Message from Fr Jim Doherty

Mike & Rose · Post by **Mike & Rose** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 12:45 pm

Per Fr Jim request, we are posting his message he gave at Mass today

"There's a neat saying: 'IF YOU WANT MAKE GOD LAUGH...SHARE WITH HIM 'YOUR' PLANS...'

This I did...to God, my family, friends...that my assignment here at Holy Cross, Beaver Island would be MY LAST..RETIREMENT, BURIAL AND ALL THE REST...with Danny Gillespie, Ed Palmer's music...of course.

But God is in charge... not me.

A week ago Friday I met with Bishop Steven Raica having reached a prayer and prudent decision to retire from administrating any more parishes AS OF 'now' and in the future...given my age, 74 and health/heart concerns.

It is my prayful desire to live somewhere on the mainland of the Diocese from where I can better serve my brother priests as Sacramental Minister as needed in the parishes of the Diocese....along with my dog, 'Willow'.

My retirement is effective tomorrow, Monday June 8th, 2015.

THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME
Fr. Jim Doherty"

dtritsch · Post by **dtritsch** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 2:27 pm

Best wishes Fr. Jim and God Bless.

Lois Sowa Stipp · Post by **Lois Sowa Stipp** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 3:26 pm

Wishing you, Father Jim, only good things, happiness, love and blessings.

Phyllis Moore · Post by **Phyllis Moore** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 3:36 pm

We will miss you, and Willow, so very much. We hope you keep in touch as you travel away from the island. You brought so much to us so thank you for that.

Sheri Timsak · Post by **Sheri Timsak** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 6:23 pm

Safe travels and farewell kind man! Thank you for being the light that brought many of us that felt in the dark back into our church. God Bless!

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 8:26 pm

Father Jim,

Donna and I wish you fruitful travels to a rewarding, safe harbor for both Willow and you. You are a good man to have know.

Jim Stambaugh

Gary Voogt · Post by **Gary Voogt** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 7:34 pm

What a sad day. A good, kind man of God run off the island by undeserved bullying by a mean minority. Father Jim was a friend of mine, and he welcomed me as a Protestant catholic. Remember, by the grace of God we belong to the Church.The church does not belong to us.

Shirley Cole · Post by **Shirley Cole** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 9:30 pm

Father Jim: I will always remember and be forever grateful for the compassion and kindness you showed our family after the sudden loss of our young cousin, Chad, taken from us much too soon. I will also remember the many visits, prayers, and love of spice drops. God bless you and Willow in your future endeavors...❤️

Dick and Amy · Post by **Dick and Amy** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:38 am

We will miss you, and your gentle way. It has been a blessing just to have known you. May God bless you our friend.

duffer · Post by **duffer** » Thu Jun 18, 2015 6:59 am

ah from my heart. I am very sadden to see you go. the kind words the complimenting my son levi, counciling my ex. yes ill miss seeing you. GOD BLESS YOUR JOURNY!