"This time of year is so often one of announcements and changes in the lives of many people. This year it is my turn. I will be retiring in early July. After 44 years as a priest in various parishes in the Diocese 22 of those years as pastor here at Sacred Hearts, it is time for me to enter the next stage of my life. I retire, of course, with mixed feelings but I also believe it is the right time to do so. I am so grateful to God for the wonderful gift of priesthood and thankful to all of you for your kindness, support, and encouragement over the years. I intend to continue helping in parishes around the Diocese so I certainly hope to remain active in the priesthood and serving our Diocese. I plan if all works out to live on the westside of Madison and am working out the final details. Dad will, of course, move with me. I will let you know where that will be when all is settled.

Your new pastor will be Fr. Tom Kelley, currently serving at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cross Plains. Father is a wonderful priest and will be a great pastor here. The date of the change is July 11th. So, I am still with you for a short period of time. Again, thank you. Pray for me as I pray for you."

Please pray for our beloved pastor as he transitions to a new phase of his life. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.