I look forward to joining the community of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church this July. I am currently on a four-month sabbatical in the southern Arizona desert. Then main part of this time away is an extensive contemplative retreat which focuses on becoming more aware of the presence of God in creation, in self, and in others. I will be returning to the Northwest by the beginning of June to begin the transition of leaving St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Federal Way where I have been the past thirteen years and starting July first at your parish in Covington. I am excited to discover how God is present among you, especially as you “Gather in God’s name, grow in God’s time, and go in God’s Spirit.”
Fr. Jim Coyne has done an amazing job these past nineteen years serving as your pastor. Even in spite of Covid, I hope you find ways to express your gratitude for his ministry as he now enters senior status in his priestly vocation. It is a blessing to know he will still be a part of the community in his retirement. Covid may make transitions a bit more challenging as I seek ways to get to know you and the parish community. I ask for your patience and your prayer. I look forward to serving with your spectacular staff, supporting so many of your parishioners engaged in ministry and being with each of you called to be God’s presence in your home and neighborhood.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Bill McKee