I wanted to share some bittersweet news with you all. Recently, I received news from my firm that I am being relocated to Los Angeles. It was 8 years ago that they moved me from LA to Chicago for what was supposed to be a one or two year experiment. Chicago was very good to me: I found the AJC after leaving my first Gnostic church behind, my career exploded in ways I could only have hoped, I met some of the most wonderful friends I have ever come to love, and I met the man of my dreams. Building St. John’s was a true labor of love and leaving it behind is heart-breaking. Yet, I am comforted to report that St. John’s will continue after my departure, as will my commitment to the AJC and my formation.
You can expect a new AJC community in the City of Angels in the not too distant future. I’d say that is pretty apropos! As sad as I am to leave, things do happen for a reason. My husband has already been able to secure a great new job for himself and will actually head west before I do to begin working and find us a new home. I am due to start my new role at the firm on June 1. This Sunday will be my last regularly-scheduled mass in Chesterton, IN. The last of my regular masses in Chicago will be the following Sunday. Please keep me, Mitch, and – most of all – the Parish of St. John the Revelator – in your prayers.
Yours Before the Sacred Flame,
Deacon John