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April 15, 2008

Father Mike's Passing

(Mailed to the Trinity Parish email list - April 15)

With grieving hearts, we are writing to tell you that Father Mike died this morning.

Father Mike taught us to recognize and respond to God's prompting, with God's hand at our backs. We will not forget. He will live on in our hearts and through our lives. Lucky heaven.

To Julie, Brendan, and Kim, we send our love and our promise we will never forget Father Mike - and we will not forget them. We may not be able to find the words or ways but our arms are completely wrapped around them, and we will continue to embrace them.

"All I can do, and am doing, is responding to what I believe is God's prompting and then leave everything in His hands." With these words, Father Mike ended the captivating description of his spiritual journey in an essay that was part of the application process to be our Rector. Since he was called in late 2006, through his arrival in March 2007 and his diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor last July, Father Mike consistently responded to what he believed was God's prompting - and then left everything in God's hands. And now, he rests in the hands of God for all eternity.

A memorial service to celebrate Father Mike's life on earth will be held this Saturday, April 19, at 3:00 pm at Trinity. Officiants will be Bishop Marc Andrus and Bishop Richard Garcia (Catholic Bishop in Monterey). A celebration will follow in the courtyard, complete with Irish band and food. His ashes will be laid to rest in Ireland and our Memorial Garden.

We know that Father Mike has touched many lives and that people are yearning to reach out and do something tangible to help the entire family during this difficult period. An account has been established for the benefit of Brendan and Kim, with the proceeds to be used for short-term and long-term educational needs. Julie has asked that in lieu of flowers, gifts, or food, people can choose to make a contribution (which is not tax deductible) to the account.

(Please contact the church office at 326-2083 for details on how to donate.)

Deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo branch in any state. Checks can also be made out to the account name and sent to Trinity Parish, where they will be collected and deposited. The account has been established so the amount of each contribution will be anonymous.

Mike often said, "I am humbled when I realize that God is using me to shape the lives of others. (I try) to remember Henri Nouwen's words every day: 'The minister, who takes off his clothes to wash the feet of his friends, is powerless, and his training and formation are meant to enable him to face his own weakness without fear and make it available to others. It is exactly this creative weakness that gives the ministry its momentum.'"

With God's grace, Mike's ministry had that momentum. With Mike's death, we face the ultimate weakness, which can enable the power of God to work in our lives. "The Lord said to me," wrote St. Paul, "my grace is all you need, for my power is strongest when you are weak."

Mike was called as our Rector to help us fulfill our parish mission to grow together as a spiritual community. He has done just that. May we not let it go. May it change our lives, our faith communities, and the world.

Yours in Christ,

The Vestry and Staff of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church


PS: Not everyone receives email, and while a printed letter is being mailed, please pass along this message to others who may not be receiving it.

God of every human being, we long to listen to you when you tell us: 'Rise up, let your soul live!' We never wish to choose darkness or discouragement but to welcome the clear light of praise.