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“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’” (Luke 1:38)
The two of us, Fr. Tom McDermott, OP, and Fr. Ben Keller, OP, have also been called to new assignments by the provincial, effective July 1. Fr. Tom’s new assignment will be announced at a later date. Fr. Ben will be a parochial vicar at St. Paul Catholic Center at IU Bloomington.
As friars in the Dominican Order, we profess the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in our solemn profession. However, only one of these is explicitly mentioned: the vow of obedience. Obedience is incredibly freeing, although it can also be difficult to live out at times. Regardless, our call is to follow the example of our Blessed Mother, who trusted that whatever we are called to, the Lord will provide. He will bring a greater good out of whatever He leads us to and draw all involved to a deeper relationship with Him.
You may have heard or seen in the bulletin or Flocknote a couple of weeks ago that the provincial has asked Fr. Brent Bowen to move to St. Louis this summer to finish his doctoral studies and thesis defense. He will then join the Aquinas Institute of Theology faculty in the fall of 2025.
With the three of us being called elsewhere, be assured that other friars are being sent to St. Tom’s. We will soon announce the names of our next pastor and parochial vicar. We will also get a Student Brother, Br. Jacob Mazur-Batistoni, for a one-year “pastoral experience” also starting on July 1.
Having Fr. Tom, Fr. Ben, and Fr. Brent all leave at the same time will undoubtedly cause some stress in our parish, just as it will for the three priests themselves. We have loved being here and are full of gratitude for everything we have been able to be a part of. You have brought us into your lives, and we have cherished every moment. Please keep us in your prayers as we strive to imitate our Blessed Mother, trusting the Lord with our obedience. We will pray for you.
We will have a farewell reception for Fr. Tom, Fr. Ben, and Fr. Brent on Sunday, April 28, downstairs in Newman Hall after 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Masses. We would love to see you there! We don’t leave until the beginning of July, but many of you are leaving after the spring semester ends, so we want to have a chance to say thank you before you head to your summer adventures.
May God bless St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center, its priests, parish staff, and all its parishioners and friends as it embarks on this new chapter.
Fr. Tom McDermott, OP (Pastor) and Fr. Ben Keller, OP (Parochial Vicar)