CHANGES AT CATHEDRAL BASILICA AND CRISTO REY

Dear Parishioners,

Greetings in the Name of Jesus, Lord of New Life!

Well, it’s been a good run! As I completed my 12-year term of office at the Cathedral Basilica and 6 years at Cristo Rey, the Archbishop has informed me that I am being re-assigned. My next assignment will be to serve as Pastor of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque. This will be effective June 8, 2012.

I’m actually looking forward to the move. Don’t get me wrong. I love the people of both my parishes. But after so many years of refurbishing churches, building a new Catholic School, starting new ministries and reaching out to the poor and unchurched, I’m a bit tired. Especially taxing have been the administrative, fiscal and personnel issues that come with running a big operation. And on top of all this, I have been Dean of Santa Fe for 20 years! So, a smaller parish where I can simply be a country pastor seems attractive to me as I start preparing for retirement.

Fr. John Trambley, our ever faithful and cheerful Associate for the past 2 years will also be moved, effective the same date, to become the Pastor of St. Patrick’s-

St. Joseph’s Parish in Raton, New Mexico. 

Who will take our places? Fr. Adam Lee Ortega y Ortiz, presently Pastor of Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic Community in Santa Fe, will assume the Rectorship of the Cathedral Basilica and the Pastorate of Cristo Rey. His Associate will be

The Rev. Donatus Onyeke. Please afford them the same level of cooperation and loyalty you gave me.

There will, of course, be times for goodbyes. But let me say now, it has been a privilege and joy to serve, and I hope in some small way, I did it well.

With all my heart,