The normal term for a pastor according to the Roman Catholic Code of Canon Law is six years. I have completed my term at Saint Charles Borromeo and will commence a new charge in about five weeks. I have never served a six-year term as pastor before this one: twice for around ten years and once for about five when I was pulled away early to replace a guy who left the priesthood. Like some other regulations in Canon Law, kind of like the “Code of the Pirate Brethren” in Pirates of the Caribbean, the code is more like what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than rules. Though I did not originally want to come to Saint Charles six years ago, it has been one of the best experiences of my life, a blessed exchange of revitalization.
During this time, I worked with remarkable parishioners who labored to turn their faith-community in a more positive and impactful direction. We were graced by numerous non-parishioners who pitched in to help us overcome great spiritual challenges and massive material obstacles. Our community has been enlivened by children and toddlers who reignited our school and by adults who reinvigorated our entire parish. These years have been very enriching for me.
One example of growth and spirit is from this school year when teachers were able to conduct in-person classes from the start, despite ongoing threats from COVID-19. Our Early Childhood Center grew from twenty-two children six years ago to eighty-one as we conclude the academic year; and we have already reached capacity for next year. Our K-8 enrollment climbed from 117 to 173 during the same time-period; and we expect that number to increase by another twenty or so scholars before school reconvenes in mid-August. Through the help of EANS (Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools) grants and Missouri State grants secured by our diocesan Bright Futures program, we reached a level of financial stability to better secure operations while freeing us to utilize church income for other upgrades throughout the parish. Thanks in huge part to principal Dr. Karen Hopson, the spirit within our academy is stronger than ever; it also helps that we have a phenomenal team of teachers who bring tremendous love and compassion to their classrooms.
As Phase Two of our Revitalization capital construction campaign gets underway this week, we are headed in a wonderfully positive direction for our new pastor to take the helm. Father Thomas Sunoj is the perfect cleric to lead Saint Charles Parish and Borromeo Academy along the next leg of our future journey. He brings tremendous enthusiasm, good will, and expertise to the tasks ahead. His energy, experience, and wide understanding of the world will take us to not-yet-imagined levels of worship, education, service, and relationships. As I will be discharged from Saint Charles at the end of June, I don’t know of a greater guy to guide the parish onward and upward to greater realms. He, too, is completing a six-year term at his current assignment, Saint Catherine of Siena in south Kansas City. He and I spent about six years together at Saint Thomas More Parish before that. As he will soon be Charged with Saint Charles, I can attest that we are getting one of the best that our diocese has to offer.
UPON THIS ROCK 
Father Don, as I’ve recently stated St. Charles has grown in the Best direction with your Leadership & Support. It does take a team, & I’ve also stated there are many individuals within the parish, that have a variety of helpful skills to complete many programs sooner. The parish could use a few more “strong & diversified” leaders to get more involved. I will miss you and your enthusiasm so much. Hoping you and I can get together for lunch soon. Thank you for your friendship & using my talents & skills.
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While the departure from St. CHARLES for Fr.Don will be an adjustment knowing both Father Don and Father Thomas the transition while a change will be okay.
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Father Don, as I’ve recently stated St. Charles has grown in the Best direction with your Leadership & Support. It does take a team, & I’ve also stated there are many individuals within the parish, that have a variety of helpful skills to complete many programs sooner. The parish could use a few more “strong & diversified” leaders to get more involved. I will miss you and your enthusiasm so much. Hoping you and I can get together for lunch soon. Thank you for your friendship & using my talents & skills.
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Thank you. For all you do.
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That is wonderful for you and Fr Tom. You have been a phenominal asset wherever you have gone. What an accomplishment again for you and all the wonderful people you serve! Thank you and bless you in your next assignment.
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That is wonderful for you and Fr Tom. You have been a phenominal asset wherever you have gone. What an accomplishment again for you and all the wonderful people you serve! Thank you and bless you in your next assignment.
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How Blessed St Charles Parish is to have Father Thomas as they were you Father Don.
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Congratulations on your new venture Father Don. Rockhurst is very lucky to have you.
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Congratulations Don on a job well done and blessings on your next chapter. You are a blessing to those you serve, will serve and those you serve with. I’m grateful for the example you set and admire your many abilities.Many prayers my friend. Nolan
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Great Job Father Don. We love youl. Onward to share your wonderfulness with more of the world. Hope to see you soon for some private time. Thank you for all that you do!!
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Congratulations to you and my sympathy for your parishioners. We (John and I) have never recovered from your last move.
We have enjoyed sermons on birth control and going to hell for missing a mass. The St Charles people are so fortunate to have Fr. Thomas coming. He is a ray of sunshine.
Maybe we will see you at the grocery store or the Sand Trap. Exciting opportunities are in your future,
Love,
Paula and John
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Father our prayers are with you. We read your post but you did not say what your next assignment is. I know it is not easy to leave a parish so close to your heart. You have done an amazing turn about for St Charles and it speaks to who you are—a man of God. We love you and will keep you and Father Thomas in our prayers. God bless you.
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Fr Don…so excited for your next journey!!! Best wishes and love from your Arkansas parishioner who will always consider and think of you as “My Priest” ….. Wherever that road leads you…I will always follow you as God guides.
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Best wishes on your new assignment Fr. Don. You truly rescued and revived St. Charles. I hope you will continue your blog and I wonder if you’ll still offer retreats? Thank you for your common sense wisdom and your inspiration.
Sincerely,
Ann Waters
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Joseph Father Don is moving to Rockhurst…Father Curran is retiring!
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Fr Don, In light of your move to Rockhurst…maybe we should get together later. The reassignment sounds great! Jody and Jim
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Fr. Don – congratulations on the new assignment! Rockhurst is getting one of the best and I know you will raise the bar even higher there! Good luck! Jill & Kory
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sletkowski@aol.com
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Congratulations on your new assignment to Rockhurst. I retired from there 13 years ago. I am sure you will be a fantastic addition to the College. May God bless you in your new path. I’m sure you remember my parents, Tom and Virginia Bartimus.
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Father Don you were such a blessing to our parish, school, and my family. Thank you for all you did the past 6 years to help revitalize our parish and school. You will be greatly missed!
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Hi Father Don! Congratulations on your new post with Rockhurst University. You are absolutely made for that position. You wrote a description of what you would be doing and for some reason I cannot find it in any of my emails. Would you mind sending it to me again again? I want to make sure I share the correct information to some colleagues who were wondering what you would be doing. Thank you so much. susiehaake@gmail.com
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TVF
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