Thank You & Farewells to Dylan Mitchell

From the Desk of Fr. Cooper

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. ~ Eccl. 3:1

Mr. Dylan Mitchell, Pastoral Associate/Director of Youth Ministry and my “right-hand man” on numerous parish projects and initiatives, will be departing Divine Mercy Parish as he prepares to begin a new chapter in his life and ministry to the Lord and His Church. Dylan will remain in his position until June 30, 2023.  

As the Director of Youth Ministry, Dylan has developed a parish-based pastoral ministry with young people that has reached out to all youth in the community, provided for formal catechesis, and enabled youth to serve others. Dylan has provided a tremendous vision and coordination for the parish’s efforts in ministry to young people in middle school and high school (6th through 12th grade). As Pastoral Associate, Dylan has functioned as an integral member of the parish staff, sharing in the responsibility of the assessment, decision-making, planning, and implementation of parish ministries, operations, and pastoral care. 

For the past 2 years, Divine Mercy Parish has benefitted greatly from Dylan’s broad pastoral experience and acumen, his steady hand, his wise advice, his great enthusiasm for preaching the Gospel, and his selfless stewardship of parish resources. No task has been too big or too small for his capable hands. Dylan has an uncanny ability to anticipate parish needs, even before they surface! In all the roles that I have been fortunate enough to hold over these many years as a priest and pastor, I have rarely experienced a coworker as faithful, competent, and generous as Dylan. His loving and joyful spirit will be greatly missed.
 
The legacy of Divine Mercy Parish has been indelibly changed for the better thanks to our time with Mr. Dylan Mitchell. As we prepare to bid him a very fond farewell, I pray that his new endeavors will be filled with joy, happiness, and the blessings of Almighty God!
As Mary and the Apostles were gathered at Pentecost awaiting the empowerment of the Spirit to spread the Good News, we too stand on the threshold as we continue to hold fast to the mission entrusted to us at Divine Mercy Parish. Let us see ourselves gathered, gifted, and sent to make our presence as Church a source of blessing to the world.

Let us continue to pray for each other and for our parish family in this time of farewells, transition, and new beginnings.