Dear Parishioners,

As I announced this weekend at Holy Mass, Archbishop Rozanski has asked me to take a new assignment as pastor in Ste. Genevieve, MO and appointed Fr. David Skillman as pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Both assignments are effective on October 15th, so my final day here is Monday, October 14th.

This new assignment has come as quite a surprise given that I have only been here for fourteen months, but the Archbishop has discerned that the needs of the Archdiocese are best met with these new assignments.

Fr. Skillman was ordained in 2009, and has previously been assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in St. Charles, Rector of Cardinal Glennon College Seminary, and Pastor of St. Gerard Majella in Kirkwood.

He is currently Associate Pastor at St. Patrick in Wentzville and very excited to come to Immaculate Heart of Mary as Pastor!

In my new assignment, I will be pastor of three parishes- Ste. Genevieve in Ste. Genevieve, Sacred Heart in Ozora, and Our Lady Help of Christians in Weingarten- as well as President of Valle Catholic High School. Additionally, there is Valle Catholic Grade School and oversight of the former Sts. Phillip and James parish in River Aux Vases. Needless to say, I will have plenty to keep me occupied!

I would have loved many more years here at Immaculate Heart of Mary, but I will not let my sorrow over what "could have been" overshadow my gratitude for the tremendous blessing that these fourteen months have been. I am eternally grateful to Almighty God for my time here, and I know that He will continue to do great things in this parish and through all of you.

The transition of pastors is always disruptive for any parish community, so be assured of my particular prayers for you and Fr. Skillman in these months ahead.

Finally, please pray for me as I assume my new role...and say an extra prayer for those poor people in Ste. Genevieve who are now stuck with me!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

In Christ,

Fr Burkemper