08/01/2023
From Deacon John Fitzpatrick, reflecting on his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Deaconate:
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"Dear parishioners,
I just love the idea of writing this reflection on my experience of the Diaconate for these 25 years. I would like to thank all the people of Ss. Cyril and Methodius for their well wishes, gifts and recognition. As usual, you were extremely generous and loving as only the people of God can be.
I have been blessed. My vocation to the Diaconate has proved to be more fulfilling than I would have ever expected. You get back more than you give, the blessings are innumerable and they don’t stop coming. You participate in people’s lives from the cradle to the grave and all the years in between.
I don’t know how many times I’ll be standing in the rear of the Church greeting people when someone says, 'You know you Baptized my daughter or son', and you are then introduced to someone who is twenty or twenty one years old. A lot of time has passed since that Baptism, (and) a lot of growing has occurred both physically and mentally; You just want to say, 'Fill me in, what are you up to now?', in the same way you may have officiated at someone’s marriage and now they are Baptizing their children, or sadly you may have done the wake service for a relative or friend. You get involved in their lives and they can become almost family! As I said God blessed me when he called me to the Diaconate! In times of joy and in times of sadness, we clergy get to travel with you and it is an honor to do so. It enriches us as a group and as individuals.
This Family at Ss. Cyril and Methodius is special. There is a lot of energy, creativity, and most of all love represented here. I am proud to serve as a Deacon here, it fills my heart and affirms my vocation.
You are all special folks, not just to me but to your God! Remember, you are the Beloved! Wear that Badge of Honor!
God Bless you,
Deacon John"
