Pastor's Letter July 7, 2008
Eighteen years ago, I left Toledo and headed to Cincinnati to begin my theology studies. Since then, I haven’t lived in Toledo for any great length of time. It is good to be here at Christ the King and be home again.

I would like to use this column to introduce myself. I am 41 and recently celebrated the 12th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. During that time I have had three assignments; each lasting four years. At St. Mary’s in Tiffin and St. Charles in Lima I filled associate pastor roles. In July of 2004, Bishop Blair appointed me pastor of twinned parishes, St. Rose and St. John’s in Lima. This presented the challenge of blending two parishes - an older sister and younger brother who had to learn to work together! A parent's dream (or nightmare) and a young pastor’s goal - but we did it. I’m a proud alumnus Cardinal Stritch High School (1985) and of the University of Toledo (1989) where I earned a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. After college I worked for a local newspaper before entering Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and earning my Master’s of Divinity. With my appointment to Christ the King, I put on hold plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and work towards a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Administration.

My parents have three sons. I am the youngest and shortest. I am very proud of my brothers and their families and they are extremely supportive of my vocation. Jim, my oldest brother, lives in Chicago with his wife Kelli and their two children, Abigail and Caroline. Bob and Marsha live in Sylvania.

Fr. Dominic and I are thrilled to be here at Christ the King, otherwise known as CK. Now that’s a new one on me! The parish certainly wasn’t called that during CYO basketball in 6th grade!

As we continue to get acquainted with one another, please do not hesitate to stop me at the grocery, at the gym, working in the yard, in the hospital or in the back of church and introduce yourself. There are many new names and faces to learn - it may take a few times but I promise to do my best. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about this wonderful parish known as CK.

Have a great week!

Love, Fr. Bill