Parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Community are bracing themselvesFr. Pat Render to face reality: Fr. Pat Render, CSV, their pastor for the last 14 years is leaving. He has been assigned to serve as pastor of St. Viator Parish in Chicago, where he will start in August.

“Leavings are sad,” Fr. Render told his congregation earlier this year, “but new beginnings can be good for the soul.”

Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, who takes over as pastor at St. Thomas More, announced that the parish would be holding a reception for Fr. Render after all Masses next weekend, allowing parishioners a chance to say goodbye.Fr. Pat Render

“Over the years Fr. Pat has reminded our community that it is our mission to live and witness to the good news — in our lives and in our parish community,” Fr. Egan told the parish. “Like the disciples it is not easy to say good bye to him.

“At the same time, I am certain that the St. Thomas More Catholic Community is better and even more faithful in living out the good news,” Fr. Egan added, “as a result of Fr. Pat’s 14 years as pastor, leader, and mentor.”