Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus instructs us to pray for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood: Jesus said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Luke 10: 2). St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, once said: “When people want to destroy religion they begin by attacking the priest; for when there is no priest, there is no sacrifice: and when there is no sacrifice, there is no religion.” It is so important for us to pray that men who are called to the Priesthood will courageously say yes to their God-given vocation…no matter the cost! We also need to pray that these men whom Jesus is calling to become priests will be formed well in the seminary. A document written by Pope St. John Paul II called “I Will Give You Shepherds (PastoresDabo Vobis) states that the Bishop “is responsible for ongoing formation, the purpose of which is to ensure that all his priests are generously faithful to the gift and ministry received, that they are priests such as the People of God wishes to have and has a ‘right' to" (PDV, no. 79). As the People of God, you have the right to holy, faithful, orthodox, and courageous priests. I do not claim to be any of these things, but with God’s help and grace, I am trying to improve.

With all this said, I have news to share with you. Recently I was asked to prayerfully discern accepting a new assignment. After some time of prayer and discernment, I told the Archbishop that I have accepted this new assignment. Beginning July 1st, 2024, I will be appointed a resident full-time faculty member of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit (which is our Diocesan Seminary). My last day at St. Annes Parish and School, and as Moderator of our Family of Parishes, will be June 30th, 2024. In my new position, I will become the Spiritual Director for the College Seminary and a professor.

As you can imagine, this is VERY bittersweet for me. Even though I am excited and joyful about entering into the ministry of forming our future priests, my heart aches to have to say goodbye to you. This is because I love you. You will forever be my family. I am convinced that sacrifices must be made in order to address the priest shortage in our Archdiocese, and I believe that this new assignment is God’s Will for me. But it still hurts to say goodbye. To be honest, I would be concerned if this didn’t hurt. The pain I feel is just proof that Jesus’ love is here. Thank you for all you have done for me and for this special parish and school. We still have about six months together and our work continues. St Annes Parish and School is in a strong, sound, and healthy state. I am excited about the future of our parish. May God’s will be done! Please keep me in prayer. You will forever be in mine. God

Bless You!
Fr. John Kopson