Priest-in-Charge of two parishes!
““Fr. Michael Panzarella,
To the church of the Holy Apostles in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” ”
Dear Faithful of Holy Apostles’ Parish,
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:2
With such joy, I began working at Holy Apostles as your part-time Priest-in-Charge this past Tuesday, working in a shared relationship with Grace-Saint Paul’s in Mercerville. I open with the words of Saint Paul in that fashion because I share a similar gratitude for the entire parish here. Having begun ministry in the Hamilton and Ewing area some five years ago, I have had the opportunity to see your vibrant community ministries (outreach). They are vital and crucial ministries for all who they serve, and these ministries, due to your faithfulness, have thrived through the many storms – pandemic, transition of clergy, etc. For you, I have gratitude. I believe your faith has strengthened your hearts to constantly reach out with compassion. What a blessing and joy!
Over the next few months, I will endeavor to learn the parish systems that are in place to see how I can work with them, to understand your physical space better and what care it may require, and, the best part, to get to know all of you more deeply. I ask for your prayers, as I endeavor to navigate two parishes, and for your patience knowing that the shoes that were left behind for me to fill are impossible to do so. Having known Dcn. Trisha, Canon Art, and Dcn. Denise, “we” are here to continue the good work they encouraged and consider the new ways we can live out our Baptismal covenant. Though I am here part-time, I believe with your support, we will “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” [Hebrews 12:1c].
I love embracing possibilities, engaging the creative side that God placed in us which sometimes needs awakening, and living in the same wonder as of a child who notices and revels in the simplest of experiences. Now, as your priest, I revel in the possibilities of ministry that lie ahead for us!
Included is Mtr. Amy Cornell’s sermon from Saturday, September 28th. Some congregants found her sermon a meaningful expression for the transition coming to a close. Even I was moved by her words and confidence in the future with me as your priest. I am also extremely grateful for Mtr. Amy and the other clergy who have supported you through your transition. Please notice Mtr. Amy’s final sentiment about me; it is true. I entered ministry with the love of God in my heart. I engage in my priestly ministry with a desire to find ways to love and spiritually care for all of the children of God. Love is where I am rooted, because Love is the way – just like Presiding Bishop Michael Curry always explains that our Christian life is the Way of Love, for “God is Love.” [1 John 4:8b]
With great anticipation and joy do I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you! Peace and blessings!
Fr. Michael
