Dear Parishioners,

Extraordinary is the love of God that guides our lives. Incredibly beautiful is the wisdom of God that makes straight the path of those who place their hope and trust in Him. Miraculous is the power of God that cannot only move mountains but can also move hearts. Standing firm in the Lord is one of the greatest gifts of freedom that is the result of faith. St. Paul reminds us that it was "For freedom that Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yolk of slavery. For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters."

In this context of freedom, I now conclude thirteen years of service to St. Hilary Parish. While it is not easy to say goodbye, I am compelled to take the words of our Lord seriously as He tells me, "Follow me." The life of a priest is filled with many goodbyes and many first time hellos. It is certainly difficult to say goodbye to so many wonderful people who have had such an effect in your life. To have had the opportunity to be of service in the lives of one's parishioners from birth to death is a grace and blessing that cannot be fully appreciated. I only know that I have been blessed to be in this parish. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to serve. To have done so for these past many years is reward in and of itself.

St. Paul reminds us to "live by the Spirit..." For it is in the Spirit that we find the grace to fulfill the freedom for which we were made, which is to "serve one another through love." I know that by God's grace, I have tried to be of service to our parish to the best of my ability. I also know that so many of our parishioners have given so generously of themselves through the gift of their time, talent and treasure. Together, we have forged a bond of grace that God has been able to use to make not only a significant difference here at St. Hilary Church but also well beyond the boundaries of our parish.

Therefore, I pray that our parish will continue to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit and to the "Call to Holiness" that is rooted in Christ. Such a united position will continue to afford this community with all of the graces of God to grow in love and make a difference in the lives of the many. I will pray for each of you and I ask that you pray for me as I move forward in my own unique journey of God's call. I also ask you to pray with me for Father Brown, our new pastor. I pray that he will experience the same generosity and love as I have received over these past years from the People of God here at St. Hilary.

Finally, I ask you to rejoice with me in the words of Psalmist who proclaims, "You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever."

God bless you. I will never forget you. I am eternally grateful and blessed to have had the privilege of being your Pastor.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Tarantino
Pastor