May 28, 2008
Dear Bishop,
I have informed my vestry that I will be retiring early and have given them several months notice. My last day will be Wednesday, September 17th and then I will be moving to Florida. I hope that you will find time to see me personally before I leave.
St. Paul’s Willimantic, as you know, is a small band of rugged, scrappy and most importantly, Christian individuals. The parishioners of this parish know what it means to belong to the priesthood of God. Many of the people who frequent the Soup Kitchen also frequent the church on Sundays for our breakfasts and coffee hours. I have not once heard any one ask them to go to the end of the line or tell them there isn’t enough food for them. Rather they call them by name as they treat them the same as anyone else. This is the church’s ministry and they are honored to be a part of their lives.
The people of this church have also raised enough money to put in a foundation, and raise the walls, to build an orphanage in Kakata, Liberia for 40 children. Now I don’t know exactly what to call them other than fools… that is fools for Christ with eyes to see the pain, ears to hear the cries, voices to respond and hearts to love children in the streets anywhere. I can’t say enough about them and how it has been a privilege to work with them; and that personally I have met Christ walking in their midst and am deeply, deeply grateful to them for giving me four years of glorious ministry.
Hope this letter finds you well.
Fondly,
Rev. Patricia P. Gallagher