On Sunday, July 15, 2018 all were welcomed, and many came to the St. Brigid Church Coffee and Refreshment Get Together in Cushing Hall, following the 10:30 Mass at St. Brigid Church, where we had a chance to say Thank you and Congratulations to our Coordinator of Faith Formation and Confirmation, Robby Degre. On July 25, 2018, Robby will be moving out to Cincinnati, Ohio where he and 15 other young men will be beginning formation for the Priesthood with the Dominican Provence of St. Joseph. Our prayers and best wishes go with Robby. God Bless him as he joins the Dominican Friars and begins the journey to becoming one of God’s priests.
A note from Robby Degre…
In the Gospel of John’s Crucifixion narrative, we read that Jesus concludes His ministry, and His life, with the words “it is finished.” While other can, and have, spend hours discussing the implications and significance of those three little words, I wanted to take a moment to look at the practical reality of those words, both for Jesus on the Cross and for me today. At first, it seems to me as if those words are really simplifying what is occurring, as the crucifixion is an ignoble and painful death. This is even more confusing, when we think about how it is this very same death that ultimately opens the doors of Heaven to all of us. Yet, the more I reflect on it, the more eloquent those words are in their simplicity, as they are Jesus’ assent to, and affirmation of, God’s will in all things, so that by enduring the hardship of the Cross, a greater glory could be revealed. As I mentioned earlier, these words have a special meaning to me today, as my own ministry here at St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven comes to a close.
In a few short weeks, On July 25th, I will be moving out of Cincinnati, Ohio where I (and fifteen other young men) will be beginning formation for the Priesthood with the Dominican Province of St. Joseph. While leaving the Parishes here will be difficult, I trust in God’s Providence and know that even this hardship of leaving is ultimately so that I can give greater glory to God as a Dominican Friar and a priest. As such, I want to thank all of you for all of the lessons you have taught me during this last year. Please pray for me, and for my brothers, and know that I am praying for all of you as well.
Peace in Christ, Robert Degre
