Fr. Patrick Announces His Retirement

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Grace and peace to each of you and your families.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has accepted my request to be granted the status of retired priest, effective July 1 of this year. 

What this means is that upon Archbishop Hebda appointing my replacement, I will be vacating my role as pastor of Nativity of Our Lord on June 30, after 15.5 years.

I am eternally grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the men, women, and children of this parish for over a decade and a half! I am edified by the strength of the parish as I depart, and in particular that it will be on such strong financial footing, thanks to the ongoing Centennial Campaign. I am confident Nativity of Our Lord will continue to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love well into its next century.

I am equally thankful for 45-plus years of priesthood, which of course will continue beyond next summer, God willing. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of God in this next stage of life for me.

I am also happy to report that I will remain in this beautiful St. Paul neighborhood, as I will be moving into the Byrne residence just down the road at the University of St. Thomas with my fellow retired priests.

As you can imagine, there are many details yet to be worked out in a succession plan. Please stay tuned for more details as they become available.

And may God bless your week.

Fr. Patrick Hipwell, pastor