loves to tell those stories to me. Jerry Miller is a person you could approach for any kind of help even if he is only assists here on the weekend. Cathy Hulett with her gentle and generous nature is ever willing to help everyone any time here. In Barb Palazzolo I am losing my ‘next door neighbor’ who did everything I ever asked of her – much like an ‘older sister.’ She has forgiven me for my ‘nuisances’ since I like to make too much noise in my room! (I was also close to her sister, Teri, who was a teacher at MacCormic Catholic Academy in Port Huron when I was working there.) Catherine Muller was dedicated and organized in her role as the Music Director. I used to joke with Brandon Gauvin that he has more fans than I do, and this month I had the chance to beat him! Janine Grady-Creedon is very good with the children, and even allowed me to play “Oh, Happy Frog!” with the children once in a while. There is a Sue Miller touch to all the liturgical activities we do, and she does it with a smile on her face. Pam Michels has the tenderest heart, and she already asked me one hundred times whether I really need to go! Diane Sobell never let a day pass by without asking how I was doing, showing more concern for others than herself. Mary Lou James is a special presence here and I never let a chance pass by without asking her how she was doing. Connie Browning - in her eighties - has more energy than many of us here, and she walks faster than I do! Kirste Moline made a big difference when she joined the parish staff, taking over as the new web designer here; now even my bishop can hear my homilies because of her efforts!

The Religious Education (Faith Formation) Department owns a part of the church building that provides an important service by serving the most important need - educating our children in experiencing Christ. Joan Kijek works twenty four hours a day and her dedication is commendable. Betsy Crapps talks faster than anybody here, and everything she does is done the same way. Cathy Piasta calls me ‘son’ and I call her ‘mother’ - it is a gentle feeling for both of us. Don’t ever tell Anne Truax about any of your important life events because she will decorate your room in pink to make you happy, and that is because she believes God created everything in pink! Pat Wojciak is also part of that crew, volunteering every day to help in the Faith Formation office. Donna Whittaker and Peggy Greene are special people who help us live well and look well over at the rectory. I also remember our former staff members who worked here with me in previous years – Jerry and Elaine O’Neill, Alan Arnett, Jan Jacobs, Karen Wezner, Mike Middel and Darlene Vaughan.

May God continue to bless you all for your role in my formation through the parish ministry, and in my service to the people of God.

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