Published 09-08-24

FR. DAN SHAUGHNESSY

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Coming off of a week with two Town Hall meetings in the Social Hall on Tuesday and Thursday, I think it’s fair to ask ourselves the following question, “Why are we contemplating doing what we are planning to do here at St. Patrick, related to growth of facilities? Why are we going to take on land acquisition? Why will we invariably take on debt and all the things that go with it, when the parish expands?”

Well, we live in an interesting world; we live in a confused world; we live in a world that is increasingly God-less, dominated by the NONES. I dare say that all of us at St. Patrick knows what the remedy is for a world that has drifted away from God. St. Augustine wrote in his incredible volume of books and letters, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, (Lord Jesus Christ).”  Hence, the only antidote (to a society that embraces things like rampant materialism; selfishness; sexual excesses; abortion; euthanasia; relativism, etc.) is a deep and meaningful encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. That encounter with Jesus in prayer, in the confessional, in the Eucharist, in Bible Studies, in small faith sharing groups, is the only thing that will bring peace to our hearts that are often laden with anxiety, restlessness, fear, and despair.  

And so, we will push forward with Jesus Christ as our constant guide and companion. Why?  Because the opportunities (that we offer for relationship with Jesus Christ here at St. Patrick) are innumerable. We have the “cure” for our increasingly pagan culture and we want to offer that joy, that hope, that new life with Jesus, to as many people as we possibly can!

Please walk with me on this journey. Please share your thoughts and dreams with the Building Committee and me. And please pray for the parish as we enter this most exciting time.  

Giving gratitude for the blessings of Fr. Brian’s leadership over the past 9 years, I continue to offer my thanks and praise to Almighty God for bringing me back to Wentz- ville to be your pastor and shepherd.

Devotedly yours in Christ,
Fr. Dan Shaughnessy