May 26, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,
This month is a special anniversary in my life and ministry. Five years ago on May 11, 2019, I began my service as your pastor here at St. Bridget Parish. It was an unexpected assignment for me but as I settled into the community here, I quickly fell in love with the people in this parish. The fit has always felt right for me, and I hope for you as well. I have even entertained the sweet thought that this is a parish where I could eventually retire. One thing I have learned over the years is to not place too much stock in my own plans. Life in general and God’s grace in particular like to surprise us.
I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be asked to pastor four parishes here in North Seattle. As we move through this phase of the Partners in the Gospel Strategic Plan, I am once again in transition as I prepare to also serve the communities of Assumption, Our Lady of the Lake, and St. Catherine Parishes. One thing I am telling the parish staffs and people of those communities is that I will be as committed and present to them as I am to the people at St. Bridget’s. That will not be difficult as I am already finding the people in those parishes to be quite loveable. It will take some time, hard work, and a lot of prayer, but I think together we can create an amazing and spirit-filled Catholic Community in North Seattle. In the midst of some uncertainty and occasional anxiety, I still remain hopeful for the success of this new model of parish life.
As we move closer to the official start of our new family, I will be spending more time in our sister parishes, getting to know them, and collaborating with their staff, leadership, and people. As this transition brings about many changes, one thing will remain the same for me. St. Bridget Parish holds a special place in my heart. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything we have shared these past five years. Here’s to the next five!
Blessings of peace,
Fr. William Heric, Pastor