Fr. Brian Cokonougher Fr. Sal Palazzolo
It was the hope of many, myself included, that Fr. Brian would finish the last two years of his second, six-year term here as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish. (That would make it 10 down and two to go). But it was not to be as…the archbishop asked Fr. Brian to become the next pastor of St. Thecla Parish in Clinton Twp. As difficult as it was, he humbly accepted it as God’s will. My personal hope was to finish my first assignment here with him. But when we think we know what’s going to happen, think again! God probably smiles and laughs, because God has other plans, different plans, better plans “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Is. 55:8-9).
What may have been an initial shock, may not have been so shocking after all knowing the incredible amount of gifts Fr. Brian has shared and the vast amount of lives he has touched. Now it is time to share him with another community in metro Detroit. We do so in this bittersweet time of transition after the great celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s.
Fr. Brian was and still is a good mentor to me. He has become a good friend, a kind of “older brother” as well as a brother priest, whom I respect and have sought out numerous times for questions and advice, and, yes, he has provided. I am thankful for all he has taught me, all the laughs, and all the meals. The people and the kids of St. Thecla will be blessed to have him, and what a treat that will be as he moves on to the next chapter in his ministry. Thank you Fr. Brian for all you have done for me. On behalf of the parish, thank you, and may God bless you!…
But that’s not the end…The good Lord has provided another priest for our parish, probably sooner than we thought. Isn’t God good!?!? All the time! While we have one good priest going, we have another good priest coming to us whom I have been blessed to know personally in the seminary. The name of our priest-administrator is Fr. Sal Palazzolo who will be coming to us approximately January 11th from Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson where he has spent the last six months. I’m sure Fr. Sal will have much to tell us about himself in church as well as in forthcoming bulletin articles. So I don’t want to steal his thunder. But I will say he was ordained two years ahead of me. He has an engineering background, a wonderful family, and yes, he is Italian. My hope is that we welcome Fr. Sal with open arms. May we continue to pray for Fr. Brian, Fr. Sal and all of us as we confidently and fearlessly experience transition in this new year, knowing that Jesus is right here walking with us as we work together and allow the Holy Spirit to lead. Amen.
Trusting Joyously in the Will of God,
Fr. Jeff
"Speak The Truth with Love," A Catholic Blog by Fr. Jeff Allan 