Dear Mary Immaculate and St. Rose parishioners and Newman Center students,
 
I really want to thank you so much for the very warm welcome you have given me during my first few days and weeks in Kirksville. I am so happy to have the opportunity to serve you and work with you during this time of your dear pastor’s medical leave. Let us continue to pray together for his healing and recovery, and if it be God’s will, his safe return to Kirksville to resume his ministry as your pastor.
 
 In the meantime, the Lord has brought us together to continue the work of being the Church in this portion of our Diocese. I want you to know that Bishop McKnight accompanies us with his prayers and pastoral concern during these difficult and uncertain moments. I see so much life and vitality among the members of this faith community and I want to do all I can during my time with you to encourage and support that vitality. It is truly the work of God’s Holy Spirit alive and moving among you!
 
 Let us never fail to help and encourage one another, to have patience with one another as we learn and grow together, and always to pray for one another as we seek to serve the Lord in great humility.
 
 Sincerely yours in our Lord,
 Father Joseph