Pastor's Reflection - June 21, 2026

Learning From The Example of Others

My first assignment as a newly ordained priest was with Fr. Jim Lee, who passed away on December 22, 2024. He was a great blessing and mentor to me, and I thank God that I had the opportunity to learn from him.

We both stepped into a very difficult environment because past leadership in the parish had greatly compromised and undermined the role of the pastor and, in general, the clergy.

A group of people loyal to the previous pastor and determined to resist the new leadership quickly formed, and we had to deal with their complaints. They were not at all orthodox or faithful to Catholic teaching and doctrine. One of these members cornered me after Mass and criticized me for declaring the divinity of Jesus Christ, saying that he clearly didn’t believe in it. He had been helping as a catechist with people interested in coming into the Catholic Church.

We had numerous meetings with this group of disgruntled parishioners; it was a very difficult time, especially for Fr. Lee. I was still on my honeymoon as a newly ordained priest. Although I was included in some of their complaints, which they shared with the Archdiocese, they were incredibly unkind and vicious toward Fr. Lee.

Eventually, a representative from the Archdiocese was brought into one of these meetings. When I asked her how she thought the meeting had gone (which I thought was awful because of the conduct and disrespect shown), she replied, “It is hard to hold hands with a hissing snake.”

Through this tumultuous first year, Fr. Lee demonstrated tremendous charity but ultimately discerned that these people were not going to show respect or, in any way, be team players; they were determined to attack and undermine him.

He finally concluded that they were taking his time and pastoral attention away from other people who truly believed in Catholic teaching. He respectfully said that he would celebrate the Sacraments for them but did not wish to dedicate any further time or attention to their concerns. I must admit that my response to them wasn’t quite as charitable.

Fr. Lee taught me that the way we conduct ourselves in these situations is of utmost importance. Scripture says to overcome evil with good (cf. Romans 12:21).

I am so grateful for the wonderful men and women God has surrounded me with, who teach us by their example to follow the way of Jesus.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor