Dear Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ
 
One man was ordained a priest in May for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  One man was ordained a transitional deacon, which means he will likely be ordained a priest next year. As one was ordained a priest, five retired, and at least two in active ministry died. One being Fr. John Deken, who was the pastor of Assumption in New Haven and St. Paul in Berger. 
 
You might be thinking, 'That's not good news.' Correct! Further, I believe that within 15 years, there will be half of the priests we currently have in the region. This statement is my prediction. I want to make that clear so you're aware of it.
 
What can we all do?  Pray for your priests and vocations.  I know I certainly appreciate it when someone tells me that they pray for me.  Thank you.  You can encourage young men to consider a vocation to the priesthood through prayerful reflection. Please pray for God to lead these men into His service. I have heard on more than one occasion of parents discouraging the vocation to Holy Orders. Is this surprising? 
 
What else can you do? Please stop criticizing your priests, especially in a public way. Please support them and encourage them. Priests are certainly not perfect, and if you have any issues, please schedule a face-to-face meeting. Live faithfully and proclaim Jesus Christ and our catholic faith from the rooftops. Sunday Mass is undoubtedly a necessary part of living one's faith, as is serving one's neighbor and professing one's faith. To sum it up, worship, serve, and proclaim.
 
A significant factor that prompted this letter is the decree concerning St Paul in Berger. I want to add that the parishioners there have been warm, welcoming, and genuinely grateful. The decree that St Paul parish will merge into Assumption, while the church remains open for the right of entry, was issued on May 24th, 2023. The decision was upheld after every appeal. This decision means that there is no longer a St. Paul parish, and the parishioners are now members of the Assumption parish. Please pray for all parishioners affected by the decree.
 
Blessed Mother, St. Paul, and St. Francis Borgia, pray for us.
 
In Christ, Fr. M