June 13, 2025
Dear friends in Christ,
Thank you. That’s really all I have to say. Thank you.
Of course, I do have the rest of this space to fill, so I’ll elaborate on it a bit more, but honestly, that sums it up. On my final weekend to celebrate masses here, in which we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, my heart is filled with gratitude to God and to you, the people of Christ the Redeemer. Thank you for the beautiful witness of your faith which I have had a front-row seat to see in action these past 21 years as pastor. And what a blessed action it has been, and is, and always will be!
At the risk of leaving off far too many people, please permit me to offer some well-deserved thank yous to the many who have helped me in my time here. So many people and events come to mind, but these are just a handful of the many memories I will carry forth.
The pastoral staff who have worked alongside me deserves utmost thanks. CtR is blessed with a dedicated and hard-working group of professional lay ministers and others who give of themselves tirelessly to support the work of the parish. They work for far less pay than they could make on the open market, and they often work late into the night and on weekends. It can be a thankless job at times, but they continually show forth a love of the Church in all they say and do. While there are too many to name here, you’ll find them listed on the front of the bulletin and on our website, so please join me in thanking and praying for them. They will be a great help to Fr. Mark Hebert as he begins his ministry here in July.
Similarly, all the deacons of our parish, past and present, have been a blessing to me. My brother priests would often note (and joke) about how many deacons we have, and for that I would always reply, you are darn right we do! No apologies! I’m proud of the diaconate culture CtR has developed over the years. It says much about the men (and spouses) who have given of themselves to serve the Church as ordained ministers. It is not an easy road to become a permanent deacon (it was much easier to become a priest!), and we have a great group who serve in countless ways beyond just what you see at the altar.
I’m especially grateful to Deacon Phillip Jackson, who is the first among equals and who started this deacon renaissance at CtR, and Deacon Kerry Bourque, who more than ably followed in his footsteps as Parish Administrator. We could not have accomplished all we have as a parish without those two men, I promise you. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the late Deacon Greg Hall, who inspired me and so many of you. We miss him tremendously, and I think about him often. We were blessed by his service to our parish and his spirit still animates what we do.
The many men and women of the parish who have served in advisory roles to me on the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Stewardship Council, and the School Advisory Committee have my sincere thanks as well. The parish has been (and will continue to be) well served by those who give their time and expertise to advise the pastor. Particularly in the early years of my time here, the Pastoral Council was instrumental in working with me to help create a vision and mission of our parish. There were many long meetings as we contemplated the future growth of the community, which was already happening back in 2004. When I arrived, we numbered about 3,200 families; today we are pushing close to 8,000 families. All those individuals and their counsel have been invaluable to me, and I’m forever grateful. The parish and the school are both on sound financial ground, and while the budget is always tight, it has always been balanced and all obligations have been met. That has been made possible thanks to the parishioners and your generosity over the years. You give selflessly and generously, in your own measure, and I’ve been in awe of that since my very first day until my last.
I’m especially proud of the outreach to those on the margins that we have helped serve, particularly through our partnership with Cypress Assistance Ministries. CAM started as a ministry of CtR and about five years after I arrived, it broke off on its own to become a separate entity that we help support financially and with many volunteers from the parish. The growth of CAM has been remarkable, and all who live in Cypress, whether members of CtR or not, can rightfully be proud of how it empowers the people of God and brings help to those in need.
To the many, many ministries of CtR, you are the lifeblood of this parish, and I thank you for “being Church.” The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the most important reason why we exist (and we have great liturgies here), but it’s the work of the faith that takes place the other six days of the week in the many groups, ministries, and organizations that make the Church come alive. From bible studies to youth ministry to Religious Education to social services to Art & Environment to Spanish-language offerings to marriage preparation and enrichment to funeral receptions with Friends in Need to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and literally hundreds of others over the years, thank you!
I want to give a special shout-out to my brothers in the Knights of Columbus Council 8771. I don’t have to tell all of you about all the good work that the Knights do for our parish. They always step up and serve where needed, and they are matched by the equally generous of heart members of the Ladies Auxiliary. Thank you Knights and Ladies. What a joy it has been to see you in action day in and day, year in and year out. You can bet I will return for the Fish Fry next Lent!
There are so many more that I could and should thank personally, but let me close how I started. Thank you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I give thanks to God for having brought me into your community 21 years ago. It changed me, and made me a better man and a better priest. You have been a gift beyond measure and will forever be in my prayers. God bless you all!
Peace, Fr. Sean
P.S.: You knew I had to get in one final item, right? I simply ask that, just as you welcomed me so kindly back in 2004 and showed me such support in the following 21 years, that you please welcome Fr. Mark in the same manner. He’s a fine young priest who I know will do great things in Christ. Give him time to settle in and get the lay of the land, and I know that together you all will continue to serve God and his people with the same spirit of Christ’s love.
Thank you. That’s really all I have to say. Thank you.
Of course, I do have the rest of this space to fill, so I’ll elaborate on it a bit more, but honestly, that sums it up. On my final weekend to celebrate masses here, in which we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, my heart is filled with gratitude to God and to you, the people of Christ the Redeemer. Thank you for the beautiful witness of your faith which I have had a front-row seat to see in action these past 21 years as pastor. And what a blessed action it has been, and is, and always will be!
At the risk of leaving off far too many people, please permit me to offer some well-deserved thank yous to the many who have helped me in my time here. So many people and events come to mind, but these are just a handful of the many memories I will carry forth.
The pastoral staff who have worked alongside me deserves utmost thanks. CtR is blessed with a dedicated and hard-working group of professional lay ministers and others who give of themselves tirelessly to support the work of the parish. They work for far less pay than they could make on the open market, and they often work late into the night and on weekends. It can be a thankless job at times, but they continually show forth a love of the Church in all they say and do. While there are too many to name here, you’ll find them listed on the front of the bulletin and on our website, so please join me in thanking and praying for them. They will be a great help to Fr. Mark Hebert as he begins his ministry here in July.
Similarly, all the deacons of our parish, past and present, have been a blessing to me. My brother priests would often note (and joke) about how many deacons we have, and for that I would always reply, you are darn right we do! No apologies! I’m proud of the diaconate culture CtR has developed over the years. It says much about the men (and spouses) who have given of themselves to serve the Church as ordained ministers. It is not an easy road to become a permanent deacon (it was much easier to become a priest!), and we have a great group who serve in countless ways beyond just what you see at the altar.
I’m especially grateful to Deacon Phillip Jackson, who is the first among equals and who started this deacon renaissance at CtR, and Deacon Kerry Bourque, who more than ably followed in his footsteps as Parish Administrator. We could not have accomplished all we have as a parish without those two men, I promise you. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the late Deacon Greg Hall, who inspired me and so many of you. We miss him tremendously, and I think about him often. We were blessed by his service to our parish and his spirit still animates what we do.
The many men and women of the parish who have served in advisory roles to me on the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Stewardship Council, and the School Advisory Committee have my sincere thanks as well. The parish has been (and will continue to be) well served by those who give their time and expertise to advise the pastor. Particularly in the early years of my time here, the Pastoral Council was instrumental in working with me to help create a vision and mission of our parish. There were many long meetings as we contemplated the future growth of the community, which was already happening back in 2004. When I arrived, we numbered about 3,200 families; today we are pushing close to 8,000 families. All those individuals and their counsel have been invaluable to me, and I’m forever grateful. The parish and the school are both on sound financial ground, and while the budget is always tight, it has always been balanced and all obligations have been met. That has been made possible thanks to the parishioners and your generosity over the years. You give selflessly and generously, in your own measure, and I’ve been in awe of that since my very first day until my last.
I’m especially proud of the outreach to those on the margins that we have helped serve, particularly through our partnership with Cypress Assistance Ministries. CAM started as a ministry of CtR and about five years after I arrived, it broke off on its own to become a separate entity that we help support financially and with many volunteers from the parish. The growth of CAM has been remarkable, and all who live in Cypress, whether members of CtR or not, can rightfully be proud of how it empowers the people of God and brings help to those in need.
To the many, many ministries of CtR, you are the lifeblood of this parish, and I thank you for “being Church.” The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the most important reason why we exist (and we have great liturgies here), but it’s the work of the faith that takes place the other six days of the week in the many groups, ministries, and organizations that make the Church come alive. From bible studies to youth ministry to Religious Education to social services to Art & Environment to Spanish-language offerings to marriage preparation and enrichment to funeral receptions with Friends in Need to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and literally hundreds of others over the years, thank you!
I want to give a special shout-out to my brothers in the Knights of Columbus Council 8771. I don’t have to tell all of you about all the good work that the Knights do for our parish. They always step up and serve where needed, and they are matched by the equally generous of heart members of the Ladies Auxiliary. Thank you Knights and Ladies. What a joy it has been to see you in action day in and day, year in and year out. You can bet I will return for the Fish Fry next Lent!
There are so many more that I could and should thank personally, but let me close how I started. Thank you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I give thanks to God for having brought me into your community 21 years ago. It changed me, and made me a better man and a better priest. You have been a gift beyond measure and will forever be in my prayers. God bless you all!
Peace, Fr. Sean
P.S.: You knew I had to get in one final item, right? I simply ask that, just as you welcomed me so kindly back in 2004 and showed me such support in the following 21 years, that you please welcome Fr. Mark in the same manner. He’s a fine young priest who I know will do great things in Christ. Give him time to settle in and get the lay of the land, and I know that together you all will continue to serve God and his people with the same spirit of Christ’s love.
What's Happening at CtR
Father's Day Breakfast this Sunday
Hosted by the Catholic Daughters
Happy Father's Day to all our dads this weekend! The Catholic Daughters of America invite you to enjoy breakfast tacos in the Parish Hall after 7 and 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday. All are welcome!
Operation Backpack School Supplies Drive
Donate online or drop off items at the office or narthex
Our annual Operation Backpack provides school supplies for students every year. Help support school-age children in the Greater Cypress area.
Drop off your donations in the narthex or at the Parish Office, Monday through Friday. We ask for donations of new items only. Click here to donate easily via our Amazon Wish List!
Drop off your donations in the narthex or at the Parish Office, Monday through Friday. We ask for donations of new items only. Click here to donate easily via our Amazon Wish List!
Summer Camps at CtR
Options for children and youth of all ages!
Our summer camps are in full swing here at CtR and there are still opportunities to sign up for children of all ages! For teenagers, our Youth Ministry team has organized weekly Bible studies and monthly socials.
Quick Links
Office Hours
MON-THURS: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
SAT-SUN: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
SAT-SUN: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pray with us
All are invited to communal prayer in the Chapel each week:
Tuesdays
after 9 a.m. Daily Mass
Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Thursdays
8:15 a.m. before Daily Mass
Rosary for vocations
First Friday of the Month
after 9 a.m. Daily Mass
Stations of the Cross
after 9 a.m. Daily Mass
Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Thursdays
8:15 a.m. before Daily Mass
Rosary for vocations
First Friday of the Month
after 9 a.m. Daily Mass
Stations of the Cross
Fridays During Lent
7 p.m.
Stations of the Cross
The Adoration Chapel is open for silent prayer 24/7.
Email adoration@ctrcc.com for the door code.
ctrcc.com I 281-469-5533 I office@ctrcc.com