My Dear St. John the Apostle parishioners:

The following announcement was put out by the Diocese this afternoon, 2/25/22:

“Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointment:

Reverend Thomas B. Cavanaugh – from Parochial Vicar at Saint John the Apostle Parish in Leesburg to a Leave of Absence for Vocational Discernment, effective immediately”.

I am sure that hearing this news comes as a great shock to everyone; perhaps even more so given the recent announcement, a few weeks back, that Fr. Colin Davis had freely petitioned the Holy Father to be released from the clerical state, and that his petition had been granted.

Receiving unexpected and unwelcome news can often leave us struggling for answers, for understanding, and for a way forward. Our” way forward” is to be united in prayer for Fr. Thomas and for one another in the days to come: we are the Body of Christ, and we are called to support one another on the journey of living and sharing the Faith: in both the good, and the challenging, times.

I have tried to provide guidance and fraternal support to both of these young priests as they shared with me their thoughts and struggles in discerning and embracing the Lord’s Will for them in their lives; but likely the most beneficial thing I have been able to do is to pray with them and for them; and this is what I ask you to do now….

In whatever way the reception of this news may impact you, I ask that you turn that over to the Lord …. Ask for strength and wisdom from the Lord…that our parish be united as we move forward together in prayer for one another and for Fr. Thomas; and during this time of “vocational discernment” may he truly benefit from our prayers, as well as our acts of charity and sacrifice during Lent.

His departure will have an immediate impact upon the parish as a whole, and more specifically upon those who have been working directly with him for wedding preparation, counseling, RCIA, and other programs and ministries within the parish. Please be assured that Fr. Mick and I will be reviewing all of his present and future commitments and will be in contact with affected groups, ministries, couples and individuals as we move forward: we ask for your patience and understanding as we sort through things.

In closing, I ask for prayers not only for Fr. Thomas but also for Fr. Mick and me…. this has a very real impact, on many levels, for both of us. Please know of our continued prayers for all of you and know of our appreciation for your prayers, patience, and understanding as we respond to these challenging times and to this unexpected news for the parish.

 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Kevin