Bishop's note

A letter from Bishop Cary
16 March 2016

Dear Parishioners of St. Francis,

As I write, I am about to leave for the Chrism Mass and Holy Week in Baker City. There I will spend many hours in St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, and there I will think, as I always do, of Father Julian. As pastor there a decade ago, he inspired and oversaw the renovation which made the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Baker the jewel it is today. Beautiful images long-covered-over have been brought back to light. Deep, rich colors draw the eye to the beautiful sanctuary, dramatically re-centered on the baldacchino over the tabernacle, with altar and chairs and pulpit before it in spatially-pleasing proportion. It is a delight to pray in this lovingly restored House of Prayer. All who do so reap the fruits of Father Julian’s painstakingly careful renovation.

But the physical re-doing of our cathedral was not the only renovation Father Julian accomplished in his thirteen years in the Diocese of Baker. Ask the parishioners of St. Elizabeth’s in John Day, where he served as pastor his first two years here. A decade later they will tell you fondly of the creative ways in which he gently and loving renewed the life of their parish. Their memories are still fresh and green—and gratefully felt. 

As of course they are with you, the parishioners of his beloved St. Francis of Assisi. Father Julian came to you over turbulent waters at an hour of much distress. Not for a second did he hesitate to accept the challenging assignment his bishop asked him to undertake. With remarkable calmness, gentleness, patience, and kindness—always kindness—he proceeded to shepherd you as the priest you hoped he would be for you. And he gained from you an affection and gratitude that will endure long beyond his impending departure. Perhaps you feel as I do:  I have thanked Father Julian again and again for the wonderful renovation he has brought about here, but I know I can never thank him enough.

Thirteen years ago, just before leaving the East Coast, Father Julian wrote of his hopes for the new ministry he was about to take up in Oregon. “My main priority,” he assured Bishop Vasa, “is to find a home in the Baker Diocese and help you in any way I can.” We can all now see that Father Julian did indeed find a home here, and we count ourselves among those he found a way to help as a priest. I add my voice to yours in thanking God for sending him to us, and in asking God to bless him to the end of his days.

In Christ Jesus,

Bishop Liam Cary