Well, I Guess It’s Official

Praised be Jesus Christ, Who shares with us the Holy Spirit!! Today (Sunday) is my installation as your new pastor by Bishop Boyea. Though I have been your pastor now for a couple months, this marks the ceremony where our bishop presents me to the community. The short ritual calls upon me to promise to be faithful to

rightful Catholic authority and teaching. It publicly declares that I now have the rights and responsibilities that the Church offers to pastors. It marks a more formal recognition of my new position.

I remember when the bishop first asked me if I would be willing to minister with Fr. Firestone in Flint. I hoped that I would find a good brother in Fr. Tom and a welcoming community in Flint. I have found both hopes were met and exceeded. Working with Fr. Firestone for a couple years was a great blessing. His love for this community helped me to see so much potential even in a city that is struggling. The staff of Saint John Vianney and Saint Mary’s Mission have been very helpful and understanding, including our very devoted SOGL Sisters and our deacons. I believe that the Lord has sent me to a place where my gifts can be used in

ministry to make a real difference. With prayer and patience, I believe that we can really see some revival in the Catholic Community of Flint.

I want to thank all of you that continue to support our ministry here in Flint. I especially want to thank Bishop Boyea for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I hope that my time as your pastor is filled with great missionary routreach and support of our charitable ministries to the poor in our city. Who knows what God has planned for my time here.

PS—I would like to make one final request to our parishioners. As many of you know, we have had another wave of Covid in our area. If you are feeling sick, please stay home and get some rest. I know that missing Mass is a great loss when we are sick, but we don’t want our brothers and sisters put in danger by our attendance. Please be cautious and make sure that we are thinking of others as we deal with this newest outbreak. Thank you for your consideration.

Rev. Matthew S. Bonk