The local paper did a story today on my move to Boston to become our Province's new Vocation Director.St. Francis Xavier associate pastor in New Milford departs to take on vocations ministry
Associate pastor leaving New Milford church to take on vocations ministry
Associate pastor leaving New Milford church to take on vocations ministry
By Nanci G. Hutsonstaff writer
Updated: 04/13/2009 12:57:57 AM EDT
Updated: 04/13/2009 12:57:57 AM EDT
NEW MILFORD -- Growing up Roman Catholic, the Rev. Thomas Washburn of St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church never felt called to ministry.
In his early college years, he studied psychology but switched to become a newspaper reporter. His spiritual life was on the back burner.
Then one Saturday night, the 21-year-old felt compelled to attend Mass. Eighteen months later, he was taking vows as a Franciscan priest. God ignited a spark in his heart that night that quickly erupted into a spiritual inferno -- leading him to seminary and a life following the path begun by St. Francis of Assisi in Italy 800 years ago.
Some 18 years later, the 40-year-old associate pastor from New Bedford, Mass., says that religious flame still burns. Now he hopes its glow is enough to draw other young Catholic men to consider the Franciscan life as their vocation.
Right after Easter, Washburn will accept a new post as the provincial director of vocations for the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception. He will be headquartered in Boston, but will travel the province that operates 24 parishes, four retreat centers, several schools and other ministries in New England, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Toronto, Canada.
And Washburn is not at all daunted by the fact that this is a demanding call -- the very future of the church depends upon attracting men to the priesthood.
Washburn is a believer that there is a "great openness to this kind of life" but that such spiritual callings are often squelched before they have a chance to mature. His job will be to inspire, encourage and support those who have such leanings.
"Young people are hungry, starving, for a life of meaning; to know that they can make an impact for good, to make people happier, healthier and safer," said Washburn, who has been active in youth ministry. "Young people are open to a life of service in the church, but often we don't encourage it."
Franciscan life is a call to follow Assisi's theology that the Gospel is "not something to be read but to be lived."
"God isn't limited to scripture, or prayer, or liturgy," Washburn said of St. Francis theology.
Franciscans are humanitarians and environmentalists; they are eager to live out the Gospel teachings of Jesus by caring for the poor, the hungry, and the lost. They care about all of God's creations.
Franciscans are humanitarians and environmentalists; they are eager to live out the Gospel teachings of Jesus by caring for the poor, the hungry, and the lost. They care about all of God's creations.
"St. Francis couldn't look anywhere where he didn't see God," he said.
Washburn said he sees his mission as instilling in young men a sense that this life can "have an enormous, positive impact on the world."
Parishioner Amy Llerena said Washburn has the spiritual gifts needed for this duty.
"He's so committed; he believes in what he does. And he spreads the word. The role is perfectly suited for him," Llerena said.
Like the senior pastor and other area clergy, Llerena said he has not only left a mark at St. Francis but in the New Milford community.
"We will miss him from the bottom of our hearts," Llerena said.
The Rev. Gail Keeney-Mulligan of St. John's Episcopal Church on the Green, who will be leaving her ministry in the next couple months, called working with Washburn a "blessing."
She said she appreciates that Washburn doesn't tolerate judgement. He believes the good simply must be found and nurtured.
"He looks for the good in everyone," Keeney-Mulligan said.
St. Francis' senior pastor, Rev. Michael MacInnis, who arrived at the church with Washburn 4 1/2 years ago, stated that Washburn's "unbounding energy to share the Good News of Jesus" benefited St. Francis and will serve this ministry.
"I could go on and on because Father Tom has done so much in our community to lead us all closer to Christ," MacInnis concluded.
Contact Nanci Hutson at nhutson@newstimes.com or at (860) 354-2274 .