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Jesuit Journeys
Fall 2001
Dear Friends:
Although lots of people ask me how I am settling into my new job, I've thought about the question differently since my visit to the dentist last week. His new hygienist asked me what parish I am pastor of.
Because most people think that all priests work in parishes, I am used to explaining that I am not a pastor; however, her question prompted me to realize that I am a pastor now, although perhaps not in the usual sense of the term.
I have the wonderful privilege of serving as pastor for the Wisconsin Province Jesuits, the Jesuit institutions in the seven states of the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, the fine people who work with those Jesuits or in those institutions,
and all those who are somehow touched by those people and ministries. I am privileged to preach the Gospel to this impressive group, celebrate the sacraments with them, and encourage all of us to follow Jesus more carefully.
The enormity of serving such a large and diverse "parish" could easily overwhelm me if I ever forget that it is really the Lord who is the pastor of us all. He works through His Body, the Church, using us as His instruments to make His love known.
I pray you will know ever more deeply how the Lord acts as a pastor through you to bring His love and grace to others. Please keep me in your prayers as I try to let Him work through me for the good of all the "parishioners" He asks me to serve.
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Your brother in the Lord,
James E. Grummer, SJ
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