What A Time We Had by Craig Gehlhausen
I’ve been wondering for a couple weeks on how to write this letter to all of you. I still haven’t quite figured out how to say this but my time at St. Isidore Parish has come to an end. A new chapter is opening for me and so my last day at St. Isidore will be June 13th. My three years here have been truly amazing. I can’t say enough about the students and community here in Celestine and Dubois. The family aspect that I was welcomed into has been amazing. The willingness of you all to try new things and engage in youth ministry events have been something I have never experienced before.
With my time coming to an end I want to make sure that I take the time to thank certain people. I want to start off with the staff of the parish. It has been a very beautiful experience of being in a truly team effort. We have had amazing moments together and I wish you all the best. Get some hearts from Kelley’s for me.
Next are the adults of the parish that have invested heavily into the youth of our parish, both financially and with your time. I came into this position expecting to get a lot of “no’s” when asking adults for their time but have yet to receive one in three years. That is absolutely incredible! God is working through each and every one of you who are so willing to give your time to the benefit of our students.
My core team for high school and junior high are some of the best people I have ever met. Those on the high school team have been with me for two plus years and I have absolutely loved seeing you all grow into amazing leaders for our students. Thank you for your dedication to our students. Thank you especially to our Jr. High Core Team for this first year. Thank you for jumping into the unknown headfirst and doing some amazing work. Thank you to the inaugural Student Leadership Team for joining the journey as well and growing in your faith and helping other grow in theirs.
Finally, thank you to the students of St. Isidore. It always surprises me learning the depth of your faith with talks. I have loved doing all of our hikes, retreats, camps, and trips. I have some amazing memories that I will forever hold on to. The inside jokes, the past games and mega prize games, the super late night talks in the parking lot, the road trips, the walkie talkie convos, Catholic Heart Workcamp, NCYC, and so much more; these are the times that have given me so much life. You are the reason Youth Ministers around the country give up time to do this job. It’s not for anything else but for you. You are amazing, you are seen, and you belong here.
Thank you St. Isidore,
Craig
p.s.: below are some of my favorite pictures from my time here. Enjoy!
