A GREETING FROM JOHN GENDREAU: OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Do you have any idea how great the people are in your church? I am seriously asking. Do you? Often times, I have found, people can be so used to what they have, that they may not recognize and appreciate what is right before them.
I took over Matt Springer’s job as the Director of Finance and Operations on April 22nd. In that time, I have met some of the most friendly, funny and engaging people I have met in many years. I have met some of the cooks who graciously prepare the meals on Tuesday for the Toilers, and they gave me some great laughs. We then sat down for lunch with the Tuesday Toilers, listened to their stories, and watched the comradery that exists between them. They reminded me of my dad and my grandpa, and I could do nothing but smile. What an enjoyable lunch it was!
A few nights ago, a woman named Angela stopped in to say goodbye to Matt, and give him a gift of thanks for all that he has done for all our churches. As she visited with us, Matt, Angela and I talked, laughed, and swapped stories. In a world that is always on the go to get its list of things to be done accomplished, she blessed Matt and I with the gift of her time.
When I was interviewing for the Director of Operations position, I shared with Father Howe that just a few days beforehand, my 25-year-old son had called me out of the blue (he lives in New York city) and asked, “dad, what are you doing this summer?” He said he wanted to go on a road trip with me, somewhere out west, in the mountains most likely. Now for me, there is absolutely nothing more important to me than my son. I was concerned that, if I got the job, it might not come off very well for me to request time off right as I was starting in my new position. However, when I shared the story with Father Howe, the smile and look on his face told me everything I needed to know. He was not only open to it; but he strongly encouraged it. It was at that very moment I knew I truly wanted to work at this parish and be a part of this vital community. It was clear to me that this parish is under the benevolent leadership of someone who truly understands the importance of family and relationships.
In the coming months, and hopefully years, I truly hope to meet many more of you, the parishioners of these three churches. I am extending an open invitation to all of you to just stop in to meet and say hello.
God bless, and I hope to meet you soon.
John Gendreau, Director of Finance and Operations