Dear Friends of St. Philip,

During this “Season of Giving”, a need has arisen in one of our neighboring parishes, and we have been asked for assistance.  Over the past year, Fr. Thomas McNally, Pastor of St. Ann’s in Gull Lake, has been struggling with some health issues (unrelated to COVID), which everyone hoped could be addressed in an ordinary way.  Unfortunately, it seems that there is a need for him to take some time to work with medical experts to identify what ails him and to find appropriate treatment.

To make this happen, Bishop Bradley has asked Fr. David Pinto to be the Temporary Administrator of St. Ann Parish and Light of Christ Academy, from January 10 through April 2, 2022, after which he would return to his assignment as Parochial Vicar here at St. Philip’s.  While this does squeeze us a little here in Battle Creek, and Fr. David will certainly be missed, it is also clear that the assignment is intended to be temporary.  If all goes as planned, Fr. McNally will return to St. Ann’s on April 2nd to resume his duties.

During the next three months, I rely on your patience and understanding, as Fr. David will not be available for duties here and Fr. Rob and I will do our best to share the load, and I ask that we all keep both Fr. Pinto and Fr. McNally in our prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. James Richardson
Pastor