Responding to Welcome
Fr. Bob Horihan speaking to parishioners
I suspect it will come as no surprise that the most frequently asked question put to me in the past two months has been some version of “how is the adjustment to the new assignment going?” Putting to one side the question of whether I myself could aptly be described as well-adjusted, I like to think the acclimation to my recently assumed role as rector of the Co-Cathedral has gone reasonably well. To be sure, it is an ongoing endeavor, as I continue to familiarize myself with the parish and the myriad opportunities it presents for encountering and sharing the love of Christ, but I can confidently assert that I have been able to savor that love in multiple ways in these initial two months of ministry in the midst of this community.
When asked the aforementioned FAQ during these past two months, my response has gravitated toward accenting a feature of this parish that is specifically named on the exterior of the church building: I have found St. John’s to be an incredibly welcoming community. The faithful of this parish have been so gracious in accepting this newcomer into their midst, and I am truly grateful for the incredible hospitality that has been extended to me. That welcoming spirit of hospitality has allowed me to experience the embrace of Christ through so many who have been so kind to me in these recent months.
As I survey in my mind’s eye the time that has elapsed since July 1st, plenty of memorable moments spring to mind. I think of time spent in the company of the remarkable staff members with whom I am privileged to collaborate. I think of parishioners inviting me into their homes for food and camaraderie. I think of one-on-one meetings with various people who have powerfully witnessed to me their own authenticity in seeking the Lord. I think of the remarkably profound encounters with patients at Mayo who stop in for a moment of prayer, see me in my Roman collar, and ask with heartfelt faith for a blessing. I think of time spent in the confessional being an instrument of God’s healing and transforming mercy. And I think of the kind patience of those parishioners whose names I am still struggling to commit to memory, even after numerous encounters!
Fr. Bob Horihan talking with parishioners
Above all, though, I think of the weekends: of the opportunity to gather together as the People of God and of the incredible privilege that I have—through no merit of my own, I am well aware!—to lead this sacred people in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. The dynamism, the excitement, the energy, the vitality of that experience has been so uplifting to me in these recent weeks, as we allow ourselves to be nourished by Christ’s superabundant love and thus receive the strength to nourish one another in turn.
After having read the above, then, I hope it comes as no surprise to you that my heart is filled with gratitude to all of you, good people of Saint John’s, for the blessings you have bestowed upon me in these first few months of my time among you. Rest assured that you have definitely been an instrument of Christ’s love to me in recent weeks, and that I consider it a profound gift and a privilege to be here among you as I anticipate continuing to experience that love in our shared journey of discipleship.
