In July 2019, we welcomed Fr. Peter Lanshima to St. James after his ordination to serve and minister to us. Oh, how blessed we were at his arrival and we didn’t even know it! These last 5 years, each of us has been touched and blessed by the priestly ministry of Fr. Peter Lanshima! His love and devotion to the people of God is beautiful! He desires all of us to think deeply about the truths of our faith and come to love Jesus and His Bride, the Church, more and more. Through his teaching in RCIA or Adult Faith Formation, he shows the beauty of our faith with wonderful illustrations and examples. He has a particular love for how the Church wants us to do things in living our daily lives, in liturgy, organization, and Church life.
Fr. Peter is a man of prayer and deep reflection. We see this in his homilies and his reflections. His sense of humor draws people to him in a wonderful way! He never shies away from an opportunity to poke a little and perhaps exaggerate to the absurd! One of his great traits is that he is always getting things done whether it be building a church and school in his home village in Nigeria or providing an ambulance for the Catholic hospital back home. He has more deals going on for the good of the people he loves than there are minutes in a day! This displays a heart of love and service.
Thank you, Fr. Peter, for all that you have done for us in your ministry here at St. James – the masses, baptisms, funerals, anointings, teachings, homilies, counseling, etc…! I know that you will do well at your new assignment in Grovetown, but you will be greatly missed here! St. James the Less will always hold a special place in your heart as your first assignment and you are always welcome here! God bless you and all your endeavors and plans! Ad multos annos!
Happy Independence Day
On behalf of the clergy and staff of St. James, I wish each of you a Happy Independence Day! May your celebration of the founding of our nation be filled with gratitude, joy, and fun! Enjoy the fireworks and good times with family and friends! Happy 4th of July!
May the Lord Jesus bless you and your families abundantly this week!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin