As we continue to grieve the loss of Father Christopher Roberts, we are looking forward to welcoming Father Theodore ‘Ted’ Rothrock as our new pastor. Father Ted is a kind and caring man, who brings many years of pastoral experience and a genuine love for Jesus Christ and His Church. The Bishop, in consultation with the Clergy Personnel Advisory Committee (which is comprised of both clergy and laity) appointed Father Ted as Missionary Pastor of St. Paul, Marion to begin November 1, 2020. A Missionary Pastor is someone who loves Jesus very deeply and desires to share the saving message of Jesus in his teaching office, sanctifying office, and his office of administration. These are all qualities that Father Ted embodies and is well known throughout the diocese for embodying. Father Ted’s pastoral experience is extensive; he has served in the diocese for over 35 years in many ways—as an associate pastor, as director of the pastoral office of worship and adult formation and as pastor of St. Patrick in Oxford. Most recently, Father Ted served as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel for 22 years where he is known for overseeing tremendous growth in parishioners and in developing the parish campus. As a faith family, we desire a pastor that will be loving, genuine and who fully embraces the messages of the Gospel. Our very own Christian faith teaches us to have a heart of forgiveness and to love one another as Jesus loved us. None of us are without fault or imperfection and Father Ted is no exception; that is why we trust in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ and His salvation. We at St. Paul echo the same sentiments that Father Ted shared earlier this week—we wholeheartedly reject racism and anything that separates us from fully embracing the messages of the Gospel. We are confident that Father Ted will bring love, kindness and wisdom to the families and students of St. Paul. We are blessed to have received a new pastor during our time of tragedy. We ask that everyone remain prayerful, respectful and hopeful during our time of grief and transition.

As I sit here reflecting on the changes our parish family has felt over the last weeks, I recall some of my last conversations with Father Christopher. He was excited to serve his parishioners in new ways since his school work was completed and often told the staff “You are going to see a side of me you’ve never seen before“. He was feeling challenged to get parishioners back to Mass, especially families...

We have invited Father Kevin Hurley, pastor at Holy Family in Gas City, St. John in Hartford City and St. Mary in Dunkirk, to share his thoughts as this week’s letter.

The Rite of Committal for Father Christopher Roberts will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020, at 2:00 PM EST at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Union City, Indiana. Those in attendance are asked to wear a mask. Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Father Christopher and that comfort and strength continue to surround his parents, siblings, extended family, friends and the parishioners he served.

Today, St. Paul Church in Marion and the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana released a joint statement on the circumstances surrounding Father Christopher Roberts’ death.

It is with a heavy heart we inform you that Father Christopher Roberts did not show up for 5:00 PM Mass this evening. He was found deceased in the rectory. Arrangements are in the beginning stages. Information will be shared as it becomes available...

Así como cambian las estaciones, también cambian las necesidades de la parroquia. Tenemos una necesidad. ¿Puedes llenarlo? Entendemos que algunos feligreses no se sienten cómodos o no pueden ser voluntarios en áreas que tenían en el pasado. Esto nos ha llevado a pedir a todos en nuestra comunidad parroquial que consideren cómo comparten su tiempo y talento. Pregúntese: “¿Estoy siendo llamado a servir? ¿Cómo?" Especialmente necesitamos ujieres, lectores, monaguillos, sacristanes, ministros eucarísticos de la Sagrada Comunión, músicos y acomodadores funerarios. Cada uno tiene diferentes requisitos y responsabilidades. Si anteriormente se ha ofrecido como voluntario en un ministerio, considere volver a él o, si lo prefiere, ofrecerse como voluntario de una manera nueva. Si no se ha ofrecido previamente como voluntario, piense cómo puede contribuir. Llame a la oficina parroquial (765-664-6345) o envíe un correo electrónico a ewinegardner@stpaulcatholicmarion.com para informarnos si necesita alejarse de un ministerio anterior, si está listo para regresar a un ministerio anterior o si puede ayudar a satisfacer una necesidad. respondiendo al llamado de la corresponsabilidad en nuestra comunidad parroquial.

St. Paul Catholic School is currently looking to fill two part time positions, an Educational Assistant and a Physical Education Teacher. La escuela católica San Pablo está buscando actualmente ocupar dos puestos de medio tiempo, un asistente educativo y un maestro de educación física.