Father Glenn’s remarks on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee

 

It is the teaching of the Church that the priest presider is an Alter Christus, literally “another Christ,” especially as he celebrates the Eucharist for the good of the Church of the People entrusted to his pastoral care. Today, however, I feel like the roles have been reversed. For, collectively, you have been “another Christ” for me – assuring me that the priesthood is the vocation to which I have been commissioned by God. As I look at you, I know in my heart that my state of life is, like yours, legitimately a “divine calling” and, despite Satan’s best efforts to convince me otherwise, not a psychotic episode. Thank you for ratifying my priestly vocation – for your prayerful support, for your words and deeds of affirmation, and in the case of my family and friends, for accompanying me on the journey which has brought us to this moment in time. I truly feel blessed, fulfilled and grateful for the opportunity to have served you at Saint James Church for the past six years. I’ve come to grow in this parish for it has been here where I have learned what collaborative ministry really is and how it works. A parish of this size could never function properly under an autocrat – but it can under an autocrat who knows how to delegate – and leadership of this model presupposes trusting others to do what they have been asked to do.

 

Over the past six years, we have come to know, trust and serve each other who are the Church of Saint James as we work collaboratively for the good of the parish and the edification of the Kingdom. In retrospect, I believe that somewhere during the initial adjustment period, we found our “groove” and bonded, so to speak, ministering side by side effectively, with Christian charity and a healthy ecclesiology – which pivots on the axis of evangelization, stewardship, liturgy, education and fellowship. This is what being Church is all about – this is how I have tried to lead the flock entrusted to my pastoral care in Basking Ridge.

 

As I continue to bask in the joy of my Silver Jubilee, please pray for me, your delegating autocrat, who would like to remain here as Pastor for another six years, when my first term expires July 1, that is, of course, if the Bishop permits this and you’ll have me. Thank you and God bless you all!

--Father Glenn