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Dear Bishop Brom,
Thank you for allowing Fr. Ian Taylor to evangelize St. Peter's in Fallbrook. You must have had great insight into what this parish needed because he has lit a fire of faith throughout the parish. Your generosity in allowing him to be here has enlightened us to the truth of the Gospel message. Jesus said in John 8:31, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Fr. Ian is a holy priest steeped in the Word and is not afraid to preach it. His preaching has been like a cool drink of water in a dry desert.
One example of his ability to teach clearly is how he taught the children in daily Mass that Jesus' presence in the Eucharist is actualized at the consecration. When the students brought up the gifts, Father held up the gifts and asked the students, "What is this?" They mistakenly said "Jesus" and then he instructed them that the gifts would not become the Body and Blood of Jesus until the words of consecration. Then he asked again after the consecration to reinforce the teaching. After three days of asking the same question of the students, they finally understood a very important reality of Mass and knew that the gifts are not the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ until the prayers of consecration. It was fantastic to watch these children grow in their faith right before our eyes!
The school children are not the only ones to benefit from his enthusiasm for truth. The confirmation class was on fire for God and His Church after he spoke with them during one of their classes. The adults at Mass are rekindling their love for being Catholic. They want to go to Mass and hear the Gospel proclaimed with no apologies and in its fullness. What a blessing Fr. Ian has been for the Body of Christ in our parish.
Now a blow, too deep to bear, has been brought to my attention. Fr. Bud has asked Fr. Ian to leave within four weeks instead of allowing him to stay the full year he was scheduled to be with us. The reason Fr. Bud has asked him to leave early is because they don't see eye to eye on theology. How can this be? Does Fr. Bud have the authority to take such a great gift from his people? Removing Fr. Ian, just when life has started to come back into the withering vine, would be like removing Terri Schiavo's feeding tube to let her slowly die a painful death of starvation.
Please, Bishop Brom, do not allow this holy priest to leave us.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Concerned Parishoner
cc: Father Kaicher