At all weekend Masses on January 29-30, Fr. Roman Mueller, SDS, pastor of Divine Savior from 2004 to the present, announced that he will retire on June 30, 2022. Fr. Jeff Wocken, SDS, the provincial leader of the Salvatorian Order for the United States, was present and spoke affectionately about Fr. Roman and our Divine Savior community. Our readings for that Sunday spoke to us of the never-failing love of our God, and that God has fortified us for the changes ahead. Fr. Roman has been pastor for over half the time that Divine Savior has been a parish of the Diocese of Sacramento. (almost 18 of our 34-plus years)
Fr. Jeff made himself available to parishioners on Monday and Tuesday, to answer questions and receive feedback and input about our experiences in the parish, and about what kind of leadership might be needed for the future. And even through this time of transition and a change in leadership, the good work and ministry of Divine Savior will certainly continue.
UPDATE May 15, 2022:
To see Fr. Jeff's letter regarding our new priests, please click here: New Priests Announced
Dear Creator of Us All:
My heart is overflowing with much gratitude. Last weekend I announced my upcoming retirement, and the support, gratitude, and best wishes extended to me by the fabulously wonderful people of Divine Savior will continue to be a very cherished experience.
In reflecting on nearly forty-eight years of being a priest, the last eighteen of which were here at Divine Savior, Your grace and wisdom has brought about much growth in being far more conscious of Your abiding Presence of love within me and within all the people You have given me the privilege of interacting with. Our scripture passages for this weekend speak to my heart.
There are still many times when I can identify with Isaiah, St. Paul, and Simon Peter when they wondered about their suitability for what they were being called to be and to do. One thought he was unclean, another saw himself unfit to be called an apostle, and the third saw himself as sinful. Like them, I promise to do my best to reflect on how You, the all-merciful One, make Your healing grace available even before we are aware of our faults and failings. What a joy to reflect on Isaiah's words when he said, "here I am, send me." And with St. Paul, I realize that it is by Your grace that I am what I am. Through Christ our Lord.