A few weeks before the 2015 Christmas holidays I was involved in a serious discussion with some friends as to what might the future of our ministerial lives be like, especially as we approach our older years as priests. I shared with them that for a few years I felt that God had been tugging at my heart to explore something different as a priest, especially as I approach my more senior years in ministry. I have been blessed by the Lord and the Church to have been ordained now as a priest for nearly 35 years; during this time I have served in various and different roles in several Archdiocesan parishes, as well as assigned to serve in the Catholic Center for a while, and to even be blessed and asked during my ministry to give talks, to preach and to offer revivals around the country. But the role the Church has asked me to serve in the longest has been to be a pastor for nearly 30 years. And I have to say that the gift of being a pastor has been amazing. God is so wonderful and blesses us with grace, mercy and love.

Having said this, and after having several conversations with Archbishop Gregory recently, I have been offered an opportunity that is again wonderful and grace-filled, yet difficult and challenging. Archbishop Gregory has offered me the opportunity to take a year long sabbatical. Therefore, effective June 30, 2016 I will be resigning as pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament. Archbishop Gregory has appointed Fr. Desmond Drummer as the priest-administrator to serve at Most Blessed Sacrament beginning July 1st.

Being here at Most Blessed Sacrament has been a blessing. I will always treasure the many moments I have been given to share in the spiritual journey with you and so many other beautiful people who have been a part of this parish over the years. Although all the details of my sabbatical have not been put together yet I do know that it will involve me leaving the state of Georgia for the foreseeable future (those who know me well know it takes me time to construct a full picture - going around 285 so to speak before I exit).

During the remaining time as my time as pastor at Most Blessed Sacrament draws to a close I look forward to helping Fr. Desmond Drummer feel as comfortable as possible taking the reigns of the parish. Also this time will allow me the opportunity to say thank you to you and other parish members. So a new and exciting chapter in the life of Most Blessed Sacrament is about to begin; may the Lord guide us with courage, power and love.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Rev. Bruce W. Wilkinson
Pastor