Dear Parishioners,
Before I introduce myself, I want to take a moment to thank Fr. Windle for his seven years of faithful service as your Pastor. I also want to thank him for his kindness, hospitality, and patience as we both begin these new assignments. Having known Fr. Windle since our seminary days, I know him to be a good and faithful priest, and I know he will be greatly missed here at St. David. Fr. Windle, please know that you remain in our prayers, and we ask that you continue to pray for us.
My name is Fr. Alex Pancoast, and I am excited and grateful to be joining you as your new Parochial Administrator. Some of you may wonder why I have been given the title “Parochial Administrator” rather than “Pastor.” In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, priests who are receiving their first assignment as a Pastor typically begin as Parochial Administrators for their first year. This allows the priest time to grow into the responsibilities of leading a parish and ensures that he is prepared to serve as the spiritual father of the community. I ask for your prayers as I begin this responsibility, and I hope that, through God’s grace, you will find me ready to serve you.
When I meet with couples preparing for marriage, I often tell them that my role is to help guide them up the mountain of the spiritual life, drawing them closer to Christ. However, before you can guide someone up a mountain, you first need to know where you are starting. I see my role here at St. David in a similar way.
My hope is that, by the time the Lord calls me to my next assignment, each of you will have grown deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ. To do that well, I first need to spend time getting to know you, our parish community, and the many gifts God has already given to St. David.
I know many parishioners have ideas about ways our parish can continue to grow through new or renewed ministries, and I look forward to hearing those ideas. However, I ask that you allow me some time to listen, learn, and walk alongside you. As I come to better understand our parish, we will discern together where the Holy Spirit is calling us.
I also know that many people like to welcome their priests with baked goods, and I truly appreciate the kindness behind those gestures. Unfortunately, due to personal health reasons, I am unable to partake in baked goods, even sugar-free treats. Please know that your prayers are the greatest gift you can give me.
I should also mention that I am very good with names and very good with faces—but not always with connecting the two! Please be patient with me and continue to introduce yourself by name, especially during these first few months as I get to know you.
Finally, I would like to leave you with the words of Our Lord from this weekend’s Gospel:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Our mission here at St. David is the mission of Christ. When we unite ourselves to Him, He gives us the strength and grace we need to carry whatever challenges and joys come our way.
May God bless you. I look forward, God willing, to many fruitful years together here at St. David.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Pancoast