It is that time again - to say THANK YOU. Not many priests have the privilege of returning to ministry in a Parish that had become so much a part of my life. I was truly shocked six years ago when I was reassigned to CCOP to succeed Fr. Dan Danielson.

Today as I celebrate my last weekend with you I am conscious of an even a deeper sadness in my heart as I begin the process of moving on to my Sabbatical. I ask our grieving people, "Why does it hurt so much?". For me, it is all because of the reality of strong and loving attachments I have made in this Community. I have become very attached to this Parish staff, ministers and families for what has been almost a third of my priestly life. It is good that I hurt and feel the great sadness because I am aware of the source of those feelings. I have been deeply attached to and forever changed by you and our Community.

What I have loved about CCOP and will cherish are the experiences and memories of its welcoming and warmth. CCOP has always had the capacity to welcome and integrate the many faces of family -- the vibrant participative liturgies that provide an oasis for families to worship God. I thank all Liturgical Leadership, all the Coordinators of Liturgical Ministries, hidden and public, the countless ministers, growing daily, who are committed to the building up of the people and the Parish. I am grateful for the connection of the CCOP to the wider community of Pleasanton and beyond, especially in its outreach, social justice, and ecumenical endeavors.

I am touched by the stewardship of this Community -- one of the hallmarks of CCOP. I appreciate that our Parishioners offer their time, talent and treasure without counting the cost, out of gratitude to God. How often I have said: Thank God and thank CCOP as we do not have fundraising. The stewardship of every family is much more dignified and lasting. So, I thank all of you for honoring your call and responsibility as baptized Catholics. I thank you for allowing me to serve you and to grow with you. We have worked very well together to build and nurture this thriving faith Community. You empowered me to use my gifts and I have empowered you to use your gifts in ways you never imagined.

I will never forget the comfort and strength you gave me upon the death of my brother two years ago and more recently upon the death of my wonderful associate and friend, Fr. Jerry Kennedy. These were two very difficult times in my life - what a blessing it was to have your love and support! It was also during this time that one of our staff, Manuel DeSimas, became ill, and he went on medical leave. Manuel has been a blessing to the parish, the staff and to me. I thank him for the example of his life.

As I reflect on these years I recognize very clearly the ways you have helped me to grow in my Christian faith and priestly vocation. I am aware of how much CCOP has grown as a Vatican II Parish, a ministering community and a community of ministers. One of my greatest blessings these past six years has been the growth of our staff, and new ministries. I rejoice and am pleased with the ways we have nurtured this parish.

As many of you know, administration is not my passion. I have been amazed how well I have done. I've done it with the daily support from the Administrative and Support Staff, who work so hard to keep it all together. Then, there has been the Pastoral and Finance Parish Councils, and the many Coordinators of Ministries. I am very proud of who we have grown to be together. I have been blessed with a great parish staff that will continue to work with Fr. Paul. Be assured of my gratitude and daily prayers. "And, until we meet again, may God hold each of us in the palm of His hand."

For any failure on my part, I ask your forgiveness. For any time when your expectations of me as a priest have not been realized, I ask forgiveness for that too. I have my regrets as well as my joys and consolations, and both will become a part of my life's tapestry.

I am very happy that Fr. Paul will be my successor. Like me, he is a graduate of the Danielson School of Leadership. We both love CCOP. We have had a very enjoyable transition and I wish him all God's Blessings for the future. 

Fr. Padraig