Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and Saint Rose,

In the past few months, many things have occurred that have caused me to stop and reflect even more on what is important in life and what God may be asking of me.

Our year of exile during covid finally seems to be coming to an end.  It has been so good to gather again for Mass, dinners, and celebrations.  I have been able to go to a play, to the movie theatre, and breakfast after Mass at Saint Rose!  Pat’s retirement celebration was so wonderful.

April 25th was the 40th anniversary of my ordination.  I have always loved being a priest.  There are many difficult things, but the joy of serving the Lord always far outweighs any burdens.

I have always loved every place that I have been, but it means surrendering to the will of God.  I remember when asked what I would like to do as a priest, I said I would like to do anything except teach!  That was in the ignorance of my youth!  Thanks be to God; He knows what we need better than ourselves.  So after two years as an associate pastor, I was assigned to the faculty of Saint Thomas Seminary.  I served there for 19 years.  While there, I also served as pastor at several small parishes in Northeast Missouri.  What a joy!  And each time my assignment changed I was always a bit surprised. I never wanted to let go of what I had.

When I was asked to come to Kirksville, I said yes, but I confess I was a bit apprehensive.  It seemed rather remote and a bit of a challenge.  I prayed that I would come to love the place and the people.  This time God heard my prayer and saw it was just what I needed!  I have come to love the people of Mary Immaculate, St. Rose, and the students at the Newman Center.  What a joy it has been to be your pastor for these six years.

As the priest of your parish, it has been my privilege to share your joys and your sorrows.  I have celebrated baptisms, first Communions, Confirmations, anniversaries, and weddings with you.  We have shared the sorrow of losing loved ones and giving them back to God.  Because of that an intimacy like no other grows between a priest and his people.

I have tried to share with you my own struggles and joys in my pilgrimage to God.  As I have tried to be there to support you and remind you of the presence of God, so you have been there for me.  I think especially of your love and care at the death of my dear sister.

That makes it all the more difficult to take my leave of you and move on to my new assignment.  Many of you have asked me if I am excited to be going back to the Jefferson City area.  How do I say I am so sorry to be leaving you, but I will be all right when I get to Saint Stanislaus?  I am not yet excited, but I will be.  That is part of the mystery of doing the will of God.

My prayer is that I have helped you to know and love Jesus a little better.  May God bless you for all your kindness to me.

May God be with you!

Msgr. Cox
Vintage holy card c.1930