FROM PARISH BULLETIN - MAY 11, 2025
After four years at St. Christina, the Archdiocese of Chicago Priest Placement Board has asked that Fr. Wayne begin a new assignment this July. Although we are not sure where Fr. Wayne will be assigned, we are certain that his generous heart will make a great impact on wherever he will be assigned. We are very grateful for the four years Fr. Wayne has spent with us. But we are also grateful that Fr. Wayne spent his first years as a priest at St. Christina after his 2002 ordination.
Let us pray for Fr. Wayne as he makes this transition.
--------------------------------
Dear Parishioners,
This is my last bulletin article for St. Christina. My heart is sad to leave you after these last few years as I have made this place my home. I have made many friends here at St. Christina and it is difficult to leave these friendships behind. Change is always challenging and difficult. I reflect on Jesus’s words in John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be with you, and that your joy may be in you, and that your joy be full.” Let this be a reminder to all of us to always experience joy and happiness in our lives and trust in His plans for each of us. So, thank you for the FUN, laughter and times we shared here St. Christina, and may you always have peace and happiness as you journey through life. “Laughter is good for the soul.”
I want to personally thank ALL of you for both your support and friendship during my short time here at St. Christina. You have made my stay so enjoyable and I will forever remember the happy and heartwarming sacraments witnessed here in our church. The birth of a new baby, marriage, and many other joyful celebrations we shared through our faith were an honor for me to be a part of and to share with you. The meaningful talks, the school and religious education students with all their enthusiasm and smiles, the festivities and fundraisers, the parishioners who volunteered in the many ministries and all the parishioners who through their faith and kindness brought joy and fulfillment to me and to God in attending Mass and sharing in the Eucharist. Thank you all for your dedication and time.
Also during my time here, I will continue to pray for those who have gone through sad and grieving times in their lives through the loss of a loved one, an illness, or any other difficult moments that I have accompanied them through as we prayed together. These times have strengthened our faith and reminded us of God’s love while giving us hope for healing and a closer relationship with Jesus.
All of these events not only have shown us God’s love but also the importance of a community and the bonds that unite us together as a parish and a place of comfort and joy. I am grateful for the trust you placed in me during these most difficult and intimate events in your lives. It was my privilege to serve and celebrate with you and your families. I pray for the growth of St. Christina and the continuation of support to the parish’s positive traditions and values that make this a vibrant parish through your love, faith and dedication.
I ask that you pray for me as my journey continues on a new path. It is with both sadness and excitement that I leave St. Christina and say good-bye. I ask God to grant me strength and wisdom and the Holy Spirit to guide me as I begin my priesthood at a new parish. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated as I will also pray for all of you. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, love and support and I will always remember you. No matter the place or distance, we are always united together through our faith and the celebration of Mass through the Eucharist.
God’s blessings. “LOVE, peace, joy, health and, most of all, I THANK YOU!!!!!”
Fr. Wayne Svida
Associate Pastor of St. Christina Parish
|
