Thank you for praying and celebrating this Holy Mass of Chrism with us. May I especially welcome and express appreciation to the deacons and religious who serve the Church and people so well in pastoral ministry and as witnesses of faith. Thank you also to the lay men and women present here today and those you represent. You are essential to vibrant parish and diocesan life and are visible ambassadors of Christ in the world; thank you for your generosity in so many ways.
I especially want to thank my brother priests many of whom have traveled some hours to be here. Lent is a time for repentance and so I ask your forgiveness for those times I have not been the spiritual father you deserve. There is a plaque in my office with an inscription I ask you to keep in mind: it reads: “Please be patient. God isn’t finished with me yet.” Surely He has much work yet to do.
We journey together, blessed to be priests in the local church of Sioux Falls in difficult times and, too often, with unjust and uncharitable criticism. Yet you serve those placed in your care with love and sacrifice. Thank you.
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