Pastor’s Corner for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B, by Fr, Lwazi Masina

Farewell to Holy Trinity

 

As I prepare to bid farewell to this beloved community at the end of April, I am filled with a mixture of emotions—gratitude, nostalgia, and a sense of anticipation for the journey that lies ahead. My time at Holy Trinity, from my humble beginnings as a seminarian to my recent ordination as a priest, has been nothing short of transformative, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and guidance I have received from each and every one of you.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Fr. Bruce for his exemplary leadership, unwavering support, and profound dedication to our parish community. Your wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our parish have been a guiding light for me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you. Your mentorship has not only helped me grow as a priest but has also enriched my spiritual journey in countless ways.

To Rev. Deacon Billy, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your guidance, and support throughout my time here. Your steadfast presence, words of encouragement, and genuine care for our parish community have been a source of strength and inspiration to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you in ministry.

To Cameroon, our Music Director, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your assistance with music and liturgical settings. Your talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to enhancing our worship experience have enriched our parish community in countless ways, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with you in this important ministry.

To the parish community at large, I want to express my deepest gratitude for welcoming me with open arms and embracing me as a member of your family. Your kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith have been a constant source of strength and inspiration to me, and I am humbled by the love and support you have shown me throughout my time here.

To the administrative staff, cleaners, and caretakers, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your tireless dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our parish community. Your behind-the-scenes efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for the love and care you have shown to our parish community.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to SVP especially the Monday Homeless Soup Kitchen & Bible Study Crew for their dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts in serving those in need. Your selfless service and unwavering commitment to our parish’s outreach ministry have made a profound impact on the lives of many, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you in this important ministry.

I am also grateful to the Jesuit Community for their support and encouragement, and for providing me with a welcoming and nurturing environment in which to grow and deepen my faith. Your guidance and friendship have been a blessing to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this community.

To the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS), of Wits & UJ,I extend my heartfelt thanks for your support, encouragement, and camaraderie throughout our time together. Our celebration of the Sunday student Mass has been a highlight of my time at Holy Trinity, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worshipped and celebrated with you.

I also want to extend my gratitude to the School ministry, McAuley House, Holy Family College, and Mayfair School for graciously allowing me to assist on their weekly masses. Your warm welcome and collaboration have been deeply appreciated, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared in this important ministry with you.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Trinity House student residents whom we shared space together in the Trinity House building. Your friendship, camaraderie, and shared experiences have enriched my time here at Holy Trinity in countless ways, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived and worshipped alongside you.

Last but certainly not least, To all those individuals whom I may not have mentioned individually but who have contributed in special ways to my journey here at Holy Trinity, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. Whether it was through your prayers, your encouragement, your friendship, or your service, your contributions have made a lasting impact on me, and I am grateful for each and every one of you.

As I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my journey in my new parish at Immaculate Conception in Westonaria, I take comfort in knowing that I will always carry fond memories of my time at Holy Trinity with me, and that I will keep each and every one of you in my prayers as I move forward. Thank you for your love, your support, and your friendship, and please know that you will always have a special place in my heart. Please know that you will all be in my prayers as I move forward, and I ask for your continued prayers and support as I navigate this new chapter in my ministry.

May God bless each and every one of you abundantly, and may He continue to guide and protect our parish community in the years to come.

With heartfelt gratitude and warm regards,

 

Fr. Lwazi Masina