Deacon Hoying says good bye as he returns to the Seminary

It is with bittersweet feelings that on Friday, July 23, I once again said goodbye to my St. Ann parish family and prepared to return to seminary in a couple of weeks for my final year of studies. I thank you all very much for the warm hospitality and moments of grace which have contributed to such a wonderful summer for me! If I am honest, I have learned a lot over the past couple of months, and I thank you for your help, your witness, your faithfulness, and above all your patience, as I have begun to get my feet wet, so to speak, in the ministerial life. I wish I could thank each and every one of you personally. And chiefly, I want to thank Fr. McCarthy for not only bringing me into his home, but for providing guidance and a courageous example. I have so much more to learn! For me, St. Ann’s has been and will continue to be a place of undaunted hope. A hope which demonstrates that no matter how the darkness of the world might grow around her, the Cross at the center of this parish church shall always stand out as the beacon of light. In this hope, it is easy to see that the future of St. Ann, like that of the whole mantle of Holy Mother Church, will be well provided for. I know this because it is the throngs of the faithful who show, by their prayer and witness, that it is Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament which is the beating heart of this parish. As a dear friend once said to me: as Catholics, we never say goodbye – instead – we always say, until next time! Please know and trust in my prayers for each of you, for your families, and for strength in living your vocations. If I may, I humbly ask that you continue to pray for me. Through the intercession of St. Ann, and according to the Divine favor, may this parish and its mission be imbued with the spirit of charity and given the graces which you implore. Rev. Mr. Ethan Hoying Seminarian, Archdiocese of Cincinnati Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary of the West